10 classic boomer hobbies that younger people are falling in love with

Some trends move in cycles. Others never really left.

And then there’s a third category—stuff your parents or grandparents loved that quietly faded into the background, only to be rediscovered by people under 40 who suddenly find themselves saying things like, “Maybe I do want to spend Sunday afternoon rearranging succulents.”

I’ve been watching this shift for a few years now. The same hobbies that used to seem dated or “retirement-coded” are now getting new life from younger folks—often with better playlists, upgraded gear, and a whole lot more coffee.

Here are ten old-school hobbies boomers adored that younger generations are now fully embracing.

1. Birdwatching

Yes, really.

Once the domain of khaki-wearing retirees and giant binoculars, birdwatching is having a moment—especially among 20- and 30-somethings craving something quiet, slow, and outdoors.

Apps like Merlin and eBird have gamified the experience. People are identifying species, logging sightings, and sharing them like Pokémon cards.

I have a friend in her early 30s who wakes up at 6 a.m. on weekends just to track woodpeckers. She swears it’s meditative. And honestly? She’s not wrong.

2. Knitting and crochet

What used to be a grandma pastime is now a full-blown mental health tool.

There’s something grounding about using your hands to make something real. Gen Z and millennials are trading scroll time for stitch time—and they’re not just making scarves. We’re talking bucket hats, crop tops, plush toys, even plant holders.

TikTok and Etsy are fueling the movement. Plus, the rise of gender-neutral craft spaces means more people feel welcome to join in—regardless of whether they learned from a grandma or a YouTube tutorial.

3. Vinyl collecting

Boomers lived through the golden age of vinyl. Now their grandkids are bringing it back—stylus first.

It’s less about nostalgia and more about the ritual. Dropping the needle. Flipping the record. Actually listening to a full album instead of skipping halfway through track three.

Record stores are seeing a surge in younger shoppers, and new artists are releasing albums on vinyl again—sometimes before they hit Spotify.

I started collecting in my 30s. It slowed down my weekends in the best way. Music feels different when you have to physically engage with it.

4. Gardening

During the pandemic, houseplants were the gateway drug. But now? People are getting their hands in actual dirt.

Younger folks are turning balconies into tomato farms. They’re growing herbs, citrus trees, and entire vertical gardens in apartments the size of a postage stamp.

Boomers always knew the power of gardening—its slowness, its patience. Turns out younger generations do too. We just like documenting it with time-lapse videos and overly aesthetic watering cans.

5. Baking from scratch

Sourdough didn’t just trend—it tapped into something primal.

Boomers baked because it was cheaper and more practical. Millennials and Gen Z bake because it soothes anxiety and scratches a “do something with your hands” itch.

From pie crusts to babka to homemade cinnamon rolls, there’s a revival happening in kitchens everywhere.

I didn’t understand the hype until I pulled a homemade loaf of banana bread from the oven on a rainy Sunday. It tasted fine. But the process? That was therapy.

6. Calligraphy and penmanship

Once upon a time, neat cursive was a skill people actually practiced. Then keyboards took over, and handwriting became a lost art.

Not anymore.

People are back to journaling by hand. Buying fountain pens. Learning brush lettering. Sending actual handwritten notes in the mail.

Boomers did it because it was expected. We’re doing it because it feels intentional—and oddly rebellious in a world of digital everything.

7. Woodworking and DIY repair

There’s a reason younger people are turning to tools again—and it’s not just TikTok woodworking tutorials (though there are a lot of those).

It’s the satisfaction of making or fixing something with your own hands. Of reclaiming some sense of control in a world that’s constantly outsourcing everything.

Boomers fixed what broke. And now, younger folks are doing the same—learning how to refinish tables, build bookshelves, and repair vintage bikes.

I spent one weekend learning how to fix a broken drawer. It took hours. But every time I open it now, I feel like I hacked the Matrix.

8. Puzzles and board games

Once considered the ultimate rainy-day boomer activity, puzzles and tabletop games are now having a renaissance.

It’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about connection. In a hyper-digital world, slowing down and focusing on a shared, tactile challenge feels like a mental reset.

Dungeons & Dragons is mainstream again. Cozy cafés are hosting board game nights. Even 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles are selling out online.

If you’re spending your Friday nights playing Catan instead of clubbing, you’re not alone.

9. Fishing

It’s not just for uncles with tackle boxes anymore.

Fishing has become a surprising form of mindfulness. Cast. Wait. Breathe.

Younger people are discovering that the stillness of fishing can be deeply grounding. And when paired with catch-and-release ethics and environmental awareness, it’s becoming more than just a hobby—it’s a ritual.

Bonus: you don’t have to catch anything to feel better after two hours on the water.

10. Thrifting and antiquing

Boomers did it because it was budget-friendly. Younger generations are doing it for sustainability—and the thrill of the hunt.

Vintage lamps, retro Pyrex, denim jackets, cassette players—what was once old is now highly curated. Thrift stores, flea markets, and estate sales are getting younger crowds than ever.

Thrifting isn’t just shopping. It’s storytelling. Every item has a past—and now a future, with you.

The bottom line

Old-school hobbies are back. Not because they’re trendy (though they are). But because they offer something most of us are starving for: slowness, intention, and real-world connection.

Boomers picked up these pastimes out of habit or necessity. Younger folks are reviving them with purpose. And somewhere in between, we’re all finding out that the best hobbies aren’t always the new ones—they’re the ones that make us feel more human.

So if you’re baking bread, building birdhouses, or learning to knit during your downtime, you’re not regressing.
You’re remembering. And honestly? That’s progress.