17 Solo Hobbies for Women: Indoors and Out
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Looking for solo hobbies for women? I’ve got 17 ideas for you. Some may be familiar but hopefully some will spark some new interests. What’s a hobby? For me, it’s anything you spend time doing that isn’t the job you get paid to do and that brings you joy. Here’s how Merriam-Webster defines it.
This could be a limitless list. While some could be very similar to your job, many are completely unrelated. The hobbies I enjoy most are unrelated to my job. It’s mostly because my job is not my passion and often brings me stress. My hobbies are ways to remove myself from that world and open up my creativity.
This list covers hobbies at home and out and about. Jump to any hobby below, or read straight through.
Table of Contents
Jigsaw Puzzles: A Relaxing Hobby to Do Alone
The traditional puzzle is one I still love. Requires nothing other than a flat surface and some light. No special tools needed. You can do it on your coffee table, kitchen table, kitchen island, even your bed if you have a puzzle board. I have a large ottoman upstairs with a puzzle board on it. While not my exact version, it is similar to this puzzle board. I got mine secondhand. Mine does not have drawers. I wanted to see how much I would enjoy puzzling before investing too much money into it. Turns out I do enjoy it, but have so many other hobbies and chores, I’m not doing it nearly as much as I thought I would. There are other options too.
If you want the deluxe version, this one rotates, tilts, has a cover and drawers. This is a big one. This is likely the one I will buy if I find I’m spending more time puzzling. I have a bad back and the constant bending takes away some of the fun. Fits up to 1500 pieces and has a very high 4.9 rating.
What I like doing when I’m puzzling is stream a good podcast. Great way to catch up on news, entertainment or celebrity gossip. Check out my Benable podcast recs. Music is another option to focus, catch up on news or just relax and zone out.
Oh, and if you or a puzzler in your life want a puzzle recommendation, I would definitely check out the Wasgij brand. Wasgij (jigsaw spelled backwards) gives you a puzzle picture but the catch is that this is not the picture you are putting together. The perspective is different and that’s what makes it fun. Happy puzzling.
Cooking and Baking: Turn Everyday Meals Into a Creative Hobby
My next recommendation is something you already do. What’s different is the perspective: cooking/baking. Yeah, we have to do it but we also GET to do it. I’m not talking about the weekly meal prep for work. I’m talking about the fun of trying something completely different. Maybe a recipe a friend or co-worker told you about. Maybe something you saw in a Facebook group or Instagram. You likely already have what you need. And if you don’t already have it, you can borrow it or buy it secondhand to experiment. If you learn this is something you will continue, go ahead and splurge and upgrade to a new one. Good kitchen tools never go out of style.
For me, the most recent was baking sourdough. I got some starter from a co-worker. I found some recipes and started baking. It was fun. I shared with friends and neighbors (good way to entice people to come for a visit). We all benefit. I already had a Dutch oven that I used for soups and stews. Now I have another way to use it. It’s a nice add to your kitchen even if you decide bread baking isn’t for you. Check Facebook Marketplace for pre-loved options if you aren’t ready to commit. Other things to make your life easier would be a dough whisk and eventually a lame for scoring the bread. You do not need this to enjoy sourdough, it’s simply a nice to have. I used a sharp knife when I started. Know that sourdough baking takes time. It’s not like traditional baking where you assemble and bake and you’re done. It requires patience. Another option you have is buying a bread machine. I have a much older version of this and it works great. You essentially add the ingredients to a machine and walk away. Set it and forget it. Nice if you just want fresh bread without the work.
If bread making isn’t your thing, worry not. There are plenty of other things you can cook up. When I attend parties, I will usually experiment with fun new (to me) desserts. I have made cream puffs from scratch, a fun easy no-bake dessert everyone enjoyed, Guinness chocolate bundt cake for an Irish dinner party, tiramisu from scratch for an Italian wine party, apple pies, pecan pies and countless kinds of cookies for Christmas and holiday parties.
For the savory stuff, I once made a large pot of chicken tortilla soup and invited the neighbors over to enjoy. Leftovers become lunch for work. I made ropa vieja and it was a big hit with friends. I use an older Rival slow cooker (now part of Crock-Pot), so I linked the closest current model. Ropa vieja is nice because you can put everything in a slow cooker or pressure cooker and it does all the work for you. Cook up a nice big pot of rice and you’ve got an absolutely delicious hearty and savory dinner or lunch meal. Another pressure cooker meal is pulled pork. Basically cook it, shred it, add sauce and now you can have pulled pork tacos for any party.
