Spending time with friends at home can sometimes become repetitive and boring. You might think that going to fast-food restaurants or the movie theater is the only way to have fun together.
However, you can do many enjoyable things at home with friends! From creative projects like DIY crafts to hosting board game nights, you can keep everyone entertained without having to leave your space.
This post will give you tons of ideas for cozy yet exciting hangouts. Ready to make staying in more fun than ever? Keep reading!
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46 Things to Do at Home with Friends
Get Creative Together
Try fun hands-on projects with your friends. Use kitchen appliances or art tools to make something cool!
1. Paint or draw as a group
Grab some paints, brushes, and a few canvases. Follow a YouTube painting tutorial together while sipping wine or your favorite beverage. You can stream the video easily using desktops, laptops, or tablets like an Apple iPad.
Set up on a dining table or use portable easels for comfort. Turn on speakers or wireless headphones for background music vibes. Add string lights around the room to make it cozy and inspiring!
2. Make DIY candles, friendship bracelets, or home décor
Craft your candles with custom scents. Pick simple supplies like wax, wicks, jars, and essential oils. Melt the wax on stovetops or small appliances, then mix in your favorite scent.
Pour it carefully into jars and let it cool. These make lovely gifts or home accents.
Create unique friendship bracelets to exchange with each other. Use colorful threads or beads for a personal touch. Add charms to make them extra special! You can also use ribbons or cords for quick designs.
Try making matching sets to wear together as keepsakes!
3. Start a group vision board
Spread out some magazines, papers, and markers. Cut out pictures matching your dreams—like new cars, furniture, or trips. Glue them to a big poster board.
Share goals as you create. For extra inspiration, add seasonal bucket lists using a shared notes app. Make it colorful and fun!
4. Try tie-dyeing old clothes
Grab some old shirts, a few rubber bands, and fabric dye. Tie-dyeing is a fun way to create unique designs with your friends. You can create colorful patterns like spirals or stripes with simple folding techniques.
This activity costs little and helps refresh clothes you might not wear anymore.
Everyone’s shirt will turn out different—making it special for each person. Plan ahead or try it on the spot during gatherings for spontaneous fun. It’s easy to set up in your backyard with just buckets of water and gloves.
Perfect for fostering creativity while hanging out at home!
5. Create a scrapbook or memory book
Collect old photos, ticket stubs, and postcards. Add these to a scrapbook or memory book. Decorate with colored pens and stickers. Write little notes about the memories tied to each item.
Sit together with friends and share stories as you glue items in place. It’s fun to relive moments while creating something lasting. Keep it on hand to look back at anytime!
Play Games and Fun Challenges
Enjoy some friendly competition with your group! Explore games that test skills, creativity, or quick thinking—endless fun awaits.
6. Host a board game or card game tournament
Set up a fun board game night with classics like The Game of Life or Pretty, Pretty Princess. These games bring laughs and nostalgia to the group. Choose different ones for variety and watch friendships grow stronger!
For cards, try Texas Hold ’Em or Blackjack. Add chips or small prizes for extra excitement. Clear your dining table or use bedroom furniture as gaming spots to keep things comfortable.
7. Try digital party games
Play digital party games like Jackbox. Each player uses their phone or tablet to join in on the fun. You can stream them on televisions, desktops, or iPads for easy setup.
Games include trivia, drawing challenges, and word-based puzzles. They’re great for groups of all sizes, and you can stay connected smoothly during gameplay using a wireless router or Wi-Fi.
These games work well with in-ear headphones if you don’t want noise distractions too!
8. Organize a scavenger hunt
Set up a scavenger hunt in your home. Use challenges and games to make it exciting. Include fun clues that need teamwork to solve. Add tasks like finding items, solving riddles, or snapping silly photos.
Personalize the hunt with shared memories. Hide old pictures or notes as part of the clues. This adds creativity and helps bond everyone while creating new memories together!
9. Challenge each other to a trivia night
Create a fun trivia night with friends. Use personalized questions about shared memories, favorite movies, or random facts. Write them down or use quiz apps for help. Mix topics like music, snacks, and famous gadgets like Lenovo IdeaPads or small kitchen appliances to keep it varied.
Divide into teams and compete for simple prizes, like sweets or drinks. Play background music on boomboxes or home audio systems for extra excitement. If you enjoy themed nights, tie in costumes based on trivia categories!
