A list of individual and social adult activities you can do to have fun, make friends and increase your physical and mental health.
10min
'Variety is the spice of life', they say – but how often do we let ourselves taste different flavors? We often get so consumed in our day-to-day that we overlook other aspects of adulthood, but there's more to life than just paying bills or making presentations. There are plenty of fun adult activities that we can try out once or insert into our daily routines.
It can be exciting escapades outdoors under clear skies or cozy indoor retreats with friends, or even solitary hobbies that give you peace and satisfaction. Activities that provide us enjoyment and social interaction are highly beneficial in many ways.
You might also like to read: How to recover from burnout: a healing guide
If you have kids, you might be used to enrolling them in several activities, knowing that’s important for their development. But adults can also reap a wealth of mental and physical health benefits from engaging in social activities. These pursuits not only add fun to life but also contribute significantly to overall well-being.
Social activities stimulate the mind, promoting better cognitive function. Regular interaction with others challenges our brain, helping it stay sharp and responsive, which is particularly helpful for those who have retired or are out of work.
Participating in group tasks or hobbies can lead to improved problem-solving skills too. It's like giving your brain a workout, much like how you'd exercise muscles at the gym. Mayo Clinic reports, strong social ties might even boost your brain health as you age.
Beyond cognitive advantages, these engagements provide emotional support. Shared experiences foster empathy and understanding among participants leading to lower stress levels. Moreover, meaningful relationships that arise from these gatherings help combat feelings of isolation or depression.
Social interactions aren't just good for your head—they're great for your body too. Depending on the activity type—whether it’s hiking up mountains or practicing yoga—it gets people moving, which contributes positively towards cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength. But even less strenuous outings have their perks: strolling through an art gallery exercises balance while dancing helps maintain flexibility.
An active lifestyle slows down aging effects by keeping chronic conditions such as heart disease at bay. And some studies have found that people with a robust social life tend to live longer than their more isolated peers.
Beyond the benefits of other types of activities, volunteering emerges as a powerful avenue for reaping these health benefits. Giving back not only enriches the lives of others but also improves our own in countless ways. The joy derived from contributing positively towards society enhances our sense of purpose, and depending on the volunteer position you can find out new passions and develop many different skills.
One such platform making this possible is Worldpackers. It allows people to safely travel and volunteer globally while gaining unique experiences. This process promotes both physical activity (from working in new environments) and mental stimulation (by navigating different cultures). We'll tell you more about that at the end of this article.
Growing up doesn't mean we stop playing, it just means our playground changes. Here's a list of indoor activities that not only spark joy but also offer the opportunity to learn new skills and meet interesting people.
A cooking class is not just about learning how to prepare delicious meals—it’s about exploring different cultures through their cuisine. You can look for cooking classes on diverse cuisines from around the world in addition to basic culinary techniques. Food brings people together like few other things do.
Whether you're a seasoned artist or a novice with passion, art classes are an ideal way to unwind after work or during weekends, or to find a new passion once you’re no longer working.
They give you room for creative expression while honing your artistic skills. You can find numerous in-person and online courses covering various mediums such as oil painting, watercolor, sketching and more.
It's a fun and social activity suitable for individuals or small groups. Plus, it gives an opportunity to create unique pieces that can be used in your home while enjoying good company. There's nothing like molding clay with friends by your side.
Do you love dancing? Why not making that into a habit? Dancing can be a creative outlet for self-expression, promoting physical fitness and emotional well-being. It’s one of the adult activities that help people improve their coordination, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. It also stimulates the release of endorphins, reducing stress levels.
If pottery isn't up your alley, consider painting sessions instead. You know those paint-and-sip parties we all love so much? They are incredibly popular group activities for adults combining wine with art. A canvas awaits as does an unforgettable evening filled with creativity and laughter.
You don’t need a big yard for gardening; even apartment dwellers can experience the joy of nurturing plants indoors. Through independent research or by joining gardening groups, you can find tips and resources on how to best grow herbs, vegetables and flowers right at home.
Keep reading: A guide to organic gardening
Book clubs provide an opportunity for readers to share their enthusiasm about literature with other bibliophiles. In these meetings, that can be either in-person or online, participants engage in meaningful discussions and share diverse perspectives about the books.
This is one of our favorite adult activities because it promotes critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness, fostering a deeper understanding of societal issues and human experiences. Additionally, book clubs cultivate social connections with people who share your love for literature.
Yoga classes offer a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being, combining physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques. Practicing yoga can enhance flexibility, balance, and strength, while also promoting stress reduction and relaxation.
There are different types of meditation groups, but in general they provide a supportive environment for individuals to practice mindfulness and cultivate inner peace. Engaging in meditation techniques can reduce stress, improve concentration, and promote emotional resilience. On top of all that, group meditation sessions usually foster a sense of community and belonging.
Also, take a look at: Social activities: boost wellness and friendships
What about visiting art galleries and museums? They offer a rich cultural and educational experience, showcasing a diverse array of historical artifacts, contemporary artworks, and cultural exhibitions. Exploring these spaces fosters creativity, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation.
Attending theatrical productions, including plays, musicals, and experimental performances, allows individuals to engage with diverse narratives and themes. That stimulates empathy and introspection, encouraging audiences to reflect on societal issues and the complexities of the human condition.
