51 Hobbies for Women of All Ages

Creative & Artistic Hobbies

Crocheting or knitting Knitting or crocheting are great choices if you’re looking for something that’s both creative and relaxing. The repetitive hand movements are known to have a soothing, meditative effect, which can help you manage anxiety and promote mental wellbeing. You’ll also be able to create beautiful pieces of art, such as blankets, sweaters, or cold weather accessories, for yourself and your loved ones. It can be a bit daunting to learn how to knit or crochet at first, but stick with it! You’ll get the hang of it in no time, and once you do, you’ll have a hobby that will bring you joy for a lifetime. There’s also tons of easy and accessible resources out there to help you get started. Youtube video tutorials are a great place to start, and there are even some great mini tutorials on TikTok that can help you pick up the basics. If you’re looking for a more structured option, there are likely in-person knitting and crochet classes you can sign up for at local art or crafting studios.

Embroidery Embroidery is experiencing a major resurgence in popularity as a hobby right now, and for good reason. Like knitting and crocheting, embroidery is the perfect mix of creativity and relaxation. It allows you to add artistic touches to things like clothing, pillow covers, napkins, and more, and it's also meditative and calming. If you’re interested in embroidery, there are several beginner’s kits available to help you get started. You may also want to try out punch needle embroidery, which is a bit different from hand embroidery because it uses a special tool to create loops and stitches in a piece of fabric.

Making jewelry If you love wearing jewelry, you should definitely try your hand at making some. You’ll choose your own materials and create your own designs, which allows you to lean into your creative side and express your personal style. You’ll also end up with some beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces to wear or give to loved ones, so it’s pretty much a win-win situation! To get started, you can purchase a jewelry making kit or check out the supplies at a local arts and crafts store. These stores may also have jewelry making classes you can sign up for.

Drawing or painting If you’re looking for a creative hobby, drawing and painting are the classic options. And don’t worry, you don’t need to be Picasso to do them! It’s all about self-expression and reminding yourself that you have the ability to learn how to do new things. You can sign up for an art class in your community, buy some supplies and watch some Youtube tutorials on your own, or simply take a sketchbook outside to draw the things you observe in nature. Whatever feels best to you! Research even shows that making art lowers the hormone cortisol, which helps regulate your stress levels.

Coloring If you’re not a fan of drawing or sketching freehand, you should give adult coloring books a try. This fun, low-key hobby has the same positive effects as making other types of art, but it’s a bit easier to do. It's a great option if you’re not the most artistically inclined, but you still want to try something creative. Research has even shown that coloring activates the prefrontal cortex, otherwise known as the brain’s reward center, which can help regulate your mood and evoke a sense of pleasure. You can even choose coloring books that align with your interests or aesthetic preferences. There are mandala coloring books, cozy and cute coloring books, mystical fairytale coloring books—the options are endless!

Sculpting When you think of sculpting, you may picture Michelangelo chipping away at a block of marble. Don’t worry, this isn’t what we’re talking about! There are tons of fun and easy ways to practice sculpting as a hobby. For example, you could use some air-dry clay to create simple projects like refrigerator magnets, jewelry dishes, or small figurines. Or, if you want to go all-in, you can sign up for a sculpting class at a local art studio or art store. Either way, you’ll be able to explore your creativity and make some unique pieces, which makes this hobby super enriching and rewarding.

Candle making If you’re a big fan of scented candles, DIY candle making is the perfect hobby for you. You’ll be able to create your own personalized scents, and you can even get creative with the candle’s color and the design on the vessel. And, since you’re already a candle lover, you know you’ll get a lot of use out of the candles you make. Check out this helpful candle making guide or watch some online video tutorials to get started. Your homemade candles will also make excellent gifts for family and friends for birthdays or the holidays.

Soap making Like candle making, soap making is a super fun, creative, and practical hobby. You can express yourself with custom scents and creative designs (interesting shapes and colors, etc), and you’ll end up with one-of-a-kind soap you can actually use in your home. Homemade soap is also an amazing gift for loved ones—you can even create personalized scents based on their favorite perfume or the vibe they give off!

