A New Chapter: Hobbies for Houston Seniors

For older adults, engaging in hobbies offers opportunities for new experiences and keeps both the mind and body active. If you live in the vibrant city of Houston, you will find plenty of enjoyable activities to explore, making it a great place for individuals in retirement. Here are some examples of senior-friendly hobbies to consider, along with locations where these activities can be pursued.

Houston’s ever-changing weather makes finding indoor hobbies especially appealing for seniors looking to stay active and engaged year-round. These senior-friendly indoor activities are chosen based on accessibility, low physical strain, and opportunities for social connection. 

Arts and Crafts

Crafting hobbies like crocheting and knitting are meditative and allow for creative expression which makes them a popular retirement pastime. Beginners can start by finding online tutorials to learn at their own pace and eventually join local groups, such as the Houston Crochet Club.

Painting and drawing are also great hobbies for seniors to explore their artistic side, whether they are just starting or brushing up on past skills. Those who love the visual arts can join Art League of Houston workshops not just to practice their hobby but also to engage with people whom they share similar interests.

Chess

For older adults who enjoy a good challenge, it is never too late to learn or improve at chess. Poison Pawns is a popular Houston chess club that organizes tournaments tailored to different skill levels. Public libraries may also host more casual chess gatherings for older adults who just want to sharpen their game without the stress experienced in tournaments.

Bowling

Bowling provides a relaxed environment where participants can play at their own pace while socializing with friends. Del Mar Lanes and Pinstripes are some of Houston's more senior-friendly bowling alleys. Squash, table tennis, and pickleball courts are also available for seniors who prefer physically active hobbies, with options for indoor or shaded play areas.

Yoga

Several yoga studios in Houston, such as Alcove Yoga and Heights School of Yoga, offer classes tailored for older adults. These spaces create a calm atmosphere that are ideal those who do not prefer the crowded nature of urban gyms. Yoga is a wonderful hobby for seniors regardless of fitness level and experience. 

Take Classes

Many seniors post-retirement find that returning to school is a fulfilling experience. The Rice Glasscock School of Continuing Studies offers non-credit courses that allow retirees to delve into subjects such as creative writing, photography, social sciences, STEM, and more. Houston Community College also has a free community learning program where seniors 50 years old and above can take courses for personal enrichment or discovering new skills.

If you’re not sure where to start, there are numerous resources available to explore new hobbies:

• Neighborhood Facebook groups may share information on events, classes, and activities that cater to seniors. To find these groups, most people type in the name of the hobby they are interested in along with their area of residence (ex. “Memorial City Scrabble group” or “Houston Heights Seniors Book Club”).
• Eventbrite and Meetup are good platforms for finding workshops, group activities, and local events that suit your interests. Simply click on the website link or download the app version to search for nearby activities filtered by location.

Public libraries may also occasionally organize skill workshops, book clubs, and other community events. Older adults who enjoy reading can engage in their hobby at Houston libraries for a change of pace.

Houston’s vibrant outdoor spaces make it an excellent city for seniors to enjoy outdoor activities. Senior-friendly options focus on accessibility, low-impact physical engagement, and opportunities to connect with nature or socialize.

Gardening

Older adults who don't mind getting their hands dirty (literally!) may enjoy taking up gardening. This pastime has a low barrier of entry thanks to starter seeds and gardening tools easily found in stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. 

Urban Harvest offers helpful resources for cultivating plants suited to Houston’s climate. They create guides that outline the process of creating a homegrown garden. For those without a plot of land, other options include indoor gardening with houseplants, growing herbs, container gardening on a balcony, patio, or windowsill, and joining a community garden! Seniors who want to start with potted plants can visit the Houston Garden Center or the dozens of local plant stores scattered throughout the city.

Fishing

Fishing is another enjoyable outdoor pastime that combines relaxation and the thrill of the catch. The most senior-friendly fishing areas in Houston are McGovern Lake in Hermann Park, Mary Jo Peckham Park, and Tom Bass Park. These locations have mobility-friendly comfort rooms, outdoor seats, shaded areas, and parking spaces. Older adults will also more likely feel a sense of security since these places always have people around. 

Golf

Golf is a great example of an activity that balances physical activity and leisure. The Houston Golf Association (HGA) provides special divisions for seniors and discounted membership rates. The Gus Wortham Park Golf Course, a favorite among local golfers, welcomes senior players of all skill levels. For older adults that do not prefer full-sized courses, PopStroke Mini-Golf along Katy Freeway is a good alternative. PopStroke features an ADA-compliant mini-golf course and offers a discounted day pass to seniors every Friday to Sunday.

Bird Watching

Bird watching is recommended for older adults who enjoy the outdoors and are keen to connect with nature. This activity requires minimal physical effort and is adaptable to different mobility levels. Participants often take leisurely walks with their binoculars to explore bird habitats and identify the species based on their appearance, movement, and sounds. Bird watching sessions can be enjoyed alone or as a social activity. Older adults can join local birding groups, sign up for a guide, or invite friends to the many parks and nature reserves scattered around Houston. 

For the ultimate experience, The Clear Lake Loop in the Bay Area in Houston features 15 unique trails with parks and bird-watching platforms. The Armand Bayou Nature Center at this location is a prominent destination for nature lovers, especially during springtime, when over 650 bird species pass through or reside in Texas.

We hope this list helps you discover new hobbies in Houston after retirement!