10 Amazing Things to Do with Friends in Summer

When summer rolls around and the sun practically begs you to come outside, it’s easy to feel a little… uninspired. If you’re like me, you already have picnic activities in your back pocket for any sunny afternoon, but what about those long evenings that beg for something a little more adventurous?

My friends and I had fallen into a routine: movie nights, dinner out, rinse, repeat. And while there’s nothing wrong with hanging at the pub or watching the latest Netflix hit, I started craving more meaningful, memory-making things to do with friends, especially now that summer was here in full force.

One night, we skipped the usual and headed to the park with just a football and an old speaker. We ended up creating a spontaneous game with strangers, laughing until our stomachs hurt, and watching the stars come to life.

Another evening, we hosted our own “bad advice” game night using clippings from old advice columns. From painting rocks in the park to making a fire pit our stage for story swaps, it became clear:

The best things to do with friends aren’t the ones you plan weeks in advance, but the ones that push you out of your comfort zone just enough to create something new.

So this summer, shake things up. Bring a Nerf football and let chaos reign at dusk. Try clothes-pinning strangers at a bookstore or host a backyard pizza cook-off.

You don’t need a big budget, just imagination, a little courage, and good company. There are many things to do with friends that cost next to nothing but create rich, shared memories.

And if you ever feel stuck? Just grab some snacks, some paint, or some ridiculous game rules, and meet under the sun. Or stars.

10. Plan a DIY Backyard Movie Night

Nothing beats watching a great film under the stars with snacks, friends, and blankets, an unforgettable way to enjoy simple moments and one of the coziest things to do with friends.

Essential Equipment: Things to Do with Friends

A projector (portable or mini)
A blank wall or white sheet
Bluetooth speaker or portable sound system
String lights and outdoor pillows for ambiance

Movie Snacks & Themes

Popcorn bar with mix-ins (M&Ms, pretzels, caramel)
Themed nights (80s throwback, rom-coms, superhero marathons)
BYOB drinks and s’mores kits

Pro Tip: Use a shared online poll to let everyone vote on the movie lineup.

9. Go on a Scenic Road Trip Together

Hit the open road with your best friends and explore scenic routes, small towns, and off-the-grid stops, one of the most adventurous things to do with friends that guarantees memories for a lifetime.

Route Planning Tips

Choose a theme: beaches, national parks, or historical landmarks
Map out gas stations and overnight stops in advance
Share a Google Map folder for photos and plans

Must-Pack Essentials

Emergency car kit
Phone chargers and playlists
Travel snacks, reusable water bottles, and coolers

Group Game: Try the license plate game or create a summer road trip scavenger hunt.

8. Host a Summer Picnic in the Park

A classic picnic never goes out of style and is one of the best things to do with friends, perfect for relaxing, eating, and catching up while enjoying the outdoors.

Easy Picnic Food Ideas

Finger sandwiches and wraps
Fresh fruit skewers
Lemonade, iced tea, and mocktail spritzers

Games and Activities

Frisbee, cornhole, or paddleball
Giant Jenga or Uno
Bring a speaker for background music

Extra Fun: Set up a picnic photo booth with props and a polaroid camera.

7. Explore Hiking Trails or Waterfalls

Connect with nature and each other by exploring nearby trails, hills, or waterfalls, perfect things to do with friends that refresh the body and strengthen bonds.

Safety Tips and Gear

Wear proper footwear and breathable layers
Bring bug spray, sunscreen, and plenty of water
Tell someone where you’re going and stick to marked paths

Best Trails for Groups

Choose wide trails with viewpoints or looped paths
National or state parks often have picnic areas and maps
Apps like AllTrails help you find kid-friendly or beginner hikes

Photo Challenge: Assign each friend a color and take nature photos matching it.

6. Take a Group Class or Workshop

Try something new with your crew by learning a skill or hobby together, one of the best things to do with friends.

