Your children moved out… now what?!?
Becoming an empty nester mom can feel like a second youth because suddenly, your house is quieter, and your schedule is less hectic.
While some moms view this as a lonely new chapter, I see it as an opportunity to rediscover parts of ourselves that were put on hold.
The mix of pride and melancholy you feel when your last child leaves home is a bittersweet realization that you have done your part. Now, they’ll live separate adult lives, and it’s your time to refocus on yourself.
For all the moms out there who are in a similar situation, know that you’re at a wonderful crossroads. Imagine being 25 again, but with the wisdom and experience of your years, that’s what the empty nest life stage can mean for you.
It’s the perfect time to pick up new hobbies and engage in activities that make you feel fulfilled.
But what are some best hobbies for empty nest moms? This blog is my heartfelt effort to list the 199 best hobbies for empty nest moms to help you make this chapter of life more fulfilling and uplifting.
Indoor Hobbies for Empty Nest Moms
Indoor hobbies for empty nest moms are easy to start, and you can fit them into your schedule whenever you find a moment. Whether it’s morning when you’re sipping coffee or at night when the world is quiet, you can do something enjoyable just for yourself.
I enjoy hobbies that I can do inside my home as they’re good for days when the weather just isn’t inviting. They let you keep busy and feel productive without stepping outside.
Here are some of the best indoor hobbies for empty nest moms:
- Painting – especially paint-and-sip activities
- Gardening
- Photography
- Cooking or Baking
- Art and Craft
- Home Decor Projects
- Meditation
- Blogging
- Antique Collecting
- Develop a Skincare Routine
- Hosting Game Nights
- Organize Your Home
- Host a Podcast
- Attend Church
- Join Trivia Nights
- Join a Public Speaking Group
- Jewelry Making
- Pottery and Ceramics
- Sewing and Quilting
- Calligraphy
- Start a YouTube Channel
- Coding or Computer Programming
- Woodworking
- Stamp or Coin Collecting
- Astrology and Tarot Reading
- Interior Design
- Flower Arranging
- Start a Book Review Blog
- Graphic Design
- Create a Recipe Book
- Aromatherapy
- Massage Techniques
- Soap Making
- Upholstery
- Weaving
- Leather Crafting
- Nail Art
- Digital Scrapbooking
- Virtual Book Readings
- Model Building
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Outdoor Hobbies for Empty Nest Moms
If your social life took a backseat when your kids were growing up, you need a bunch of outdoor hobbies to get moving again — something always good for your body and mind. From booking a fitness class on the weakened to early morning walks, being active helps keep your body strong and your mind clear.
Plus, there’s so much to see outside that you might have missed all these years. Art galleries filled with spectacular artwork, food festivals with exquisite delicacies, hiking to unknown places—there’s a lot you can do as a hobbyist mama now that the little birds have flown out of the nest.
The following are some awesomely fulfilling outdoor hobbies for empty nest moms in their 50s and 60s:
- Traveling – exploring new places
- Fitness Classes – yoga, Pilates, or dance
- Hiking
- Visit Book Clubs – engaging in discussions about literature
- Explore Art Galleries
- Go to Concerts or Live Shows
- Explore Food Festivals
- Join an Adult Sports Team
- Participate in Escape Rooms
- Bird Watching
- Wine Tasting
- Play Golf
- Join Walking Groups
- Swimming
- Scuba Diving
- Mountain Climbing
- Attend Opera or Ballet
- Attend Fashion Shows
- Try a New Sport
- Attend Music Festivals
- Sailing
- Participate in Marathons or Fun Runs
- Surfing
- Horseback Riding
- Kite Flying
- Car Restoration
- Dog Training
- Archery
- Metal Detecting
- Play Tennis
- Attend Culinary Tours
- Start a Supper Club
- Glassblowing
- Astronomy
- Cycling
- Geocaching
- Snorkeling
- Join a Cleaning Club for Scenic Spots
- Creating Terrariums
- Environmental Activism
Also Read: How to Improve Your Fashion Style
Creative & Craft Hobbies for Empty Nest Moms
We all are good at different things. Some have a knack for flower arrangements while others can knit and quilt like pros if given the chance. So, if something adventurous isn’t your cup of tea as a mom, let your creativity shine through your hobby.
One of my empty nester mama friends turned her children’s old playroom into a vibrant crafting studio, which was so cool. It made her feel fulfilled and driven to achieve something new.
If you have that fire in your belly to do something creative and artsy, here are some craft hobbies for empty nest moms to try:
- Jewelry Making
- Pottery and Ceramics
- Fabric Dyeing
- Fabric Painting
- Paper Quilling
- Upcycling Furniture
- Beekeeping
- Mosaic Art
- Sound Therapy
- Herbal Tea Rituals
- Antique Restoration
- Cake Decorating
- Upholstered Toy Making
- Weaving for Decor Items
- Sand Art
- Embroidery for a Local Clothing Business
- Lampworking
- Learn Macramé
- Flower Pressing
- Jewelry Appraisal
- Learn Stained Glass Art
- Metalworking
- Sculpture
- Learn Origami
- Bonsai Tree Cultivation
- Acupressure
- Collect Vintage Clothing
- Start a Home Baking Business
- Perfume Making
- Animation
- Learn Stone Carving
- Tai Chi
- Start a Quilting Circle
- Learn 3D Printing
- Start an Etsy Shop
- Knitting or Crochet Groups
- Family History Writing
- Coloring Mandalas
- Soap-Making Business
Also Read: Top Fashion Trends for Moms This Year
Social & Community Hobbies for Empty Nester Moms
Just like it takes a village to raise a kid, it sometimes takes a village to support a mama who misses that kid.
