Your twenties are the ideal age to discover and follow your talents and interests.
If you’re done with school, you finally have the free time to find out what you like enough to dedicate your time and effort to. If you’re still in college, finding something to do just for yourself is the best way to reduce stress and help you deal with the pressure of everyday life.
Hobbies for women in their 20s can be anything: you can start something that could flourish into a lifelong passion or give something you’ve always wanted to try a shot.
Your hobbies will change – you’ll lose interest in some things, while some might move your life in a whole new direction or become a side hustle to pursue. Whichever the case, have fun and remember that you only regret the things you didn’t try.
What Are The Best Hobbies For Women In Their 20s?
As you go through this list of hobbies for women in their 20s, don’t overthink it. There’s nothing that isn’t for you. Even if you believe that you’re not athletic or creative, you’ll be surprised if you give it a chance. Spend your time working on it, and it’s impossible not to get better.
Every young woman in her 20s should lay a foundation for these four things:
1. Find a physical activity you like
If you want to stay healthy, it’s absolutely necessary to exercise. Many people are turned off from working out because they do things they find boring and too hard. Finding something that’s a lot of fun will help you stay consistent.
There are many things to choose from – you only have to try. If you don’t like it, just try something else until you find whatever is right for you. When you do, it will be a stress relief and a source of strength. Don’t miss out on all the endorphins.
2. Discover a creative outlet
Self-expression is a basic human need, and finding an outlet through a fun hobby is a no-pressure way to reflect on yourself. Creative hobbies are fun and improve your mental health, so why not pick one?
Keep in mind that talent has nothing to do with it, so choose whatever you think would be interesting. No one is born knowing how to do something, so until you start actually doing things, you can’t unlock your full potential.
3. Start working on new skills
Just find something that seems interesting and learn to do it. It’s as simple as that. It doesn’t have to seem useful or be something that other people find interesting. As long as you enjoy it, you should do it.
You never know when something will come in handy, but even if it doesn’t, everything you learn will contribute to your personality and make other skills easier and more approachable. Finding your purpose becomes easier once you’re aware of everything that is available to you.
4. Allow time for fun
A good hobby is one that’s fun. It can be useful or lead to self-improvement, but it doesn’t have to. As long as you enjoy it, it’s the right one for you. Live your life to the fullest in everything you do.
In your teens, school left little time for you to just do things because you wanted to. As a young adult, you can make up for it by giving yourself permission to enjoy every day by doing something that makes you happy.
Hobby Ideas For Young Women
Find your new favorite hobbies in this list. Pick one or more from each category to try, and if they don’t work out, pick again!
Just make sure you’re actually doing things, and something will turn into your new hobby for sure. Who knows, some of these could become the answer when you don’t know what to do with your life.
• Get moving
1. Walking
There’s no other exercise like walking. Whatever else you do, try including it in your daily life. It’s easy, convenient, and keeps you healthy. Simply choose to walk instead of driving whenever you have the time, and you should get your daily steps in no time.
2. Running
People either love or hate running. Beginners can easily feel discouraged if they start too intensely, so if you want to try it, find a training plan that helps you get into it gradually. For the easiest introduction to running, get one of the many apps that help guide you.
3. Weightlifting
Don’t believe the myth that weightlifting makes you bulky. It gives you curves and helps you stay lean by increasing your muscle mass. If you’ve never done it before, find a personal trainer to teach you the proper form, and when you learn, you can do it on your own.
4. Biking
Biking is so fun that it often doesn’t even feel like exercise. Find a path that’s nice to look at and enjoy the wind in your hair and nature around you while you increase your blood flow and get in shape.
5. Yoga
Everyone should try yoga. It’s beneficial in many ways and adaptable to every body and skill level. You can take a class or do it at home with YouTube videos. One thing about yoga to remember: once you try it, even if you give up, you’ll always keep coming back.
6. Dancing
If dancing makes you happy, it’s a no-brainer that you should choose it. Ballet, jazz, contemporary, ballroom, pole dancing, hip-hop, belly dancing… The options are endless, so picking the one for you might be a little difficult.
A good idea is to see which dance classes are available near you and choose that way. If it doesn’t suit you, it’s easy to find another kind.
7. Crossfit
Crossfit is hard. It’s a kind of high-intensity interval training that gets you into shape quickly, and after every class, you feel good about the torture you’ve just been through. If you’re someone who likes to give it all you’ve got, this is the right choice for you.
8. Group sports
Group sports are both about exercise and a feeling of belonging. The sense of camaraderie that comes from being in a team can’t be found anywhere else. Choose sports like volleyball and basketball, but don’t forget that low-intensity activities like bowling are also an option.
9. Pilates
Pilates strengthens your core and helps a great deal with posture and flexibility. It’s low-impact, which means that it’s an option even for people who might have previously suffered injuries or have other conditions.
10. Zumba
Zumba is inspired by Latin dances, but you don’t need any experience to do it. Just find a class to join and be prepared to experience one of the most enjoyable workouts there is.
