💖 What To Do With Friends

Okay, spill the tea. Your group chat is probably buzzing with ‘what are we doing this weekend’ vibes, right? And let’s be real, ‘Netflix and chill’ has officially become ‘Netflix and please someone give me a new idea.’ Don’t worry, your personal social director (that’s me!) just dropped in with a fresh batch of friend-tastic adventures that are anything but basic.

Get ready to ditch the doom-scrolling and actually do stuff. We’re talking real-life memories, actual laughter, and maybe a few embarrassing photos. Let’s make your next hangout legendary.

1. Host a Themed Potluck

Forget your sad desk lunch. Pick a theme – think ’90s nostalgia, Italian trattoria, or even ‘foods that are secretly just desserts.’ Everyone brings a dish fitting the vibe. It’s like a culinary fashion show, but you get to eat the outfits.

Make it a rule that everyone has to bring the recipe. No gatekeeping deliciousness here. Low effort for the host, high reward for everyone’s taste buds.

2. DIY Spa Day at Home

Because adulting is hard. Gather your sheet masks, foot soaks, and that one friend who’s surprisingly good at braiding hair. Put on some chill beats (or a bad reality show, no judgment). Bonus points for matching fuzzy robes.

Whip up some cucumber water and a few fancy snacks. Hydration is key, darling. Pure relaxation without the spa price tag. Your skin (and soul) will thank you.

3. Explore a New Neighborhood or Town

Adventure calls, even if it’s just a short drive away. Pick a spot you’ve never really explored. Wander through local shops, grab coffee from an indie cafe, or find that quirky mural everyone’s talking about. It’s like being a tourist, but with people who actually get your jokes.

Create a scavenger hunt list beforehand – find a pink door, spot a dog wearing a sweater, locate the best croissant. Fresh scenery and unexpected discoveries beat staring at your own four walls any day.

4. Game Night Extravaganza

Unleash your inner competitive monster. Board games, card games, video games – whatever floats your competitive boat. Stock up on snacks (mandatory) and prepare for some friendly (or not-so-friendly) banter. Loser buys the next round of pizza, obviously.

Introduce a new, slightly obscure game. It levels the playing field and guarantees some hilarious rule interpretations. Guaranteed laughs and a healthy dose of rivalry. Who doesn’t love a good victory dance?

5. Outdoor Movie Night

Upgrade your ‘Netflix and chill’ to ‘Netflix and thrill‘. Grab a projector, a white sheet, a bunch of blankets, and all the popcorn you can handle. Set it up in your backyard or a local park (check rules first!). It’s surprisingly easy and feels super magical.

Don’t forget the bug spray. Nothing kills the vibe faster than a mosquito invasion. Cozy vibes, fresh air, and your favorite flick. It’s basically a hug in movie form.

6. Volunteer Together

Give back, feel good, look good doing it. Find a local charity, animal shelter, or community garden that needs a helping hand. Spending time together making a difference is incredibly rewarding. Plus, good karma points are always in style.

Choose something everyone genuinely cares about. It makes the experience even more meaningful. Bond over shared purpose and make the world a slightly better place. It’s a win-win-win.

7. Attend a Local Class or Workshop

Learn something new, or at least laugh trying. From pottery to mixology, cooking to coding (okay, maybe not coding unless you’re that kind of friend group), there’s a class for everything. It’s a fun way to pick up a new skill and create some truly memorable (and potentially messy) moments.

Check out places like Groupon or local community centers for deals and unique offerings. Shared learning experiences always bring people closer. Plus, you might discover a hidden talent.

8. Go Thrifting or Vintage Shopping

Because one person’s trash is another person’s treasure… and a killer outfit. Hit up a few thrift stores or vintage boutiques. Set a budget and a challenge – like finding the most outlandish item, or a complete outfit for under $20. It’s a sustainable fashion hunt with guaranteed laughs.

Make it a competition: whoever finds the best/weirdest/most stylish item wins bragging rights (and maybe a coffee). Sustainable, budget-friendly, and you might just unearth some serious gems. Plus, the stories are priceless.

9. Have a Craft Night

Unleash your inner Pinterest queen (or king). Pick a simple craft – friendship bracelets, painting canvases, decorating plain tote bags. Put on some music, lay out the supplies, and let your creativity flow. No art skills required, just good vibes and maybe a glass of wine.

Don’t aim for perfection. The joy is in the process and the inevitable hilarious failures. Hands-on fun, lighthearted conversation, and you get a tangible souvenir of your time together.

10. Karaoke Night (at home or out)

Warm up those vocal cords, buttercup. Whether you’re belting out power ballads in your living room with a YouTube karaoke track or bravely taking the stage at a local bar, karaoke is always a good idea. Embrace the off-key notes and the dramatic mic drops.

Have a designated hype person. Their job is to cheer for everyone, no matter how terrible. Pure, unadulterated fun and a fantastic way to let loose. No talent required, just enthusiasm.

11. Picnic in the Park

Sunshine, snacks, and your favorite people. What more could you want? Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruit, cheese, and maybe some sparkling lemonade. Find a comfy spot in a park, lay out a blanket, and just enjoy the good weather and even better company. It’s simple, classic, and always delightful.

Bring a portable speaker for some background tunes and a deck of cards for impromptu games. Easy, breezy, and a perfect excuse to get some fresh air and quality time.

12. Build a Fort (Adult Edition)

Revisit your childhood, but with better snacks and no bedtime. Gather all the blankets, pillows, and chairs you can find. Drape them strategically, add fairy lights, and create the ultimate cozy hideaway. Then, fill it with snacks, board games, or just good conversation. It’s surprisingly therapeutic.

Seriously, fairy lights are non-negotiable. They transform a pile of blankets into a magical kingdom. Nostalgia, comfort, and an instant mood booster. Plus, who doesn’t love a secret hideout?

13. Go Stargazing

Look up, buttercup. The universe is calling. Escape the city lights. Find a dark spot – a local park, a nature reserve, or even just your backyard on a clear night. Bring blankets, hot cocoa, and maybe a telescope if you’re feeling fancy. It’s a surprisingly profound and peaceful way to connect.

Download a stargazing app to identify constellations and planets. Suddenly you’re all astronomers! A beautiful, serene experience that encourages deep conversation and a sense of wonder. Plus, it’s free.

14. Bake-Off Challenge

May the best baker win (and share the spoils). Pick a theme – cookies, cupcakes, or a specific type of bread. Everyone bakes their version at home and brings it over for a blind taste test and judging. Or, if you’re feeling brave, do it all together in one kitchen (chaos guaranteed, but fun chaos).

Have silly awards ready: ‘Most Visually Appealing Disaster,’ ‘Surprisingly Edible,’ ‘Clearly Cheated.’ Delicious results, friendly competition, and a kitchen full of good smells and even better company.

Conclusion

See? Your group chat doesn’t have to be a wasteland of ‘IDK, what do you wanna do?’ anymore. From getting crafty to getting competitive, there’s a whole world of awesome waiting for you and your besties. So, grab your crew, pick an adventure, and go make some memories that are way better than another night scrolling TikTok. Your future self (and your friends!) will thank you.