37 Fun Things to Do With Your Friends on the Weekend
Graphics by Ansh
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Having alarm-free days on our calendars is like having a blank canvas to paint our lives the way we want. From Saturdays to Sundays: weekends for most of us are free opportunities to plan out interesting things beyond our daily productive hours. We’ve rounded up plenty of fun things to do with your friends on the weekend. Explore these fun-packed ideas to spice up your weekends, hit the refresh button, and set yourself up for another exciting week. Here are some cool things for friends to do on the weekend:
1. Play arcades (with a friendly twist)
Friends, fun, and nostalgic vibes—mean a well-spent weekend for game lovers. Retro arcade video games aren’t just for kids, grandpas, or part of old-school things: if you still love 4-player Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Galaga, Street Fighter, and Mortal Kombat, you’re keeping this golden era alive. Spending a weekend in arcade venues with friends is among the best ways to be “unproductive” on this list. These venues often provide more than just a gaming experience, like snacks, drinks, and energetic vibes to be in with other like-minded people.
From racing and shooting games to sports simulations, arcades are widely available both in the US and internationally where you can play from a ton of cool gaming options. What makes it the coolest thing to do is adding a friendly twist to the competition where the winner gets a small, fun, non-monetary reward from the loser. Remember, we are against gambling and Esports betting and do not promote or advise it by any means. By “small reward,” we mean a non-monetary simple treat like a coffee or a snack, or gifts like a small accessory or movie tickets. This keeps the competition light-hearted, exciting, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Disclaimer: We at NetBlime do not promote or endorse gambling or any form of betting, including Esports betting. All suggested activities are intended to be enjoyed in a fun and responsible manner, without any financial stakes.
2. Challenge your wits in an escape room
If video games are not your thing, there are plenty of off-screen games to enjoy. Who wouldn’t love solving puzzles like Sherlock Holmes to “escape” the scary room with friends and family? It’s already a super fascinating and fun activity for the weekend. An escape room is a great place for a themed and unique experience filled with complex puzzles where you get to challenge your mental grit. These are some of the cool places to go with friends on the weekend.
Most escape rooms are designed with various challenges, riddles, and time limits within which you must solve the puzzles and escape the room. But don’t worry—if you fail to solve the puzzles in time, you won’t be stuck there forever. Many escape rooms allow you to play in teams and groups that sweeten the fun and cooperative spirit. From mystery and horror to adventure, escape rooms offer various themes and concepts for unique experiences.
3. Go hiking
After spending five to six days indoors looking at your computer screen or serving customers, having one or two days reserved for the “outdoor company” isn’t really a bad idea. Health, talks, people, nature, mood, and lots of fun—hiking with your friends on the weekend sounds more satisfying and fulfilling than just talking about your past spent weekdays in bars.
But you might wonder, how can something as tedious as hiking be fun? Sure, taking a slow walk through uneven trails may feel challenging and tiring, but when we share this experience with friends or family, the pain is just homework to deal with when you’re back home. When you get to the top of a desired hike spot, it feels rewarding. You can relax through the picturesque views, fresh air sound, and through offline surroundings, soaking up that natural aesthetic beauty. Such activities often teach us that hard work comes with rewards.
Check out local state parks, valleys, or hiking trails nearby in your area to see if it’s hikeable. Read the rules if any, lace up your hiking boots, grab your friend, respect wildlife, pack filtered water bottles, and enjoy your time.
4. Have deep conversations
Our besties are people that we often feel comfortable sharing how we feel. That moment when someone listens to us deeply and genuinely cares about what we’re saying gives us the strength to deal with most life challenges in a better way. Not only does empathetic listening build meaningful human connections, but it can also lead to memorable experiences and lots of laughter. Sharing moments of happiness and joy with your friends through deep talks can create meaningful and lasting memories.
5. Cook a new summer recipe
Why not bond over delicious grilled pizza on the weekend instead of eating out? Doing your version of “cooking together at home” doesn’t just mean checking off those weekend kitchen to-do lists, but it’s also associated with fun activities like going out in the market to bag up cooking stuff and getting creative with ingredients you might not usually try.
Preparing meals together gets even more enjoyable when you’re on a foreign trip and you want to stay under budget. These small experiences shape lasting memories of good friendship. Whether you’re cooking at home or in a budget hotel room with your friend, don’t forget to capture the moment with some cool pictures to share on social media.