11. Hiking
What’s more calming than taking a walk in nature? You’re going to need a sturdy pair of shoes and preferably a friend to come along for maximum enjoyment. Find the closest mountain or lake, and travel the longest distance you can endure. Then go back.
12. Bouldering
If rock climbing seems interesting but a bit too complicated or dangerous, bouldering is a great choice. It’s done indoors using artificial rocks and with safety pads, so you don’t need ropes and other equipment.
13. Martial arts
You can do it just for fun and fitness or to learn self-defense. From Krav Maga to Jiu-Jitsu, martial arts are challenging and interesting, and they make you feel strong as you progress and keep getting better.
14. Boxing
Whether you pick standard boxing or kickboxing, you’ll start with shadowboxing and a punching bag, so don’t be afraid of getting hurt. As you keep going, you’ll start sparring, but before then, you’ll have a clearer picture of what to expect.
Besides, throwing a punch should be on everyone’s list of things to do before you die.
15. Swimming
Swimming is accessible to most people, and it’s often even used in therapy. It builds endurance and strength without being too intense and hard. If you can’t swim, you can learn quickly with an instructor wherever there’s a pool.
16. Surfing
If you’re lucky enough to live near the ocean, take your chance on the waves and stand up on that board. Learning the basics is easy, and catching the perfect wave can be a life-changing experience.
17. Skateboarding
Learning to skateboard isn’t hard, but it might take some time to learn the tricks. You can learn by yourself, and if you find other skateboarders, ask them for tips and join them for extra fun.
18. Ice skating/rollerblading
Depending on what’s available to you, these two activities are very similar; only the surfaces are different. This means that when you learn one, you can easily learn the other, too, if you get a chance.
19. Tennis
Tennis might be a bit expensive, but if you can afford it, it’s incredibly fun. It’s a social sport, and even at an amateur level, it gets competitive. It gives you many opportunities to challenge yourself and develop both mentally and physically.
20. Skiing
Skiing might only be available in winter, but once you fall in love with it, you’ll come back to it every year. You can start enjoying it after the first lesson with your instructor, and when you get better and can use more challenging trails, it’s incomparable.
• Be creative
21. Writing
You don’t have to be a professional to try creative writing; all it takes is imagination and perseverance. You can try writing fan fiction, stories or poetry, or even start a novel. Don’t hide your work either – give it to a friend to read or post it online.
22. Photography
Until you figure out if it’s something you’re really interested in and invest in equipment, you can take pictures of things that catch your eye with your phone. You don’t have to buy a camera until you decide if it’s something you see yourself doing.
23. Drawing
Start by drawing shapes, then slowly assemble what you’ve learned into images. Draw the things around you and try to really learn to see. There are lots of tips and tutorials online if you want to explore.
24. Painting
Most people who want to try painting first start with drawing, but painting also involves a set of skills that drawing doesn’t because of the different materials used. You can try different techniques and mediums, from acrylics to oil or watercolors, for different experiences.
25. Digital art
Digital design and illustration or graphic design can be done with free applications if you don’t have paid versions yet. Digital art is a bit more forgiving than traditional art because you can undo your mistakes and start over.
26. Making music
If you used to play an instrument, you can go back to it or try learning something completely new. You don’t have to stop there when it comes to music – you can try composing or writing lyrics and making your own songs or remixes.
27. Acting
Check the nearest community theater for an opportunity to try acting. It’s something completely different from anything else and has the added value of meeting people who are interested in the same thing.
28. Performing
If you’re interested in spoken word or poetry, dance, singing, or even being in a band, your 20s are the best time to get into it. Look for places where you can perform your art form of choice and for local bands looking for members.
29. Singing
You can sing any time, any place. At home or in front of people, singing is one of the little things that can make you happy regardless of how good you are at it. There are apps that pair people who play instruments with people who sing, so that’s something that can help you get started.
30. Calligraphy
There are as many kinds of calligraphy as there are scripts in the world. You can pick one that uses characters you’re familiar with. If you become skilled at hand lettering, you can use it to write invitations or thank you notes with a special touch.
31. Pottery
There’s something very basic about making something out of clay with your hands. It can be very soothing and, as you focus on the task at hand, feel almost like meditation. The objects you make will be unique to you and your expression.
See also: 50 Hobbies For Women Over 50: Move, Create, Thrive
• Get good at life skills
32. Cooking
If you can’t cook, you should learn as soon as possible. It’s an essential life skill, and when you’re able to make your own meals, you can eat healthier and cheaper. You can take a cooking class or use tutorials to learn.
As you get better, cooking will become a fun and creative thing to do instead of a chore.
33. Baking
Baking is easier than it seems. The most important thing when baking is to measure ingredients accurately and make sure they’re fresh. If you’re careful in those two areas, everything comes together. You can try making bread from scratch or baking cakes and decorating them.
34. Gardening
You don’t need to have a backyard to garden – taking care of houseplants is as rewarding and interesting as maintaining flower beds or growing food. You can take it up a notch by growing herbs on your windowsill.
