Empty Nester Activities: What To Do To Keep Your Marriage Alive

Discover a whole new world of hobbies for empty nesters in our guide to embracing life after the kids leave home. From travel to learning new skills, find your passion now!

Key Takeaways

• Explore new hobbies and activities to fill your empty nest period.
• Prioritize your relationship by instituting a weekly date night with your partner.
• Learn a new language through classes, language learning programs, or immersive experiences.
• Engage in activities that promote physical well-being and improve your overall health.

You’ve suddenly found the silence in your house deafening, now that the last of your fledglings have flown the coop this is the moment you’ve been waiting for, whether you realized it or not.

It’s time to ask yourself what’s next; you’re at the helm, free to chart a course towards activities that spark joy and personal growth in this fresh stage of life. You might consider picking up that guitar gathering dust in the corner, joining a local hiking group, or even enrolling in a pottery class.

But beyond the initial excitement of newfound freedom, there’s a deeper layer to explore: how will you ensure these activities are more than just pastimes?

How will they shape the person you’re evolving into during these golden years?

Stay tuned as we uncover the paths to a fulfilling and vibrant lifestyle that awaits you as an empty nester.

Lessons We Learned From The Empty Nest

I have to admit, Michelle and I married later in life. All of our children were entering adulthood. So we began our marriage as empty nesters.

On top of having to wrestle through emtions over children leaving the nest, we had to navigate a new marriage. While the journey has been relatively smooth, it didn’t come without challenges.

Here are a few lessons we learned along the way:

Lesson #1: How To Connect As A Couple Instead Of Parents

When you are raising a family, your identity can be swallowed up in the parent phase. Children need attention, nurturing, and care.

This shouldn’t be our ONLY focus, but let’s be real, it is our main focus for a season. Children (especially young children) need parents to survive. Spouses need each other on a different level. It is not ‘life or death’ so to speak. It is based on desire, not existence.

This is where many couples derail. They get so focused on raising children they forget what it’s like to be a couple. When the nest is empty, they have to relearn hos to connect and relate on a new level.

Michelle and I had to learn to connect as a newly married couple, plus, as adults who just spent 18 plus years parenting (although not together). This required us to figure out our new roles as a team.

Lesson #2: How To Reorient Our Identity

Our goal as parents is (should be) to raise children who become independent, mature adults; not dependent or codependent adolesents.

This can be challenging when we orient our identity around being a parent.

Here’s what I mean:

We met with a couple who had three children. The wife/mother was so wrapped up in their childrens life, that she lost sight of what it was like to be a wife. Her entire world revolved around her children.

As you can imagine, this created many challenges in their marriage. While they navigated those challenges and managed to stay together, she had to learn how to reorient her life around marriage, instead of raising children.

Once the children were out of the house, she had to rediscover her role as wife. Her identity will always include being a mom; but her major role shifted.

Her role as mother is now one of influence, not control or authority. (That is necessary when children are very young, but unhealthy when they are grown). Those who fail to make this transition struggle. Those who navigate it well, flourish.

Lesson #3: How To Refocus Decisions

When our children are small, it seems every decision involves what is best for the child.

For example, if you plan a trip out of town, you have to consider babysitters (if they are staying behind), or travel locations that are kid-friendly (if they are going with you). You also have to consider meals, sleeping arrangements, travel mode – the list goes on and on.

You get my point. Decision making while raising children revolves around what is best for the child. This is normal and healthy.

However, when the nest is empty, we often have to relearn how to focus and make decisions around out spouse and marriage.

Lesson #4: How To Rediscover Your Passions

This can actually be the fun part of the empty nest; you have time to explore new ventures and passions. It’s an opportunity to find yourself and be young again.

I have a cousin who took up tennis when her children were grown. She not only discovered a new hobby, she was actually pretty good and began to compete in her age bracket. She found a new passion, which led her to new associations and friends.

Michelle and I discovered our common passion for the mountains. This really grew when we moved to Colorado for her to finish her degree. We now explore new areas where we live in Tennessee. We both hiked in the past, but raising children didn’t allow us to explore this passion fully. We now have the time to invest in new adventures.

I remember sending our kids pictures of one adventurous hike we did. My son commented, ‘Man, you guys are always on some cool adventure!’ I took that as a very high complement.

Michelle also discovered she loves to fish. During COVID, we bought a boat and spent the entire summer on the lake (we still have our boat at a local marina and spend time weekly on the lake).

Being empty nesters gave us the opportunity to explore and create new adventures.

25 Ideas For Empty Nesters

Embrace the renewed sense of freedom that comes with being an empty nester and dive into activities that spark joy and personal growth in this exciting chapter of your life. It’s the perfect time to explore hobbies for empty nesters that resonate with your passions and curiosity.

In this video, we discuss 25 things you can do as a couple that will help you reconnect and grow stronger as a couple now that the nest is empty.

Discover new activities that challenge your creativity and intellect. Take up painting or pottery, join a book club, or start gardening. These new hobbies can offer not only relaxation but also a profound sense of accomplishment.

Travel and Adventure

• Road Trips: Explore different states or scenic routes.
• Cruises: Enjoy a relaxing vacation on the sea.
• International Travel: Visit countries you’ve always dreamed of.
• Camping: Experience nature and camp in national parks.
• Hiking: Discover trails and enjoy outdoor walks.