Creative Class Ideas

Pottery or painting night
Cooking or baking class
Dance, yoga, or fitness bootcamp

How to Find Local Events

Check community centers or libraries
Look on Eventbrite or Meetup
Ask local cafes about posted flyers or chalkboards

Memory Maker: Everyone keeps what they made, plus tons of photos.

5. Start a Summer Photography Challenge

Capture every moment by turning daily activities into a visual storytelling game, one of the most creative things to do with friends.

Weekly Photo Prompts

Day 1: Favorite place in town
Day 2: Nature close-up
Day 3: Ice cream or summer treat
Day 4: Candid friend photo
Day 5: Sunset scene

Editing and Sharing Photos Together

Use free editing apps like VSCO or Lightroom Mobile
Create a shared album in Google Photos or Instagram hashtag

Bonus: Print your favorites into a photo book or collage by summer’s end.

4. Camp Out Under the Stars

Whether it’s in your backyard or a remote site, camping builds unforgettable connections, one of the coziest and most adventurous things to do with friends.

Tent Setup & Campfire Must-Haves

Tents, sleeping bags, mats
Campfire setup or portable fire pit
Flashlights, bug spray, and extra blankets

Stargazing Tips

Download a stargazing app (like Sky Guide)
Avoid light pollution areas
Bring hot cocoa or cider and lay on tarps with sleeping bags

Campfire Games: Try “Would You Rather,” scary stories, or charades.

3. Volunteer Together for a Cause

Giving back with friends is both meaningful and impactful, one of the most fulfilling things to do with friends.

Ways to Find Local Volunteer Work

Food banks or shelters
Beach or park cleanups
Local nonprofits with youth programs

Make it Social + Meaningful

Wear matching t-shirts or caps
Bring snacks and take a group photo to commemorate the day
Reflect afterward about what you learned or appreciated

Lasting Impact: Turn it into a monthly group tradition.

2. Organize a DIY Water Park Day

Cool off with a splash-filled day without leaving your neighborhood, one of the best spontaneous things to do with friends when the weather heats up.

Sprinkler Games and Slip ‘n Slides

Set up sprinklers, kiddie pools, and water balloons
Try water limbo or sponge relay races
Freeze small toys in ice blocks and “excavate” them with tools

Safety and Cleanup

Lay down towels to prevent slips
Supervise hose and pool usage
Drain and store everything after to avoid mess and bugs

Surprise Element: Add homemade popsicles or a watermelon-eating contest.

1. Try a “Yes Day” with Friends

Say yes to fun, spontaneous plans for one full day, it’s one of the best things to do with friends, as long as you set a few ground rules.

Rules for Making it Fun & Safe

Everyone agrees to a spending cap
Activities must be doable in your city or neighborhood
No embarrassing dares (unless pre-approved!)

Yes Day Activity Ideas

Dress up in random outfits and go get brunch
Impromptu dance party in the park
Try every ice cream flavor at a local shop

Highlight Reel: Document it and turn it into a mini-movie.

FAQs

What are the best budget-friendly summer activities for groups?

Backyard movie nights, hiking, picnics, and water games require minimal to no spending and are great fun for large or small groups.

How do I coordinate schedules for summer plans?

Use group chat polls, Google Calendar invites, or apps like Doodle to find overlapping free time.

What if some friends are introverts or not very active?

Plan a balance of quiet activities (like movie nights or crafts) alongside high-energy adventures (like hiking or road trips).

How do I make sure everyone participates equally?

Rotate responsibility, let each friend take charge of one event or activity throughout the summer.

What if the weather ruins outdoor plans?

Have indoor backup options like game nights, baking challenges, or indoor craft parties.

Can these ideas work for virtual hangouts too?

Yes! Try virtual photography challenges, online movie nights, or group video chats with mini-games, fun things to do with friends even when you’re miles apart.

Conclusion

The best memories aren’t about the destination, they’re about the laughs, the spontaneity, and the bonds you build with people you love. Whether it’s a water balloon fight, an unexpected road trip, or a quiet night under the stars, what matters is the time shared.