Another time I made chicken piccata from scratch. This is one of my favorite meals and I make it for myself all the time. I love it over angel hair pasta. I’ve experimented with salmon and filet mignon with a homemade bearnaise sauce – that was a treat for me, totally delicious.
A popular appetizer dish which a friend brought to a party is the buffalo chicken dip. Easy to make, and it’s even less work if you buy the rotisserie chicken at your local supermarket. It’s keto-friendly. Reheat at your destination and bring chips and cut-up veggies for dipping. Another one which doesn’t require much cooking and is easy to assemble is the Caprese skewers with chicken tortellini chicken. Basically, small skewers of cooked chicken tortellini, mozzarella balls, fresh basil leaves, cherry tomatoes. Dress with a white or dark balsamic vinaigrette and voilà, smash hit appetizer. Easy to transport too and served chilled so no re-heating needed.
I had never made any of these before I made them for guests or parties. Food brings people together so enjoy the process.
Gardening: A Rewarding Outdoor Hobby for Women
Next up is gardening. This is not a surprise if you’ve been reading my blog. Upkeep of a garden requires time and work to maintain. It can bring lots of joy and a sense of satisfaction. It also feels good when you get compliments on your garden when you share photos and gift flowers to friends, family and neighbors. Some of the tools I use include an electric mower to keep my lawn trim. It just makes life so much easier. I’ve just completed my 4th year with this mower and I love it. No cords, no gas, no tune-ups. Just charge and go. This weed puller is a purchase I love. Just push into the weed, spin, pull up and pull the trigger to deposit into trash. This takes 60 seconds or less. Instant visual improvement and satisfaction when you pull out and toss the weeds.
Get yourself some good annual seeds. I buy from and trust Seed Needs. Look for local groups (like Facebook) where you can find free perennial swaps and native local varieties for your area. It’s a nice way to meet locals too. I love taking pictures of my blooms and sharing on social media. Seed harvesting is part of the hobby experience. Dry out your flowers and the seeds will fall out, some may need a little shake. Careful with columbine. Those seeds are tiny and will scatter everywhere if you’re not careful. I love giving cut flowers in a vase to friends. They always appreciate it too.
Photography: Capture Your World With Just Your Phone
Speaking of sharing pictures, photography is another great hobby for the solo woman. Today’s cell phones are really all you need. The picture quality has become so good, they are capable of taking breathtaking photos. See some samples below. In addition to flower pictures, you can photograph walking paths, butterflies, wildlife, friends, and food you’ve made or enjoyed. You can sell your photos to websites like Getty Images and 123RF. You can use your photos in print on demand sites and sell them on t-shirts, mugs, canvases etc. You can simply share them on social media. Some organizations may even pay you for quality photos and videos featuring their products or you using their products. There are so many options for you here.
Blogging: A Creative Hobby That Can Grow Into Income
The next one is blogging. Be warned though, this is neither a quick nor low-effort hobby. This is for the individual who really wants to share something they know a lot about. You will be writing about it frequently and ideally, for a long time. There’s a lot to it. You will need a computer and regular wi-fi access. Aside from this, it doesn’t cost much to get started. Think of a website name, buy the domain, buy a hosting service, build your site and get blogging. I am simplifying it, but it’s totally doable as a novice and non-coder. And if you do it correctly and put in the effort, you can monetize it. I plan on sharing the entire process from the beginning. Join my list at the bottom of this post so you know when it’s out.
Painting and Drawing: A Creative Outlet for Stress Relief
Next hobby is painting/drawing. I’ve been doing this since before I can remember. I’ve always loved it. I went to school for graphic design but never did it as a job. I’ve still got the drawings I did in my 20s. Now that I’m in my 50s, I don’t draw, but I do paint. In 2020 I started a large-scale mural on my stockade fence. There’s a 40-foot section and another 20 or so foot section. It’s a beach and underwater scene. I thought it would be nice to have around the pool. I enjoy sharing it with friends and family that visit during the summer. I’ve tried canvas painting but don’t enjoy it quite as much. For my mural, I do sketch out my picture first on paper, then on the fence before painting it.
Don’t be intimidated by this. You don’t need to start with a large-scale project. Try a paint-by-numbers kit to see if you like it. If you like that, pick up some canvases, brushes and paints and you are in business.