Learning and Personal Growth

• Cooking Classes: Learn new cuisines together.
• Dance Lessons: Try salsa, ballroom, or tango.
• Language Learning: Start learning a new language.
• Art Classes: Explore painting, pottery, or sculpture.
• Book Club: Join or start a book club for shared reading.

Physical Fitness and Sports

• Yoga or Pilates: Join a class or practice at home.
• Golfing: Spend time on the green.
• Cycling: Enjoy bike rides in your city or countryside.
• Swimming: Join a local pool or swim club.
• Tennis: Play for fun or join local competitions.

Social and Community Engagement

• Volunteering: Give back to the community together.
• Theater or Concerts: Attend live performances.
• Joining Clubs: Find clubs that align with your interests.
• Hosting Dinner Parties: Reconnect with old friends or make new ones.
• Gardening Club: Share your love for gardening.

Home and Hobbies

• Home Renovation Projects: Tackle those long-awaited home improvements.
• Gardening: Create a garden or improve your current one.
• Photography: Take up photography to capture memories.
• Crafting: Explore knitting, scrapbooking, or other crafts.
• Collecting: Start a collection, whether it’s art, stamps, or antiques.

Don’t overlook the joy of giving back; volunteer for causes that tug at your heartstrings. Whether it’s mentoring youth, helping at a local shelter, or participating in community projects, volunteering can infuse your life with purpose and fulfillment.

What Do Empty Nesters Do With Their Time

As an empty nester, you have the unique opportunity to rediscover your passions and fill your time with activities that reignite your sense of adventure and joy. This might be the perfect moment to delve into a hobby you’ve set aside or to learn a new skill that has always intrigued you. With newfound freedom, you can design a lifestyle that’s both fulfilling and exciting.

Here’s a list of engaging ways to spend your time:

1. Take a class: Whether it’s art, cooking, or photography, learning something new can be both stimulating and satisfying.

2. Join a book club: Dive into new worlds with like-minded individuals and share your perspectives on different stories.

3. Learn a new language: Open up a world of possibilities and enhance your travel experiences by becoming bilingual or even multilingual.

4. Develop a hobby: Revisit old interests or cultivate new ones, from gardening to playing a musical instrument.

Each day is a blank page, and you’re the author. Write a story that reflects the life you want to lead, embracing each opportunity to grow, connect, and thrive. Pursue what brings you joy and share that zest with others. After all, this chapter is yours to create.

Hobby Ideas For Empty Nesters

Discovering a new hobby or rekindling an old passion can infuse your empty nester years with excitement and fulfillment. As you embrace this newfound freedom, consider diving into hobby ideas for empty nesters that spark your curiosity and energize your spirit.

Whether it’s joining a fitness class to invigorate your physical well-being or immersing yourself in the tranquil practice of meditation, prioritize activities that bring you joy and well-being.

Connect with a community of like-minded souls by participating in a book club or starting a supper club. Here, you can share stories, laughs, and discover new perspectives. Volunteering aligns with your values and gives back, adding a layer of purpose to your daily life.

Creative outlets await your exploration; painting, gardening, and photography offer serene moments of creation, while cooking and music lessons can challenge you to learn new things. Consider blogging to share your journey or conquer a new language to open doors to different cultures and conversations.

Job Ideas For Empty Nesters

Exploring job opportunities that align with your newfound interests can offer fulfilling ways to spend your time as an empty nester. With the kids out of the house, you’re in a unique stage of life that’s ripe with freedom and possibility. It’s the perfect time to find a new purpose or make some extra money in a way that resonates with who you’re today.

Here are a few job ideas tailored for you:

1. Consulting or Coaching: Use your years of experience to guide others. Whether it’s business consulting or life coaching, it’s a great way to keep your mind sharp and share your wisdom.

2. Part-Time Entrepreneurship: Have a passion for crafts, cooking, or another hobby? Turn it into a small business. The internet makes it easy to reach customers and grow at your own pace.

3. Nonprofit Work: Volunteer opportunities often lead to paid positions. Align your job with a cause you care about and make an impact.

4. Education: Local schools and community colleges often seek knowledgeable instructors. Teach a course related to your career or a personal hobby.

Family Home Evening Ideas For Empty Nesters

Transform your family home evenings into cherished traditions with creative activities tailored for empty nesters looking to reconnect and create new memories together.

Now’s the time to embrace your newfound freedom and infuse excitement into your evenings.

Start by organizing themed game nights that challenge the mind and spark laughter. From classic board games to interactive trivia, these gatherings are perfect for inviting friends and reveling in camaraderie.

Why not host a dinner party that doubles as a culinary adventure? Explore new recipes together, experimenting with flavors that tantalize your taste buds and expand your cooking repertoire.

It’s an excellent opportunity to share stories, indulge in good food, and enjoy the company of those you cherish. Transform these nights into a fusion of gastronomy and heartfelt conversation.

Reconnect with your partner and friends by dedicating time to craft family home evening ideas that reflect your interests and passions. Whether it’s learning a new skill or simply enjoying each other’s company, the key is to make these moments count.

Your empty nest is a canvas for the next chapter paint it with vibrant experiences and a zest for life.

What’s Next?

As the last fledgling takes flight, your home’s newfound quiet is a canvas stretched wide, awaiting the strokes of your rekindled passions.

Let your days unfurl like a tapestry rich with the threads of adventure, learning, and connection.

In this season of renaissance, each moment is a precious stone to be set in the jewelry of your life.

Treasure the hush, for it sings of potential your second act, a mosaic masterpiece of self-discovery and joy.