Solo-Friendly Activities: Things to Do on Your Own
Going solo doesn’t mean going without. If you have something you’ve been wanting to do, but don’t have (or maybe even don’t want) a companion, there are plenty of solo-friendly activities you can do on your own.
In fact, solo activities can even be some of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. You don’t have to wait on someone else’s schedule or compromise on the activity, where to go, what to eat, or how much time you want to spend. Also, think of the benefits of going solo, like building independence, confidence, and self-discovery.
We’re all for that. And here to help you discover activities that are not only easy to do alone, but are often better that way.
What Makes an Activity Solo-Friendly
So, what makes an activity solo-friendly?
A good solo-friendly activity is one where you can participate fully, feel comfortable, and derive value from the experience without needing a partner or group. Bonus points if the activity actually benefits from solitude.
Key qualities to consider include:
- You can do it at your own pace.
- There’s low social pressure.
- It can keep you engaged on its own.
The reasons these qualities make an activity solo-friendly are that you are in control of it, there’s no awkwardness in being solo (e.g., something set up by default for couples), and you don’t feel the need for conversation with others to be able to enjoy it.
Different Types of Solo-Friendly Activities
Now that we understand what makes a good solo-friendly activity, here are some of the different types you can consider, along with examples of each. To give you ideas of what’s out there that you might like.
Outdoor and Nature Activities
There are lots of outdoor or nature-based activities that you can do solo. Some ideas include hiking, cycling, camping, or just going for a walk in your favorite park.
Creative Pursuits
Creative pursuits are another area where there are as many solo activities to choose from as there are creative hobbies to enjoy. Some ideas include painting, photography, writing, playing guitar, or cooking.
Wellness and Self-Care
Wellness and self-care, while you can team up with a friend, are almost perfectly designed as solo activities, as they are all about taking care of you. Some ideas include spa days, yoga, or a mani-pedi at your favorite nail salon.
Cultural Experiences
There are a lot of cultural experiences that can be perfectly attended solo. Some ideas include museums, art galleries, and movies.
Learning and Skill Building
There are tons of learning and skill-building options that make for great solo activities for whatever you are interested in. Some ideas include cooking classes, art classes, language learning, and online classes that are available for almost any subject you can think of.
Social-But-Solo Options
There are also the social-but-solo options that allow you to easily attend solo, but where there are other people. This can sometimes be the best of both worlds, as you can comfortably blend into the crowd of a shared interest or experience, but have the opportunity to be friendly and social if you wish. Some ideas include coffee shops and live music events.
What to Consider
While there are a lot of solo-friendly activities to choose from, depending on your personal interests, there are some other practical factors to consider.
The first is your comfort level with solo activities. This is partly a matter of mindset and simply being comfortable with your own company and your experience with solo activities. If you are new to going solo, you might want to make choices that allow you to ease into it, such as short experiences or those that are more specifically designed to be solo.
It’s also important to consider location and safety, especially for outdoor activities. Cost can be a factor, since going solo may mean paying full price without splitting. You also want to consider the social environment of the activity itself, as some venues are more welcoming to solo visitors while others feel more oriented to couples or groups (re: what makes an activity solo-friendly).
Choosing the Solo Activity for You
The best thing about solo activities is that they're entirely yours. There's no one to rush you, no one to disappoint, and no one to answer to but yourself. Whether you're an experienced solo adventurer or just starting to explore what it feels like to do things on your own, the most important step is simply showing up. Start small, stay curious, and you might find that some of your most memorable experiences are the ones you had all by yourself.