Decorating: Make Your Home Your Creative Canvas
Decorating is next. When you own a home by yourself, the entire home and property becomes your palette. From curtains to carpets, wall color to furniture, wall decor, backsplashes, fixtures, lighting, patio furniture, umbrellas, cushions, planters and so much more. The thrill of the hunt is what makes it fun for me. And you are never really done. I tend to hold onto my things long term. But even for me, there comes a time when I feel things just look tired and it’s time for a refresh. The window treatments in my kitchen are about 12 years old. I love them, but they’ve become faded over the years and they really should be replaced. I’m casually searching for new window treatments. Recently I picked up some wall art. It’s fun to casually shop and find a treasure and realize, oh this would look perfect in my house!
There is a section on my bedroom wall that needed something. I couldn’t find anything I liked enough, so I made something myself. I saw the inspiration somewhere and thought, I can make this. And I did. Twigs I gathered while apple picking and the frame I already had. I bought the spray paint and went to work. I am happy with the result. Try something yourself. The wall (or ceiling or floor) is your canvas and you pick the decor.
Thrifting and Selling: Declutter and Find Hidden Treasures
Thrifting has multiple benefits. It’s a great way to incentivize decluttering. I’ve been able to sell clothes I no longer wear and items I no longer use. I had an ice cream maker I used maybe 3 times in about 20 years. I finally had an honest talk with myself. Was I really going to use it? Easy answer, no. It was taking up precious shelving space. So off to Marketplace it went. It sold quickly. It felt so refreshing. Last year I gave away my old winter coat. It was perfectly fine, just some worn piping, purely a cosmetic issue. Someone came and took it. Porch pickup or a public meeting spot is safest. It felt good to give something away that someone else needed. This was an easy win-win. I’ve also found brand new items at a local thrift store.
From the other perspective, I have a friend who thrifts. Thrifting is an easy way to earn a little pocket money as an added benefit. For her, it’s more of a side hustle as she resells lots of items. She gets lots of things for free, which is fantastic. She likes the extra income so it’s perfect for her. She’ll visit local yard sales, estate sales and generally find things in her neighborhood. She’ll scoop them up then list them for sale. I have a different friend who thrifts, but for her it’s more the thrill of the hunt. She is very creative and has made so many pretty things for her home. In this throwaway culture, thrifting is another way to repurpose, save money and lessen the load to landfills. Places to sell include Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark and Mercari.
This one is nice because you can go at your own pace. There are no deadlines. You have control of the volume and frequency.
Writing Reviews: Share Your Favorite Finds
For a while, I was a regular contributor on a local review app. I really enjoyed giving honest reviews of restaurants, hair salons, bakeries, parks etc. It is enjoyable and a low-key way to keep track of all the places I’ve visited. I no longer use that app, but I do now post my recommendations on Benable. I like Benable because it gives me one place to share my favorite finds, like Places to Go When You Need to Get Out of the House (Solo Edition).
It’s also a nice way to bring more exposure to my blog and products and services for the Solo Beautiful lifestyle.
Social Media and Content Creation: Share What You Love
This is a fun one. If you enjoy being creative as I do, this might be one for you. If you have a cell phone and a heartbeat, then you have all the equipment you need. Join YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or any other social/search media for free. Start recording/creating and getting your message and brand out to the world. That’s it.
My own social media accounts are not very robust since I’ve been spending the majority of my time learning and building my blog. What I hear often is consistency is key. If you’re committed and persistent, you will become more visible.
Reading: An Easy Hobby for Quiet Time at Home
Reading is a popular hobby. Admittedly, I do not read a lot. It’s mostly a time limitation thing, but I never was a big reader. The times I did read, I loved it. I got recommendations from friends and this made a big difference. In this age of tech, you can get digital downloads from your local library so there’s no need to even leave your house. You can read on your phone with Libby, but for a better experience, get an e-reader like this one (I have a 2018 version). It’s great for reading on a plane, vacation etc. Unlike regular books, you can change the screen brightness, make the text bigger and use digital bookmarks. You can also download books on-demand. You’ll never be without a book to read. That being said, sometimes the experience of a hard copy book is nice. Unlike digital books, you can borrow them from a friend. You can find them cheap or free at yard sales and library book sales. You may find options that are not available digitally. Choose the option that works best for you, or don’t and do both.