This is another fun and recreational adult activity that promotes friendly competition and social bonding. Bowling games encourage physical activity, coordination, and strategic thinking.
Participating in trivia challenges fosters teamwork and intellectual engagement. These events encourage participants to showcase their expertise in various topics with a sense of community.
Are you a beer fan? What about going beyond the typical visit to a local bar? In craft beer tasting sessions, participants can learn about different beer styles, brewing techniques, and flavor profiles. You’ll also get to meet and befriend other people who also appreciate the artistry and complexity of brewing.
If you're keen on learning new languages or practicing ones you already know, language exchanges can be an excellent choice. That's when you get to practice the language you're studying with a native speaker or someone who also studies it, and in exchange you might help someone else practice a language you're fluent at.
Websites and apps like Tandem offer a great platform to get started, and many cities have groups of polyglots that meet in person to practice foreign languages.
You might also like to read: 10 easy tips to overcome language barriers while traveling
The great outdoors isn't just for kids. Adult outdoor activities offer countless opportunities to stay active, connect with nature, and have a blast. From team sports to camping adventures, let's explore the fun waiting right outside your door.
Gather some friends and start a game of soccer or basketball at your local park. Team sports are not only good for physical health but also help build teamwork skills. They're perfect if you love competition and camaraderie.
If you prefer solo ventures, try individual sports like running or swimming. These activities give freedom to set personal goals while keeping fit. To make it more interesting, sign up for events like marathons.
Nothing beats the serenity of hiking through scenic trails. It's an excellent way to relieve stress while enjoying breathtaking views. The best part? You don’t need any special equipment – just comfortable shoes. You can find routes suitable for all levels in most of the US and all around the world.
Biking is another enjoyable outdoor activity. It's an exercise with minimal strain on the joints that can be done at any speed. Explore local bike trails or even plan a long-distance cycling trip.
Want to disconnect from the hustle of daily life? Camping lets you immerse yourself in nature, cook over an open fire, stargaze, and wake up to fresh air. Plus, it’s budget friendly.
If you’re not too adventurous, look for camping sites with a good structure of bathrooms, kitchen, and such. Another option is to rent or buy a caravan or look for glamping places.
Rock climbing is not merely a physical activity but also an exhilarating mental challenge. Scaling natural rock formations or indoor climbing walls demands strength, agility, and problem-solving skills.
It's an excellent full-body workout that enhances muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility. Additionally, the thrill of conquering heights fosters confidence and self-esteem.
Looking for less adventurous adult activities? Birdwatching is a serene and immersive hobby that connects individuals with nature. As you observe various bird species in their natural habitats, you cultivate patience and attention to detail. Additionally, the act of spending time in green spaces can promote relaxation.
Photography serves as a creative outlet for self-expression and storytelling. Whether capturing breathtaking landscapes, candid portraits, or intricate details of everyday life, it allows you to interpret and share your unique perspectives with others.
This is one of the adult activities that encourage mindfulness, as you immerse yourself in your surroundings to capture the perfect shot.
Traveling broadens horizons, offering diverse cultural experiences and adventure. Whether embarking on an international journey or exploring local destinations, it enables you to immerse yourself in different traditions and lifestyles.
Moreover, it encourages physical activity through exploration, promotes stress reduction, and rejuvenates the mind by providing a break from daily routines.
You might also like to read our articles about solo travel and budget travel.
As we’ve mentioned before, volunteering is a powerful adult activity that is both rewarding for those involved and transformative for the community you’re helping. There are plenty of ways to volunteer. You can start by looking for organizations around the area you live in, from NGOs to animal shelters and community gardens.
Another option is to look for volunteering and work exchange positions in other parts of the country or abroad, which makes for unforgettable travel experiences. With the work exchange platform Worldpackers you can do just that.
There are hundreds of opportunities to volunteer and tasks include many of the activities we’ve mentioned in the lists above, like cooking, gardening or even teaching sports or languages, painting, and decorating, taking photographs and much more.
Besides developing new skills, meeting interesting people, getting immersed into a different culture, and having fun, you’ll also get free accommodation and sometimes other perks, like meals, tours, and classes. It’s a great way to travel for cheap, while also making a positive contribution to the world and making friends.
Check out some examples of volunteer positions in the US and abroad:
Got interested? Read more on how Worldpackers works.
Look online, ask around or check out local community boards. Sites like Meetup and Eventbrite are also good places to start.
You could host a backyard BBQ, organize a trivia night or plan an outdoor sports day. Remember to keep it fun and engaging.
Craft beer tasting, bowling nights, camping trips – there's so much. Also consider trying something new together, like dance classes.
Pictionary or even video game tournaments can be great fun. Board game cafes offer variety if you're keen on exploring options.
Adult activities can be the hidden gems in your routine life, lifting your spirits and boosting mental and physical health. We recommend trying out many different things; that way you’ll discover what sparks your joy.
Maybe it’s thrilling outdoor adventures like hiking or biking, or indoor options like cooking classes, yoga sessions or trivia nights. Or perhaps volunteering with different types of hosts through organizations like Worldpackers.
Anyway, don't hold back anymore; start exploring some of these adult activities today. You deserve it! Let's make life not just about work. And remember: It’s not about being the best; it’s about feeling your best. So, go out there and have fun!
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