The 20 Best Hobbies to Start in Your 20s

AD – This is a collaborative post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Your 20s are the perfect time to try out something new. You might be figuring out who you are and what you like – or you might be looking to meet new people in your local area.

Hobbies are an important part of life at any age. They can help you learn new skills, meet new people and invest in your personal growth.

The best hobbies give you a chance to completely switch off from your other responsibilities. You can relax after a busy day, avoid burnout and add a bit of joy to your life.

The 20 best hobbies to start in your 20s

So, what are the 20 best hobbies to try out in your 20s? Let’s take a look – there’s something for everyone!

Yoga

Your 20s can be a stressful time. You might be building a career or starting a family. Yoga is the ideal way to relax after a day at work – and it’s a great workout for your whole body.

Painting

I love the art of creating something new. Whether it’s any good or not, just the act of expressing your creativity can be so good for your mental health. Who’s to say what “good” art is, anyway?

Swimming

I actually started swimming regularly in my early 20s – and it was going to the pool that introduced me to exercising as an adult.

Although my local pool has now closed, I love going for a swim whenever I can. Arrange a swimming session with friends or enjoy a calming solo session.

Dance

You might think dance is just for kids, but there are lots of ways to enjoy dancing as an adult. You could go along to an adult dance class or teach little ones in your spare time.

If, like me, your dancing skills leave a lot to be desired, why not try out Zumba or a dance fit class? You can get moving and feel good without actually knowing any of the steps.

Volunteer for a local charity

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and boost your confidence. You can give back to your community and support a local charity.

Origami

Origami is fantastic for your motor skills, hand-eye coordination and stress relief. You can learn a new skill and create beautiful designs for friends and family.

Cooking

If you’re anything like me, you can’t think of anything worse than slaving over a hot stove after work. However, cooking is a great skill to develop in your 20s.

It’s a life skill that’s well-worth having – and you can make it fun by going to a cooking class or making a big feast for friends.

Read a good book

I love reading a good book. Pick up a new novel from your local library or swap books with a friend. You could even go to a book club to meet new people who love reading as much as you.

Check out my blog post for more creative activities for readers and writers this Summer!

Skiing

Your 20s is the perfect time to try something a bit different. Whether you’re a seasoned ski pro or you’ve never been out on the slopes, why not give skiing a go in 2025?

You could book a ski holiday in France or take beginner lessons. Skiing is a unique opportunity to learn a new skill and have a bit of fun in your 20s.

You could even explore entry-level jobs abroad. Some positions offer paid relocation, which is a great option for new adventures.

Go to the gym

I started going to the gym in my early 20s, and it’s really helped me improve my mental and physical health. Exercising is a good way to boost your confidence and meet new people.

If the gym isn’t your thing, try out an exercise class, join a walking group or go for a run. It’s all about finding what works for you.

Sewing or knitting

Sewing and knitting have never been my strong suits, but they’re getting more and more popular among young people. These activities are calm and relaxing – and they provide a much-needed break from screens.

Hiking

I live near the Peak District – and I love exploring new walks. I wouldn’t necessarily call what I do “hiking”, but it’s a fun way to get some exercise and get out into nature.

Whatever your experience level, hiking is sure to give you a bit of perspective on anything going on in your life – and it can do wonders for your overall well-being.

Blogging

Blogging is one of my favourite hobbies! I actually created my blog at 17, but you can start a blog at any age. It’s a space to express yourself or even make a bit of extra money from your writing.

If you’re just getting started, check out my ebook ‘The Art of Blog Writing‘. I cover the basics of blogging, including helpful guides and resources to write your first post.

Home decor

Learn about home decor to individualise your home in your 20s. Whether you want to create a productive home office or a cosy reading corner, try out home decor to make your living space your own.

Learn a new language

Learning a new language can help you test your brain and expand your horizons. You could go along to language classes with friends or learn solo via an app like Duolingo.

Meditation

Your 20s are all about navigating everything the adult world has to offer. You’re learning who you are – and you need a relaxing hobby like meditation to settle your mind and feel grounded.

Creative writing

I love creative writing – and there are so many ways to enjoy your writing. Even though I work as a content writer, writing for pleasure is still one of my favourite hobbies.

You could try out some writing prompts or express your creativity through journalling about everything that’s happening in your 20s.

Scrapbooking

I know a few friends who love scrapbooking. Your 20s are full of fun memories with friends and family – so why not commemorate those in a creative art form?

Photography

Photography is a fantastic way to express yourself in your 20s. You could snap photos of your friends or take a photography course to learn more about the art of taking pictures.

Looking for more? Check out my blog post for 5 tips to celebrate small milestones in your 20s.

Gardening

Gardening is a good way to relax at the end of the work day, especially in Summer. It can be great exercise and it can help you appreciate the natural world.

If gardening isn’t for you, why not try out flower arranging? Or you could grow some plants on your windowsill. All of these hobbies are amazing for your inner peace.

What is your favourite hobby? Have you started a new hobby recently? Do you have any recommendations for hobbies to start in your 20s?

Tell me all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Happy reading x