43 Best Hobbies for Women in Their 20s

If you’re in your 20s and looking for a new hobby to keep yourself sane but this list of 43 best hobbies for women in their 20s will help you choose one that interests you in no time.

Your twenties are a time of personal growth, it’s during this decade that you get to define yourself more than at any other point in your life; whether it be through your work or the activities you get involved with on the side. 

Because of this need for self-discovery, hobbies can become an important part of one’s life during this age. Hobbies are activities that can bring you joy, help you learn more about yourself, and even lead to a potential career down the road.

The best place to start when trying to figure out what hobby may be good for you is by considering your goals. What is it that you’re looking for in life? Hobbies can play a major role in helping you achieve your goals, so it’s important to figure out exactly where your interests lie.

Do you want to learn more about yourself? Hobbies that are creative are the best option. If you’re looking for something that will allow you to grow as a person, then try taking on an activity that will help you become more social.

Even if there’s a particular hobby that catches your eye, it may not be the best one for you. Hobbies that require a lot of investment before seeing any real progress – such as playing an instrument – can sometimes lead to frustration and quitting before you’ve had a chance to reap any benefit from them.

Hobbies that are easy to learn and interesting to make progress in – such as cooking – tend to be the most beneficial overall. Hobbies that allow you to have a creative outlet can be very helpful in allowing you to explore yourself in a new way, but only if creativity is definitely something that interests you.

When it comes down to it, your hobbies should be whatever makes you happy. Hobbies can help make your 20s a time of real growth, but only if you put in the effort. Whether it’s learning how to cook or simply watching Netflix with friends, the right hobby is out there for you. All that matters is that you’re having fun while looking forward towards building a happier life.

If you don’t know which hobby to choose, we’ve compiled a list of 43 best hobbies for women in their 20s to help you make the process of choosing one easier.

43 Best Hobbies for Women in Their 20s

1. Reading

In this day and age, everyone is becoming more and more dependent on technology, which is great because it makes our lives easier, but it’s also important to spend time away from technology.

Reading lets you escape from the drabness of everyday life, and it provides so many benefits, it helps you relax and unwind, improves your focus, memory and writing skills, and enhances your imagination and vocabulary.

Find books on subjects that interest you most, otherwise, it can be easy to fall into a reading slump.

2. Coding

If there’s something that distinguishes this generation from the rest it’s technology, and as time passes by technology becomes more crucial in our life’s so why not learn to code?

Coding teaches you to think logically and analytically, which in turn, helps you develop your problem-solving skills.

If you’re interested in learning how to code, find beginner coding classes or online tutorials to help you get started.

3. Journaling

Journaling lets you keep track of your emotions to process them in a healthy way, so that you become more self-aware by letting some of these emotions surface.

It’s a great way to clear your mind and stay focused because it improves your mood, prevents depression and relieves stress and anxiety.

Start off by picking up a journal that inspires you or by getting a guided journal which takes you step-by-step through the process.

4. Poetry

Poetry has been around for centuries and the lessons it offers are still relevant today.

If you’re struggling with finding your purpose in life or if you want to develop a relationship with yourself, poetry might be the answer.

It’s all about expressing who you are and what’s going on inside you, through creativity and writing, without having to use complex words. Find a poem that inspires you or create one on your own!

5. Painting

Painting is a great way to express yourself creatively, focus your energy and relieve stress.

Painting is very versatile, staying inspired – even if you’re not Picasso – isn’t hard at all. Many people find that their painting goes through different stages, almost like it has a life of its own.

You may start out painting abstract colors and shapes, then progress to more detailed versions of the same picture. And in some cases, your painting may go back to the beginning after you’ve finished with it, when you decide to start over or make changes.

Painting gives you an opportunity to unleash your creativity all on your own terms, there’s no shortage of fun things you can paint. 

Find inspiration through photography, travel, and nature—or even paint your own decor and clothing. You can choose to paint anything you want, with as much or as little detail as you desire.