Calligraphy Calligraphy isn’t just fancy writing—it’s also a beautiful art form, and it's a very fun hobby to do. If you’re interested in getting into calligraphy, you can start by purchasing a few calligraphy pens and watching some tutorials online, or you can even sign up for calligraphy classes at a local art or crafting studio. Once you get the hang of it, you can use your calligraphy skills to make gorgeous homemade greeting cards, party invitations, seating cards for dinner parties, and much more.

Scrapbooking If you’re a sentimental person who loves reminiscing on fun memories, you’d probably love scrapbooking. It’s a relaxing and creative hobby, and you’ll also end up with a tangible reminder of all the wonderful times you’ve shared with loved ones. Scrapbooks make great gifts for family members, as well! You can find scrapbooking supplies at your local art or crafting store, or you can order them online.

Photography Chances are you’ve taken some pretty amazing photos on your phone, so why not take this hobby to the next level? Photography is an impressive art form, and it can be a very exciting hobby. Whether you explore digital photography or learn how to take and develop film photos, you’re bound to have a great time. Photography is an especially good choice if you love to travel—you’ll be able to memorialize your trips with some truly beautiful photos!

Playing an instrument Learning an instrument takes some hard work and practice, but it’s also an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. It’s also the perfect hobby for music lovers—there’s nothing like being able to play music by your favorite artist. There are also tons of different instruments to choose from. You can learn to play guitar, piano, bass, drums, violin, whatever you’re interested in! Learning to play music is also a great workout for your brain, especially if you’re in your 60s or older. Research shows that taking music classes can fight memory loss and improve overall cognitive function.

Singing Maybe you were in your high school’s choir, and you miss singing on a regular basis. Or, maybe you’ve always dreamed of being a pop star, and you want to learn how to belt out a Taylor Swift song like a pro. Either way, vocal lessons could be perfect for you! Learning good vocal technique takes hard work and practice, which makes this hobby very rewarding. It also takes a lot of courage to sing in front of others (even if it’s just your vocal teacher) so it's a great exercise for building self-confidence.

Dancing Dancing is an amazing hobby to try out if you’re looking for something artistic and active. It’s a great way to express yourself while also getting your blood pumping and breaking a sweat. Dancing also releases feel-good hormones like endorphins and serotonin, which can boost your mood and reduce stress levels. You can start taking a beginner’s ballet class, learn how to salsa dance, or even get into the competitive ballroom dancing scene. Whatever excites you the most!

Community theater If you’re a triple threat who can sing, act, and dance, it may be time for you to have your star moment and try out for community theater. This is a great way to express yourself and hone the skills you might not use on a regular basis anymore, and it also allows you to build community and socialize with people who share your interests. If you’re a former theater kid, you know just how special these friendships can be!

Active & Outdoor Hobbies

Hiking Hiking is a wonderful hobby if you’re looking for a way to get active and spend more time outdoors. You can get your heart pumping while also observing some beautiful scenery and getting your daily dose of vitamin D. The exercise and exposure to nature that come along with hiking also have tons of health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, lower levels of anxiety and depression, and improved sleep.

Running or jogging Looking for a way to support your physical health while also releasing a ton of endorphins and boosting your mood? Try running or jogging! It’s a great hobby to take up if you don’t want to buy a ton of equipment (you just need your own two feet and a pair of running shoes), and you’ll definitely feel a sense of accomplishment as your speed and stamina increase over time. You can even join a running club or find a running buddy if you want to make the hobby more social!

Cycling Cycling is a great hobby to try out if you want to do something active and spend some time outside. You can go all out and focus on improving your endurance or speed, go for leisurely bike rides through your neighborhood, or even use your bike as a form of transportation to the farmer’s market or your favorite coffee shop. Whatever vibe you’re feeling the most!

