Weekends can strengthen friendships. Instead of just sitting around and watching television or scrolling through social media alone in your apartment, why not spend some quality time with the people who enjoy being with you?

There is nothing wrong with spending time alone during weekends. You worked or studied hard for five consecutive days and you deserve some rest instead of wasting your your time and money on alcohol.

But every time you get an opportunity to go out and have fun with your friends, grab it. Do it not just to have new photos to upload on social media but to show your friends they mean a lot to you. Here are some fun ideas that will help you plan a memorable weekend with your friends:

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Have a gel blaster battle.

A gel blaster battle is an exciting way to get physical. All you need are gel blaster guns and pistols that shoot soft gel balls. You can have your battle indoors or outdoors.

If you plan on having it outdoors, make sure to choose a safe area away from people and property. To plan your gel blaster battle, first, decide on the rules. Will it be a free-for-all or team competition? How many shots can each person take before they’re out? Once you’ve decided on the rules, set up the battlefield. You can use furniture, walls and other objects as cover.

If you’re playing indoors, be careful not to break any fragile items. When everyone is ready, start the battle. Remember safety measures such as not aiming at someone’s face and not shooting too close to people. After the battle, make sure to clean up all the gel balls. 

Have a picnic.

If you and your friends are too tired to get physical on the weekend, a picnic in the park is a great alternative. This is a great activity for any group of friends, no matter what their interests are. Choose a location that is convenient to each member of the group. Choosing your food and beverages is a test on how much you know your friends. Is anyone allergic to anything? Are there foods and drinks some of you are not allowed to have for health reasons? What are your friends’ favorite foods?

If you want your picnic to be extra special, consider making it a themed picnic. For example, you could have a movie picnic where you watch your favorite movies outdoors. If you want to combine having a picnic and getting physical, have a beach picnic and play beach games like frisbee or volleyball.

No matter what type of picnic you have, make a list of the essential items to make sure you don’t miss one. These include a picnic blanket, plates, cups, utensils and napkins. If you plan on doing any activities at your picnic, don’t forget to bring the equipment you will need for those, as well.

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Go on a hike.

If you and your friends are looking for a fun and active weekend, hiking is the perfect idea. You can explore nature, get some exercise and spend quality time together. There are plenty of locations to choose from whether you want a short hike or an all-day adventure. To make sure your hike is enjoyable, pick a location that each member of the group approves. Pick a place that’s not too far from home and that has trails that are suitable for your group’s fitness level. If you are bringing small children or older adults with you, look for trails with gentle slopes and plenty of places to rest along the way. 

Once you’ve found the perfect spot, it’s time to start packing. Hiking boots, sunscreen, hats, snacks, water and a first-aid kit are essential. You should also pack layers of clothing in case if the weather changes while you’re on the trail. Don’t forget your camera to capture all the memories. Before heading out on your hike, always tell someone else where you’re going and when you expect to return so, if anything happens while you’re gone, someone will know where to look for you. 

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Visit a nearby city.

You and your friends can travel without having to go far. You can explore the nearby city, go to different places and experience new things. Make sure every member of the group is interested in visiting the city that you selected. There are many different places to visit so you should make a list of the places you want to see. Make a flexible to-do list. You must have a backup plan when it rains.

When you plan your trip, figure out how you are getting to the city. The travel itself should be fun. It must give you and your friends an opportunity to bond. The accommodation should allow you the same thing. You can book a hotel room or you can find a friend who lives in the city and stay with them.

No matter what your plans are for the weekend, spending time with your friends is always a good idea. Whether you’re having gel blaster battles or exploring a nearby city, you’re sure to have a blast. Just remember to pack everything you need and do safety first. Have fun.