For those who aren’t so artistic, there are several painting classes available online that can help give you a push in the right direction.

6. Calligraphy

Calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing, and it’s been around for thousands of years. In ancient China, Japan, and Korea, calligraphy was considered one of the “Four Arts” that a cultivated person should acquire. Since then, its importance has only grown.

In today’s society, where typing on a keyboard is the norm, there’s no doubt that calligraphy is a dying art form. However, many people still appreciate its timeless beauty and elegance – and for good reason!

Calligraphy allows you to share your feelings through writing, it’s much more than just pictures on a page – it’s creating something beautiful that holds meaning.

You don’t need to be a master calligrapher in order to get started, you can start by choosing a few simple phrases that you would like to write out and then use them as inspiration to practice your calligraphy.

7. Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is a fun way for you to capture and preserve your memories, especially for events that may have slipped your mind.

You can do anything from recording your daily thoughts and activities, to chronicling special events that happened during a particular time of year. This allows you to reminisce on them later, or share them with friends and family who couldn’t be there during the event.

If you went on a trip to an exotic location or took part in some other exciting experience, you now have a photo album of where you’ve been and what you’ve done.

For many people, scrapbooking also provides a creative outlet that improves your storytelling skills, it’s like making an art project out of your life!

8. Crafts

Crafts give you the opportunity to express your creativity on a larger scale. Crafts can be as simple or as complicated as you want them to be, so they really are perfect for any skill level!

You could glue some marbles onto a wooden base in the shape of your home state, or color in some porcelain figurines using pastel chalk pens. If you want something more advanced, you can always tailor your work accordingly.

When it comes to the important things in life, there’s no “one-size fits all” answer. Instead of browsing Pinterest for a DIY project based on someone else’s desired outcome, use your imagination to create something that matches your own preferences.

Being crafty is a  hobby that keep your hands busy and creative juices flowing, crafts can be used as decoration for any room, as interesting gifts to give to friends and family, or you could even sell them to make some extra money!

9. Sewing

Sewing is a very therapeutic hobby, but it also has practical uses, it allows you to be creative and flexible with assorted fabrics and materials, and it can even be used for making your own clothes.

You can sew a patchwork scarf out of an old assorted variety of fabric pieces, or make coasters from discarded clothing items such as jeans.

You could keep the skills all to yourself, use them as gifts, or start selling your masterpieces on Etsy!

10. Engraving

Engraving gives you the freedom of personalizing your belongings in a unique way and keep them as memories; you can engrave just about anything metal, from a bracelet clasp to a knife handle. 

It might seem impossible at first, but it’s actually quite easy to learn how to engrave. As long as you have the right tools for the job, and you know the design you want, all it takes is a steady hand and some patience.

You can use what you’ve engraved as gifts or even sell them to some extra cash, in the last few years, there’s been a high demand for items with a personalized touch!

11. Pottery

If you enjoy throwing clay, painting it or baking in an oven, then pottery is the hobby for you. 

This hobby is great for your well-being as it provides therapeutic benefits for your mind and body, from allowing you to relax physically and mentally to lowering your stress levels.

It’s time-consuming, but that’s what makes it so special; when you spend hours kneading clay and perfecting your creation, it’s a great way to give yourself a peaceful time out from the busyness of the world.

In addition, pottery can be used for practical reasons or simply as an outlet for your creative side. It might take a little while to get the hang of but once you start getting comfortable with it, you might never want to stop.

One of the best things about pottery is that you can create anything you want with it. It’s very versatile and there are so many different techniques to learn, which means you’ll never get bored!

12. Antiquing

Antiquing helps you stay grounded in the present while exploring the past, it gives you a historical perspective on where an item came from and why.

When antiquing, always bear in mind your budget and how much money you’re willing to spend – otherwise, you may go home empty-handed and disappointed.

Antiques and collectibles don’t come cheap, remember that if an item is rare, then it will be worth more.

