Check out these 6 fun activities you can do with your friends if you want to change things up a little.
1. Go Gel Balling
You probably already know what paintball is – a team sport or recreational activity where your objective is to shoot, or “mark”, other players on the opposing team with a paintball. It’s a ton of fun and makes for some good bonding experiences between friends. However, if you’re looking for something that will still give you all of those great feelings but without the painful impact that comes with paintball, why not give gel balling a try. You can have all the fun of paintball with none of the painful drawbacks even when using the most realistic gel blasters available. While you can play this game with just one friend, it’s always more fun to get the whole gang together and make a day out of it.
There are different types of games you can play. Two of the more popular in any kind of sport like this include catch the flag, as well as a free-for-all. Depending on whether you guys are more strategy-oriented or just want to have a blast while doing a bit of running and ducking, you can choose which to play.
2. Camping
Every now and then, it can be a lot of fun to get away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life, let down your hair – quite literally – and go camping. Outdoor adventures are a great way to bond with friends, especially if you live in a city where outdoor activities aren’t always an option. Camping is a great activity because you can do it with a small group of friends (such as the two-to-four person range), and even with a large group. Of course, you’ll need to pack the essentials for your trip. Having enough fresh water, canned food, a first aid kit, as well as a knife, and a flashlight is a must. The way you dress is also important.
Even during summer, it’s important to bring sturdy boots, a raincoat, and some layers in case it gets colder in the evening. A fresh change of clothes is also advisable, even if you’re just staying for one day – you don’t want to get soaked by a sudden rainfall and have to sit in those clothes for the rest of your time there. If your friend circle is more on the athletic side, you can include other activities in your camping trip as well such as kayaking, mountain climbing, or even free climbing. You can also opt to do something a little more laid-back and go for a hike in the woods followed by roasting marshmallows over a bonfire. There are so many fun things you can do while camping, and it’s perfect when you want to try something new with friends!
3. Picnic In The Park
If you like the idea of spending time in nature, but don’t really have the time to go on an entire trip, having a picnic in the park can be a good option. All you need is a park and a nice day (for this one, you might want to check the weather forecast beforehand) and that’s it! Pack your picnic basket with some sandwiches, fresh fruit, and maybe even some home-baked cookies. If you’re of drinking age, a nice bottle of bubbly is never a bad idea either – just make sure you’re not going to be breaking any laws by bringing it along. If the weather’s nice, try to get there early so you can grab one of those secluded spots in the middle where you can sit down and enjoy your picnic with no interruptions.
In case you and your friends sort of like nature but aren’t thrilled about the idea of sitting directly on the ground, you might want to brink a large blanket to sit on – or even a yoga mat. That way, you can be even more comfortable since you’ll have something soft to sit on. You can also bring along a few board games or card decks if it’s not too sunny where you are – something to pass the time between bites!
4. Spa Day
There’s nothing more satisfying than a good spa day with friends. You can indulge in this either by organising a spa day at your place or going to the local nail salon or massage parlor for a day of pampering. If you’re more into DIYing it, make sure to have all the essentials. Chilled cucumber slices, a face towel, and some light moisturizer will do the trick. Depending on what your friends are into, you can make it as simple or as luxurious as you like – do whatever makes the girls happy. The trick with a spa day is to make it light and fun. Don’t try anything too adventurous that might cause someone to feel uncomfortable – just have some snacks, chat for a bit, and start your relaxation routine.
On the other hand, if you prefer going to a salon for this, make sure to book your appointments so that everyone can start and finish at a similar time. In case there are massage or sauna options available, and you’re feeling extra indulgent – go for it! There’s no harm in treating yourselves from time to time, and it can be a great bonding experience. If you and your friends like to indulge in a bit of retail therapy, don’t forget to stop by the local store! After all, sometimes the best way to bond with friends is over a good purchase that you can both enjoy.
5. Binging Favourite Shows
Although this one might seem a bit odd, if you and your friends are big TV buffs, binging your favourite shows is actually a great idea. If the series you want to watch has already ended its run, plan ahead which day everyone can set aside for watching it – make sure to check everyone’s schedule. If there are still new episodes being released, you can schedule a weekly time when everyone gets together to watch it. If you don’t have a lot of time in between episodes, consider going for a short walk or grabbing some snacks so you stay fresh and energised. You can even make this a monthly occurrence where you really go all out and binge for an entire day.
You can even create themes – one month it can be a favourite show from your childhood, the next month it can be something more recent, like the entire Game of Thrones series. The great thing about doing this is that it gives you and your friends an opportunity to bond over something you all enjoy. Taking the time to discuss what you liked or even disliked about certain episodes is not only fun, but it can be a great way to get to know your friends better. Getting an insight into how the people you’re closest to think about different topics that might not come up in regular conversation is always something to treasure, and this can be a way to achieve just that without any heavy conversations that might bring down the mood.
6. Clubbing
Whether you’re still in your twenties, or you’re pushing 50, everyone needs to get loose from time to time and just go out and dance the night away. If you and your friends are more into the clubbing scene, there’s nothing wrong with that! Remember to scope out the venue beforehand, as well as all the possible extras they might have in store for you – such as special drinks or local food places that will accommodate a larger group. This is also a fun activity because it allows you to go out with your friends and do something a bit more unique.
This is the perfect opportunity for you to dress up, have fun, and just enjoy a night on the town together. On the other hand, if one of your friends isn’t into the club scene or would prefer doing something else – don’t feel pressured to do it all together. You can always do some activities that are more personal to each friend, as well as those who aren’t into this type of thing, and then finish it off with a round of clubbing later in the evening.
When it comes to spending time with your friends, there is no better thing than doing something you truly enjoy together. This can either include the activities mentioned above, or ones that are more personal to each of you. The key here is to make sure everyone in the group gets a chance to discuss what they want and set up a plan in which everyone can have fun. This is something that should always be communicated, as well as any ideas that those who are quieter might have in mind.
