Empty Nest Hobbies: Making new friends and finding new hobbies

Great ideas for hobbies for women empty nesters

When your kids leave home, keeping up your social life can fell like a challenge. Let’s face it—making friends as an adult can sometimes feel like middle school all over again, minus the braces and awkward school dances. Many parents lose touch with friends they made through their kids' activities, according to AARP. But this is also a great chance to try new things and meet new people!

Why Having Friends is Important

Making friends as an empty nester is really important. According to the Mayo Clinic, parents should focus on their own personal growth and relationships, instead of relying on their kids to feel less lonely. This new stage of life gives you a chance to:

Meet new people
Try new hobbies
Spend more time with old friends and family

Doing these things can help you feel happier and healthier. Check out my blog post Step-by-Step Guide to Finding a New Hobby as an Empty Nester for some more ideas!

Ways to Make New Friends

Here are some fun ideas to help you meet people:

1. Join Local Clubs and Groups

Find a group that likes the same things you do. There are some great ideas for hobbies for women. You could join a:

Book club
Fitness group
Dance class
Craft group
Gardening club
Photography club

My experience: I've been in a book club with other moms for almost 20 years! We started when our kids were little, but now we talk about our own lives and interests. It's a great way to connect over books (and wine).

How to start: Look for groups on websites like Meetup, local Facebook groups, or your neighborhood's online message board. You can also check with your local library or religious group. Check out Reese’s Book Club or the Good Morning America Book Club to see what books other groups are reading.

2. Reconnect with Old Friends

Catching up with old friends can be really fun. You already know each other, so it's easier to start hanging out again. Here are some ideas:

Send a text or message to say “hi.”
Invite them for coffee
Start a walking club in your neighborhood

My experience: I reconnected with friends from my daughter's old swim team. We used to volunteer at swim meets. Now, we catch up on our kids' lives, but we also talk about our own adventures. I even started lap swimming because of them!

One of my favorite ways to stay connected is by walking with friends on the C&O Canal, which offers beautiful views of the Potomac River, many walking paths, and occasional views of mules pulling barges down the Canal. We catch up on life while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. It's become a weekly ritual that gives us a chance to unwind, laugh, and move!

Remember, making new friends takes time. But it's worth it to have people to share your new adventures with!

3. Explore Hobbies That Encourage Social Interaction: Best Empty Nest Hobbies to Meet People

Hobbies you enjoy that also create social opportunities give you the best of both worlds–an activity you enjoy and a way to build relationships and connections with people who share your interest.

Just think about how easily you connected with parents over your kids' sports and activities. Having something readily built in for you to talk about eases the way to building friendships. (The key to continuing these friendships though is to build out opportunities to interact with these parents in other settings, like weekly walks or by creating a book club, for example).

As an empty nester, having a hobby and connecting with like-minded people creates the opportunity to ease into new friendships.

My experience: One of my friends reached out to me about creating a small group to participate in trivia nights monthly at a local pub/restaurant. My family and I are trivia geeks, so this was a natural way to create more social opportunities. Read about my experience with trivia nights in my blog post How Trivia Nights Boost Fun and Social Connections for Empty Nesters: Tips to Get Started

My husband and I thought this was such a great idea and were excited about reconnecting with friends from our children’s childhood. We’ve kept this up for the past couple of years and I look forward to getting out, catching up, and seeing how high we can rank at trivia night!

How to start: Looking for a fun night out that challenges your mind? Try a local trivia night! Just search "trivia nights near me" on Google to find restaurants and bars in your area that host these events. It's a great way to test your knowledge and meet new people.

And don't worry if you've never been to one before – we've got you covered. Keep an eye out for our upcoming blog post: "Your Guide to Enjoying Your First Trivia Night." We'll share tips on how to make the most of your experience, whether you're a trivia newbie or a seasoned pro.

Explore these other ideas:

Join a Book Club: Dive into captivating stories and exchange ideas with fellow book lovers. It’s the perfect way to get lost in a good read while finding a like-minded community.
Take a Dance Class: Discover new dance moves and make friends who share your love for movement. I took the leap and signed up for a modern dance class, and while it definitely took me out of my comfort zone, it was incredible. I can’t wait to share more about it in another blog post—stay tuned!
Participate in Group Sports: Get your heart pumping and your competitive spirit going with local teams or casual rec leagues. It’s all about fun, fitness, and forming new friendships.
Attend Art Classes: Unleash your inner artist in classes like painting, pottery, or sculpture. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned creator, you’ll enjoy making masterpieces while meeting other creative minds. You never know what organizations offer art classes. Glen Echo Park, an arts and cultural center, in Glen Echo, Maryland, offers artists and studio classes among many other activities. You may have something similar near where you live!
Join a Cooking or Baking Class: Stir up something delicious while bonding with fellow food enthusiasts. You’ll not only learn new recipes but also make connections over a shared love of good food. Do you have a Sur La Table near you? They have amazing cooking classes!
Join a Hiking or Walking Group: Take in fresh air and beautiful scenery while enjoying great conversation with fellow nature lovers. It’s the perfect combination of exercise and socializing.

Enroll in Language Classes: Pick up a new language while making connections with classmates who share your enthusiasm for learning. You’ll practice together, laugh at mistakes, and celebrate progress.
Join a Travel Club: Fuel your wanderlust and meet fellow adventurers as you plan trips and swap travel tales. You might just find your next travel buddy!

Take the plunge—join that dance class or start your own walking group. Your new circle is just a few steps away!