Antiquing is all about the thrill of discovery, but  one important thing to keep in mind is that antique stores are usually very particular about how they decide to display items. Be clever when it comes to your maneuvers so that it can help you track down hidden treasures with ease.

If you want to take your antiquing hobby up a notch, visit estate sales or auctions at job lots. You may run into some stiff competition, but that just serves as an extra incentive to find hidden gems!

13. Gardening

Gardening, especially in the springtime or summer, is a great way to spend some quality time with friends and family. A trip down to the local garden center can be an adventure of its own – it’s hard not to appreciate all the lush plants that are on display.

You don’t have to have your very own garden space in order to start gardening, there are plenty of ways to grow things indoors, you can grow your own strawberry garden stack vertically with this nifty system.

Don’t forget to do some research about what you want to plant before you start digging. You might find that the soil that’s already in your space will suit your needs just fine, or maybe it will need some work, so you get better results once plants start growing.

14. Flower Arranging

If you have a green thumb but are short on space to plant things in the ground, then flower arranging may be the perfect alternative. After all, no one said that your flowers had to be real!

There are plenty of beautiful, faux arrangements that you can make yourself if you don’t feel like dealing with the upkeep of real plants. As long as you have a vase to stick your flowers in, then you’re good to go. 

The flowers you use to decorate your space can actually add a lot of personality to it. If you want a more minimalistic look then opt for grey-colored pebbles or slate rocks, but if you prefer something with a bit more color and vibrancy, then why not try out some pink flower pebbles? 

You can change your decorations around as often as you like to give yourself a fresh look whenever the mood strikes you.

15. Cooking

Contrary to popular belief, cooking is actually a form of art, it teaches you how to follow recipes yet experiment with new ingredients.

Even if you don’t have a lot of time to cook, there’s nothing stopping you from learning the ropes, so you can create delicious personal meals in no time.

There’s nothing wrong with experimenting while cooking, but before you get ahead of yourself, it’s always a good idea to start out with simple recipes that teach you the basics.

No matter what you want to whip up in the kitchen, have fun with it!

16. Meditation

While some people still doubt the benefits of meditation, numerous studies have shown otherwise. 

According to a study by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), 8 weeks of meditation can reduce pain and increase immune function.

If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, why not try it out? Meditation improves your mental health and focus and allows you to reach a state of inner peace. It’s free, easy to learn, and it can be done in as little as 10 minutes per session. 

If you’re not sure where to start – there are plenty of helpful videos online which will walk you through the process of meditation step by step!

17. Singing

If you’re shy or suffer from stage fright, then singing might not be the best hobby for you. However, if singing is something that comes naturally to you, then there’s nothing stopping you from going out there and enjoying yourself.

Learning new songs helps you with your memory, because music stimulates your brain and singing tunes helps you learn how to better process information.

Plus, there are tons of benefits when it comes to physical health as well, such as improved muscle control and coordination.

Whether you’re a beginner or already well-versed in the world of singing, make sure you enjoy yourself!

18. Dancing

If you’re feeling stressed out, frustrated, anxious or just need some “me time,” then try going out to the club with friends or turning on some tunes at home and start grooving.

Getting into the groove is a fantastic way to release the endorphins in your body and forget about all of the problems you have on your mind.

It’s also great for socializing because you get to reconnect with old friends and meet new people. 

If you want to get into shape, then dancing is a great way to burn calories and tone muscles. Plus, you’ll feel happier and more confident because it releases endorphins into your body. 

19. Zumba

Zumba is a great way to get into shape, lose weight and tone muscles because it’s cardio intensive and really helps boost your heart rate and physical endurance.

To get the most out of Zumba, make sure to drink lots of water before, during and after your workout which will keep you hydrated so that you don’t feel dizzy or light-headed afterwards.

If you’re just starting out, it can be hard at first because Zumba involves learning new moves, so take it slow the first few times around until you get the hang of it.

Just like with any other type of exercise, don’t feel discouraged if you’re not seeing results right away, it takes time to form healthy habits and lose weight!