10. Play charades or Pictionary
Play charades or Pictionary to spark laughter and creativity. These classic games need little setup, making them easy and affordable. To keep things exciting, you can create your categories—movies, songs, or even inside jokes.
Use a whiteboard, paper, or even notebook computers to draw in Pictionary.
Charades gets everyone moving while promoting teamwork. Both games give you a break from screens like phones and earbuds. Play face-to-face at home or virtually with headsets for long-distance friends! These games bring fun to any gathering without costing a penny on fancy gadgets like video game accessories.
11. Try a puzzle-solving challenge
Put your minds together and tackle a big jigsaw puzzle. For more fun, choose one with 500 or 1,000 pieces. If you prefer competition, grab smaller puzzles and race to finish first.
Mix it up by trying escape room board games or online brain teasers. These challenges keep everyone engaged while testing teamwork and problem-solving skills. Use this time to bond and create memories!
Movie and TV Marathon Nights
Spend the night watching your favorite shows or movies. Make it cozy with pillows, blankets, and some tasty snacks like popcorn or s’mores!
12. Pick a themed movie night
Choose a Disney movie marathon for a magical night. Watch classics like *Mulan* and *Anastasia*. Add popcorn, blankets, and DIY crowns to feel like royalty.
Stream all holiday-themed episodes from popular shows. Play Thanksgiving episodes of *Friends* or Christmas specials from your favorite series. Decorate the room with lights to match the theme!
13. Revisit nostalgic childhood TV shows
Dust off those old favorites like The O.C. or Dawson’s Creek. These shows bring back memories of high school and simple times. Watch a few episodes together, laugh at the fashion, or relive the drama.
Stream them on your home theater systems for a cozy setup. Grab snacks from your kitchen sink area, add popcorn to cookware and bakeware, and make it feel like a mini movie night!
14. Stream holiday specials or iconic episodes
Watch all holiday-themed episodes from shows like Friends. Thanksgiving and Christmas specials bring laughter and nostalgia. Stream Shark Week for thrilling fun or enjoy animal documentaries with funny narrations.
Pick classics that never get old or discover new favorites. Create a cozy vibe with popcorn, blankets, and your favorite dinnerware. Don’t forget to use wireless routers for smooth streaming!
15. Host a “pilot premiere” night
Set up your living room like a movie theater. Use a projector or big TV for that cinema feel. Pick the first episodes of popular shows—mix genres to keep it fun! Bring out popcorn, and try DIY gourmet flavors with different seasonings.
Throw in blankets or comfy seating.
Keep it simple or go with themed decorations from your favorite shows. Add drinks and snacks to the serveware nearby for easy access. Dim the lights, and enjoy together—it’s just like going out but better!
16. Watch and react to funny or viral videos
Gather your friends and stream the funniest or most viral videos online. Pick from trending TikToks, YouTube bloopers, or epic fails compilations. Laughter will fill the room as you react to wild clips together.
Try themed nights with animal antics, prank videos, or nostalgic memes. Set up a laptop or desktop computer for easy browsing. Grab snacks like DIY gourmet popcorn and enjoy hours of fun!
Food and Cooking Adventures
Cook up some fun with your friends! Try new recipes, experiment in the kitchen, and enjoy tasty meals together.
17. Have a bake-off competition
Invite your friends for a bake-off and test those baking skills. Pick a theme like cupcakes, pies, or cakes to make things exciting. Everyone can share their favorite recipes while exploring new flavors.
Include tasting and judging to crown the baking champ.
Keep it fun by making it open to all skill levels. Beginners can learn, and pros can shine! Use tools like mixers, skillets, or even Dutch ovens if you feel fancy. This makes for friendly competition and tasty treats for everyone!
18. Make homemade pizzas, tacos, or fondue
Make your pizzas with premade dough. Add your favorite toppings—pepperoni, veggies, or extra cheese—and bake them in gas or electric ranges for a crispy crust. You can use grilling pans to add a smoky flavor if you like.
Set up a fondue night with melted cheese and chocolate. Dip slices of bread, fruits, or marshmallows using simple cooking utensils. It’s fun and easy! Grab small pans or kegerators to keep everything warm and serve-ready.