Rock climbing If you’re looking for something a bit more unique and adventurous, you may want to give indoor or outdoor rock climbing a try. This thrilling hobby improves your cardiovascular fitness and builds strength, while also supporting your cognitive and mental health. Rock climbing can be a great way to make social connections as well, since you’ll likely meet a lot of rock climbing enthusiasts as you learn how to do the sport.

Roller skating or ice skating If you loved visiting the roller rink or ice rink when you were little, you should definitely consider taking up these hobbies again as an adult. You’ll get some exercise in while also reigniting that sense of childhood fun that used to come with doing these activities. You can simply schedule a weekly visit the roller rink or ice rink for fun, or take some lessons if you want to work on your skills.

Boxing Boxing is a super fun hobby for women. It’s a pretty intense form of exercise, so it’s great for your heart health, endurance, and full-body strength. The act of performing the punching drills can also feel very empowering and cathartic, while also providing a healthy outlet for anger or stress. So, if you’re looking for a hobby that will help you blow off steam and support your physical health, get those boxing gloves on!

Adult sports leagues If you want to do something active while also increasing your levels of social interaction, consider joining a sports league. You’ll be able to meet new people and build community with your team members, while also working up a sweat. A bit of healthy competition is also a great way to motivate you and keep you committed. Here are some sports to try out: Basketball Soccer Volleyball Softball Tennis Pickleball Kickball Bowling

Birdwatching Birdwatching is exactly what it sounds like—getting outside and looking for some cool birds. This sounds like a pretty simple activity, but it actually has a ton of benefits, including stress relief, improved mood, and reduced levels of depression. If you’re interested in birdwatching, it’s super easy to get started. Just get outside, and start looking and listening for birds! Here are a few tips: Download a birding app to help you identify birds by their songs and appearances. Keep a list of each of the new types of birds you see. Set up a bird feeder outside your home to attract more birds. Invest in a pair of binoculars to help you see and identify birds that are further away.

Foraging Foraging is the practice of gathering wild food for free in nature. It’s an entertaining hobby, and it’s also practical, since you’ll be able to eat the plants you gather and incorporate them into your meals. There are tons of yummy things you can forage, including nettles, wild garlic, elderflowers, and berries. Just make sure that you take the time to properly identify all the plants you’re foraging, so you can avoid eating any toxic or poisonous plants.

Geocaching Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting activity that you can do using a GPS-enabled device (like your phone). To do it, you’ll look for caches (stashes of hidden objects) using only GPS coordinates. Geocaching is a fun way to get outside and spend more time in nature, and it’s also a great choice if you enjoy going on adventures.

Stargazing There’s nothing more beautiful than a night sky filled with stars, so why not try out stargazing as a hobby? Looking up at the stars definitely inspires a sense of wonder, and it’s also calming and peaceful. It's also an opportunity to study astronomy and learn how to identify constellations.

Food & Culinary Hobbies

Baking Baking is an entertaining way to pass your time, and you also end up with a delicious treat at the end. What’s not to love? If you have a sweet tooth, you can bake cookies, brownies, cupcakes, pies, and tarts, and if you’re not a fan of dessert, you can go for things like sourdough bread or breakfast pastries. There’s truly something for everyone! Baking can also exercise your creative side, since decor and presentation are an important part of any baked treat.

Chocolate making Chances are you enjoy chocolate (don’t we all!) but did you know you can actually make your own? Like baking, chocolate making is a fun and creative hobby. You can come up with your own unique flavors and garnishes, and you can even learn how to mold your chocolate into fun shapes. Chocolate making is also a great hobby for science lovers—you need to experiment with ratios of ingredients to create the perfect texture, which is sort of like doing a science experiment in a lab.

Sushi making If you’re a sushi lover, try your hand at making your own. Sushi making involves a lot of skill, from rolling techniques to identifying and slicing high-quality raw fish, which makes it a very rewarding hobby. You can create a delicious meal for yourself, or impress your friends and family members by throwing a dinner party and serving up your homemade sushi rolls.

