It’s 2026 and we are experiencing life! For most of us, the weekends are the time we have the most freedom. So we of course want to make the most of them. This is not to say that anyone should live for the weekend, because joy can be found in every day. It is, however, to say that our free time is valuable! Maybe it’s on your bucket list this year to try new things or to not waste your weekends with scrolling and Netflix binges.
No matter where in the world you live, there is so much to do if you know where to look. Remember, you are in charge of your own reality! Trying new things expands and changes your reality. So, I’ve compiled a list of unique ideas to try on the weekends, beyond going out for dinner or drinking (though nothing wrong with dinner and a few beverages!):
- Go to a rock climbing gym. You don’t have to have any experience to go to a rock climbing gym. Challenge yourself and see if you can make it to the top. Not only is this fun, but you get a workout and you might be sore the next day!
…
- Take a guided tour of your own city or town. I promise you, even if you think you live in a boring town, there is probably a tour you can find. You might find a historical tour of a landmark, a ghost tour, a wine tasting tour, a walking tour, or who knows what else, but do some research and see what you learn.
…
- Junk journal. You probably have at least one notebook that’s blank. Try junk journaling, which is a form of journaling where you stick in anything you can find and write down anything you feel. It’s liberating, especially for my type As.
…
- Visit a local arcade. Yes they’re still around! This can be fun to do with friends or a partner on the weekend. See how many tickets you can get collectively and pick out a ridiculous prize. Or give your earnings to a lucky child!
…
- Take a pottery class. Pottery classes are everywhere, but I bet you haven’t taken one in at least 5 years. Grab some friends and make some pottery. Or paint some pottery!
…
- Go to an open house. Even if you have absolutely no intention of moving, see if there are any open houses nearby. It can be so fun to see how other people decorate or if you find a really boujee place that’s always fun too.
…
- Volunteer. Most nonprofit organizations are always looking for volunteers. This one might take a tiny bit of research and planning in advance but it is usually worth it! Volunteering is fun, fulfilling, and you might meet a friend!
…
- Make a cake. There doesn’t have to be any occasion. Make a cake and decorate it with your current favorite color of sprinkles. Then help yourself to at least one slice.
…
- Take an online class. Gone are the days of having to be in school to learn. There are thousands of courses available at your fingertips. It can be anything from coding to learning a language to learning how to start a business to learning how to juggle!
…
- Go on a camping trip. This takes a little more planning, but if you have a tent or rent a tent, see if you can find a campsite with some friends for the night. It doesn’t have to be far away, you can even set up in someone’s backyard. It’s for the plot.
…
- Go axe throwing. I’ve actually done this twice and it’s so fun! It’s addicting trying to get the axe to stick in the wall and such a great spot for a night with friends or significant other.
…
- Have a staycation. Book a cheap hotel room in your area for the night! Eat at the hotel restaurant or get room service. It’s a different type of getaway, but it means you don’t have to make your bed over the weekend!
…
- Attend a local sports game. If you don’t live near a major city, you probably have a local sports team or even a local high school team with a game going on. Some of them might even be free!
…
- Write and send a letter to a friend or relative. Everyone loves receiving mail that isn’t an advertisement or bills. But it’s very rare that we get that type of mail, other than during the holidays. Write a note to someone you love or miss and send it just because.
…
- Go on a solo cafe date. I’m a huge cafe girl! I love going to a cute coffee shop to write, read, or to just sit and enjoy some seasonal matcha. You can head somewhere you’re familiar with, or try a brand new spot.
…
- Learn to knit or crochet. Or if you already know how to, then create something new and give it to a friend, family member, or donate it.
…
- Try vlogging your whole day, even if you never post it. Film the highlights of your day. This is fun because it makes you romanticize the little things. Make your breakfast extra aesthetic, take your time with your skin care, etc.
…
- Go to a rollerskating rink. Channeling that one season of Stranger Things, go roller skating! If you are comfortable and have your own skates, you can even find an outdoor path.
…
- Take a day trip to a nearby city. Bonus points if you go to a city you haven’t been to or explored much.
…
- Sign up for a marathon and write down a training plan. I’ll be so honest, I’ve never done any kind of marathon but it seems like a great bucket list item. If you sign up, spend some time creating a training plan.
…
- Rebrand your life / create a fun reality. Spend the day doing a life audit and creating a “brand” for yourself in this season of life. Create a vision board for the next few months, and a playlist. Go through your old clothes and donate what no longer suits you. Clean and rearrange your space to make it feel fresh!
…
You don’t have to do all of these to have fun and exciting weekends, but they’re suggestions to mix things up.
Every season I usually make a bucket list and hang it on the fridge where I see it every day. It’s nothing fancy – handwritten on a plain piece of paper. It’s a great way to remind myself of the fun ideas I have and the world that is out there waiting to be seen and felt. <3
