70 Fun Activities to Enjoy with Friends When Bored

I've been yearning for deeper connections with friends lately. While grabbing coffee is nice, sometimes I crave more meaningful interactions. If you find yourself stuck in a rut, here's your cue to shake things up! Below is a collection of exciting activities to try with friends when boredom sets in.

This list offers a mix of spontaneous adventures and heartfelt gatherings to help you maximize your time together. If you're looking for fresh ideas to break the monotony—and perhaps incorporate some mindfulness—you're in the right spot. Let’s say goodbye to boredom!

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

70 Fun Activities to Try with Friends

With a Group

1. Set up a spa day. Create a relaxing atmosphere with face masks, foot soaks, or even massage trains.

2. Craft seasonal cocktails/mocktails. Use your finest glassware and ingredients for a special toast to friendship.

3. Head to the nearest beach or pool. Splashing around is timeless fun! Just remember to pack essentials—check out this beach packing list.

4. Host an international dinner party. Prepare and enjoy dishes from around the globe. My dream menu? Spicy tuna crispy rice, pizza, tacos, and gelato.

5. Get creative. Visit an art supply store for a fun project, or revamp old clothes with scissors and embroidery.

6. Start a book club. Gather in person to kick off that book club you’ve been talking about! Decide on a reading list together.

7. Try karaoke. For laughs, play Cowboy Karaoke: one person sings with headphones on and a blindfold, entertaining everyone else.

8. Have an ice cream taste test. Grab various vanilla ice creams from the store and rank them, or mix it up with other flavors!

9. Explore your Enneagram. Evaluate your personality types and engage in activities that promote sharing. You can even read The Road Back To You together for insights.

10. Discover your city. There's always something new to find. Make a list of places you've never visited and spend the day exploring.

11. Create and share bucket lists. Write down personal goals, then compile a shared list of experiences to pursue together.

12. Share compliments. Sit in a circle and tell each other what you appreciate most about your friends.

13. Craft jewelry. Nothing feels better than wearing something you made! Find a kit and start designing.

14. Go through old magazines. Revisit your favorites, dog-ear recipes, and discuss interesting articles.

15. Form a gardening club. Share gardening tips or simply enjoy some gossip while nurturing plants together.

16. Start a cocktail club. Every week, bring a different cocktail to share and enjoy together.

17. Play tennis. Enjoy a friendly match and have fun, regardless of skill level.

18. Host a DIY pottery night. Use air-dry clay to create unique pieces, from trinket dishes to vases.

19. Have a themed dinner night. Choose a theme—like “90s nostalgia”—and coordinate your outfits, menu, and music.

20. Organize a playlist party. Each friend picks five favorite songs to listen to while you dance and enjoy the vibe.

With Your BFF

21. Try a cardio-dance workout. Nothing beats a dance party with your best friend.

22. Discover a new restaurant. Order a variety of dishes and experience something fresh together.

23. Have a wine tasting at home. Select three bottles at different price points, cover them, and guess which is which.

24. Make a mood board. Create individual boards and compare your inspirations.

25. Practice yoga. Share your favorite flows or follow a video together.

26. Build a collaborative playlist. Include songs that bring back memories and listen when apart.

27. Purge your closet. Host a style show like Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic outfit reveal for a productive twist.

28. Give each other makeovers. No peeking! If you like the results, show them off out and about.

30. Go deep. Choose games that promote meaningful conversations, like We’re Not Really Strangers.

31. Shop for each other. Pick out outfits for each other to wear out—keep it fun!

32. Write heartfelt letters. Unlike fleeting texts, handwritten notes add a personal touch.

33. Try a viral TikTok recipe. Make Emily Mariko’s salmon rice bowl or a cookie hack together.

34. Have fun with flowers. Buy a variety and create stunning DIY bouquets.

35. Braid each other’s hair. Follow online tutorials for various braid styles and practice together.

36. Paint your nails. Whether you DIY or visit a salon, try a new color or style.

37. Visit a psychic. Explore what the future holds together.

38. Create a time capsule. Write letters to your future selves and plan a date to open it.

39. Learn a TikTok dance. It’s guaranteed fun, even if you’re not coordinated!

With Your Family

40. Take a walk. Enjoy the outdoors while chatting and admiring the scenery.

41. Play a game. Whether it's cards or board games, they’re great for bonding.

42. Host a movie marathon. Pick a series, grab popcorn, and settle in for a cozy night.

43. Binge a TV show. Choose a short series and watch it all in one go.

44. Set a beautiful table. Make the table setting the highlight and order takeout.

45. Experiment with a new recipe. Trying new dishes is more fun with a friend.

46. Bake together. For those who love creating in the kitchen.

47. Make your own pizza. Use homemade dough or store-bought crusts to create personal pizzas.

48. Work on a puzzle. Compete to see who can place the last piece!

49. Brew gourmet coffee. Add new flavors or froth your milk for a special treat.

50. Try shibori dyeing. Use a kit to create beautiful dyed fabrics.

51. Explore a new topic. Dive into a subject of interest and share your findings.

52. Visit a virtual museum. Many museums have online tours—like The Louvre.

53. Write a short story. Create characters and a plot together for fun.

55. Go for a bike ride. Enjoy the fresh air and exercise!

56. Work on scrapbooks. Capture memories in a way that digital photos can't.

57. Assemble care packages. Show kindness to friends or family with thoughtful gifts.

58. Enjoy a picnic. Pack meals or snacks to savor in the great outdoors.

59. Try paint by numbers. Settle in for a creative evening with drinks.

60. Dream up your travel wishlist. Create a list of top ten destinations together.

61. Explore local tourist spots. Visit places in your town you've never seen.

62. Visit a botanical garden. Experience nature and beauty.

63. Support your local sports team. Cheer for either professionals or high school games.

64. Go fruit picking. Enjoy the outdoors and gather fresh produce.

65. Shop at the farmer's market. Let fresh ingredients inspire your next meal.

66. Treat yourselves to ice cream. Always a crowd favorite.

67. Conduct a blindfolded taste test. Guess the flavors of various sweet and savory items.

68. Stargaze. Drive to a dark area with blankets and enjoy the night sky.

69. Plan a “yes” day. Say yes to spontaneous adventures that come your way.

70. Try an escape room. Solve puzzles together, or create one at home with online help.

This post was last updated on March 24, 2025, to include new insights.