Pizza making A lot goes into making the perfect homemade pizza. You need to make the dough, choose the right sauce, cheese, and toppings to create a delicious flavor profile, and bake the whole thing to perfection. This makes pizza making a super fun and rewarding hobby! You can start out with baking pizza in your regular oven, but if you end up loving the hobby, you can even invest in a small pizza oven to really kick things up a notch.

Mixology and cocktail making Looking for a fun hobby that will also make you a major hit at social gatherings? Try out mixology! Once you learn how to make the classic cocktails, you can also start experimenting with your own concoctions, which is a great way to exercise your creativity. You can also learn how to make delicious non-alcoholic mocktails for friends who don’t drink alcohol. If you’re just getting started, there are lots of cocktail making kits out there that come with a cocktail shaker, a spirit measure, a strainer, a mixing spoon, and a muddler. These kits often come with recipes for popular cocktails, too.

Home brewing If you’re a fan of beer, you might also enjoy brewing your own. It’s surprisingly inexpensive and easy to do, and you’ll end up with a drink you can enjoy on your own or share with your friends. If you don’t like beer that much or don’t drink alcohol, brewing your own kombucha is a great alternative!

Food blogging Are you a foodie who wants to find a culinary hobby but doesn’t actually want to cook? You should take up food blogging! Visit fancy restaurants, trendy new spots, or hidden hole-in-the-wall places, and write about your experiences online. Readers will enjoy your reviews, and you may even introduce them to their new favorite place. You can even make a bit of extra cash with this hobby by running ads on your blog or making sponsored posts for restaurants and food brands.

Intellectual Hobbies

Reading If you’re looking for an intellectual hobby with tons of surprising benefits, you should try becoming a reader. As you might expect, reading sharpens your mind, builds your vocabulary, and expands your knowledge of the world. But beyond this, reading fiction also increases your capacity for empathy and reduces stress levels. And, as any bookworm will tell you, it’s also incredibly fun! Try setting a reading goal to motivate you (maybe you want to read one book per month, for example). You can even use a reading journal to track and rate the books you read. If you want to incorporate a social aspect into your reading hobby, you can also try joining or starting a book club.

Writing Writing is an amazing way to explore your deepest thoughts and express yourself creatively. There’s also tons of different kinds of writing, so you’re bound to find something you enjoy! You can write poems, short stories, articles about current events, comic strips, a screenplay or teleplay—whatever interests you the most.

Learning a new language Learning a new language stimulates your brain and opens up your world. It improves your memory and attention span, while also giving you the ability to communicate with more people in more places. Being bilingual or multilingual can also be a major asset when applying for jobs, so it can even lead to more professional opportunities! You can learn a new language on your own with apps like Babbel or Duolingo, or you can sign up for an online or in-person class in your community.

Listening to educational podcasts or audiobooks If you're itching for a way to learn new things, but you don’t have the time to enroll in a class or become an avid reader, you should absolutely check out educational podcasts or audiobooks. You can listen to them in the car on your commute to work, or put on your headphones and listen while you exercise or do chores. You’ll get to absorb some new information and think deeply while also getting something else done.

Visiting museums Visiting museums is the perfect hobby for art or history lovers. It’s also a relaxing and meditative practice that can be a great way to de-stress and take a break from the hectic world we live in. Good museum etiquette involves silencing and putting away your cell phone, so it’s sort of like a mini digital detox, as well!

Chess If you’re looking for an intellectually stimulating hobby that can also lead to social connection and community, try getting into chess. This classic game is all about logic and strategy, so it’s a great workout for your brain. You can also join a chess club or participate in chess competitions to connect with other players who share your love of the game.