20. Pole Dancing

Pole dancing requires you to use your arms, core muscles and lower part of your body through fun movements.

This type of dance not only boosts your strength and endurance and tones your body, but it also improves your balance, posture and coordination.

One of the reasons why pole dancing is so popular is because of the confidence boost that comes with it. You learn how to work with your own sensuality in a healthy, positive manner rather than hiding it or feeling ashamed of it.

Many people are scared to take pole dance lessons, but once you do, the sense of achievement and satisfaction is priceless!

21. Working Out

Whether you want to lose weight or simply improve your body image, working out is the best way to go about achieving your health and fitness goals.

Working out helps you get more active and stay in shape, just 30 minutes of light or moderate activity can help strengthen your muscles, improve mood and increase energy levels.

Working out also improves your memory and cognition, because regular exercise increases the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in your body; which helps with memory, learning and higher thinking.

You can start by learning some new workout routines from an expert or from online resources such as YouTube workouts so that you have a set of guidelines to follow.

22. Cycling

Cycling is a great cardiovascular workout that also helps tone the muscles in your core and legs, calms your mind and reduces stress levels.

Aside from the health benefits, cycling can also be a lot of fun, you can bike with your friends and cycle different routes each time.

Be aware that there are potential risks involved when cycling, but you can avoid them by wearing high visibility clothing and always adhering to road laws.

If you’re not quite comfortable cycling outdoors, get yourself a stationary exercise bike, so you don’t need to worry about traffic or other obstacles on the road and can enjoy your favorite cycling in peace!

23. Jump Roping

According to Research Quarterly, jump roping is a fantastic way to get in shape fast. 

This low impact exercise is easy on the joints and will help you develop your core strength, improve coordination and burn a lot of calories per hour.

With countless benefits and virtually no risks involved, why not try jump roping? Just make sure that your room is clear of breakables and other things that could get damaged in case you miss a jump.

24. Roller Skating

Roller skating is also a lot of fun and can help you with your balance; while it might not be the best way to lose weight, it’s still a great source of cardio.

Those who are just starting out should wear protective gear like knee caps and elbow pads and make sure you practice to avoid fatal accidents. 

If you’re looking for activities to do with your friends, roller skating is the way to go, it’s both fun and great exercise. 

25. Hiking

Hiking is an amazing way to exercise and explore the outdoors, it has been shown that it has a positive effect on mood because it helps relief stress.

It also has long-term effects on other health issues like cholesterol, blood pressure and even heart disease.

Whether you need to take a day off from work or you simply want a break from the city, hiking allows you to enjoy nature and explore your surroundings.

If it’s your first time hiking, don’t go too hard on yourself – remember that this is supposed to be fun. Go with a friend you’re comfortable with and always look out for potential hazards on your trail!

26. Horseback Riding

Horseback riding places emphasis on patience, discipline and endurance – skills that aren’t learned overnight, so it’s important to remember to learn at your own pace to avoid frustration.

Horseback riding is a sport for all ages and there are plenty of organizations that offer lessons for beginners, but you should always take your time and never rush into it, specially if you’re not ready.

27. Archery

Archery has been around since the beginning of civilization, and it’s one of those hobbies that can be adapted to almost anyone, regardless of age or fitness level.

It combines both physical and mental exercise, as you need to concentrate on every single detail in order to hit the target as precisely as possible.

Scientific studies show that archery is a great sport for building arm muscles and improving hand and eye coordination.

Plus, it’s quite relaxing and allows you to let off some steam after a long day at work – what’s not to love?

28. Tennis

Tennis is one of those sports that you can pick up at any age, and it’s also great for building muscles. What’s more, it’s incredibly social – or competitive – depending on what type of player you are!

Tennis is a low-impact sport which means that it’s not going to put a lot of strain on your joints, which makes it a great choice for women in their 20s.

Here’s a tip: star playing doubles instead of singles, when you play doubles, you actually have to work together with your partner and communicate with them – plus the net engages both upper and lower body muscles.

