7 People Share Their Favorite Hobbies to Do in Retirement (I’m So Inspired!)

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Before you retire, you might perceive it as a phase of life when not a lot happens. While this life chapter likely comes with more free time, many retirees use it to discover (or rediscover) hobbies. “Retirement’s greatest gift is the pleasure of focusing on one thing at a time,” says Amy K., a former organization designer and author who retired in 2025.

Dorian Mintzer, PhD, LICSW, BCC, a Boston-based psychologist and retirement transition coach, says exploring new interests isn’t just fun — it also provides great benefits. “Hobbies help retirees maintain mental, physical, and emotional well-being by providing a sense of purpose, structure, and social connection,” she says.

Mintzer says it’s sometimes difficult for people to accept trying something new in retirement — and not being the best at it. “If so much of your life has been producing, producing, producing, sometimes you need to shift your mindset from excelling to enjoying, relaxing, and embracing becoming a beginner again.”

She encourages those contemplating retirement to road-test hobbies while they’re still employed to make the transition smoother. “If they want to take up piano, perhaps they can schedule one 20-minute practice a week while they’re working, and then they can look forward to building in additional practices once they have the time.”

Need more inspiration? I asked seven people about the activities they’re drawn to in retirement — and their answers might just inspire your next hobby.

“My husband, John, and I retired on the same day. We joined a gym and enjoy lifting weights and taking yoga classes together. When we’re outdoors, he loves biking, while I prefer swimming and windsurfing. We also joined the Rotary club, which meets on Fridays for breakfast, and we’ve enjoyed dedicating time to our community.” —Trudy M., Virginia, former tech professional-turned-career coach, retired since 2025

“My hobby is the same, but its essence has changed. My garden was always a welcome escape from the computer. But gardening often felt like another task on the to-do list. Now, I lose myself in planting, trimming, and even weeding. And there is real joy in the details, like watching a butterfly find a newly opened flower.” —Amy K., Pennsylvania; former organization designer and author, retired since 2025

“When I’m not watching my grandchildren a few days a week, I find great joy volunteering at two local museums. I serve as a tour guide at one and as a visitor experience volunteer at another. I also volunteer at a food bank. Both of these activities are very rewarding, and they supplement my family involvement, daily walks, travel, and social activities. I find there are many places to meet others, including at local libraries and through community associations.” —Robin C., New York; former teacher, retired since 2015

“I started sewing while working at a craft publishing company so I could understand the consumer language of the crafters. After countless mistakes and re-works, I focus on simple things: pouches, pillows, curtains, and fabulous table runners that I make for friends. I have them select a color range, and I love seeing the finished work in their dining rooms. Plus, I can now shorten jeans and keep the original hem. That’s the limited extent of what I have mastered, but the savings from altering my jeans pay for the machine!” —Lee Anne B., New York; former consumer insights and research professional, retired since 2025

“After teaching English and Theater Arts to middle schoolers for many years, I am grateful for the opportunities I now have to pursue my favorite pastimes. Living in Los Angeles, I get to enjoy my lifelong passion for theater as both a participant and an observer. My hubby, Ron, and I try to see as many new shows as we can, often right from Broadway! As an active member of the theater community (and community theater), I have taken classes, ranging from Intensive Shakespeare to Comedy and Vocal Improv at Topanga Canyon’s Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. I’ve also begun networking with voice-over artists and coaches, and have started work on my own reel!” —Julie M., California; former teacher, retired since 2020

“My mother taught me to knit and crochet when I was a little girl. I was interested in finding an outlet for this hobby after retirement, so I joined a group of women in my town who distribute all kinds of items to local charities. Now all my hats, scarves, and blankets have a new home at local hospital nurseries, domestic violence agencies, and homeless shelters. A lot of the yarn is donated. I do a little every day and probably make about 100 items a year. I love helping to keep someone warm.” —Anna Lee B., Massachusetts; former social worker, retired since 2018

“My husband, Benjamin, spent years in the corporate world, but he retired nine months ago to pursue a more creative path, launching a luxury leather brand. Around the same time, I stepped away from my 9-to-5 to focus on writing travel features and growing my antique business. Together, we’ve reimagined retirement as a period of building and exploration. We travel often, enjoy life on the farm where we’ve lived since 2018, and most recently purchased a manor in southwestern France that we plan to restore into a boutique hotel. It’s near the best surf spot in Europe — we’re both surfers — and it’s also close to the French Pyrenees for skiing and hiking. We’re continuing to evolve what this next chapter looks like.” —Marlise M., California; former content manager, retired in 2026