things to do when bored with friends

Boredom. We all know that weird lull that creeps in when plans fall through, the weather ruins your day, or you’re just stuck with a case of the “what now?” syndrome. And when you’re with friends, that lull can feel even more frustrating—because shouldn’t hanging out be exciting? If you’ve ever sat around staring at each other, waiting for inspiration to strike, this article is for you.

We’re diving deep into fun, creative, and surprisingly simple things to do when bored with friends—whether you’re inside, outside, or even stuck on a group video call. By the end of this read, you’ll never look at “boring days” the same way again.

Indoor adventures that spark joy

Sometimes staying in is the best choice—whether you’re hiding from bad weather or just feeling cozy. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for scrolling your phones in silence.

Host a DIY spa day
Grab some cucumbers, face masks, and calming playlists. Turn your living room into a wellness retreat. You’d be amazed how relaxing and fun it is to paint each other’s nails while swapping stories from high school or work.

Have a themed movie marathon
Instead of randomly picking a movie, pick a theme. Maybe it’s ’90s rom-coms, zombie thrillers, or “movies that made us cry in middle school.” Bring snacks that match the theme, and even dress up if you’re feeling extra.

Cook something totally new
Ever tried making sushi? Homemade pasta? Or TikTok’s viral cloud bread? Cooking something none of you have ever made before turns into a hilarious adventure—especially when it doesn’t quite turn out.

Board games and brain battles
Dust off the classics or download new ones. Games like Codenames, What Do You Meme?, or Jackbox Party Packs are perfect for group laughter. You’ll bond over inside jokes and ridiculous answers.

The beauty of indoor fun is that it often leads to the best memories. Like when your burnt brownies somehow became a running joke that lasted for years. Remember: boredom is just the spark—you light the fire.

Outdoor ideas that breathe life into your day

Feeling cooped up? Sometimes, you just need to get outside and move around to shake off the blahs. Nature has a funny way of waking us up and inspiring creativity.

Go on a spontaneous photo scavenger hunt
Make a list of things to find: a red door, someone walking a dog, a “free” sign, or a mural. Then, split into teams and snap photos of each. Add a time limit and a silly prize for the winner.

Try an activity none of you have done before
Ever rented paddleboards? Tried frisbee golf? What about geocaching? These are the types of low-key adventures that make you feel like a kid again—curious, excited, and laughing at the missteps.

Set up an outdoor picnic—but make it extra
Bring a speaker, board games, throw blankets, and your favorite snacks. Add a twist: everyone has to bring something homemade or from a different country. You’ll eat well and talk about the dishes long after the sun sets.

Act like tourists in your own town
Visit a local museum, historic site, or that park you’ve somehow never gone to. Snap photos like you’re on vacation. Pretend you’re travel bloggers for the day and see your hometown through fresh eyes.

Being outdoors with friends is like hitting “refresh” on your connection. You don’t need anything fancy—just a shared sense of wonder and the open sky above you.

Creative challenges to boost your brainpower

Boredom is just your brain saying, “I want a new puzzle.” And with friends around, you’ve got the perfect audience—and co-creators—for something truly imaginative.

Create a short film on your phones
Pick a genre (horror, rom-com, action), assign roles (director, actors, editor), and make a 3–5 minute video. Editing apps make it easy—and hilarious. Bonus points for dramatic overacting.

Start a collaborative art project
This could be painting a mural on a giant piece of paper, creating a vision board, or trying out digital drawing apps together. No skills required—just good vibes and lots of color.

Write and perform skits or parody songs
Use popular songs and rewrite the lyrics to be about your lives. Or act out fake commercials for made-up products like “Cereal for Sad Adults” or “Spray-on Confidence.”

Host a talent show (yes, really)
You’d be surprised what hidden talents emerge when the pressure’s low. Whether it’s juggling, poetry, impressions, or stand-up comedy—everyone has something to share.

Creativity connects people on a deeper level. It’s like building a bridge from your imagination to someone else’s. And the laughter? That’s just the bonus.

Food-focused fun that fills hearts and bellies

Let’s be honest: eating is a love language—especially among friends. And turning it into an experience instead of just a necessity makes it even more meaningful.

Build-your-own food bars
Set up a taco bar, DIY pizza station, or waffle-making table. Everyone contributes toppings, and it turns into a delicious, interactive meal.

Blind taste tests
Buy mystery snacks from a local store or international market. Then do a blindfolded taste test. Guess the flavor, vote on favorites, and watch as one person falls in love with seaweed chips (while another gags).