You’ll get an amazing full-body workout without even noticing it!

29. Running

If you don’t like team sports, then running could be the perfect solution for you. It’s an individual sport which means that there are no teammates or opponents – just you and your mind.

Running helps with weight loss by improving endurance and burning calories, and mental health by relieving stress, regulate emotions and alleviate depression symptoms. 

When you run, your body releases endorphins which are natural painkillers that can give you a sense of euphoria – just like morphine does. This feeling feels so good that people often refer to it as a ‘runner’s high’.

What are you waiting for? Get to running now!

30. Yoga

Yoga is not just about keeping your mind and body fit; it’s also about learning how to balance your energy levels.

Yoga is now recognized as a valid form of therapy for those suffering from mental health issues such as depression and anxiety – it is considered complementary to standard care. 

With yoga, you’ll not only learn how to manage your emotions better but also how to relax both your mind and body.

On top of that, yoga also improves your flexibility which is particularly important to improve posture and motor skills and reduce the risk of injury,

Yoga is also great for building strength throughout the entire body, strong muscles are not only beneficial for your physical health but also for your self-esteem!

31. Playing an Instrument

When you play an instrument, your brain becomes activated in areas which also deal with math and language – that means that you’re not just exercising your muscles but also training your mind.

Not only does playing an instrument provide you with hours of fun, but it can also help with emotional regulation.

It’s a bit similar to the ‘runner’s high’ that you get from running because studies have shown that learning how to play an instrument has psychological benefits.

Specifically, playing music on a regular basis stimulates the brain, releases feel-good hormones and can even reduce your risk of dementia. 

What’s more, playing an instrument is a fantastic hobby for women in their 20s because it encourages the production of new brain cells.

This is particularly important for young adults since our brains naturally loses grey matter between birth and adolescence – which means that we need to do all we can to protect our brain’s health. 

Most instruments also require you to play with other musicians; this means that they’re fantastic for socializing and making new friends!

32. Photography

Photography helps you to become more creative and observant, it will increase your appreciation of the world around you and allow you to de-stress and to clear your mind.

Photography is a creative hobby that will make you look at the world differently; it will change your perspective by encouraging you to see things from new angles which you would otherwise not notice.

Furthermore, photography has been shown to improve emotional regulation by allowing you to ‘step out’ of your thoughts and memories; it can be quite therapeutic for those who suffer from anxiety or other mental health issues.

A great way to start learning how to take the perfect shot is by looking at other people’s work, you can learn what works and what doesn’t – which will help you improve your own photos.

Photography is simply a great hobby because it’s so easy and accessible, all you need is a smartphone!

33. Learning a New Language

Language learning is fantastic for your brain health, it provides you with hours of educational fun, and it will protect your mind from the negative effects associated with aging because it boosts both long and short-term memory. 

Specifically, learning a new language improves grey matter density in regions which are also responsible for language and memory formation, problem-solving and decision-making and attention and focus.

It opens up your mind to new ways of thinking and learning about culture – that means that you’ll not only be able to communicate with more people but also that you’ll experience the world differently.

Make sure you choose a language that really that interests you so that you stick to learning it!

34. Camping

Camping is lots of fun, it keeps you fit and healthy, provides an opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and encourages group interaction.

A camping trip demands that you plan ahead, learn how to work as part of a team and to live in the moment – all of which will help you grow professionally and personally.

You can go camping anywhere – completely for free if you want to or with a small fee if you prefer.

Remember that it’s not just about going away for a weekend, it’s about everything else! 

35. Star Gazing

It’s a unique but relaxing hobby that encourages mindfulness and learning about the constellations.

Constellations are simply groupings of stars which people have formed into familiar shapes – they’re actually different from galaxies, which are collections of billions of stars.  

The beauty of this hobby is that you can do it anywhere in the world, because all you need to get started is a star map.

Take your telescope into the back garden or go stargazing on holiday with your friends!