Wellness & Spiritual Hobbies

Mindful meditation Mindful meditation is all about staying in the present moment and being aware of the thoughts, sensations, and emotions you’re experiencing. It’s a great way to de-stress and get in touch with yourself, and it’s also known to promote mental and physical well-being. This makes it a pretty beneficial hobby to pick up! Here’s how to do it: Sit down in a quiet, distraction-free space, and take some deep breaths. Try to focus on the flow of your breath, letting any thoughts or feelings that come up pass without judgment. If you feel your attention wandering, try to bring your focus back to your breath. Start with short 5-minute meditation sessions to ease yourself into it, then work your way up to longer sessions.

Journaling Journaling is a great hobby if you want to get in touch with yourself. It allows you to explore your emotions and your thoughts about the world, which in turn helps you make sense of them. Journaling can be a relaxing and mindful practice, and you can also add drawings, designs, stickers, and printed out photos to make it a creative activity, too.

Yoga If you’re looking for a hobby that blends wellness, spirituality, and physical activity, yoga could be the perfect choice for you. On the physical side, it promotes cardiovascular health and improves strength, balance, and flexibility, and on the mental side, it helps you manage stress and boosts your mood. Many people also see yoga as an intensely spiritual practice, so it can help you tap into your spiritual side. You can check out a yoga class at a studio near you, or if you prefer to practice yoga at home, there are lots of online classes and video tutorials out there.

Volunteering It’s hard to think of something more spiritually fulfilling than volunteering your time for a cause you care about. For example, if you’re passionate about the environment, you could participate in a weekly beach clean-up, or if you want to connect with people in your community, you could volunteer to help local elders who are lonely. Volunteering is definitely one of the most meaningful hobbies out there, so it's a very rewarding option.

The Benefits of Having a Hobby

Hobbies are so much more than a way to fill up your free time. They’re also essential for your happiness and emotional well-being, and they can be an importan part of self-care. Here are some of the specific benefits of having a hobby: Improved mental health. Research suggests that hobbies boost your mood and decrease your levels of anxiety and depression. Reduced stress levels. Hobbies can help you relax, decompress, and get a break from your hectic daily life for a period of time. Creative expression and inspiration. Many hobbies encourage you to tap into your artistic side and express yourself, which can be very enjoyable and fulfilling. Improved social connection. Participating in group hobbies like sports teams, book clubs, or community theater leads to new friendships and a greater sense of community. EXPERT TIP Laura Horne, MPH Laura Horne, MPH Health Education Specialist Laura is Chief Program Officer for Active Minds, the nation’s premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for students. Prior to Active Minds, Laura led public health initiatives at the National Association of County and City Health Officials and at Tulane University. She earned her Master of Public Health degree from Tulane University. She is certified as a Health Education Specialist by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. Laura Horne, MPH Laura Horne, MPH Health Education Specialist Activities are a great way for us to distract ourselves from our current emotions. When our level of distress is too high, we may not be able to effectively handle a situation and need ways to bring our emotional state down. Activities help us calm down until we're better able to cope.

How to Choose a Hobby

Think of the hobbies you enjoyed when you were younger. These can be great indications for the types of hobbies you’d enjoy as an adult. For example, if you loved coloring books and crafting when you were a kid, you might enjoy a creative hobby like drawing, crocheting, or embroidery. Or, if you were super outdoorsy, you may want to try outdoor rock climbing or geocaching. If you think a certain hobby would help you reconnect with your younger self, that’s a pretty good place to start!

Ask your friends and family members about the hobbies they enjoy. You probably have a lot in common with the people closest to you, so chances are you’ll enjoy a few of the same hobbies they enjoy.Also, when someone gets into a hobby, they love to share it with others, so your loved ones will likely jump at the chance to talk about their hobbies with you.

Think about your goals. Do you want to sharpen your intellectual abilities or exercise your brain? Reading or chess might be the right hobbies for you. Do you want to get active and break a sweat? Maybe boxing or cycling will be your thing. Maybe you want to relax and be creative at the same time. In that case, crocheting or knitting could be the way to go. If you let your goals shape your decision, you can’t go wrong!