Collecting: Turn What You Love Into a Collection
I honestly haven’t collected anything since I was a kid. It was cereal box prizes. Remember those? I still have them somewhere in my basement. Those were fun days. I know someone that collects coins. I know someone else that collects hummels and another that collected beanie babies. You can collect anything. Rocks, stamps, toys, vintage t-shirts, magazines, antiques. It’s an endless list really. Maybe attend some local estate sales and see if there’s anything that interests you? A few collections have become valuable, but most haven’t, so collect for the fun of it.
Self-Publishing: Write a Book or Journal on Amazon KDP
Before I landed on my blogging journey, I created a digital product. With Amazon KDP, they made it unbelievably easy to self-publish. With the help of AI I created a low content book (a journal). You can see my journal: The Beautiful Solo Life. It was one of my first attempts at a journal-style book to kick off my Solo Beautiful brand. Know that Amazon does require AI disclosure. Beyond journals, you can certainly write a traditional book. Self-publishing is easy on Amazon but of course there are others like IngramSpark.
I enjoyed this mainly because I wanted to see how difficult the process would be. I had heard about it, but now that I’ve done it, I know it really is not that hard. At some point I want to revisit this and publish a better version of my journal for my brand.
Volunteering: A Rewarding Way to Spend Your Free Time
This is a hobby that can be very rewarding. There are always places and organizations looking for help. You can help. I signed up with VolunteerMatch, which is now part of Idealist, a few years ago. I virtually tutored a Ukrainian national on her English skills. Idealist lets you scroll through the various opportunities in a location near you. The opportunities are all different. You can choose to help the elderly or children or assist businesses. You can also inquire with your town, churches, animal shelters and food banks to see what might be out there. Check Facebook groups too.
Solo Travel for Women: Explore on Your Own Terms
Many of us solo Gen Xers have the flexibility to go when and where we want. I travel, but not enough to consider it a hobby. I went to Europe for the first time in April of 2026. My decision to go was made easier when I found a travel group that arranged the entire trip.
There are Facebook groups that cater to solo women travelers. They share their experiences, ask questions and celebrate the freedom. There are websites for group travelers if traveling solo feels intimidating at first. What a great way to meet other people. Check out Backroads and The Solo Female Traveler Network group on Facebook.
I traveled to another country for work. It was a completely different culture and climate. It was so interesting. Everything was different from what I have known including dress, language, food, mannerisms, beliefs. This was 15 years ago and I remember it fondly. That’s the thing about travel, the experiences you have last a lifetime.
Hiking: Get Outside and Explore at Your Own Pace
Hiking is nice because you can tailor it to you. You can revisit familiar trails or try new ones. You can go solo or also ask a friend to join you. You can wake up early one morning, prep some snacks and water and head out. This is what I usually do, with no clear destination in mind. This becomes the adventure. I just drive and when I see a sign, I’ll stop and explore. It feels good just being out and about.
While I love being spontaneous, it’s always smart to let someone know your live location wherever you stop, in case any issues arise. Be aware of your surroundings and bring pepper spray with you. Better to have it and not need it than the other way around. Please check your state’s laws before buying.
Birdwatching: A Peaceful Hobby You Can Enjoy From Your Window
This hobby is ideal for those who may have mobility issues since you can do it indoors from a window. If you buy a clear window birdfeeder you get front row seats to all of the fun. If you want, upgrade to a version with a camera. This is nice because you get alerted when birds arrive to the feeder. It takes videos and pictures and you can share it with friends. It has night vision and solar panels too.
I often birdwatch in my yard. You don’t need to go far. My flowers are a big draw. The seeds attract birds. It’s nice to go walking on trails and see the birds organically while you stroll. Taking photos and trying to identify the various species can be entertaining. In my research I learned of the Merlin Bird ID which is a free app from Cornell that can identify birds from a photo or by their song. This is an easy way to start your birdwatching journey.
Whether you’re drawn to a quiet afternoon with a puzzle or an early morning hike with no destination in mind, the best solo hobby is the one that brings you joy. You don’t have to pick just one, and you don’t have to be good at it. Start small, borrow or buy secondhand before you invest, and give yourself permission to walk away if something isn’t for you. Living on your own means your free time is yours to enjoy. I’d love to hear which hobby you’re most excited to try, or one I missed, so leave a comment below. If you found this helpful, save it on Pinterest for later. For more solo lifestyle ideas, check out my solo day trip post and my Benable list of Places to Go When You Need to Get Out of the House.