6. Go for a karaoke night
If you’re looking for fun things to do with friends on the weekend at night or a weekend full of happy hours, have a karaoke night blast! A weekend evening singing karaoke with your bestie is a fun way to strengthen your friendship. And who knows, you might make new friends (or maybe even fans) by wowing others with your awesome voice? Be sure to reserve a private room in advance and pick the best songs you’d love to sing. If you’re into Japanese culture, you can go for Japanese-style private karaoke. Just search for “Japanese style private karaoke near me,” and chances are, you’ll find plenty of options nearby if they’re available in your area.
7. Plan a weekend shopping
@el-gringo-photo-116752370 | Pexels
Some of us just don’t like the idea of waiting for something we’ve already paid for. If you’re tired of shopping online and dealing with returns, an in-store visit would be a perfect weekend plan with friends. It gets more enjoyable when we go out with friends and shop in person. Heading to the store, trying new things on the spot, checking on weekend shopping deals, making purchases, and leaving with your new items—simple, social, and satisfying. Create a list of items you want or need and make sure you don’t go beyond your shopping budget. You can also plan to visit nearby after-shopping areas like a lake or local park with your friend.
8. Enjoy a beach day
Our lifestyle is designed in a way where we often skip the necessary blessings of the sun. Staying locked indoors throughout the workweek makes us feel like we’re craving for sunlight, fresh air, and nature’s therapy. To break the boredom and soak up some vitamin D: a beach day is a free-fun way to refresh on weekends. If you don’t have an ocean in your hometown, look for nearby lakes or rivers where you can plan to go with your friends. Pack your beach day essentials like SPF and sunglasses—and enjoy the day making sandcastles and snapping pictures.
9. Plan a weekend sports game
Think about a Ping-Pong pickleball day… it sounds like a lot of fun for weekends. There are so many unique and popular sports you can plan with friends. Whether you love feeling the sand between your toes playing beach volleyball or smashing air shots in badminton, you can organize your sporty weekend with friends in advance who share the same cup of tea.
If you’re young and full of beans, you might like to play (or join a weekend team) running-based ballgames like soccer. But if you’re hitting your 40s, you might love to be in a relaxed mode playing sports like Golf with your friend. If playing sports is not your thing, watching a game or event is also a great way to spend your weekends.
10. Take a weekend road trip
It feels refreshing when you can escape the daily deadlines and productivity pressures for a while. Hitting the open road lets us get into deep thoughts embracing the little change. When you drive through scenic routes, especially country roads, you see roadside happenings along the way. Observing the little slices of country life slightly different from your lifestyle will surely lift your mood. A weekend road trip with friends or family is a great fun way to visit a new place, soak in the new views, and recharge your batteries.
TIP:
- Do not start a road trip late at night
- Plan your route ahead
- Pack snacks and drinks
- Create a playlist (avoid loud and distracting music)
- Check your vehicle
- Bring a map
- Keep a travel water bottle
- Take regular breaks
- Explore local eateries
- Pack an emergency kit
- Check local or state’s guidelines & tourism advice
More Fun Ideas About What to Do on the Weekend With Friends
11. Stay cool chilling poolside
12. Play board games with friends
13. Watch movies together on the weekend at home
14. Go birdwatching
15. Host a garage sale or swap meet with friends
16. Explore local farmer’s market
17. Book tickets for live matches
18. Stay cool chilling poolside
19. Organize a picnic in the park
20. Have a barbecue or outdoor cookout
21. Visit a nearby amusement park
22. Try kayaking or paddle boarding
23. Attend music festivals or outdoor concerts
24. Volunteer together
25. Go camping in your nearby campsite
26. Travel to a nearby town as tourists
27. Have a DIY spa day at home
28. Take a cooking or dance class together
29. Go to a local cultural festival or fair
30. Do stargazing in a clear, rural area
31. Try out stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) at a nearby lake or beach
32. Visit a museum or historical site in your area
33. Take a scenic bike ride together
34. Have a bowling or mini-golf tournament
35. Check out a local food truck festival or fair
36. Explore a nearby state or national park for sightseeing
37. Try out a new water sport like parasailing or jet skiing (if available locally)
Disclaimer | Most sports, water sports, and outdoor activities can be dangerous and may lead to injuries. Please be careful and know your limits. We are not responsible for any accidents or injuries that might happen. Always consider your health and safety first. Before doing any activity, make sure it’s allowed in that area. For example, don’t paddleboard if it’s not allowed in the lake.
