- Look for activities you liked doing when you were younger, like playing board games, doing arts and crafts, or playing sports in a rec league.
- Do an activity that you already enjoy to continue learning, such as reading, cooking and baking, playing an instrument, or shooting photography.
- Try out new activities to see what sticks, like gardening, making music, creative writing, or scrapbooking.
Reading
Reading is the perfect way to relax and broaden your horizons. Reading encourages you to experience, explore, and think about the world from a different perspective all from the comfort of your home. Next time you’re bored, curl up with a good biography, inspirational work, or your favorite genre novel. Reading also helps improve your concentration, focus, and vocabulary, so it’s perfect exercise for your brain. Get your library card so you can check out a variety of books without having to spend any money. If you want to socialize and talk about the books you read, look for a book club to join or start one of your own. Stuck figuring out what to read next? Take our What Book Should I Read? quiz to find the perfect book for you.
Journaling
Journaling helps make you more aware of your thoughts and emotions. If you want to be a little more self-reflective, try to keep a daily journal and jot down how you’re feeling for a few minutes each day. Try freewriting whatever comes to your mind, or use a prompt to get started like: What do you look forward to in the future? What are your biggest inspirations? What life events helped shape who you are today? What do you value most in your life?
Creative writing
Creative writing is a great way to express yourself and tell a story. If you have some story ideas floating around in your head, make some time to put your thoughts on paper. It could be a poem, short story, blog post, script, or even a novel. Just do whatever feels right to you and makes you happy. You can keep your writing to yourself or try publishing it to share with the whole world. If you want to try improving your writing skills or meet other writers in your area, check out classes at a nearby community center or community college. Calligraphy is another great activity to try if you want to practice your handwriting.
Listening to music
Jam out to your favorite songs and discover new tunes you enjoy. While you may listen to music regularly, try really focusing on the instrumentation and musicality of the songs you love. Search for new artists or branch out into different genres you haven’t heard before to find new favorites. Invest in high-quality earbuds or headphones for the best listening experience.
Yoga and meditation
Relax your mind and body with a regular mindfulness routine. When you want to stretch and feel more in tune with your body, practice yoga with some simple poses at home or join a class at a local studio. If you have a lot of thoughts going through your head, sitting and quietly meditating for a few minutes can help you recenter. Yoga and meditation are both great ways to manage stress and feel more connected with yourself. Use an app like Calm or Headspace to walk you through guided meditations.
Brain games
Crossword puzzles and sudoku challenge and exercise your brain. When you want to keep your mind engaged, try solving different types of puzzles or brain-teasers in your free time. Start with some easy logic puzzles, word games, or riddles and work your way up to ones that are more difficult. There are many apps for crosswords, sudoku, and other puzzles available so you can play while you’re out and about. Keeping your mind active with brain games may also help to slow down certain types of mental decline as you age.
Board or card games
Connect with friends and family with some fun competition. Board games and card games are the perfect hands-on and interactive activities for spending quality time with others. Schedule a game night to play classics like Monopoly, Candy Land, or Trivial Pursuit, or get some buddies together to play poker and other card games. You could even try playing a role-playing game like Dungeons & Dragons to immerse yourself in the world of the game while connecting with friends. You could even try cosplaying to truly get you into your character! If you don’t have a group of friends to play with, visit a local game store to see if they have open play nights. You could also try gaming online with strangers on sites like Board Game Arena.
Video games
Video games let you explore new worlds while having fun. Whether you like fast-paced action, solving puzzles, or anything in between, there are tons of video games to try out that fit your interests. Look for games you can play on your own if you want to be cozy for a night in, or you get together with friends to play online. Some games are competitive and others make you work together with other players to win. Choose whichever kind of game makes you happy. Even if you don’t have a gaming console, look for games you can play on your computer or phone.
LARPing
LARPing is a fun way to cosplay and play games with a larger group. Live-action roleplaying, or LARPing, is when players dress like fictional characters to act out a story together. Look for LARP clubs in your area or ask your friends if they’d be interested in trying out a game. Part of the fun of LARPing is creating your costume and props, so it’s perfect if you also love crafting.
Starting a collection
Starting a collection lets you immerse yourself in your interests. You can collect stamps, coins, trading cards, or pretty much anything you can imagine. Choose something you’re interested in and keep your eyes out for any new items to add to your collection. While some people collect items in hopes that they’ll increase in value over time, it’s perfectly fine if you want to collect something just because you like it. Collections can take up a lot of space depending on the items you’re keeping, so plan on getting display shelves or extra storage solutions to keep your things safe.