Cookbook roulette
Pick a random recipe from a cookbook or food blog—no matter how weird or complex—and make it together. Whether it’s a French tart or a strange Jell-O salad, it’s about the journey, not the dish.

Food-themed game night
Think food trivia, “guess the spice,” or “what’s in the smoothie” challenge. These quirky games are more fun (and tastier) with friends around.

Food has a magical way of grounding us. It brings people together, starts conversations, and turns even a plain day into a celebration.

Low-cost or no-cost ideas for budget-friendly bonding

You don’t need to spend money to have fun—just imagination, time, and the right people.

Host a “free only” challenge
Each person must find something fun to do using only free resources. Whether it’s a local event, a nature hike, or a library activity—you’ll uncover hidden gems around you.

Go “thrifting for outfits” and do a fashion show
Head to a thrift store with $5 each and find the wackiest or trendiest outfit possible. Then come home and strut your stuff on a DIY runway. Vogue-worthy or not, it’s always a laugh.

Trade skills day
Each person teaches the group one thing they know how to do—origami, dance moves, how to fix a sink, whatever! You’ll all walk away a little smarter and with big grins.

Make friendship scrapbooks or zines
Use old magazines, ticket stubs, printed photos, and glue sticks. Create mini books full of inside jokes, adventures, and wild memories. It’s nostalgia therapy.

Friendship isn’t about spending—it’s about sharing. Time, laughter, creativity… that’s the real currency.

Virtual hangouts that actually feel fun

Distance or schedules keeping you apart? No worries. Online hangouts can be just as lively—if you get creative.

Virtual escape rooms or murder mystery nights
Sites like Enchambered or Hunt A Killer offer fun online mysteries to solve as a group. You’ll laugh, argue, and maybe even solve the case.

Karaoke via Zoom
Share screen. Pull up karaoke YouTube videos. Let the performances (and the giggles) roll. No talent required—just confidence and some snacks.

Online game night
Platforms like Skribbl.io, Gartic Phone, and Among Us are tailor-made for groups. They’re easy, free, and wildly addictive.

Host a book or movie club
Pick a book or film each month. Then set a night to talk about it. Bonus: these conversations often turn into deep, meaningful chats about life, love, and everything in between.

Distance might separate you physically, but the right activity? It bridges the gap completely.

Why being “bored” might be a gift in disguise

Here’s the thing: boredom gets a bad rap. But sometimes, boredom is just space—an invitation to be present, creative, and connected.

Think of it like a blank canvas. A painter doesn’t stare at it with dread—they see possibility.

And when you share that canvas with friends? The masterpiece becomes a shared memory, something you’ll talk about for years. Maybe it’s not about fighting boredom, but letting it inspire you.

Conclusion: The best memories often start with “we had nothing to do”

So the next time you find yourself sitting around with friends wondering what to do, don’t groan—get excited. That pause in the day? It’s your launchpad.

From silly scavenger hunts to heartfelt conversations over homemade meals, there are endless things to do when you’re bored with friends. And often, it’s in those unscripted moments that the most meaningful connections grow.

So lean into the quiet. Laugh at the chaos. And remember: the best days don’t always start with a plan—they start with people.

FAQs

What are some fun things to do with friends when you’re bored at home?
There are tons of fun, low-effort options! You can host a themed movie night, cook a new recipe together, try a DIY craft challenge, build a pillow fort, or play classic games like charades or truth-or-dare. The key is to keep it playful and spontaneous.

How can we hang out without spending money?
Free fun is totally possible! Go for a walk, have a picnic in your backyard, do a home workout or yoga session, swap clothes or books, or create a mini talent show. You’d be surprised how entertaining things get when everyone just contributes a bit of creativity.

What if all my friends are online—what can we do together?
You can still have a blast virtually! Host a game night with apps like Jackbox or Skribbl.io, watch a movie together using Teleparty or Zoom screen share, or do a virtual bake-off. Online doesn’t have to mean distant if you’re intentional about interaction.

What are good group activities for small friend groups?
Small groups are perfect for deeper connection. Try doing a group painting or DIY project, playing a board game or video game, storytelling or memory-sharing nights, or starting a mini book or podcast club together.

Is being bored with friends a bad thing?
Not at all! In fact, boredom can be a blank canvas. It’s often when the best, most spontaneous memories are made. Embrace it as an opportunity to get silly, try something new, or just enjoy the comfort of doing nothing—together.