19. Try a cultural snack taste test
Explore snacks from other places without leaving home. Grab international treats online or at local stores. Pick chips, candies, and drinks from countries like Japan, Mexico, or Italy.
Share thoughts about the flavors—some might surprise you!
Set up a grazing table with these colorful snacks for everyone to try. Add dips or sauces that pair well with them. This way, you all get a fun twist on regular lunches while discovering new favorites together.
20. Organize a cocktail or mocktail-making challenge
Set up a fun cocktail or mocktail-making contest. Pick a theme, like Disney villains or Harry Potter for extra creativity. Use fresh fruits, herbs, and juices to mix unique drinks.
Grab blenders and ice makers to help make frozen treats.
Make it more exciting by adding taste, presentation, and creativity rounds. Share colorful glasses or garnishes to dress up the drinks. Non-drinkers can join with tasty mocktails—everyone gets involved!
21. Try a “mystery box” cooking challenge
Grab random items from your fridge, freezer, or pantry. Use them to create a meal! Pretend you’re on a “Chopped”-style cooking show with friends. Give everyone the same mystery basket with surprise ingredients like hot dogs, rice, and apples.
Set a timer for 30 minutes or less. Get creative using cooktops or outdoor grills to prepare something tasty. After cooking, taste each dish together and pick a winner! This challenge is perfect for laughs and trying new flavors.
22. Make DIY gourmet popcorn with different flavors
Make popcorn at home and turn it into a gourmet treat. Add melted butter, salt, or spice blends for simple seasoning. Try toppings like caramel drizzle, white chocolate chips, or cheddar powder for something bold.
Mix sweet and salty flavors to surprise your friends. Use crushed cookies, pretzels, or cinnamon sugar for fun combinations. Theme the flavors to match movie nights or parties! Your group can taste-test and vote on their favorite creation.
Relaxation and Self-Care Activities
Create a calm vibe with an at-home spa night. Cozy robes and soothing face masks are perfect for unwinding together.
23. Set up a mini spa night
Turn your home into an at-home spa. Pamper yourself with sheet masks, warm towels, and soothing lotions. Light scented candles or use essential oils for calming aromas. Play soft music in the background to relax even more.
Take turns giving gentle hand massages with lotion. Try foot soaks using a kitchen sink or basin filled with warm water and Epsom salt. End with cozy robes and over-ear headphones playing peaceful sounds for complete relaxation.
24. Give each other manicures and pedicures
Set up a mini spa station. Grab nail polish, files, and a bowl of warm water for soaking. Focus on helping each other with non-dominant hands for neat nails.
Add extra fun with designs or bright colors. After, massage your hands and feet with cooling lotions. It’s relaxing and makes your nails look great!
25. Try guided meditation or group yoga
Start a guided meditation session with calming music or playlists. Dim the lights, light scented candles, or use diffuser oils for a peaceful vibe. Everyone can follow along with virtual classes from online instructors.
Good mats and blocks make group yoga better. If beginners join in, choose easy poses. Silence phones or set them to “do not disturb” to avoid interruptions. Feel refreshed and relaxed together!
26. Create a seasonal bucket list
Plan a seasonal bucket list with your friends. Use a shared notes app to keep track of ideas together. Add fun activities like trying new recipes, hosting themed movie nights, or building pillow forts during colder months.
For summer, list things like indoor picnics, DIY tie-dye projects, or even learning TikTok dances.
Organize the list by seasons to stay inspired year-round. Include small tasks like creating unique popcorn flavors for movie marathons or decorating spaces with DIY crafts. This turns simple at-home activities into exciting challenges you’ll enjoy tackling together!
27. Read and discuss a book together
Start a book club with your friends. Pick a fun or thought-provoking book to read together. Pair the discussion with local craft beers for a relaxed feel. Choose books from different genres to keep it exciting each time.
Try swapping roles like hosting or picking the following story.
Create cozy vibes for your meetings using patio chairs, warm lights, and even hot water dispensers for tea or coffee. This will make everyone feel at home while they share their favorite parts of the book!
Music and Dance Fun
Get your friends together, blast your favorite songs, and turn your living room into a mini dance floor—it’s time to let loose!
28. Sing karaoke
Grab a microphone and sing your favorite songs. Use online platforms like Smule or YouTube to find karaoke tracks. You don’t need fancy equipment—use your desktop computer, keyboard, and speakers for the perfect setup.
