As work-life balance remains a constant talking point in the fast-paced city-state of Singapore, residents are increasingly turning to hobbies that offer both stress relief and personal growth. Whether it’s diving into nature or a screen, the way Singaporeans spend their leisure hours reflects changing cultural tastes, tech adoption, and even economic shifts.

One of the most noticeable trends is the growing popularity of outdoor and fitness-related hobbies. Parks and green corridors across the island are frequently filled with joggers, cyclists, and families walking their dogs. The National Parks Board has reported a steady rise in park visitorship since the pandemic, with East Coast Park and MacRitchie Reservoir among the most visited. Beyond the trails, boutique gyms, yoga studios, and high-intensity training centers have also flourished, reflecting a national interest in wellness.

Yet, in a hyper-connected society like Singapore’s, digital leisure continues to thrive. Video gaming remains immensely popular, with games like Valorant and Mobile Legends drawing massive online communities. Streaming, content creation, and even esports are no longer niche activities; they’re part of a growing digital economy and identity.

It is within this context of tech-enabled leisure that online gambling has found a foothold. While physical casinos like Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa remain iconic, it’s the rise in online gambling that’s drawing increasing attention from both users and regulators. Thanks to safe online platform recommendations for SG players, it is now easier than ever for players to access online casino games and sports betting directly from their smartphones. Market research projects that the online gambling sector in Singapore will more than double in value by 2032, indicating its firm position as a mainstream pastime.

But while many Singaporeans use tech for both work and leisure activities, there is also a booming interest in offline creative and tactile pursuits. For example, pottery classes, calligraphy workshops, and DIY leathercraft sessions are often fully booked on weekends. These hobbies offer a sense of mindfulness and satisfaction in creating something tangible, a rare counterbalance to the increasingly digital nature of modern life. Art studios and hobby collectives, especially in neighborhoods like Tiong Bahru and Joo Chiat, are becoming cultural hubs in their own right.

Water-based activities are also making a noticeable splash in 2025. Swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding have surged in popularity, especially among younger adults and families seeking low-impact, stress-relieving exercise. Public pools and coastal areas such as Sentosa and the Kallang Basin see brisk weekend crowds, while membership in water sports clubs has steadily climbed. These activities are not just recreational but also social, often done in groups or through meet-up communities that blend fitness with friendship.

A final fast-growing interest is dance, both as performance and wellness. From street-style hip-hop to classical Bharatanatyam, studios across the island are offering diverse classes catering to beginners and seasoned dancers alike. Zumba and K-pop dance fitness classes, in particular, have attracted a wide demographic, with some sessions held outdoors or as part of community centre programming.