Who says the best days of trying new things are behind you? Whether you’re 25 or 85, there’s so much wonder still waiting to be explored. Life is always offering up fresh adventures, from the quiet joys of learning to cook something new to the thrill of starting a garden or picking up a paintbrush. This gentle list is a reminder that it’s never too late to nurture curiosity and savor those small, everyday moments of delight. Let it inspire you to keep your heart open and your days filled with a touch of magic, wherever you are on your journey.

Have your own ideas for trying something new? Share with us in the comments below!

If you want to try something creative:

  1. Take a watercolor class or follow along with YouTube tutorials (like this one).
  2. Try out pottery — join a local studio or a one-night wheel class.
  3. Learn to knit or crochet a scarf. Try this easy tutorial for beginners.
  4. Try your hand at calligraphy or brush lettering.
  5. Take up sewing — start with small repairs or a beginner kit from Etsy.
  6. Start a simple art journal — here’s some inspiration for getting started.
  7. Learn to make your own candles for a calming at-home craft.
  8. Decorate your home with homemade pressed flower art.
  9. Make a scrapbook or zine with your favorite memories.
  10. Experiment with natural dyes (hello, avocado pits!).

If you want to try something culinary:

  1. Fall in love with cooking and become a decent (or even good!) chef.
  2. Brew your own kombucha or water kefir.
  3. Try baking sourdough bread — get started with a local starter kit.
  4. Learn to make pasta from scratch, no fancy machine required.
  5. Learn how to make your favorite coffee shop drink at home.
  6. Master the art of a charcuterie board (or snack board!).
  7. Forage for edible plants (with a guidebook in hand!).
  8. Learn how to make your own herbal teas.
  9. Try cooking a new cuisine every month — here’s a cookbook we love.
  10. Grow your own sprouts or microgreens on the windowsill.

If you want to try something outdoorsy:

  1. Go camping — even if it’s just in your backyard!
  2. Hike a local trail you’ve never tried before.
  3. Learn to identify your local trees and birds (apps like Seek help!).
  4. Try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking.
  5. Sign up for a local race — 5k, 10k, whatever feels fun!
  6. Start a small balcony or windowsill garden.
  7. Take a forest bath (Shinrin-yoku) for deep relaxation.
  8. Rent an e-bike and explore your city.
    Learn how to pitch a tent or start a fire safely.
  9. Try geocaching — it’s like a treasure hunt for adults!

If you want to try a new wellbeing practice: 

  1. Start meditating — here’s how to make it part of your day.
  2. Take a yoga class in your city or online (like this gentle flow).
  3. Try tai chi or qi gong for gentle movement.
  4. Commit to 10 minutes of stretching each morning.
  5. Learn a new dance — hip hop, salsa, or line dancing!
  6. Take a local martial arts or self-defense class.
  7. Learn to juggle (it’s easier than you think!).
  8. Try cold plunging or contrast showers for a refreshing reset.
  9. Build a simple home workout routine — no fancy gear needed.
  10. Take up swimming, even if you’re just starting with laps at your gym pool.

If you want to try something to boost your intellect:

  1. Read a book in a genre you usually skip — sci-fi, romance, historical.
  2. Listen to a new genre of music — here are some playlist ideas to get started.
  3. Explore your ancestry or learn more about your family tree.
  4. Take a free online course in something that fascinates you (like this!).
  5. Start a journal — here are some prompts for getting started..
  6. Try writing poetry, even if it’s just for yourself.
  7. Join a book club or start one with your friends.
  8. Learn a new language with Duolingo or a language exchange.
  9. Watch a classic movie you’ve never seen before.
  10. Take yourself on a solo museum or gallery date.

If you want to learn a new skill or try DIY: 

  1. Learn how to change a tire or jumpstart a car.
  2. Try out basic home repairs — patch a hole, fix a leaky faucet.
  3. Hang your own art or shelves — here’s how to do it confidently.
  4. Go to an estate sale and learn how to barter for great finds.
  5. Create a mini home library or reading nook.
  6. Try rearranging your furniture for a fresh feel.
  7. Start composting at home (here’s why it’s worth it!).
  8. DIY a small home project, like tiling a backsplash.
  9. Learn how to properly care for your houseplants.
  10. Upcycle old furniture with a coat of paint or new hardware.

If you want to try something fun: 

  1. Build a puzzle–try one that is over 1000 pieces!
  2. Make a vision board for your dreams and goals.
  3. Go roller skating — bonus points for vintage vibes.
  4. Try out karaoke, even if it’s just in the shower.
  5. Learn how to do a cartwheel again — because why not?
  6. Start a mini collection — vintage postcards, seashells, or enamel pins.
  7. Host a game night with friends — here’s a fun game to start with.
  8. Try finger painting or other kid-friendly crafts.
  9. Tackle a Lego set or create the doll house you always dreamed of.
  10. Learn a magic trick (YouTube has so many tutorials!).
  11. Create a playlist of your childhood favorites.

If you want to try building more relationships: 

  1. Write a letter to a friend or loved one.
  2. Volunteer for a cause that matters to you.
  3. Host a “crafternoon” or tea party for your neighbors.
  4. Practice active listening in your relationships.
  5. Host a seasonally inspired dinner party with your new cooking skills!
  6. Organize a swap party — clothes, books, or plants!
  7. Plan a monthly date night, even if it’s just homemade pizza and a movie.
  8. Offer to help a friend move or tackle a big project.
  9. Call your grandparents or an elder you admire.
  10. Start a gratitude jar or note exchange with your partner or family.

If you want to try expanding your perspective: 

  1. Try therapy or coaching for personal insights.
  2. Set a monthly budget and learn about financial health.
  3. Take a social media detox.
  4. Create a morning routine that feels good for you.
  5. Practice saying “no” and setting boundaries.
  6. Start a dream journal or keep track of recurring dreams.
  7. Spend an afternoon in your local library exploring books on topics or cultures you know little about.
  8. Take a mindful walk in your neighborhood or a new part of town.
  9. Write a list of things you’re proud of in your life so far.
  10. Take yourself on a solo adventure or day trip.

If you want to get more involved with sustainability:  

  1. Find a zero-waste store and start buying in bulk.
  2. Buy secondhand or vintage clothing to reduce waste.
  3. Try growing your own herbs or veggies — even in a small space.
  4. Bike or walk instead of driving when you can.
  5. Make your own cleaning products with simple ingredients.
  6. Start a zero-waste challenge for a week.
  7. Host a repair party — fix or mend things together with friends.
  8. Learn about climate action in your community.
  9. Join a local community garden or composting group to learn and share in hands-on sustainability practices.

Kayti Christian is a Senior Content Strategist at The Good Trade. With an MFA in Nonfiction Creative Writing, her work has appeared in TODAY, Shondaland, and The New York Times. Since 2017, Kayti has been uncovering and reviewing the best sustainable home brands and wellness products. Her personal journey through four years of fertility treatments has inspired her to write extensively about women’s healthcare and reproductive access. Beyond her work at The Good Trade, Kayti is the creator of Feelings Not Aside, a Substack newsletter with 6,000 subscribers, and the cohost of the FriedEggs Podcast, which delves into IVF and infertility.