Making artwork
Let your creativity shine by making different art projects. Drawing, painting, sculpting, or any other creative outlet are great ways to express yourself and make something from scratch. Focus on having fun and letting your imagination flow rather than trying to make the next masterpiece. Arts are also a great way to express your emotions and reduce stress or anxiety. You can pursue artistic hobbies even if you’re on a budget. All you need to start doing some simple drawing and painting is some paper, a pencil, and a cheap set of paints. If you want to learn a new art skill, your local community college may offer a wide range of art classes in areas like painting, sculpture, or pottery.
Crafting
Making crafts lets you create one-of-a-kind creative pieces. If you want a hobby that gives you the satisfaction of admiring your handiwork, any type of craft is the perfect choice. You could make a necklace or other jewelry, pour candles, fold origami, or create anything else you can imagine. Try out lots of options that might interest you until you find a craft that you love doing. Think about the things you liked to make or do when you were a child and try doing it again now that you’re older. You may get a ton of enjoyment out of making and decorating birdhouses, customizing old picture frames, or creating photo collages. Check local craft stores, community centers, and libraries to see if they offer crafting classes or groups in your area. If you want to make money selling crafts, try selling them at a farmers market or on Etsy. If you’re not sure how to get started, career coach Adrian Klaphaak recommends “talk[ing] to people that have built successful careers out of the hobby…and ask[ing] them how they did it.”
Knitting or sewing
Create beautiful fabric designs with fun needlework techniques. Needlework activities like sewing and knitting may have an old-fashioned reputation, but they’re still practical hobbies to fill your time. Start with simple patterns like blankets and scarves, but work up to more complicated designs for making or altering clothing. Crocheting and quilting are other varieties of needlework that make great hobbies. Needlework is as fun as a solo activity or a social activity. Look around for knitting clubs in your area or start one up with your friends. You may also take classes at a local community center.
Cooking or baking
Learn new recipes and try new foods with this lifelong hobby. Like many other hobbies, cooking and baking are easy to get into, but you can spend a lifetime trying to master them. Look for recipes you haven’t tried before and try to prepare them on your own. The best part is you get to eat your creations once you’re finished! Cooking and baking are a great hobby if you like experimenting with flavors and enjoy being in the kitchen. Even if you don’t like preparing food, practicing cooking may help you feel more confident in the kitchen. If you’re new to cooking or baking, follow recipes as closely as possible to get the best results. As you gain experience, don’t be afraid to get more creative with flavors and different ingredients. Look for local cooking classes to help you learn recipes and prep techniques you wouldn’t normally try on your own.
Photography
Photography lets you capture your unique perspective of the world. If you carry around a cell phone, you already have a camera that’s plenty good enough to get you started with photography. Start by just snapping pictures of whatever interests you, and spend some time editing your photos before sharing them. To take better photos, sign up for a photography class at a community center or check out famous photography portfolios to get ideas. This hobby encourages you to explore and experience the world around you in new ways, as well as build connections with other photo enthusiasts.
Filmmaking
Shoot and edit videos to share with others. If you have a love for movies or want to post your own videos online, pull out your camera and start filming. Write scripts, shoot your footage, and edit your videos so they’re ready to post online. Watch a lot of movies to get ideas for stories and camera angles. If you want to challenge yourself, try to copy the way your favorite movie is shot and edited. You probably have everything you need to get started right in your pocket! A smartphone is the perfect camera if you want to try filmmaking out before buying expensive equipment.
Scrapbooking
Save your cherished memories by making custom scrapbooks. If there’s an event or important moment in your life you want to remember, a scrapbook is the perfect craft to try out. You can make a full scrapbook for a single event, or make a single page for each event to put into a larger scrapbook. Personalize your scrapbook pages with pictures, stickers, stamps, and any other embellishments that you want to add.
Woodworking
Carve and design wooden pieces with this hands-on hobby. If you like to build things and feel handy around power tools, then woodworking may be a fun hobby to explore. You can start with simple projects like carving wood with a small knife and work your way up to building full pieces of furniture or cabinets. You may be able to find community wood shops in your area where you can use tools and woodworking machines for a small fee. They may also offer introductory classes so you can learn basic skills.
