Salvation in Nature

Globally, 55% of Gen Z women and 37% of Gen Z men say that maintaining good mental health is a big challenge (Ipsos, 2024). Aligning with this sentiment, many are turning to nature to reap the physical, mental and emotional benefits of time spent outdoors and bonding with the natural world. See Gen Z Fitness Trends 24/25 for more on embracing outdoor exercise.

Sentimental Amusements

Worldwide, 15% of Gen Zers would rather think about the past than the future (GWI, 2023), while 37% of young Americans feel nostalgic for the 1990s, despite most of them not having been born until the 2000s (Kantar, 2024). Reflecting this mindset, they’re enjoying leisure activities (from house parties to darts) with retro, childhood and throwback themes and aesthetics. For earlier thinking, see Gen Z Leisure Trends 2023. 

Vibe Seekers

The growing attendance of live events reflects Gen Zers’ prioritisation of experiences over possessions. Live music event attendance has soared in recent years, propelled by headline tours from stars like Taylor Swift, whose Eras Tour sold 4.35 million tickets in 2024 (AP, 2024). Furthermore, live events offering multidimensional and digital immersion appeal to Gen Zers on a sensory level. 

Therapeutic Rituals

Anxious Gen Zers are finding meaning and balance through quiet, restorative and nourishing hobbies and pastimes (many previously seen as ‘grandma hobbies’). From needlework to silent reading clubs, young people (who are in part still recovering from the effects of the pandemic) are tapping into rhythmic rituals while enjoying low-key social interactions. See also The Happy Hobby Boom.

Keying into Cultural Heritage

Young adults are mining the past to enrich their present, rediscovering hobbies and interests linked to their heritage as a means of self-discovery and cultural connection. From mahjong clubs to acquiring museum merch and cultural tourism, Gen Zers are finding enrichment and belonging through celebrating both their individuality and collective heritage.