Learn for fun with online courses and programs

Invest in your personal growth, creativity, and overall well-being with fun, free online classes. Start today with edX and satisfy your love for learning.

Create an account

An adult male student learning online for fun.

Why learn for fun?

Learning is an enriching and liberating pursuit that fuels curiosity, cultivates personal growth, and enhances your overall quality of life. Engaging in enjoyable learning experiences can also improve cognitive skills, broaden perspectives, and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Learning can also foster a sense of community. Whether you're a novice or an expert, learning can help you connect with others to share insights, exchange ideas, and collaborate on creative projects. Free online classes for adults can help you develop new skills, enhance existing ones, and network with like-minded individuals from around the world.

For many, the demands of daily life often take precedence over ways we would prefer to spend our time. Learning for fun can become a form of self-care — a way to nourish the spirit, nurture interests, and find solace in the pursuit of knowledge. Learning is not just a means to an end, but a lifelong journey that can be exhilarating and fulfilling.

Browse fun online courses

Types of fun online classes for adults

You can learn almost anything online. You may choose to explore the wonders of astronomy, learn a musical instrument to compose your own melodies, or master a new technical skill that could help you enhance your résumé and land your dream job.

Some examples of potential learning pathways you can pursue for fun include:

Languages: Pick up a new language, like Spanish, or master one you're already learning.
History and culture: Explore different historical periods, civilizations, and cultural practices.
Literature: Become well-read in novels, poetry, and nonfiction works — and learn to analyze like a pro.
Coding and technology: Dive into programming languages or satisfy your curiosity about AI.
Art: Learn what it takes to animate scenes, edit videos, restore architecture, or write video game scripts.
Philosophy: Discover how different societies and cultures have historically viewed knowledge, thought, logic, and reason.
Design: Learn what makes a compelling user experience or explore the fundamentals of graphic design.

From individual courses to comprehensive programs that allow you to earn a bachelor's degree or master's degree, there are many different learning formats available through edX. You can also explore executive education courses, which are designed for professionals seeking subject matter expertise.

What are some benefits of taking an online class for fun?

While people often pursue formal education to qualify for specific career paths, learning can also enrich our lives in several other ways. The many benefits of lifelong learning, even just for fun, include:

Personal fulfillment and self-discovery: Learning about something that interests you can help you feel more purposeful and feed your curiosity. You may even discover a new hobby or career path.
Improved connection and community: Free online classes for adults can help you meet like-minded people who share your interests, strengthen your networking skills, and feel like you're part of something bigger.
Slowed cognitive decline: Aging is a natural part of life, and making a commitment to learning can help your brain stay sharp and resilient. For instance, a 2014 study conducted by the American Neurological Association found that learning a new language provides a protective effect against age-related cognitive decline. In this study, bilingualism had a more pronounced impact on cognitive sharpness than variables such as sex and socioeconomic status.

Frequently asked questions about fun online classes

Can you learn practical skills by taking an online class for fun?

Yes, taking an online class for fun can help you learn practical, transferable, and popular life skills. Some examples include learning to speak another language and developing self-improvement skills such as time management, mindfulness, happiness, and critical thinking, as well as creative skills like storytelling.

What counts as a “fun” online class?

Nearly any online course can be considered "fun" if the content interests you or if you enjoy the process of learning something new. Someone who enjoys visiting art galleries may have fun in a drawing course, whereas someone who enjoys numerical problem-solving may find a computer science course more fulfilling. Whether you find a course "fun" also depends on your expectations and goals.

Are fun classes self-paced?

Many free online classes for adults are self-paced. For example, edX courses allow you to access course content at any time and from anywhere, making it easier for you to incorporate learning into your busy schedule. edX courses are asynchronous, meaning there are no designated class meeting times.

How long do fun online classes take to complete?

While course duration varies, the free, fun online classes offered through edX can typically be completed within 2-6 weeks. However, you can learn at the pace that best suits your preferences and schedule. There is a time limit for accessing free course materials, but you can upgrade your access to unlock lifetime access to your course.