What Activities Can Pre-Empty Nesters Do Together?

Pre-empty nesting: it’s like standing at the edge of a big life change, except you’re not exactly sure of what is going on. Ya know!  This season comes with a mix of emotions, from excitement about what’s next to wondering what on earth to do with yourself. So let’s dive into some fun, practical, and meaningful activities for pre-empty nesters—whether you’re hanging with your spouse, friends, or flying solo.

Section 1: Pre-Empty Nesting with Your Parents ( I know, but it’s a thing)

Let’s talk about the parents. They’re in a new stage too, watching you prepare to let go while still reminding you to “be so careful”. This is the perfect opportunity to embrace new things together. Try new activities like learning how to cook an old family recipe (hopefully, without mom taking over for the fifth time) or diving into hobbies they’ve never had time for before.

For the first time, you might even feel like your adult kids are transitioning into real friendships with your parents – and it’s a good time to laugh about all the life transitions you’ve navigated together (and the ones your’re still figuring out).

Activities for Pre-Empty Nesters and Their Parents

Here are some simple, low-cost ideas to enjoy quality time with them:

• Take a Walk Together: Bonus points if you stop to admire every tree and bird along the way, just like your parents taught you.
• Cook or Bake as a Family: Teach your mom how to make something with sourdough (or let her teach you). 
• Tackle a Family Project: Organize old photos, build a birdhouse, or start a garden. It’s the memories you’re making that count.
• Create Your Own Book Club: Is there another family member who might want to join? I highly recommend the Hannah Swensen Series! So good! They are easy and quick to read.

Section 2: Pre-Empty Nesting with Friends

When your kids are busy with their own lives, it’s time to text your besties and plan some fun. These pre-empty nest years are the perfect time to reconnect with old friends and try new adventures together. You’ll finally have enough time to do the things you always talked about but never got around to – like starting a book club, exploring a new hiking trail, or even learning how to line dance (Yep, love that one!). 

For those stepping into this empty nest phase of life, it’s also a good way to expand your social circle. Meet fellow pre-empty nesters by joining local groups or volunterring. You might even find some new friends who fit right in with your close friends.

The best ways to make these connections? Keep things simple – game nights, coffee dates, or tackling DIY projects as a group. It’s a good way to embrace this new normal while making the most of the extra time you’ve been given. 

Activities for Pre-Empty Nesters and Your Buddies

Here’s how to keep things interesting without breaking the bank:

• Thrifting Adventures: Hit the local thrift store. You’ll laugh at bad fashion finds and celebrate when someone scores the perfect $2 vase.
• Game Night at Home: Bring out the cards, grab some snacks, and let the friendly competition begin.
• DIY Classes Together: Sign up for pottery, painting, or even candle-making. Nothing says bonding like ruining craft projects together.
• Explore Local Attractions: Visit a farmer’s market, hike a local trail, or go apple-picking if the season’s right. These simple outings can feel refreshing.

Because friends make everything better, even if the most exciting thing you do is sit on a porch with chai tea and talk about life.

Section 3: Pre-Empty Nesting with Your Spouse

Ah, your spouse—your built-in adventure buddy. This season is a chance to reconnect and enjoy life together. Here are some ideas to mix things up:

Activities for Pre-Empty Nesters and Their Spouse

• Plan a Weekly Date Night: It doesn’t have to be fancy. Try movie marathons, board games, or cooking something adventurous together (elk gravy, anyone?).
• Take Up a Shared Hobby: Learn guitar together, start a garden, or practice baking sourdough bread. It’s less about the activity and more about the laughs when something goes wrong. Getting chickens (I’m currently working on this one) to have farm-fresh eggs every day. 
• Go for Scenic Drives: Explore back roads or take a day trip somewhere you’ve never been. Bring snacks and a good playlist.
• Start a Side Hustle Together: Ever thought about selling baked goods, offering laundry pickup, or starting a YouTube channel? Teamwork, baby!

Marriage in the pre-empty nest stage is like dating all over again—with a lot more coffee and fewer curfews.

