Spending quality time with friends is one of life’s greatest joys. In our busy lives, weekends are the perfect opportunity to reconnect and make lasting memories. Nonetheless, coming up with fun plans that appeal to everyone can be challenging. We often default to familiar activities like going out to eat or mindlessly scrolling on our phones, missing out on more meaningful interactions.
Planning for an entertaining weekend with friends has huge payoffs, though. Shared novel experiences strengthen bonds and give us an emotional boost that carries into the new week. According to a survey, over 69% of millennials feel time spent with friends is more valuable than time spent elsewhere. Additionally, research shows that spending just 2.5 hours per week engaged in social activities can increase happiness by over 10%.
We can transform an ordinary weekend into an unforgettable one with creativity and enthusiasm. Here are eight tips to plan and enjoy a fun weekend with friends.
Outdoor Movie Night
Outdoor movie nights are nostalgic and relaxing. Set up a screen or projector in the backyard or park and make a comfy viewing area with blankets, pillows, and lawn chairs. Send out invites with movie suggestions and have everyone vote on which films to watch. Why not include a few episodes of “Eleanor’s Bench” in your selection? This heartwarming series, centered around a female court judge, is nothing short of riveting, and it’s an excellent choice for a night of entertainment that’s both fun and thought-provoking.
You can watch Eleanor’s Bench under the stars and spark meaningful conversations, drawing your group closer together. Comedies and light-hearted movies are also ideal for groups. Prepare snacks like popcorn, candy, and pizza to enjoy during the showings. To make it extra cozy, light a firepit or hand out blankets.
Introduce each movie with background facts and trivia to spark conversations. During less intense scenes, initiate movie discussions to bring the group together. End the night stargazing and chatting about the films.
Host a Themed Party
Pick a fun theme like the ’80s, masquerade, or tropical luau, and decorate accordingly. Ask everyone to dress up to set the mood. Plan themed snacks, drinks, music, and activities. For an interesting twist, why not base the theme around your favorite TV show or movie? Popular ideas include karaoke, trivia, board/video games, photo booths, and scavenger hunts. Getting into character together and sharing laughs over the silliness of it all is a great bonding experience.
Start the night with icebreaker games to get everyone mingling. Throughout the party, initiate conversations between different people to strengthen connections. End with a dance party finale. Themed parties require more effort but produce memories that will be discussed for years.
Go on a Day Trip
Exploring a new destination together builds rapport through shared discoveries. Research interesting spots 1-2 hours away and send your friends a list of potential day trips like museums, hiking trails, amusement parks, concerts, festivals, or winery tours.
Figure out the logistics of getting there, attractions to visit, places to eat, and estimated costs. Make a fun road trip playlist to listen to on the way. While there, ensure everyone feels included by occasionally splitting into smaller groups with different interests. Reconvene later to swap stories and photos. Lastly, end the day with dinner at a nice restaurant before heading home.
Volunteer Together
Giving back as a group creates cherished memories, along with helping the community. Browse local volunteer events and propose meaningful options to your friends, like serving meals, picking up litter at the beach, building homes, or volunteering at animal shelters.
Discuss causes that are important to each of you, and select one where you can make an impact together. Call ahead to sign up and get details on schedules and activities. While volunteering, take group photos and videos capturing moments of teamwork and accomplishment. Afterward, unwind over a hearty meal to reflect on the day’s positive contributions.
Go on an Active Outing
Nature outings are the perfect balance of fun and fitness. Search for scenic local spots that offer activities like hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, beach trips, or bike tours. Choose an activity suitable for your group’s abilities and interest levels.
Pack water bottles, healthy snacks, and gear like sunscreen and binoculars. While there, take breaks to admire views and chat. Initiate conversations about your surroundings to engage everyone. After working up an appetite, refuel with a nutritious picnic lunch or cookout.
Visit an Amusement Park
Amusement parks promise nonstop entertainment, excitement, and laughs. Get the adrenaline pumping together on rollercoasters, water rides, and thrill attractions. Break up the wild rides with gentler options like Ferris wheels, carousels, and arcade games for a change of pace.
Don’t forget to enjoy park snacks like funnel cakes, cotton candy, and turkey legs. Capture the day’s highlights with group selfies at landmarks around the park. Cap everything off by watching the evening fireworks show. Amusement parks bring out everyone’s playful side and create inside jokes that will live on.
Visit a Trampoline Park
Trampoline parks let your inner child come out in a rush of adrenaline and pure joy. Jump into foam pits, race down tumble tracks, and show off tricks together. Play trampoline dodgeball for a thrilling team activity. Challenge each other to aerial contests like biggest bounce or most consecutive front flips. Continue the fun on trapeze bars, rock climbing walls, and balance beams.
After tiring yourselves out, replenish calories at the park’s cafe before heading home, exhausted but elated. Trampoline parks create carefree memories to laugh about for weeks after.
Go to a Comedy Show
Laughter is one of the best bonding experiences. Search for upcoming stand-up comedy shows at local clubs or theaters. Look for comics you and your friends admire, or choose variety shows to discover new talent. If you want to grab seats near the stage, arrive early.
Chat about favorite bits between sets and debate opinions on the comedians. Comedy shows make even mundane topics hilarious. They exercise your laughter muscles, relieve stress, and elevate your mood. The nonstop giggles give your facial muscles a workout and your spirits a lift.
Conclusion
Making time for quality interactions with close friends should be a priority. An entertaining weekend takes some effort to plan but pays off tenfold in memories, laughter, and stronger relationships. Try these tips to transform any ordinary weekend into an unforgettable one. Explore new places together, play and be silly, give back, relax, or get active. Regardless of what you do, the most important ingredient is each other. Time spent nurturing friendships is an investment in lifelong happiness and health.