Turn it into a party by challenging friends to duets or solo rounds. No one has to feel shy; enjoy singing together just for fun! Mix things up with themed playlists or surprise song choices.
29. Learn and record TikTok dances
Learn TikTok dances with your friends. Pick a trending dance or try 90s boy band moves for extra nostalgia. You only need a phone, music, and space to move around. Break the steps into parts so everyone can follow along easily.
Record your routines once you’re all in sync. For explicit videos, use camcorders or phones on sturdy tripods. If you like editing them later, add filters or effects after recording! Make it fun by wearing themed outfits to match the song’s vibe.
30. Play a “Name That Tune” challenge
Use YouTube clips to test your music knowledge. Play short parts of songs and guess the tune. For fun variety, pick hits from different years or genres.
Keep score to make it competitive. If you want loud, clear sound for everyone to enjoy, use speakers, subwoofers, or car stereos!
31. Host a music-listening party
Set up a cozy space with comfy seats and good speakers or car audio equipment. Play vinyl records to enjoy full albums—it feels like you’re at a live show! If streaming is easier, use Apple CarPlay so everyone can share their favorite songs.
Try fun ideas like themed playlists or artist spotlights. Keep snacks nearby, and maybe use your kitchen sinks for easy cleanup afterward. Let the music flow while everyone relaxes and chats about their favorite tracks!
32. Have a DIY dance-off or freestyle rap battle
Turn up some tunes and start moving! Have a DIY dance-off with friends to show off your best moves. Use online tutorials to learn fun dance styles together. Mix it up by sharing songs that bring back memories for creative routines.
Freestyle rap battles can spark tons of laughs! Write rhymes about funny moments or inside jokes. Dim the lights, set up cozy seats, grab snacks—and let the beat inspire you! It’s a free way to bond while staying warm indoors.
Unique Themed Nights
Throw a themed night with costumes, games, and fun twists—your friends will love it!
33. Host a costume or decade-themed party
Dress up like it’s the past! Pick a decade and let everyone wear outfits from that time. Try swing dancing for a 1940s vibe or learn 90s boy band moves. Add throwback candies, classic movies, or themed trivia questions to make it fun.
Set the mood with blankets and pillows to create cozy forts. Bring old photos for everyone to share memories. You can also have a cocktail-making challenge featuring drinks inspired by the chosen era—perfect for laughs and bonding!
34. Have a “murder mystery” or escape room-style game
Host a murder mystery party with your friends. Use boxed games for an easy setup. Choose costumes to match the characters and add to the fun. Create a thrilling story where everyone plays a role.
Solve clues together and figure out “who did it” before time runs out.
Try turning your home into an escape room. Add locks, puzzles, or hidden objects for extra challenge. Use everyday items like desktop computers or vacuum cleaners as part of the game props! This activity brings teamwork and laughter to any gathering at home.
35. Plan a storytelling or poetry reading night
Set up a cozy space with soft lighting and comfy seating. Use candles, blankets, or pillows to create a relaxed vibe. Add snacks like popcorn or cheese boards for everyone to enjoy.
You can even use a portable air conditioner to keep the room cool and comfy.
Invite friends to share their favorite poems, short stories, or personal tales. Try using Alexa for fun prompts or ideas if you want something interactive. A seasonal bucket list can help spark themes—fall could mean spooky tales, while winter might inspire holiday poetry.
Keep it simple or go all out—it’s your choice!
36. Do a DIY home photoshoot
Turn your living room into a photo studio. Use patio tables or office furniture as props. Style your outfits with wearables like hats, scarves, or fun accessories. Add string lights or use split system air conditioners as backdrops for unique effects.
Use smartphones or cameras with tripods—or even balance them on coffee grinders! Try different poses and angles while experimenting with natural light from windows. Play music to set the mood and make it more fun.
Edit photos later using free apps to create cool filters and effects.
37. Organize a comedy night with joke-telling or stand-up
Set up a comedy night at home for some giggles. Share your favorite jokes, or try stand-up for the first time! Use icebreaker questions to help everyone feel relaxed and start laughing.
Include snacks like popcorn or homemade treats from your kitchen.
