Hobbies to Explore When Kids Leave HomeAdjusting to an empty nest can feel like a big change, but it’s also a fresh start. This is the perfect time to shake things up and start some new empty nester hobbies that make life more exciting and meaningful. Whether you’re looking for adventure, deeper connections, or simple ways to make everyday life special, there are plenty of ways to create empty nester traditions that fit your lifestyle.

Embrace Travel and Adventure

Now that you’re not tied down by school schedules, sports tournaments, or college move-ins, you can pack your bags and hit the road whenever you want. Travel is one of the best ways to create new memories and experiences, and it doesn’t have to break the bank.

Plan Holiday Getaways

Holidays might feel a little different when the kids aren’t home, but that just means you get to redefine how you celebrate.

  • Escape to a cozy cabin. Spend the holidays in a mountain lodge with a fireplace, warm drinks, and no stress.
  • Try a beach retreat. Swap winter coats for swimsuits and celebrate Christmas with your toes in the sand.
  • Visit a charming city. Explore places like Charleston, Savannah, or Santa Fe for a mix of history, food, and culture.

Take Extended Trips

If you’ve always dreamed of spending a month in Europe or touring the U.S. in an RV, this could be your time.

  • Go slow. Instead of rushing from place to place, spend a few weeks in one city and really experience it.
  • Live like a local. Rent a short-term apartment instead of staying in hotels and shop at neighborhood markets.
  • Consider house-sitting. Sites like TrustedHousesitters let you stay in homes for free in exchange for pet-sitting.

Try Something Adventurous

New empty nester hobbies don’t have to be about sitting by the fire. If you’ve always wanted to try something a little daring, now’s your chance.

Host Gatherings with Friends

When the kids were home, family traditions revolved around them. Now, it’s time to build connections with the people who are in the same stage of life as you. Hosting gatherings with friends can turn into some of the best empty nester hobbies, bringing laughter, great conversation, and a sense of belonging.

empty nester hobbies

Start a Holiday Dinner Tradition

Holidays can feel a little quiet when the kids aren’t around, but that doesn’t mean they have to be lonely.

  • Host a “Friendsgiving” or holiday dinner and invite other empty nesters. Everyone can bring a dish, and you can make it as formal or relaxed as you like.
  • Try a themed dinner. Host an Italian night, a taco fiesta, or a cozy soup-and-bread gathering.
  • Make it an annual event. Having something to look forward to every year makes it more special.

Create a Monthly Tradition

Keeping friendships strong takes effort, but setting up a recurring get-together makes it easy.

  • Start a supper club. Rotate between different houses each month, or pick a favorite restaurant to visit.
  • Join or create a book club. Choose books that spark conversation and rotate who picks the title.
  • Try a cooking or baking challenge. Pick a new recipe each month and see who nails it.
  • Game nights never get old. Dust off those board games or try online games if your friends are spread out.

Stay Active Together

If sitting around talking isn’t your thing, make your new empty nester hobbies about movement and adventure.

  • Hiking or walking clubs are great for fresh air, exercise, and catching up.
  • Group fitness challenges—whether it’s yoga, cycling, or pickleball—keep things fun and healthy.
  • Travel together. Plan weekend getaways with your favorite people, from wine country trips to cabin retreats.

Friendships take on a new level of importance when you’re an empty nester. Making social gatherings part of your routine helps keep loneliness at bay and adds something to look forward to on a regular basis.

Engage in Volunteer Work

Giving back can be one of the most rewarding empty nester traditions. With more free time, you have the chance to make a real impact in your community. Plus, volunteering adds purpose to your days and helps you stay connected with others.

Get Involved Locally

empty nester hobbies

There are endless ways to give your time, whether you want to help people, animals, or the environment.

  • Volunteer at a food bank. Help pack and distribute meals to families in need.
  • Join a mentorship program. Guide young professionals or students who could use career advice.
  • Help at an animal shelter. Walk dogs, cuddle kittens, or assist with adoption events.
  • Support local schools. Many schools need volunteers for tutoring, fundraising, or special events.

Make the Holidays Meaningful

The holiday season can feel different as an empty nester, but helping others can make it more special.

  • Adopt a family. Provide gifts, meals, or essentials for a family in need.
  • Serve meals at a shelter. Many organizations need extra hands during the holidays.
  • Create care packages. Put together holiday boxes for troops, nursing home residents, or hospital patients.

Travel with a Purpose

If you love to travel, consider combining it with volunteering.

  • Join a mission or service trip. Help build homes, teach English, or support medical efforts.
  • Do conservation work. Help protect wildlife, clean up beaches, or plant trees.
  • Assist with disaster relief. Organizations often need volunteers to help rebuild communities.

Volunteering can become a tradition that not only fills your time but also fills your heart. Whether you do it alone, with a partner, or with a group of friends, it’s a meaningful way to create lasting connections.