Section 4: Finding Purpose as a Pre-Empty Nester

Let’s get real for a second. When the house feels quieter, it’s easy to wonder what’s next. Finding purpose in this season starts with grounding yourself in what matters most:

• Spend Time in God’s Word: Start your day with prayer and Bible study. It centers your heart and reminds you of your role as a light in your family’s life.
• Set New Goals: Take up hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment. For me, that’s playing guitar, sourdough baking, vlogging, and running (yes, I’ve been running since I was 12 years old).
• Give Back: Volunteer at church, mentor younger moms, or bring cookies to neighbors. Purpose grows when we focus on others.

This is a season to embrace growth and creativity, not just for yourself but as a legacy for your family.

Section 5: What About Single Pre-Empty Nesters?

If you’re flying solo in this stage, you might feel like a fish out of water. I’m not single, but I can imagine how tricky this season could feel. Here are a few ideas to make it meaningful:

Activities for Pre-Empty Nesters Flying Mostly Solo

• Dive Into Hobbies: Whether it’s learning photography, starting a garden, or taking up knitting, hobbies are a great way to stay busy and fulfilled.
• Travel Solo: Take that weekend getaway you’ve always wanted. Solo trips can be empowering and fun! You may love watching Jen’s Silver & Solo Videos. 
• Find a Community: Join local meetups, church groups, or online forums for people in the same season. Life’s better when shared.

Being single doesn’t mean being alone. Build a life you love, filled with the things that matter most.

Section 6: How to Cope with Pre-Empty Nest Syndrome

Let’s face it: pre-empty nest syndrome is real. But you don’t have to let it take over. Here are three practical ways to cope:
1. Prioritize Sleep: Everything feels harder when you’re tired. Get that rest—you’ve earned it.
2. Reevaluate Routines: Adjust your morning, afternoon, and evening routines to fit this new stage of life. Small changes can make a big difference.
3. Embrace New Rhythms: Life might feel a little off-balance at first, but that’s okay. Focus on smaller, meaningful tasks instead of overwhelming yourself.

Take it one day at a time, and trust that new joys and routines will emerge.

Section 7: Homemaking with Your Growing Kids During The Pre-Empty Nesting Season

Homemaking doesn’t stop when your kids get older – it just changes a bit. Whether they’re living at home, away at college, or starting their own journeys, creating moments together helps keep your bond strong and your home a place they’ll always want to come back to. Enjoy this time! If you want more information about how to enjoy homemaking as a working mom, check this out.

Activities for Pre-Empty Nesters and their Kids

• Family Dinners. Even if schedules are hectic, have a home-cooked meals or go out. Keep it simple. Share stories, laugh, and make your home the go-to spot for food and fellowship.
• Tackle a DIY project together. Whether it’s building a garden bed, painting a room, or reorganizing the garage, working side by side gives room and time for conversation. Plus, you’re teaching valuable skills.
• Plan low-key outings. Go for a hike, visit a farmer’s market, or have a coffee shop date. It doesn’t have to be elaborate – just intentional time together.
• Pass on a family tradition. Teach them a family recipe (like great grandma’s yeast rolls), host a holiday baking day, or pass down tips they’ll use for life. It’s about sharing wisdom while enjoying each other’s company.

Section 8: Reflecting on Your Pre-Empty Nest Years

This season of life is a good thing—a time to pause and reflect on your own life and what God may be calling you to in this new chapter. Take some time to consider these questions:

1. What has been your primary focus up until now, and is God asking you to shift it?
2. What new skills or passions have you always wanted to explore but never prioritized?
3. How can you use this season to better understand your life purpose and align it with God’s Word?
4. What is the first step you can take today to embrace this transition with joy?

After reflecting, take action. Start with these simple steps:

1. Write down a list of things that excite or inspire you, whether it’s hobbies, service opportunities, or ways to grow spiritually.
2. Carve out intentional time to spend in prayer, seeking clarity and direction for this season.
3. Commit to learning one new skill—whether it’s sourdough baking, painting, or mentoring someone younger in their faith.
4. Focus on small, daily habits that bring you closer to Christ, like reading Scripture or journaling gratitude.

Remember, the first step in finding purpose is surrendering to the One who created it for you. This chapter is not just about change; it’s about becoming the person God designed you to be.

Time to Be a Doer and Embrace This Season! 

This pre-empty nest stage is a season of transition, but it’s also one full of opportunities. Whether you’re spending time with family, friends, or finding purpose on your own, there’s so much to enjoy and explore.

Keep it simple, keep it meaningful, and most importantly—keep trusting that God’s got big plans for you in this stage and beyond.