Why is it so hard to make friends as an adult? I miss the days when we were in primary school. You could go up to a random kid and become best mates over a shared love of sandpits. Let’s use the same concept and discover some hobbies to help you make new friends.

Before going any further, I want you to stop for a minute and have a good think about what you enjoy doing. If nothing comes to mind then think about what you want to get out of your new hobby. Do you have a specific goal in mind for making friends? Are you looking to improve your fitness or skills, or do you simply want to connect with someone who shares your interests?

Hobbies to help you make new friends

1. Join a fitness class

Fitness classes can be daunting at first but they are worth the initial fear. They attract a variety of people too so don’t worry about being surrounded by super-fit beefcakes. Also, an expensive gym membership is not necessary because you can pay-as-you-go. Visit Pay As U Gym to find a gym nearby at a decent price.

2. Join or start a book club

If you like reading then this is the obvious choice for you. Have a look on Facebook for book groups within your local community. If you can’t find one then make your own, invite your friends and tell them to invite their friends. Book clubs do not have to be in person either with sites like Goodreads you can join online book clubs. Emma Watson and Florence Welch have their own clubs that you can join too!

A Book Club Journal can help you keep track of your notes.

3. Start a local part-time course

Courses can range from cake decorating to improving your Maths and English. College is not only for school leavers and they have lots of courses to choose from. You could qualify for free funding and it is easy to work around your current commitments. Also, you do not need any qualifications because there are courses for all levels. Check out your local college’s website and download their prospectus. This is a great way to make friends who share the same interests as you.

4. Join a walking group 

Walking groups have become more popular and they are great for your mental health.

The great thing about walking groups is they organise transport to and from the walking routes and you can pay on the day. They have different experience levels so don’t worry about falling behind.

Visit Ramblers to find your nearest walking group or if you are not in the UK then have a look on Google.

It’s also a great excuse to treat yourself to some walking boots.

5. Volunteer

This is the most rewarding hobby to help you make new friends. Volunteering can be. worthwhile and fun but people tend to think of it as just unpaid work which could not be more wrong. Visit do-it and you’ll find all the volunteer opportunities in your area. You can refine the search to include your interests and skills. If you enjoy it you could change someone’s life for the better.

6. Contribute to an online forum

There is a forum for everything and everyone. Personally, my favourite is Reddit and although I do not use it that often, it is my go to forum. You do not have to go outside to make friends if you do not want to. Reddit is a great platform to talk about your interests and it is super easy to find people to connect with.

7. Start gaming 

People who do not game have the misconception that gaming is a singular activity but it can be a great way to make friends. If you have a decent computer then install Steam and go from there. They have a massive selection of multi-player games and after you sign up you can link your Facebook account. You will be surprised at how many of your friends are already gamers. Disclaimer: It is not my fault if you develop a WoW addiction. 

8. Go to a festival

Whether it is with friends or alone, festivals are a great place to meet people who enjoy the same taste in music as you. Festivals are the places where memories are made and new friends are met. Whether your favourite band is Paramore or The Jacksons, there is a festival for you. Have a look on Festicket to browse what festivals are on this year.

9. Start playing bingo

Do not knock it until you try it because bingo is fun. Start your own weekly bingo nights, invite a few friends and ask them to bring a friend. There is also a chance of winning money amongst your new found friends. It is competitive too and there is a bar.

10. Join Meetup 

If none of these ideas float your boat then sign up to Meetup. You simply enter your location and the various meetups in your area will show up. For example, in my area, there were trips to go bowling, cinema, salsa dancing and coffee & cake. I definitely saved the best until last because meetup is the site that has something for everyone.

Hobbies that did not make it to the top ten:

• Become a blogger (the blogging community are amazing but it is harder than it looks)
• Reconnect with old friends
• Connect with other dog owners
• Invite yourself round to your neighbours
• Social networking
• Start your own Etsy shop as I did and chat with other sellers.

People also ask

What are some unique hobby ideas?

• Urban Gardening: Embrace your green thumb even in a concrete jungle! Urban gardening lets you grow plants, flowers, and even vegetables in small spaces like balconies or windowsills. It’s a great way to connect with nature, reduce stress, and meet fellow garden enthusiasts in your community.
• Escape Room Challenges: If you love solving puzzles and working as a team, escape room challenges are an exhilarating option. Gather a group of friends and put your problem-solving skills to the test while having a blast trying to escape themed rooms filled with mind-boggling puzzles.
• Geocaching: Combine outdoor adventure with a modern-day treasure hunt through geocaching. Using GPS coordinates, you’ll search for hidden containers (geocaches) in various locations worldwide. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore new places and connect with geocaching communities.
• Board Game Nights: Host regular board game nights with friends or join existing groups in your area. Board games offer endless fun, strategy, and bonding moments. From classic games to modern favourites, there’s something for everyone.

How do I find friends and hobbies?

• Online Communities and Social Media: The internet is a treasure trove of niche communities centred around hobbies. Look for Facebook groups, Reddit forums, or specialized websites related to your interests. Engage with like-minded people, share experiences, and make connections.
• Local Meetup Groups: Meetup platforms are an excellent resource to find hobby-related gatherings in your area. Simply search for your interests, and you’ll discover events and groups where you can meet people who share your passions.
• Take Classes or Workshops: Enroll in classes or workshops related to the hobbies you want to explore. Whether it’s painting, cooking, dancing, or photography, these settings provide a conducive environment to meet people who share similar interests.
• Attend Events and Conventions: Keep an eye out for hobby-related events, conventions, or exhibitions. These gatherings attract enthusiasts from all walks of life, making them a perfect opportunity to connect with others who have similar hobbies.

How do adults find new hobbies?

• Explore Childhood Interests: Reflect on hobbies you enjoyed as a child or teenager. Rediscovering old interests can reignite a sense of passion and enthusiasm.
• Experiment with Different Activities: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Attend workshops, join clubs, or simply experiment with various hobbies until you find one that clicks with you.
• Ask for Recommendations: Seek suggestions from friends, family, or colleagues. They might introduce you to hobbies you haven’t considered before.
• Online Tutorials and Classes: Dive into the vast ocean of online tutorials and classes. YouTube, Skillshare, and other platforms offer instructional videos that can help you explore and learn new hobbies at your own pace.

What should I start a new hobby?

• Passion and Interest: Look for hobbies that genuinely interest you or align with your passion. When you’re passionate about something, it becomes easier to stay committed and dedicated to learning and improving in that area.
• Availability of Resources: Consider the availability of resources needed for the hobby. Assess whether you can easily access the required materials, tools, or spaces to pursue the activity.
• Time Commitment: Be realistic about the time you can dedicate to your new hobby. Some hobbies may require more time and effort, so choose something that fits well with your schedule.
• Community and Support: Check if there are communities, clubs, or groups dedicated to the hobby you want to pursue. Being part of a community can provide encouragement, guidance, and opportunities to make friends with shared interests.

Remember, trying out different hobbies can be a delightful journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Don’t be afraid to explore, make new friends, and have fun along the way!

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