Reflection: Who haven’t you reached out in a while? Maybe it’s time to send that “Let’s grab coffee” text.

4. Attend Local Events and Workshops

Find local events for empty nesters

Attending local events like workshops, seminars, or community fairs can be a great way to meet new people while finding empty nest hobbies. This is also a way to use similar interests to build bridges to future friendships.

These are some organizations and social platforms that you can start with to try to identify events that meet your interests and find local events for empty nesters:

Meetup: Discover and join groups on Meetup that match your interests—whether you're diving into new hobbies, trying out fun activities, or just meeting new people!

Eventbrite: Find local events on this online event planning and ticketing platform, from workshops to concerts, all searchable by location and interest!

Local Community Centers: Check the website or bulletin board of local community centers for classes, workshops, and events tailored to residents. I recently discovered that our local community center offers residents free access to their gym. When I’ve gone, I’ve also found other activities going on that I’ve been planning to explore.

Public Libraries: Many libraries host workshops, book clubs, and community events. Visit your local library's website for information on upcoming activities.

Civic Organizations: Groups like the Rotary Club, Kiwanis, or Lions Club often organize community service projects and social events that encourage networking and friendships.

Adult Education Programs: Explore classes at community colleges or adult education centers, offering subjects from photography to dance to musical theater. There's something for everyone!

Parks and Recreation Departments: Check your local Parks and Recreation Department for a variety of activities, classes, and events organized for residents.

Cultural Institutions: Did you know museums and cultural centers are more than just quiet halls filled with artifacts? These days, they're bustling hubs of activity. Many offer workshops, lectures, and events that bring the community together and make learning fun for adults.

For instance, the Smithsonian Associates program, linked to the famous Smithsonian Museum, has a wide range of classes. It's a great way to dive deeper into topics you love and meet people who share your interests.

If you're looking for a different museum experience, try a museum like Glenstone, which has a spacious outdoor area for strolling. It's perfect for a day out with friends, combining art appreciation with beautiful walks. Remember, there are countless ways to enjoy museums – from guided tours to interactive exhibits. Why not explore and find your favorite?

Fitness Studios and Gyms: Many fitness centers and studios offer group classes and special events, making them a great place to meet others while staying active.

Local Chambers of Commerce: Check with your local chamber for networking events, business workshops, and community gatherings that encourage social connections.

Facebook Events: Did you know Facebook is a great tool for finding local events? Many organizations and venues share their upcoming activities there, turning your news feed into a personalized event guide.

Facebook often shows you events your friends are interested in too. This makes it easy to discover new activities and potentially meet up with friends. It's a simple way to stay connected and explore what's happening in your community.

Next time you're on Facebook, keep an eye out for local events. You might just find your next favorite activity!

Neighborhood Associations: Many neighborhoods have associations or councils that organize social events, clean-up days, and meetings to foster community spirit.

Arts and Crafts Stores: Stores like Michaels or local craft shops frequently offer classes and workshops where participants can meet fellow craft enthusiasts.

Local Universities: Check if nearby colleges or universities offer community classes, workshops, or public events open to non-students.

5. Volunteer for a Cause You Care About

Volunteering Opportunities for Empty Nesters

Volunteering is a great way to meet people who care about the same causes you do. It's easier to make friends when you already have something in common. Plus, according to the American Psychological Association, it can also lead to better health!

Look for group volunteer opportunities in your area. These give you a chance to work with others and build connections. Here are some ideas for group volunteering that can help you make new social connections:

Habitat for Humanity: Roll up your sleeves and team up to build homes for families in need. Bond over power tools, sweat, and the joy of making a tangible difference!

Food Banks or Soup Kitchens: Join a lively group to sort, pack, or serve meals for the community. It’s fast-paced, fun, and the perfect way to connect while giving back.

Local Animal Shelters: Help care for furry friends alongside fellow animal lovers. Whether you're walking dogs or helping at adoption events, you’ll find your people here!

Environmental Clean-Up Events: Get outdoors with a team and tackle trash at beaches, parks, or nature trails. It's a great way to make new friends while saving the planet.

Community Gardens: Get your hands dirty with a crew of green thumbs. Plant, weed, and harvest together while sharing gardening tips and plenty of laughs.

Libraries or Literacy Programs: Team up with others to host storytime, run book clubs, or tutor in reading. It’s a wonderful way to nurture a love of learning—and make new connections.

Hospitals or Nursing Homes: Brighten someone’s day alongside other volunteers by helping with activities, visiting residents, or throwing social events. You’ll leave with full hearts and new friends.

Special Olympics: Be part of the excitement by supporting athletes at local events. Whether coaching, cheering, or organizing, this group experience is as inspiring as it is social.

Youth Mentorship Programs: Join forces with other mentors to inspire and guide kids. Programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters offer great opportunities to work as a team and change lives together.

Community Theaters or Art Centers: Help behind the scenes at local plays, art exhibits, or events. From set design to ushering, there’s always room for creative teamwork and camaraderie.

You can also try Volunteer Match to search for specific volunteer opportunities near where you live. I haven’t focused as much on volunteering, but I hope to be able to find one that is meaningful to me and where I can make a difference to add this to my upcoming empty nest activities.

Now it’s Your Turn

Now that your kids are out making their own way, it’s time to enjoy this new chapter. Take the plunge—whether it’s a dance class, a trivia night, or a simple walk along the C&O Canal with friends, every step is a chance to expand your social circle and enrich your life. So why not give one of these ideas a try? Your next great friendship might be just around the corner!

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