Make it cozy with comfy chairs and warm lighting. You could even have a “best joke” contest to keep things lively! For extra fun, add drinks from a DIY mocktail station.
Bond Over Learning Something New
Try a fun skill together—magic tricks, cooking styles, or even playing simple tunes on keyboards!
38. Follow a YouTube tutorial
Watch a YouTube tutorial to learn fun skills together. Pick topics like making DIY candles, trying a new dance, or cooking on gas grills. Search for beginner-friendly guides on homemade arts or crafts.
You can also explore tips for using dehumidifiers or portable air conditioners at home.
Follow tutorials about creative projects such as scrapbooking or tie-dyeing clothes. Find videos that show how to repair washer-dryer units or enhance networking setups in your house.
This activity can be productive and keeps everyone engaged while bonding over learning something new!
39. Try a language-learning challenge
Try learning a new language together. Use apps or online tools like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone as a group. Practice speaking with each other in the new language to build confidence.
You will bond while sharing laughs over mispronunciations.
Host themed nights based on the culture of the chosen language—cook food, listen to music, and watch movies in that language. Share progress and celebrate milestones as friends. This makes the experience both fun and rewarding!
40. Experiment with beginner-friendly magic tricks
Learn simple magic tricks to amaze your friends. Use cards, coins, or a washer-dryer box for fun illusions. Show easy card tricks or make objects disappear with just a flick of your hand.
Performing magic builds confidence and sparks creativity. Take turns learning and showing new tricks—it’s great teamwork! Share skills, laugh at mistakes, and enjoy the sense of togetherness as you create lasting memories.
41. Take a virtual museum or travel tour
Explore famous places without leaving home. Visit the NASA Glenn Research Center or The Louvre online. These tours let you see fantastic art, science exhibits, and history.
Experience new cultures through virtual travel. Some tours even show hidden corners of cities or unique landmarks. Use wearable technology for an interactive look!
42. Try a home science experiment
Mix simple ingredients to make your own slime or lava lamp. Use dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar to create fizzing reactions.
Turn old items into tools for science fun! Build a tiny car with mouse traps or test freezer temperatures with DIY thermometers.
Outdoor-Inspired Indoor Activities
Turn your living room into a cozy campsite or set up an indoor obstacle course for laughs and adventure!
43. Set up an indoor picnic
Spread a blanket on the floor. Add pillows for comfort. Prepare snacks like sandwiches, fruit, and chips. Use your grill rotisseries to make warm BBQ sliders or cook veggies. Bring drinks in coolers to keep them chilled.
Set up cute décor with fairy lights or plants. Play soft music using receivers for a cozy vibe. Skip washing dishes using disposable plates if you prefer to clean them less!
44. Camp indoors with sleeping bags and fairy lights
Transform your living room into a cozy campsite. Lay out sleeping bags and add fairy lights for a magical glow. Use lanterns or string lights to mimic stars. This creates the perfect spot to share stories or play games.
Pair it with snacks like popcorn made on BBQ grills for an extra touch of fun. Tell ghost stories in your pillow fort under twinkling lights—it’s all about comfort and laughter indoors!
45. Build a pillow fort and tell ghost stories
Grab pillows, blankets, and chairs to build a cozy fort. Add string lights for a warm glow. Use the living room or any open space where you can spread out. Create comfy spots with cushions inside your little hideout.
Once the fort is ready, dim the lights and share ghost stories. Take turns telling spooky tales or make up your own! For added fun, use flashlights under your chin for dramatic effect.
Keep snacks nearby, like popcorn, while listening to chilling adventures!
46. Play mini-golf or create an obstacle course inside
Set up an indoor mini-golf course using cups, books, or toys as obstacles. Arrange challenges on the floor with easy-to-find items like broomsticks or car audio speakers for ramps.
This is a fun and budget-friendly way to bring outdoor excitement indoors.
Create an obstacle course across your rooms. Use pillows, chairs, and even a washer dryer unit as part of the track. Make it competitive by timing each other! Both activities are great for laughs and bonding without leaving home.
The Bottom Line
Spending time at home with friends can be fun and creative. You now have many ideas to try, from games to DIY projects. These activities are simple and bring everyone closer together.
You don’t need fancy stuff or big plans—just enjoy the moment. Use your space wisely, organize a bit, and explore these experiences. Make memories that last while staying cozy indoors!
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