35. Organizing
Keeping your life and environment organized might not seem like a hobby at first, but if it’s something that brings you joy, it definitely is. You can spend time organizing your closet, computer files, storage, finances, or schedule.
See also: 66 Interesting And Fun Hobbies For Women In Their 30s
• Do crafts
36. Scrapbooking
Print out photos and collect souvenirs to preserve your memories by keeping various mementos together. You’ll need some decorations and an album (it’s easiest to order supplies from Amazon), and you can create something special. Scrapbooks also make excellent gifts.
37. Needle and thread crafts
Sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or cross-stitch, whichever option you choose, you can come up with fun and creative ideas to mend your basic rips and holes, customize clothing and add details to home décor. Enjoy the little things around you to make your life more magical and romantic.
38. Upcycling
Go thrifting (which can be a hobby in itself) and find old and unusual items to upcycle. It can range from repainting an old lampshade a new color to reworking junk store furniture and reselling it.
39. Interior decorating
Learn some tricks and train your eye, and you can easily become skilled enough to make your living space special and unique. If you realize it’s something you like, it can turn into more than just a hobby.
40. Home improvement
Learn to do basic maintenance tasks around the house that come up sooner or later so you won’t have to rely on anyone when an emergency strikes. When you’re fixing leaky faucets like a pro, you might want to expand and learn how to do DIY projects.
41. Candle making
Making scented candles for your own use or to sell is very easy. You need basic candle supplies (wax and wicks), cute containers, and, most importantly, scented oils. The combinations and possibilities are endless.
42. Origami
Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding and has a very calming effect. You can start with basic models (there are even kits available) and advance to more complex and involved figures.
43. Flower arrangement
There are rules on how to best combine flowers to achieve balance and harmony, but in the end, it comes down to your own sense of proportion and aesthetic. Whichever type of flower arrangement you choose, the results are sure to be beautiful.
44. Jewelry making
If you like costume jewelry, making your own is the best way to have one-of-a-kind pieces. Bracelets, necklaces, or earrings, you can customize them and make them just to your taste, or surprise a friend with a special gift.
• Practice self-care
45. Discover what you like
After the pressure to fit in in your teens, your 20s are the right time to find out what it is you really like. Listen to music you would never have checked out before and watch movies and shows that you thought were boring.
Your taste grows and changes with you, and you might be surprised by what you learn. And knowing yourself is the first step in loving yourself.
46. Meditation
Meditation is one of the best ways to deal with stress. Start with just focusing on your breath, or try guided meditation using an app. Be patient if you get bored because when you get used to it, it will have a huge effect on your mental well-being.
47. Journaling
Journaling is often used in therapy as a tool to reach underlying issues, and you can use it to get to know yourself better. Just open a doc or take a piece of paper and write whatever comes to mind.
Other ways of using journals are bullet journaling and journal prompts. You can also use it in other ways that work for you: writing down positive affirmations, plans, or future visions are some possible ideas.
48. Find your style
If you’re interested in fashion, your 20s are the best time to experiment. Don’t only rely on whatever is trendy at the moment, but try to include styles from other eras and aesthetics that you find interesting. Discover your personal style.
49. Learn a new language
Learning a language can bring you closer to people and cultures that you could never have known on a deep level without knowing the language. Pick one that has a lot of media that you find interesting that you can use for practice.
50. Astrology/tarot
There’s so much to learn about horoscopes or reading tarot cards that it can be a life-long hobby. Whether you believe in it or not, it can be an entertaining way to learn something about yourself and whoever else you share your readings with.
• Connect
51. Social media
You can be an influencer, a blogger, or start a podcast about something you like and know. All of these can be related to another hobby you have.
Sharing your journey about something you’re working on is the best way to create quality content: every time you reach a milestone in something, post about it on Instagram or TikTok.
52. Create a YouTube channel
If you want to combine various skills you have, you can start a YouTube channel where you create content about something you’re passionate about. To make a really successful channel, you should also try your hand at video editing and promotion.
53. Video games
Gaming can be done on your own, but it’s best if done with others. Join a multiplayer game with friends or make new ones as you play. (You can always disconnect when you want to finish the final boss on your own.)
54. Join a book club
There are fiction and nonfiction-focused book clubs, and if you can’t find any, you can create your own. One important thing to note: book clubs are only in small part about books and mostly about hanging out with people you have something in common with.
55. Board games/puzzles
Board games and puzzles can be a great way to connect with others in a low-key way. When the purpose of hanging out is to do something, socialization loses its pressure and becomes easier. Try things like chess to feel brainy or huge jigsaw puzzles when you want to treat your inner child.
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What’s Your Perfect Hobby?
Did you find your new favorite thing in this list of hobbies for women in their 20s? A great hobby makes you happy, with the added benefit of being useful. If you improve your well-being, learn something, or find fulfillment, you can say that your hobby is very successful.
And even when you have things you love to do and know how to do, you shouldn’t stop looking for new ones. Keep referring to this list for new ideas to help you keep growing.