15 Engaging Hobbies for Empty Nesters to Start Today

Being an empty nester is tough because most of us don’t know how to be alone again. It takes a long time to be comfortable with a house that’s no longer erupting in sibling rivalry battles or witnessing the clamor after a kid breaks something. However, picking up a hobby is a great way to quickly adjust to life. Here are some of the hobbies for empty nesters to start today.

Traveling

Many parents give up their travel plans because their kids’ responsibilities don’t allow them to spare much time. But now that your kids are grown and are heading to their own nests, you’ve got all the time in the world to start traveling. Explore the world, try different cuisines, and learn about new cultures; it’s all just a plane or even train ticket away.

Wine Club

What better age to start a wine club than when you become an empty nester? Just think about it; it’s the perfect age because you don’t have to worry about the kids running into the beverage, and you don’t need to worry about drinking in your home. Invite neighbors to join in or sit with your partner (or even alone) to start a wine club.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching takes a lot of patience and time, so it is perfect for empty nesters who have a lot of time and are looking for a way to kill it. You’ll need to sit a little longer and stay very calm, but the reward of seeing a little birdie fly by is pretty much worth it. Besides, you can even share your observations whenever the kids come around over the holidays.

Gardening

We’ve always joked about older folks being more interested in gardening, but that’s simply because it takes a lot of time and patience. You’ll need to tend to your garden for a couple of hours daily to ensure it stays in shape, so it’s the perfect activity for any empty nester looking to kill time. Sometimes, gardening can also help you process emotions like grief.

Pickleball

Ever wonder why most pickleball players are in their late 40s-mid 60s? That’s because it’s the perfect game for empty nesters. Pickleball improves balance and coordination, boosts confidence, keeps you active, and helps you connect with others your age. Considering all the motions involved, it’s also pretty light, so you won’t risk getting hurt in your golden years.

Pottery

Let’s be honest: kids wouldn’t go along with pottery lessons. Even if you somehow managed to find the time for those classes, we all know kids would have shattered every creation you made. This is precisely why we recommend picking up this hobby when you’re much older and free of all the pitter-patter. Besides, who doesn’t love playing in the dirt?

Dancing

Dancing is a fun way to get active and meet new people. Whether it’s a ballroom, salsa, or a Zumba class, it’s great for staying healthy and feeling good. You’ll have a great time moving to the music and learning new steps. Also, it’s an easy way to boost your confidence and enjoy yourself while doing something social.

Cooking Classes

Cooking classes are a fun way to try out new recipes and learn more about food. You can join a class or just experiment at home in your own kitchen. It’s a creative way to explore different cuisines and make meals you’ll be proud of. Your friends and family will love your tasty dishes, and you’ll enjoy the process of cooking without the usual stress.

Yoga

Yoga is one of the most popular hobbies, and for a good reason, it boosts health, improves circulation, stretches our limbs, and puts us in the right zone to relax and loosen those knots in our shoulders. It’s also one of the most recommended activities for empty nesters because it puts our minds at ease and diverts our full attention to the activity.

Casino Games

This clearly isn’t your ordinary activity, and we highly recommend navigating through it carefully. But if you’re looking to feel social and interact with others while upping your game, head to your nearest casino. Balance your spending by keeping a solid boundary, but this is one adult-friendly activity you won’t have to worry about once the kids are out of the house.

Antiquing

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something much calmer, why not try antiquing? It’s the ideal activity for people with an eye for detail and anyone who can pick out great stuff from just a simple glance. Antiquing won’t only boost your eye for design, but you might even come across some incredibly rare furniture and ancient relics.

Woodworking

You’ll need to spend quite a while learning the ropes around woodworking, so it’s only ideal when you have a lot of spare time and aren’t in a rush. Once you’ve picked up this hobby, everything goes smoothly; you can craft unique designs to decorate your home, gift your crafts to others, and even earn commissions if you’re really good at it.

Fishing

There’s nothing more calming than relaxing at your local lake, seeing the fishing rod bob slightly as you reel in your catch. Whether you’re fishing for a snack or simply practicing a catch-and-release program, fishing is one of the most calming and soulful activities. It’s also the best way to align your thoughts and put your mind at ease.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while making good use of your time. Whether you’re helping out at a shelter, library, or food bank, it lets you connect with people and feel a sense of purpose. You can meet new friends, stay active, and enjoy knowing that your efforts are helping others. It’s a simple and rewarding way to spend your free time while spreading kindness and making a positive impact.

Crocheting

We joke about our parents crocheting beautiful stuff for our children, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only ones who can do it. Crocheting is an age-old activity that’s beneficial in more ways than one: you get to spend a couple of hours on a project, learn a precious skill, make cozy clothes and decoration items for friends and families, and even make a living out of it if you’re exceptionally skilled.

More For You

If you’re tired of boredom after your kids have left the house, it’s a great chance to travel on an all-adult cruise. You can spend some quality time enjoying breathtaking views, visiting various parts of the world, and indulging in delicious food, all while making unforgettable memories.

This article was first published on RB ITALIA Blog.