Some days just hit differently. One minute you’re hyped for a spontaneous hangout, the next you’re all collectively stuck, silently staring at each other like, “Sooo… what now?” You’ve exhausted every streaming service, debated conspiracy theories, and even briefly considered alphabetizing someone’s spice rack just to pass the time.
Stop. Put the drawer down. This is a safe space. We’re here to rescue your friend group from the depths of routine with a glorious list of fun things to do with friends that don’t include doom-scrolling or watching that one friend refresh Tinder for the sixth time.
Whether you’re staying in or hitting the town, solo bonding or rolling deep, we’ve rounded up fun things to do with friends so good, boredom won’t even think about texting you back.
Top Things To Do With Friends
1. The Ultimate Theme Night
You know how people throw those elaborate themed weddings? Bring that same chaotic creativity to your living room.
Choose a country (Thailand? France? 2003 America?) and go all in, food, music, outfits, trivia, maybe even some accents if you dare. This is one of those fun things to do at home that makes it feel like you’ve actually traveled somewhere, without the jet lag or customs.
Bonus points if someone gives a speech in character.
Pro Tip: For unique theme inspiration, check out Eventbrite’s Party Ideas.
2. The DIY Olympics
This is not your average game night. Build obstacle courses out of couch cushions. See who can build the tallest tower out of spaghetti and marshmallows. Compete in “Who Can Hold a Plank While Reciting Taylor Swift Lyrics” competitions.
It’s hilarious, it’s chaotic, and it’s one of the most funny activities your squad will remember (and possibly still laugh about at weddings ten years later).
3. Mystery Road Trip
Pick a direction. Flip a coin at every intersection. End up at a goat farm? A bowling alley in a ghost town? A scenic lake you didn’t know existed?
This is peak adventure mode and one of the top-tier places to go with friends when spontaneity is the goal.
Pack snacks. Wear comfy shoes. And don’t forget a playlist full of bangers.
Tool: Use Roadtrippers to find weird stops along your route.
4. Cook-Off Chaos
Channel your inner MasterChef, minus the stress, plus the sass. Pick a secret ingredient and see who can make the best dish using it. (Spoiler: someone will try to use chocolate in pasta.)
It’s one of those things to do with friends at home that’s equal parts delicious and deeply competitive.
Also acceptable: pancake art competitions, “gourmet” microwave meals, or decorating cookies while blindfolded.
Also Read: 8 Best Retirement Gift Ideas to Consider in 2025
5. The $10 Thrift Store Challenge
Head to a thrift store and give everyone $10 and 20 minutes. The mission? Put together the weirdest outfit possible.
Then go somewhere public. Like brunch. Or bowling. Document the entire thing like it’s a fashion campaign for chaotic neutrals.
You’ll never Google fun places to go with friends again; you just made one.
6. At-Home Spa + Tea Gossip
Who says self-care can’t be social? Face masks, DIY mani-pedis, soft background music, and a bottomless pot of tea (or wine, let’s be honest).
Combine it with a little life debrief and some well-intentioned gossip, and you’ve got yourself one of the most relaxing activities to do with friends at night.
Pairs well with cozy pajamas and unsolicited advice.
Also Read: Best Graduation Gift Ideas 2025 | Thoughtful & Unique Gifts
7. Go Full Childhood
Remember Saturday mornings when your biggest concern was beating your sibling at Mario Kart? Bring it back.
Build a blanket fort. Watch 2000s cartoons. Eat cereal from mixing bowls. Or go outside and play tag. (Yes, adults can play tag.)
This is one of those fun things to do with your BFF that comes with a big ol’ serving of nostalgia.
8. Local Tourist Challenge
Pretend you’re tourists in your own city. Go to the cheesy attractions, take selfies, wear matching hats if you’re feeling extra.
It turns out that some of the best hangout ideas are sitting right under your nose, especially when you commit to the bit.
Find Hidden Gems: Atlas Obscura
9. Book or Movie Club, but Make It Unhinged
Not your average intellectual gathering. Pick a theme: Worst Movie Ever Made. Most Dramatic Book Cover. Movies Where Nicolas Cage Screams.
Watch or read together, then rate on a 10-point scale that makes no sense (e.g., “3 out of 10 exploding pineapples”).
It’s a solid contender for things to do for a group of friends that balances irony and togetherness.
10. Photo Roulette Night
Everyone picks five weird, hilarious, or mildly incriminating pics from their camera roll and anonymously submits them. Shuffle, display on a TV or laptop, and guess whose is whose.
You’ll be surprised how much fun stuff to do comes from your own memories, and how questionable your past vacation selfies were.
11. Sunrise Missions
Set the alarm. Grab coffee. Watch the sunrise from a rooftop, parking garage, or hilltop.
You’d be surprised how many activities to do with friends can start with “let’s wake up ridiculously early and just… go somewhere.”
Wrap it up with a diner breakfast and stories about how no one got any sleep. Worth it.
12. Create a Time Capsule
Have everyone bring one small item and write a letter to their future self. Put it all in a box and bury it, or hide it in someone’s attic for future chaos.
It’s sentimental, silly, and one of the best long-term activities to do with your closest people.
So… What to Do with Friends? Literally Anything. As Long as It’s Yours.
Here’s the secret: fun things to do with friends aren’t about how much you spend, how far you travel, or how Pinterest-worthy your hangout looks. It’s about being present. Doing the ridiculous. Embracing the cringe. Creating inside jokes that live on for decades.
So the next time you’re bored, remember this blog. Bookmark it. Print it. Tattoo it if you must.
And whatever you do, don’t let boredom win. Not on our watch.
Conclusion
Need more inspo? Share this list with your crew and let the voting begin. Or better yet—close the group chat, show up with snacks, and start something.
Because the only wrong way to hang out with friends is not doing it at all.
And if you’re ever short on plans (or hunting down good travel and experience deals), check out My Exclusive Deals. They’ve got flight offers, budget tips, and smart ways to fund your next spontaneous friend adventure.
Oh, and bookmark this list of fun things to do with friends while you’re at it. You’ll want it later.