We know that making new friends in adulthood is the ultimate challenge. We’ve probably all heard the age-old advice: If you want to make new friends, try picking up a new hobby or take a class where you can meet new people.
Sounds easy enough, right? Except what the heck are you supposed to do? If you have ever felt lost at this idea of just “picking up a new hobby.” This post is for you.
Here are ten new hobbies to pick up or try for total beginners (AKA no expensive equipment, inherent athleticism, or large time commitment). Best part is these are things that are actually fun- we promise.
1. Take a pottery class
Here’s the beauty of taking a beginner-level pottery class: everyone’s pots are going to look terrible in the beginning. Believe me- I’m an illustration arts major who was humbled by a pottery class I took during my undergrad. Halfway through the semester my older sister came over to my apartment and earnestly asked “why do you have all these ugly little pots everywhere?” (Don’t worry my feelings were only mildly hurt and I did get ~marginally~ better at making pots). Watching everyone improve and get over the learning curve is half of the fun.
Now don’t let the fear of ugly little pots hold you back- taking a pottery class is a genuinely good time.
It’s the perfect class to sign up to meet new people because there’s plenty of down time to chat while working on your projects- but working with clay helps break that barrier of feeling like you’re just small-talking. Is anything worse than small talk?
Check your local university or community college- oftentimes they have ceramics courses available to the community for discounted rates!
- Pickleball
Okay, okay I know- I promised you guys that none of these activities would require inherent athleticism. Take it from me- the girl who was once on crutches for a week after taking a tumble from “walking too fast”- pickleball is a beginner-friendly activity.
Pickleball played in a two-on-two setup which means it’s a great way to meet new people in a smaller group. Often, communities will even have tournaments set up (or your local park could have other couples playing, which is a great way to meet new people).
This is a fun activity for anyone who wants to get outside, but doesn’t necessarily want to run or get too sweaty (I am describing myself here).
It’s a fun activity for people of all ages. My husband and I got into it last summer and met a woman who was a grandmother of six who would play with her grandkids.
- Take a Yoga Class
Okay, okay- I know taking a yoga class to meet new people is almost a cliche at this point but it’s FUN okay? The great thing about yoga is that the movements are totally adaptable to anyone depending on their skill level. That means you can drop in to just about any class and start learning. Not to mention, the mental health benefits are amazing.
What if you meet your new best friend in a yoga class? That is the ultimate meet-cute story to tell for generations to come. It can’t hurt to try.
- Join a Book Club
Remember how everyone’s mom in the 90’s used to have a book club? Heck- remember when we all used to read actual books? Why is it that we all hit our mid-twenties and all we read is nonfiction self-help books or the sound-it-out books our kids bring home while we help them with homework? Boring. When was the last time you read a book so captivating you couldn’t put it down?
Bring back that hiding-under-the-covers-reading-the-new-Harry-Potter-with-a-flashlight-feeling of your childhood.
You can share that feeling with a group of new friends all reading something you love together. Or better yet- all reading something you all hate. Nothing bonds new friendship like shared hatred.
- Start an Album Club
This is something my friends started during quarantine. The basic premise is like a book club except instead of everyone reading the same book, you are all listening to the same album. Our club had an open-door policy so anyone could invite anyone else to join. Ours was over Zoom (because pandemic) but you could also do this in person.
Each week someone picked a new album, we would all give it a listen, and then jump on a call Sunday night to discuss. It was very fun and a cool way to meet new people.
If you’re interested in meeting new people (and finding new music) starting an album club could be for you!
- Take a Cooking Class
In the early 2000’s, my mom took a Thai cooking class. Let me tell you- it might have been the best three months of my entire childhood. I know my mom loved it because it gave her structured time to get out of the house and talk to other adults with fully developed brains instead of her four high-energy children. We loved it because she brought leftovers home. Even twenty years later, my mom still brings out those recipes to make for the family.
Many cooking classes last just a few weeks, so it’s a great hobby to pick up and try with a shorter commitment. If you love it, you can sign up for another!
- Frisbee Golf
Okay, again with something that sounds athletic- I promise this is attainable. During the pandemic, my husband and I bought a set of frisbee golf discs off Facebook Marketplace and taught ourselves how to play at the local park. It was surprisingly fun- and if I, the girl who once was on crutches for a week for a “walking too fast” accident, could beat my athletic husband, we KNOW it’s a beginner-friendly activity.
- Volunteer at a Local Organization
I know I sound like a church camp leader saying this but volunteering is a great way to meet new people. One time, a good friend of mine invited me to volunteer at a local food pantry with her. I went somewhat begrudgingly, but I genuinely had a great time. There are plenty of wonderful organizations to get involved with and it’s a great way to get to know your community a little better.
- Learn how to knit
A good friend of mine is a semi-professional knitter. Watching her knit is like watching actual witchcraft- truly magical. The great thing about living in an internet-age is that all kinds of information is available at our fingertips. For the cost of just a ball of yarn and a set of knitting needles (aka less than $10) you can start to learn witchcraft too- so long as by witchcraft you just mean fiberarts.
Another benefit of knitting is that everyone who knits is nice. I don’t have any scientific data to back this up but have you ever met someone who knits who isn’t nice? I didn’t think so. There are lots of local knitting groups on Facebook. It’s a great way to meet some new people (maybe even friends!)
- Take your Dog to Classes
At the risk of sounding like a crazy dog mom- taking your dog to training classes can be very fun. There are puppy training classes, agility classes for older dogs, and socialization classes.
You could even get way into it and teach your dog scent training.
Often these classes take place in a group setting so it’s a great opportunity to meet new people, socialize your pet, and the best part? You come home with a better-behaved doggo.
What are some of your favorite hobbies? We’d love to add to the list!