Visiting the library remains the most common cultural activity Americans engage in, by far. The average 10.5 trips to the library U.S. adults report taking in 2019 exceeds their participation in eight other common leisure activities. Americans attend live music or theatrical events and visit national or historic parks roughly four times a year on average and visit museums and gambling casinos 2.5 times annually. Trips to amusement or theme parks (1.5) and zoos (.9) are the least common activities among this list.
Americans’ Reports of Leisure and Activities
| Go to a library | 10.5 |
|---|---|
| Go to a movie at a movie theater | 5.3 |
| Attend a live sporting event | 4.7 |
| Attend a live music or theatrical event | 3.8 |
| Visit a national or historical park | 3.7 |
| Visit a museum | 2.5 |
| Visit a gambling casino | 2.5 |
| Go to an amusement or theme park | 1.5 |
| Visit a zoo | 0.9 |
Women Visit Libraries Nearly Twice as Frequently as Men
Men and woman report doing most activities at about the same rate, but there are a few key differences:
- Women report visiting the library nearly twice as frequently as men do, 13.4 to 7.5 visits.
- Men are more likely than women to visit casinos, attend sporting events and visit national or historical parks.
The 30-49 Age Group Most Active Across Most Activities
Across nearly all measures, the highest average activity rates are among the 30 to 49 age group, while the lowest are among those 65 and older.
The 30 to 49 age group’s higher activity may reflect their relative youth combined with mid-life financial stability. Middle-aged adults’ activity is particularly above-par in terms of attending live sporting events. Their average attendance of 7.4 events during the year is more than twice that of younger adults and exceeds older adults by more than three visits.
The two exceptions to the pattern of middle-aged adults being the most active are visits to libraries and casinos. U.S. adults aged 18 to 29 visit the library much more than all older age groups — possibly reflecting college-going adults, who visit the library for studies. This youngest age group also visits casinos the most.
Via Gallup