What Are Some Hobbies or Activities That Empty Nesters Can Do Together?

The transition to an empty nest can feel like a significant life change. After years of raising children, juggling schedules, and focusing on family responsibilities, many couples suddenly find themselves with more free time and quieter homes.

Are you in the same position and wondering: What are some hobbies or activities that empty nesters can do together?

Whether you're looking for something adventurous, creative, or relaxing, there are countless ways to spend quality time together in Hermitage, PA (60 miles northwest of Pittsburgh). Here are some of the best hobbies and activities empty nesters can explore as a couple.

Traveling and Exploring New Places

One of the top activities empty nesters enjoy is travel. With fewer responsibilities at home, it's often easier to plan weekend getaways, extended vacations, or even spontaneous road trips.

• Domestic travel: Explore national parks, coastal towns, or cultural hubs in your own state or country.
• International adventures: Experience different cultures, cuisines, and histories by traveling abroad.
• Day trips: If long trips aren't feasible, explore nearby cities, trails, or attractions.

Traveling allows couples to share exciting experiences, build new memories, and break away from routines.

Cooking and Trying New Recipes

Cooking together can be both fun and rewarding. Many empty nesters find joy in experimenting with new cuisines or taking cooking classes as a couple.

• Try themed dinners from different cultures each week.
• Experiment with baking bread, pastries, or gourmet desserts.
• Enroll in local or online cooking classes to improve your skills.

Cooking together not only strengthens teamwork but also adds a spark of creativity to mealtimes. Plus, enjoying the food you've prepared together feels especially satisfying.

Fitness and Wellness Activities

Staying active is important for physical health and emotional well-being. Empty nesters can use this time to focus on fitness goals while spending time together.

• Join a gym or fitness class as a couple.
• Try dancing lessons, such as salsa, ballroom, or swing.
• Practice yoga, tai chi, or pilates for flexibility and relaxation.
• Go hiking, biking, or walking in local parks or nature trails.

These independent living activities improve health while also creating opportunities for bonding and laughter.

Gardening Together

Gardening is a peaceful, therapeutic hobby that couples can share. Whether you have a backyard, patio, or just a few pots on the balcony, gardening offers a rewarding way to spend time outdoors.

• Grow vegetables and herbs for home-cooked meals.
• Plant flowers to create a beautiful, relaxing environment.
• Experiment with container gardening or raised beds.

Working together to nurture plants and see them flourish can bring a sense of accomplishment and teamwork.

Volunteering as a Couple

Many empty nesters find purpose in giving back to the community. Volunteering together not only helps others but also creates shared experiences and deepens your bond. Some social activities for couples include:

• Help at a local food pantry or soup kitchen.
• Volunteer at animal shelters or adoption events.
• Mentor young people or support community education programs.
• Participate in church or faith-based outreach programs.

The joy of making a difference together can strengthen your connection and give your life new meaning.

Exploring the Arts

The arts provide endless opportunities for creativity and inspiration. Empty nesters can explore both attending and participating in artistic pursuits. 

• Visit museums, galleries, or theaters.
• Take art classes in painting, pottery, or photography.
• Attend live concerts, musicals, or comedy shows.
• Try creative writing or journaling together.

Exploring the arts helps couples connect with creativity while also exposing them to new ideas and cultures.

Learning Something New

Lifelong learning keeps the mind sharp and adds excitement to daily life. Couples can take classes or pursue new skills together.

• Learn a new language and practice conversational skills.
• Enroll in online courses about history, science, or literature.
• Try hands-on hobbies for seniors like woodworking, sewing, or crafting.

By sharing the learning process, couples can encourage one another and celebrate progress together. This is healthy aging strategies 101. 

Outdoor Adventures

For couples who love being outside, the empty nest years are a perfect time to dive into outdoor activities.

• Go camping and enjoy weekends under the stars.
• Try kayaking, paddleboarding, or boating if near water.
• Explore birdwatching or photography in nature preserves.
• Take long walks during sunrise or sunset for relaxation.

Outdoor adventures can be as active or peaceful as you like, offering opportunities to connect with nature and each other.

Home Improvement Projects

Many empty nesters turn their attention to their homes once the kids move out. This can be both practical and enjoyable as a couple's project.

• Redesign a room into a home office, library, or hobby space.
• Work on DIY projects like refinishing furniture.
• Create a cozy outdoor patio or entertainment area.

Home improvement projects let couples collaborate, plan, and enjoy the results of their teamwork.

Social Activities and Clubs

Staying socially connected is just as important as spending time together. Many empty nesters enjoy joining clubs or organizations.

• Join a local book club or wine-tasting group.
• Sign up for recreational sports like pickleball, golf, or tennis.
• Attend community events, festivals, or local fairs.
• Join travel or hiking clubs for group outings.

These activities combine quality couple time with new friendships and social circles.

Spiritual or Mindfulness Practices

Empty nest years can also be a time of reflection and personal growth.Couples may find peace in pursuing spiritual or mindfulness-based community activities for seniors.

• Practice meditation or mindfulness together.
• Attend church services or participate in study groups.
• Keep gratitude journals and share reflections daily.
• Join retreats for rest and self-discovery.

These practices can strengthen both emotional resilience and spiritual connection.

What Are Some Hobbies or Activities that Empty Nesters Can Do Together?

Becoming empty nesters is not the end of your parenting journey but the beginning of an exciting new chapter in life. Now you know the answer to the question, "What are some hobbies or activities that empty nesters can do together?"

At Whispering Oaks in Hermitage, PA, we offer a maintenance-free independent lifestyle, which means that you can do what you want with all that freed-up time. You can take advantage of our game room or play a sport in the community grounds, or better yet, read a book in our cozy library.  

We welcome you to visit our community to see if it's a fit for you.