I think we can all agree that one of the hardest parts about being an adult is making new friends. And while it seems like everyone struggles with this, somehow it still feels impossible to meet people organically. Luckily, the answer to all your friendship struggles could be as simple as finding a new hobby that interests you. We often don’t make as much time as we should for hobbies, but trying something new can be super rewarding and a great way to meet new people. Hobbies can put you in different social circles than you might normally run in and help you bond with people over a common interest, getting you ahead of those boring, surface-level conversations. And who knows? It might be the thing that leads you to a lifelong friend.
Whether you are trying to put down roots in a new city or just want to expand your circle a bit, these social hobbies will help you connect with people and form new friendships.
1. Start or join a book club
If you can’t stop yapping about the book you’re currently reading, joining a book club might be your ideal hobby. Not only will it give you a chance to explore new books and genres, but it will also connect you to others who share a passion for reading and talking about their favorite books. Not to brag, but The Everygirl has its own book club with monthly meetings where you can connect with fellow readers virtually and hash out all your thoughts, feelings, and theories. You can also find local book clubs through community flyers or social media pages, or start one yourself!
2. Rent a plot at a community garden
If you’ve always dreamed of having a garden but live in an apartment (or just don’t have the yard space for it), a community garden is the perfect workaround. Not only will you get to get your hands dirty and watch something grow from the ground up, but it’s also a great way to meet people and swap plant-care tips in real life. Check with your city’s parks and recreation department or use the American Community Gardening Association’s website to find a community garden near you. You may need to pay a small fee to rent a plot and follow certain rules on how you use the space. But from there, the sky’s the limit on what you can grow!
3. Take dance classes
Moving your body to music can be incredibly empowering (and a great workout, too). As someone whose favorite part of the week is my adult dance classes, I’ll vouch for the fact that they’re a great way to meet people who will uplift and support you, no matter your skill level. From intensive dance workouts to technical ballet classes, there are tons of different class styles for you to explore.
4. Find a climbing gym
Climbing gyms are actually super social spaces, even though the sport itself is usually done solo. Some gyms may offer beginner classes to help you learn the ropes (and meet other newbies); otherwise, you can often just show up, rent any equipment you need, and learn as you go. Depending on the type of climbing you want to try, you may need a partner to manage the rope as you climb, which is a great opportunity to meet new people. Show up curious for the sport and the people, ask a few questions, and be open to chatting with others resting between climbs. At the very least, you’ll get a great workout in, but in the best case, you’ll leave with a new skill and climbing buddy.
5. Join a running club
Whether you are just starting out or have been chasing that runner’s high for a while now, joining a running club is a fantastic way to get active and meet people. These groups have popped up across many cities as a way to forge communities for runners, so take advantage of one near you. Find a running group that holds you accountable and challenges you to progress in your goals, whether it be consistency or a new mile time.
6. Volunteer in your community
Volunteering is a great way to get involved and meet people in your community directly. Whether it be working blood drives, food pantries, or community clean-ups, these activities will introduce you to other people who also care about the community and allow you to connect with them through helping out locally.
7. Take foreign language classes
While I don’t miss the stress of being in school, in my adult years, I do miss the excitement of learning new things. If this sounds like you, it’s time to dust off your study habits and learn a new language! Many cities offer in-person foreign language classes, where you can meet with others and practice talking to each other. Stumbling over new vocab words is a great way to bond, and you might even be inclined to schedule meet-ups outside of classes to study with your classmates.
8. Try a rec sports league
If you love to get active and embrace your competitive side, try joining a rec sports league. From pickleball to tennis to volleyball, there are tons of different sports to choose from. Since sports are inherently team-based, it’s a great way to form bonds with others on your team or even some friendly competition.
9. Join a movie club
If you’re the type of gal whose favorite evening activity is curling up in front of a movie on the couch, fun fact: You can turn this love into a social event. Whether you want to swap takes on Best Picture predictions or just gasp in unison over Zendaya’s latest red carpet look, many cities have movie clubs where you can catch a showing at a local theater and dish about every plot twist, costume, or tiny detail afterward. It’s a fun way to geek out over movies—and maybe meet some people who match your freak.
10. Attend trivia nights
Attending local trivia nights is a seriously underrated hobby that can also get you involved in your community. Whether you go it alone or bring along a few others, you can form your own team or join one. This friendly competition will test your knowledge on tons of topics from pop culture to history, and you might even win some prizes to share with your teammates.
11. Try art workshops
If you want to tap into your artistic side, try taking art classes or workshops within your community. There are so many mediums to choose from, such as painting, drawing, or even pottery, so you’ll definitely find something that you enjoy. Getting your hands dirty and making something beautiful in a class environment will help you bond with other creative people and find inspiration in your new hobby.
12. Take yoga classes
If you prefer slower-paced exercise to rigorous workouts (or you desperately need some relaxation in your life), consider taking some yoga classes. With different levels and class types, you’ll learn to relax your breath and find your balance in a way you’re comfortable with. To turn it into a social hobby, make time to chat with some of the other regulars after class. You could even invite some classmates to get a smoothie or food afterward and bond over the struggle of those hard poses.
13. Join a theater group
As a retired theater kid, I can vouch for this one. If you love acting, musicals, and movies, try joining a theater group. This community is full of supportive people who will accept you for exactly who you are and give you confidence you never knew you had. Even if you’re not comfortable standing on stage, there are a ton of positions that go into a production, from stagehands to prop-makers to controlling lights and sound. Find a group near you through community pages or flyers near your local theaters.
14. Sign up for cooking classes
Maybe you’ve burned your dinner one too many times, or you just want to learn some new recipes and skills. Either way, cooking classes are a super fun and rewarding way to meet new people. Not only do you get to practice your cooking skills with other newbie chefs, but you also get to eat whatever you make, and eating together is always a great bonding experience.
15. Join a writing group
If you want to get creative with your words beyond your usual journaling sesh, try joining a writing group for whatever medium you prefer, whether it be storytelling or even poetry. Not only will you learn to better express yourself, but you’ll also meet others who want to share and expand their own craft. As you get to know your fellow writers, invite some to get coffee and discuss new stories or review each other’s work.
Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant
Jenna began working as an Editorial Assistant for The Everygirl in 2024. With her eye for detail, she assists the team with content creation, sourcing products and images, and works behind the scenes to support The Everygirl in uploading and updating content.
Madigan Will, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Madigan writes and edits content for every topic under the digital media sun. As the oldest of four siblings, she enjoys utilizing her big sister persona to connect and inspire readers—helping them discover new ways to maximize their everyday.