Model making
Create mini versions of vehicles and buildings right at home. If you love miniatures or remote-controlled vehicles, then putting together model kits is a great activity. You can find model kits of almost any type of vehicle or architecture, so just choose models that interest you and follow the instructions to start building. You don’t need special model kits to start building. If you want to make model buildings, you can use supplies like balsa wood or cardboard. Don’t have the budget to get into making physical models? Then try making a 3D model using SketchUp or Blender.
Magic tricks
Wow your friends and family with some simple tricks. If you’ve always been curious how a magician does their tricks and like performing in front of others, magic is a fun skill to practice. Start off performing easy tricks, such as making a coin “disappear” or finding a selected card in a deck. Magic tricks can take a bit of practice to master and fool an audience, so practice in front of a mirror until you perfect them.
Playing an instrument
Learn to play your favorite songs with this practical skill. If you’ve always wanted to jam along with the bands you love, try picking up an instrument and learning. You could try playing guitar, bass, piano, drums, or any other instrument you can imagine. Just be sure to dedicate time to regularly practice so you keep getting better. Be respectful of people around you if you’re learning a loud instrument. Only play your instrument during the day at a reasonable volume.
Making music
Record and release your own songs as your creative outlet. Even if you don’t play an instrument, you can still create music digitally with programs like Garageband. Try out different melodies and beats, and record yourself singing the lyrics. When you’re finished with a song, share it online so your friends and family can hear your work! Try copying and recreating a song that you love as a good practice exercise when you start making music so you can experiment with different sounds.
Dancing
Move along to the music and express yourself with a fun dance. If you want some new moves to try out on the dance floor, then dancing is a great way to spend your time. Put on your favorite songs and move your body along to the beat. There’s no “right” way to dance, so feel free to express yourself however you want as long as you’re having fun doing it. If you need to learn a specific style of dance, consider signing up for a dance class at a studio or following a step-by-step breakdown of the movement.
Acting
Acting is perfect if you love pretending to be a character. If you loved being in the school play or want to be more like your favorite actor, perform monologues and try putting on different emotions to practice your acting. Put yourself out there by getting involved with your local community theater or offering to act in any videos or productions your friends are making.
Learning a language
Learning a new language helps open your eyes to new cultures. If you’ve always wanted to speak Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, or any other language, then use your free time to learn. Use language learning apps or take classes at a local community center to start practicing the language right away. Check out if your library offers online language-learning resources for free with your library card. If you’re planning on traveling internationally, make it a point to learn the language of the country you’re going to.
Homebrewing
Make your own beer to enjoy with your friends. If you’re old enough to drink and love trying new beers, then brewing your own is pretty simple with a few inexpensive ingredients. Experiment with different grains and yeasts to try out different flavors. Look for brewing classes at local community centers or breweries to learn even more helpful techniques and meet friends with the same interests.
Genealogy
Learn about your family history with this investigative hobby. If you want to dig deeper into your distant relatives, then looking into your genealogy is the perfect place to start. Ask your family questions about your relatives to start tracing your ancestry. You can even check sites like Ancestry to easily track and search for your family tree. Look for local historical or genealogical societies to help you with your research. You may also talk to local librarians to see if they have any family records on file.
Coding
Coding helps you develop skills to write your own computer programs. If you like math and logic, coding is the perfect activity to put your skills to use. HTML, CSS, Python, and Java are the most common coding languages, so they’re a great starting point. Follow tutorials online to learn basic functions so you can start writing more complex programs. Look for coding classes at your local university, library, or community center so you’re able to learn even more skills.
Robotics
Robotics combines building and coding for a fun challenge. Building your robot doesn’t have to be just a sci-fi dream anymore! Get a robotics kit to start learning how to build and code robots no matter what skill level you are. You may even find robotics teams at local universities or community centers to get involved with other people interested in the hobby.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching lets you appreciate and learn more about local wildlife. If you’re interested in nature right in your backyard, grab a pair of binoculars and keep your eyes out for any birds in your neighborhood. You could also visit local nature preserves or quiet areas to identify other local birds. Get a bird field guide of local species, and keep track of the ones that you’ve seen in your area. Place feeders and birdhouses outside your home to see what types of birds you attract. Look for local birdwatching groups or events in your area to meet other people interested in the hobby and learn tricks from them.
