The primary aim of this study is to examine the rise of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies in recreational and leisure activities through a bibliometric analysis. Based on an analysis of 634 academic studies published between 1971 and 2025 in the Web of Science (WoS) database, the study reveals the impact of technological developments on recreational fields, research trends, and future directions. The first academic studies on this topic emerged in 1971, and a rapid increase in scientific output has been observed since the early 2000s, particularly after 2010. The annual number of publications reached its peak in 2022, with a total of 60 studies.

Citation analyses indicate that the integration of blockchain and cryptocurrencies into recreational applications gained increasing importance in the research field between 2000 and 2010. This integration both enriches user experience and creates economic opportunities. Keyword network analysis and word cloud results highlight themes such as the metaverse, digital economy, sustainability, user behavior, and management as prominent topics in the literature. In addition, blockchain technology has been found to play a transparency- and trust-enhancing role in recreational activities, while cryptocurrencies transform economic models by offering new user experiences. Trend analyses further reveal the growing importance of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies. Moreover, blockchain-based solutions are identified as supporting the transformation of recreational activities in areas such as sustainability, governance, and user engagement.

The study emphasizes the growing importance of innovative applications and multidisciplinary research. Its original contribution lies in revealing academic development trends in the field of recreational and leisure activities related to cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies through a comprehensive dataset spanning multiple decades. For future research, it is recommended to increase interdisciplinary studies and develop policies that accelerate the integration of technology-driven innovations into the recreational sector.