36. Rock Climbing 

Rock climbing challenges you physically, you can either go big or small; you don’t need much equipment or access to an indoor climbing center in order to get started. 

Conquering your fears is an important personal development step that can be achieved by rock climbing – it helps you face your anxiety head on which is incredibly rewarding. 

It encourages outdoor socialization where you can meet new people and make friends and helps you learn how to plan and follow through with an activity. 

With that in mind, rock climbing doesn’t require you to be in a specific location – as long as you can find some rocks, nothing can stop you from getting started!

37. Traveling

Traveling opens up your mind to new ideas, develops personal growth and provides an opportunity to document your experiences.

It’ also beneficial for your mental health because it forces you to leave your comfort zone and face your fears.

Traveling lets you learn about other cultures by immersing yourself in them and encouraging you to reflect on the people, places and things which have helped shaped today’s world. 

Traveling alone can be scary, but it provides you with the opportunity to reflect on where you are in life and to learn more about yourself in the process. It can be an emotional rollercoaster, but it’s worth every minute.

You can travel in your own country and abroad, at any time of year and for as long or short as you wish – it’s entirely up to you!

38. Fashion

Fashion is necessary for day to day life, it boosts your self-confidence and helps you develop style which will help you build up a unique collection of clothes that reflect who you are as a person.

Being fashionable means paying attention to every element of your body language – good posture, hand gestures, eyebrow movements and even how you walk can impact the way that other people see you.

Becoming more fashionable is all about trial and error which is why fashion blogs are a great way to learn about the latest trends – who knows, you might even end up becoming a blogger yourself. 

Fashion can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be, most items of clothing aren’t necessary for day to day wear and high street shops often carry similar styles to more expensive brands at much lower prices!

39. Makeup

It’s important to feel good about yourself, and we all want to look and feel our best, that’s why makeup is empowering, it can completely transform your face and make you look like a new person. 

According to Professor Nicholas Rule, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto, we make assumptions about people’s personalities and professions based on what they look like.

Appearance is everything and whether you’re looking for a change in your career or just want to meet new people, wearing makeup can help you achieve your goals – it can even make you more successful. 

If you’re feeling low on confidence then why not start wearing makeup – it could be the difference between having a fantastic day or an average one!

40. Puzzles

Puzzles are a great way to develop your cognitive skills while also having fun! They reduce stress, increase your attention span and encourage you to become more detail minded.

Puzzles are also great because they’re relatively cheap – it’s entirely up to you how much money you want to spend.

If you want something cheap try out jigsaw puzzles or crosswords. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an expensive alternative, try  a Rubik’s Cube or even a 3D puzzle. 

It doesn’t matter what type of puzzles you enjoy – what matters is that all of them are great for developing your skills and should help banish boredom!

41. Cardplaying

Whether you’re playing online or in real life, cardplaying is an inexpensive way to bond with others and improve your social skills and tactical thinking.

Bored of watching TV on your own? Then why not organize a cardplaying night with some of your friends!

42. Watching Movies

Movies also give us an escape from reality and let us travel across the globe without ever leaving our homes. They allow us to experience different cultures, learn about historical events and immerse ourselves in modern day fantasies!

While it’s important that we don’t become too dependent on movies, they’re still good for our mental health and should be enjoyed as often as possible.

For those who don’t like to read, watching a movie is the perfect alternative. We all know how long book reports can take – why not watch a film instead? It’s a lot more fun, and you’ll be done in 2 to 3 hours.

43. Cosplaying

Cosplay has become an increasingly popular trend in the past few years,  according to Merriam-Webster, cosplaying is defined as dressing like a character from a movie or video game. 

It doesn’t matter whether you want to dress up as Batman, Wonder Woman or even Pikachu – why not try it out? It allows you to take control of your life and turn unrealistic fantasies into reality while getting to spend time with others!

Hobbies improve how you feel about yourself and give you a sense of accomplishment while stopping time and making you forget about all your worries for a second. If you don’t have any hobbies here are other ways you can enjoy your day​.