These Google Trends show people really want to touch grass

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Google Search data reveals a growing desire to unplug and connect in real life with local run clubs, mahjong lessons and more.

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This year, it seems like everyone is looking for ways to unplug, go offline, and connect with others. Searches for “how to digital detox” are up +110% since the beginning of this year, and “how to touch grass” is a breakout search over the past month.

If you don’t know what touching grass means, you’re not alone — searches for “meaning of touch grass” are up 90% this year. To put it simply, touching grass means intentionally taking time to reconnect with the physical world. Our latest Google Trends deep-dive into search behavior shows that people are increasingly seeking out more in-person connection, more time spent outdoors, and more opportunities to learn. Here’s a look at the trending hobbies and activities people are exploring this year.

Searches for “how to digital detox” are up 110% since the beginning of the year and “how to touch grass” is a breakout search over the past month.

“run club” and “how to start running” hit all-time high search interest in 2026. “how to find local run clubs” was a breakout question in the past month.

People are searching for “adult tennis lessons” more than ever this year, and “best tennis racket for beginners” increased by 645% over the past month.

“mahjong for beginners” increased by 230% over the past year, and “mahjong lessons near me” spiked by 105% since the beginning of 2026.

Logging off and lacing up

Searches show that people are eager to get moving together. “Run club” and “how to start running” hit all-time high search interest in 2026, with “how to find local run clubs” and “how to make friends at run club” as related breakout questions in the past month.

Graph showing increasing Search interest in run club

Graph showing increased Search interest in how to start running

But running isn’t the only organized outdoor activity people are looking for. Searches for “walking club” reached a 10-year high in 2026, and people are searching for “adult tennis lessons” and “hiking” more than ever this year.

Getting competitive and crafty

Tabletop games and crafts are also capturing people’s interest. Searches for “mahjong for beginners” increased by +230% over the past year, and "mahjong lessons near me" have doubled since the start of 2026. We also saw search interest in “chess classes near me” double over the past month, with “chess tactics for beginners” as a trending search in the same timeframe.

Classic hobbies are making a comeback. Knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and more, affectionately called "grandma hobbies”are on the rise. “How to start a cross stitch pattern” and “is knitting or crochet easier” are also breakout searches in the past month, while needlepoint is the top trending beginner craft kit. Search interest in “how to make my own” reached an all-time high this year, and “how to make my own embroidery designs” is a breakout related search in the past month. And many people want to quite literally touch some greenery, with “floral arranging classes near me” searches up 850% in the past month.

U.S. map with color-coding showing states' interest in chess vs. mahjong

U.S. map with color-coding showing states' interest in cross-stitch vs. needlepoint

Gathering around the table

While it’s fun to get out and socialize, searches show that people are looking for ways to bring the party home, too. “How to host a cocktail party” and “how to host a garden party” are trending searches in the past month, while “mahjong dinner party” is a breakout dinner party theme.

From hosting the best dinner party to finding the best beginner hiking shoes, Google Search can help you find the information you need to make the most of your time offline.

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