Develop New Empty Nester Hobbies Together

One of the best parts of being an empty nester is having the time and freedom to dive into new interests. Whether you pick up an old passion or try something completely different, hobbies can bring excitement, creativity, and even new friendships. Making them a regular part of your life can turn them into some of the most rewarding empty nester traditions.

Learn Something New

It’s never too late to master a new skill or take on a challenge.

  • Learn a new language. Apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone make it fun and easy, and it’s a great way to prep for future travels.
  • Take dance lessons. Ballroom, salsa, swing—whatever gets you moving and laughing together.
  • Try cooking or baking. Experiment with new recipes, take a class, or have a weekly themed dinner night.
  • Explore woodworking or DIY projects. Build furniture, create home decor, or start small crafts.

Get Creative

Creative hobbies bring joy and help you express yourself in new ways.

  • Painting and drawing. Take a class or just grab some supplies and experiment.
  • Photography. Capture nature, cityscapes, or even try drone photography for a fresh perspective.
  • Pottery or ceramics. Get your hands dirty and create something unique.
  • Jewelry making or crafting. Design and create your own pieces using different materials.

Spend More Time Outdoors

empty nester hobbies

Fresh air and movement are good for the body and mind, and they can turn into traditions you’ll look forward to.

  • Gardening. Grow flowers, herbs, or vegetables, and enjoy the process of nurturing something.
  • Bird-watching. Set up feeders in your yard or take weekend trips to local parks to see what you can find.
  • Water sports. Try kayaking, paddleboarding, or even scuba diving for a little adventure.
  • Biking. Ride through scenic trails, new neighborhoods, or even plan cycling trips in different cities.

Shared empty nester hobbies can strengthen your relationship, keep you active, and bring a new sense of excitement to everyday life. The key is to find something you truly enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine.

Create Intimate Traditions

Not all empty nester traditions have to be big or involve a crowd. Some of the best traditions are the small, meaningful moments shared between you and your partner. Whether it’s a nightly routine or a once-a-year ritual, these little traditions can make everyday life feel special.

Start a Weekly or Daily Ritual

Small habits can turn into traditions that make your relationship stronger.

  • Coffee dates at home. Brew a special blend, sit on the porch, and actually talk—no phones allowed.
  • A scenic Sunday drive. Pick a new route each week, stop for a treat, and explore together.
  • Evening walks. Stroll through your neighborhood or a nearby park to unwind and reconnect.
  • Music nights. Take turns picking an album and listen together, or even start a record collection.

Make Holidays Special for Just the Two of You

When the kids were home, holidays were probably packed with traditions centered around them. Now’s the time to make your own.

  • Bake something new each year. Try a new cookie recipe every Christmas or a different pie every Thanksgiving.
  • Have a movie marathon. Watch your favorite holiday classics or pick a new series to binge together.
  • Take a Christmas Eve walk. Bundle up and admire the holiday lights while sipping hot cocoa.
  • Create a gratitude tradition. Each Thanksgiving, write down something you’re grateful for and keep them in a jar to read later.

Plan a Getaway Just for Two

Now that you don’t have to schedule around school breaks, take advantage of off-season travel.

  • A romantic fall getaway. Visit a cozy mountain town when the leaves are changing.
  • A winter escape. Celebrate the holidays somewhere warm, or embrace the snow in a ski lodge.
  • An anniversary tradition. Choose a special way to celebrate every year, whether it’s a trip, a fancy dinner, or recreating your first date.

These intimate traditions don’t have to be elaborate or expensive. They just need to be consistent, meaningful, and something that makes you both happy.

Reinvent Family Traditions

Just because the kids have moved out doesn’t mean family traditions have to disappear. They might need a little tweaking, but there are still plenty of ways to keep the connection strong, even from a distance.

Keep Family Traditions Alive—Virtually

Technology makes it easier than ever to stay close, no matter where everyone lives.

  • Host a virtual game night. Use online platforms for trivia, board games, or charades.
  • Watch a movie together. Apps like Teleparty let you sync movies so you can watch and chat at the same time.
  • Start a family group chat. Share funny memes, daily updates, or just check in to keep conversations going.
  • Do a family recipe swap. Everyone makes the same dish and shares photos or video calls during dinner.

Plan Regular Check-ins

Life gets busy, but setting a tradition of scheduled family time makes it easier to stay connected.

  • Monthly video calls. Pick a consistent day and time that works for everyone.
  • Annual family retreat. Rent a cabin, beach house, or Airbnb for a weekend of catching up.
  • Birthday video messages. If you can’t be there in person, send a fun video or handwritten note.

Send Surprise Care Packages

Who doesn’t love getting a thoughtful package in the mail?

  • Holiday boxes. Send small gifts, homemade treats, or seasonal decorations to remind them of home.
  • Memory letters. Write about favorite past traditions or funny family stories.
  • Themed boxes. A “cozy night in” package with snacks, socks, and a book, or a “self-care” box with candles and tea.

Family traditions don’t have to end just because the nest is empty. They just need a little creativity to keep them going in new and meaningful ways.