Also, if you’re a social butterfly and don’t want to spend time thinking where all your friends are busy, be part of a village. Community hobbies are best for middle-aged moms who want to do something productive without feeling pressured into doing more.
if you’ve been wondering what are some hobbies or activities that empty nesters can do together, here’s my list of top social hobbies for empty nest mothers:
- Volunteering – helping out in the community
- Build a Bird Aviary
- Volunteer for Animal Welfare
- Weekly Board Games or Puzzles with Friends
- Start a Business
- Explore Art Galleries
- Go for Karaoke
- Attend Culinary Tours
- Host Exchange Students
- Book Swapping
- Start a Community Garden
- Environmental Activism
- Get Involved in Local Politics
- Mentoring or Tutoring
- Join Knitting or Crochet Groups
- Participate in Marathons or Fun Runs
- Start a Charity or Non-Profit
- Attend Literary Festivals
- Join a Band
- Start a Travel Club
- Attend Lectures and Talks
- Historical Reenactments
- Start a Community Newsletter
- Participate in Local Markets
- Start a Garden Club
- Participate in Farmers’ Markets
- Join a Community Choir
- Start a Mentoring Program for Young Women
- Community Clean-Ups
- Wine and Cheese Tastings
- Start a Cooking Exchange
- Participate in Flash Mobs
- Join a Musical Ensemble
- Start a Wellness Blog
- Join a Dance Troupe
- Join a Drumming Circle
- Start a Book Exchange
- Participate in Film Festivals
- Attend Art Auctions
- Start a Local History Club
Educational & Self-Improvement Hobbies for Empty Nest Moms
We should never stop learning and mastering new things because our brains drive positive adrenaline rushes from that. When you learn a new language or become part of a new social group, you feel more accomplished.
To give you that sense of conquering another skill or activity, here’s my list of self-improvement hobbies for empty nesters:
- Learning a New Language
- Writing – journaling, blogging, or creative writing
- Learn an Instrument
- Cooking Classes
- Learn About Nutrition
- Learn About Personal Finance
- Attend Conferences or Seminars
- Join a Public Speaking Group
- Genealogy Research
- Join a Choir or Singing Group
- Homebrewing Beer or Making Wine
- Join a Chess Club
- Martial Arts
- Enroll in Adult Education Classes
- Forex or Stock Trading
- Learn Bridge or Other Card Games
- Learn Sign Language
- Take Online Courses
- Graphic Design
- Learn to Fly a Plane
- Write Poetry
- Learn Violin or Cello
- Video Editing
- Financial Planning Courses
- Meditation Retreats
- Learn Makeup Artistry
- Learn Mixology
- Stand-Up Comedy Classes
- Learn Reiki
- Join a Debating Club
- Learn Feng Shui
- Become a Tour Guide
- Learn about Ecology
- Learn about Astronomy
- Study Wine Pairing
- Study Philosophy
- Take Photography Classes
- Learn about Holistic Health
- Learn about Crystals and Gemstones
- Learn about Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
How to Find a Hobby as an Empty Nester Mom
The thing about hobbies is that there’s never any pressure. You can try something at any point in life, ditch it if it doesn’t suit you, and move on to the next. So, don’t try everything you watch someone do online or offline. We aren’t cut out to do the same things.
Instead, follow these simple steps and figure out what to do in your free time:
- Remember what you used to love in your teens, 20s, or 30s but couldn’t get enough time to do it. That’s your first clue to finding a new hobby as an empty nester happy mama.
- Then take into account what excites you. Do you love outdoor adventures, or are group talks more of your thing? That’ll help you pick up a broad niche and then zoom into a particular hobby that’ll suit you.
- As a mother in her 50s or 60s, you don’t always have the energy to up and do thrilling things. Therefore, think about the time you can spare for your hobby and if it’ll suit your current energy levels. You can’t take up hiking while having knee pain, right?
- Then, try a few activities from my list above and see what holds your interest the most. It might be your go-to hobby. And, don’t feel bad if nothing keeps you hooked right now, that’s what hobbies are for. You can always change them.
See What Sparks Your Interest and Get to that Hobby
I hope you’re feeling as inspired as I am about the endless possibilities ahead. Being in the empty nest phase isn’t always easy, but it’s also a chance to rediscover who you are and what truly makes you happy.
It’s your time to explore and grow—so you can choose indoor projects, step outside for some fresh air, or give your creativity an outlet through crafts.
This is your chapter to write, and I can’t wait to hear about the incredible adventures you do. What are your favorite hobbies? Do share with our empty nest moms in the comments below!
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FAQs
What makes empty nesters happy?
Empty nesters find joy in rediscovering their freedom and individual interests, which might have been put on the backburner during the parenting years. The newfound freedom allows them to explore hobbies, travel, or pursue further education. All these changes result in a profound sense of accomplishment and joy.
Is it too late to start a new hobby at this stage in my life?
Not at all! It’s never too late to start something new. Picking up a hobby now can be incredibly rewarding and can bring a fresh sense of purpose. It could be something you’ve always wanted to do or a completely new interest.
Why is it important for empty nest moms to find new hobbies?
New hobbies can boost your mood, reduce feelings of loneliness, and provide a purpose. It’s also a way to get back to passions that you might have set aside while focusing on your family.
What are the benefits of joining hobby groups or clubs for empty nesters?
Joining hobby groups or clubs helps you connect with others who share your interests which could mean new friendships and a supportive community. Being part of a group also keeps you motivated to pursue a hobby.