Gardening
Grow and take care of your own plants with this rewarding hobby. Whether you’re planting a few potted flowers and vegetables or beautifying a large backyard, gardening is a great way to get your hands dirty. Plus, it’s hard to beat the satisfaction of putting your fresh-cut flowers in a vase or your homegrown veggies in your salad. You can start a garden on any budget, but tasks like planting, watering, weeding, trimming, and harvesting take a bit of time and commitment. Even if you don't have time to tend a full garden, taking care of 1 or 2 plants is a great starting point. If you don’t have a lot of outdoor space, try starting an indoor garden on your window sill or taking care of houseplants. Gardening doesn’t need to be limited to your own home! Join a garden club or other local organization that works to beautify your community.
Exercising
Work out to build muscles while you beat boredom. Whether it’s lifting weights, running, or doing bodyweight workouts, exercise is great for filling up your free time. Pick exercises that you enjoy doing at home, take fitness classes at a gym, or get together with some friends for a group workout. Exercise is a great way to stay healthy and reduce stress as well.
Playing sports
Picking up a sport lets you have fun while being active. If you’re an athlete and want to play during your free time, search for an intramural league to join. Check your local community center or recreational center to see if there are any pickup games or leagues for your favorite sports. Sports also help you meet people who have similar interests so you’re able to make new friends while you play. Don’t be afraid to try a new sport if you’ve always been interested. Most rec games have players from all skill levels, so it’s okay if you haven’t played before.
Biking
Biking is a great low-impact activity that helps you stay fit. When you want to do cardio and explore around your area, biking is a great opportunity to get outdoors. Look for smooth, flat trails if you want a leisurely bike ride, or pick difficult trails with inclines if you want to try mountain biking. Just be sure to wear a helmet so you stay safe. Biking improves your heart health and strengthens your legs. If you don’t want to bike alone, look for biking clubs that go on regular trail rides.
Hiking
Surround yourself with nature and get fit at the same time. If you want to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors, look for nearby hiking trails that you could take. Start off with shorter routes with small inclines before venturing on longer, more difficult trails. You don’t need a ton of equipment to start hiking—just a small bag and good tennis shoes will do the trick. If you’re more serious about the hobby, you can invest in hiking boots, walking sticks, and larger backpacks to carry your supplies.
Rock climbing
Get a full-body workout with this indoor or outdoor activity. Start indoors at a climbing gym to learn the basics, like how to plan out a route and tie climbing knots. As you get more comfortable, look for outdoor rock-climbing opportunities where you can climb actual rock faces or boulders. Climbing can be dangerous if you don’t use the proper equipment or don’t have the strength to support yourself. Make sure you build up your technique and strength before moving on to more difficult climbs.
DIY home projects
Spruce up your home and save money with this hobby. No matter your skill or experience level, there’s bound to be a DIY project you can do at home. Try fixing a squeaky door, painting a room, re-tiling your bathroom, reorganizing your garage, or remodeling the kitchen of your dreams. Learn basic skills like how to fix a leaking sink or repairing a running toilet so you don’t have to spend money hiring a repair person each time. Avoid any DIY projects that involve electrical wiring or structural framing if you’re not sure what you’re doing. If you ever feel out of your element, contact a professional.
Pet training
Spend time teaching your pet new tricks or skills. If you love hanging out with your pet, then put your time and energy into doing something together. You could try teaching basic commands to your dog or cat or new tricks, like “roll over” or “play dead.” If you want to get more involved, you could even try performance sports, such as speed and agility competitions, or pet shows. Some animals are easier to train and play with than others. Dogs, cats, birds, and some other small mammals are usually pretty receptive to training.
Volunteering
Get active in supporting a cause that you’re passionate about. If you want to make a difference in your community and love helping other people, search for volunteer opportunities that fit your interests. You could volunteer for causes like cancer research, childhood literacy, helping the unhoused community, or anything else you want to support. Volunteering can also help you feel more satisfied and fulfilled in your life. Plus, it looks good on a resume if you’re applying for jobs.
Traveling
Traveling exposes you to different cultures and life experiences. Visiting new places introduces you to new people and lifestyles that help you get a new perspective than you’re used to. Even if you don’t have the budget to travel internationally, just venturing beyond where you live can be both surprising and fulfilling. There’s no “right” way to travel so go wherever you’re interested in exploring. If going on a cruise and just making quick stops at various ports makes you happy, go for it.
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