Focus on Personal Growth

With more time and fewer responsibilities, this is the perfect stage of life to focus on yourself. Exploring new empty nester hobbies around self-improvement, wellness, and personal development can make this chapter even more fulfilling.

Establish a Self-Care Routine

Taking care of yourself should be a priority, not an afterthought.

  • Start your mornings right. Try meditation, journaling, or a simple stretching routine.
  • Prioritize mental health. Whether it’s therapy, mindfulness exercises, or daily gratitude, find what helps you feel balanced.
  • Develop a fitness habit. Join a gym, take up yoga, or go for regular walks. The key is to find something you enjoy.
  • Treat yourself regularly. Schedule spa days, read for pleasure, or spend a quiet afternoon at a coffee shop.

Pick Up a Passion Project

Now is the time to do the things you always said you’d do “one day.”

  • Start a blog or podcast. Share your experiences, advice, or passions with others.
  • Write a book. Whether it’s a memoir, a novel, or a how-to guide, your story is worth telling.
  • Take an online class. Platforms like Coursera and MasterClass offer courses on everything from photography to business.
  • Try public speaking. Join Toastmasters or give talks on topics you’re passionate about.

Deepen Your Sense of Purpose

Feeling like you’re making an impact can bring a new level of fulfillment.

  • Join a faith or spiritual group. If that’s important to you, find a community that aligns with your values.
  • Mentor younger professionals. Share your experience and help guide someone starting out in their career.
  • Support a cause. Get involved with advocacy work, fundraising, or community outreach.

Personal growth isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself. Making it a tradition to invest in your own development will pay off in ways you never expected.

Celebrate the Season Differently

Holidays might feel a little different without kids at home, but that just means you get to reinvent how you celebrate. This is a chance to create new empty nester traditions that reflect what you actually enjoy—without the stress of past obligations.

Explore Local Events

Instead of spending every holiday at home, get out and experience something new.

  • Go to holiday markets. Browse handmade gifts, sip hot cocoa, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
  • Attend concerts or theater performances. Make it a tradition to see a holiday symphony, ballet, or play each year.
  • Check out seasonal festivals. Whether it’s a Christmas tree lighting, Oktoberfest, or a summer food festival, there’s always something happening.
  • Book a themed experience. Try a haunted house at Halloween, a New Year’s Eve cruise, or a winery holiday tasting event.

Give Each Other Experiences Instead of Gifts

After years of buying presents for kids, it might feel strange not to have a pile under the tree. Shift the focus to experiences instead.

  • Plan a surprise date. Take turns organizing something special—whether it’s a weekend getaway, a fancy dinner, or an at-home spa night.
  • Gift tickets to something fun. Concerts, sporting events, or even cooking classes make great gifts.
  • Try a subscription service. Sign up for a monthly wine club, book box, or meal kit for something to enjoy all year.
  • Make a memory jar. Write down fun moments from the year and read them together every New Year’s Eve.

Start a New Holiday Tradition

You don’t have to follow the same traditions you did when the kids were little. Make the holidays your own.

  • Host an annual holiday brunch with friends instead of a big dinner.
  • Do a Christmas Eve reflection night. Light candles, play music, and talk about the highlights of your year.
  • Spend a holiday volunteering. Whether it’s serving meals or delivering gifts to families in need, giving back can be incredibly rewarding.
  • Create a New Year’s tradition. Write down your goals and dreams for the next year and read them together at midnight.

Holidays don’t have to feel empty just because the kids aren’t around. The key is to focus on what brings you joy and turn it into something to look forward to every year.

FAQ: Creating New Traditions and Empty Nester Hobbies

1. How do I start new traditions as an empty nester?

Start by thinking about what excites you. Do you want to travel more, spend time with friends, or pick up new hobbies? Try a few different things and see what sticks. The best traditions are the ones that bring you joy and fit naturally into your life.

2. What if I miss old traditions with my kids?

It’s normal to feel nostalgic, but that doesn’t mean traditions have to disappear. Find ways to adapt them—like hosting a virtual game night, sending care packages, or planning an annual family getaway. At the same time, give yourself permission to create new traditions that celebrate this stage of life.

3. What are some holiday Empty nester hobbies?

Holidays can be a great time to start fresh traditions. Try planning a holiday trip, hosting a Friendsgiving, volunteering together, or exchanging experience-based gifts instead of material ones. The key is to focus on what makes you happy, rather than what you feel obligated to do.

4. How can I involve my spouse or partner in new traditions?

Talk about what you both enjoy and find traditions you can share. Whether it’s taking a Sunday drive, learning a new skill together, or making an annual trip, the goal is to create experiences that bring you closer. It’s also okay to have individual traditions—some solo time can make shared moments even more meaningful.

5. How do I keep family traditions alive when my kids are grown?

Stay connected by scheduling regular video calls, planning family get-togethers, or sending thoughtful care packages. Traditions don’t have to look exactly the same to still be special. The most important thing is maintaining the bond, even if the way you celebrate changes.