As kids, creating unforgettable memories with friends was easy. It happened naturally during sleepovers, on the playground, and during long, unstructured summer days. As adults? Our friendships can fall into a comfortable, but slightly boring, rut. “Let’s grab dinner” becomes the default setting for every hangout.
But our friendships deserve more than that. They are one of the most vital, joy-giving parts of our lives, and they deserve to be nurtured with more than just a routine meal. A great friendship is a story, and the best stories are filled with adventure, laughter, and a little bit of novelty.
If you’re ready to break out of the “dinner and drinks” cycle and start creating some new core memories with your favorite people, consider this your official playbook for adventure.
15 Fun Things to Do with Friends for Unforgettable Memories
For Chill & Cozy Vibes
- Host a “Comfort Movie” Marathon. The only rules: everyone must come in their coziest pajamas, and each person brings their signature nostalgic movie snack to share.
- Have a Competitive Board Game Tournament. Dust off the classics or try a new, modern strategy game. Add a silly trophy for the winner to raise the stakes.
- Go on a Bookstore & Cafe Crawl. Spend a lazy Saturday afternoon hopping between a few different local bookstores, then finish at a cozy coffee shop to show off your finds.
- Have a Bonfire Night. There’s something magical about a crackling fire. Gather in a backyard with blankets, a good playlist, and all the fixings for s’mores.
For Creative & Curious Souls
- Take a “One-Day” Workshop Together. Sign up for a low-pressure, beginner’s class in something none of you are good at—think pottery, a cocktail-making class, or a painting night.
- Start a “No-Pressure” Book Club. A book club where the only rule is you don’t have to finish the book if you hated it. The goal is good conversation, not a literary analysis.
- Do a Group Thrift Store Challenge. Go to a thrift store with a $20 budget per person. The mission: to create the most hilarious or outrageous outfit for one of your friends to wear.
- Visit a Quirky Local Museum. Skip the big, crowded museums and find a smaller, stranger one in your town. Be tourists for a day and soak up some weird local culture.
For Adventurous & Active Crews
- Attempt an Escape Room. A perfect, high-energy activity that tests your collective brainpower, communication skills, and ability to stay calm under pressure.
- Go on a Spontaneous Day Trip. Put the names of three nearby towns you’ve never been to in a hat. Pick one, get in the car, and go explore for the day with no plan.
- Try a New Outdoor Activity. Step out of your comfort zone. Go to an indoor rock-climbing gym, rent kayaks for a few hours, or find a beautiful new hiking trail to conquer together.
- Volunteer for a Day. Choose a local cause you all care about—an animal shelter, a food bank, a park cleanup—and spend a day making a difference together. It’s a powerful bonding experience.
For Foodie Friends
- Host a “Themed” Potluck Night. Take the pressure off a single host. Pick a fun theme (like “Your Favorite Childhood Meal,” “A Dish From a Movie,” or “Taco Night”) and have everyone bring a dish.
- Take a Cooking Class. Learn a new culinary skill together. Whether it’s mastering the art of fresh pasta, rolling sushi, or decorating a beautiful cake, it’s a delicious and collaborative adventure.
- Create Your Own “Progressive” Food Tour. Map out a three-course meal across three different local spots. Have appetizers and drinks at one place, the main course at another, and finish with dessert and coffee at a third.
Great friendships are built on a foundation of shared experiences and beautiful memories. It’s about being intentional and making time for more than just the usual.
So, screenshot your favorite idea from this list. Send it to your group chat. And make a plan to go create a new chapter in your friendship story.