Looking for fun things to do with your friends?
Ready for a night with your friends that's anything but ordinary? Forget the usual dinner and drinks – we've curated a list of six fantastic activities that will turn a simple get-together into an unforgettable adventure! Whether you're channeling your inner Sherlock Holmes to solve a real-life cold case, diving into the dramatic world of a murder mystery game, sharing your favorite tunes in a playlist swap, unleashing your creativity with a collaborative painting, cozying up for a classic movie night, or even capturing this moment in time with a DIY time capsule, we've got ideas to spark laughter, connection, and maybe even a little friendly competition.
Get ready to elevate your next friends' night to legendary status!
- Solve an Unsolved Murder Case
- Play a Murder Mystery Game
- Have a Playlist Swapping Party
- Draw a Painting Together
- Have a Movie Night
- Create a Time Capsule
Unravel an unsolved murder case
Imagine this: a perfect night in with your closest friends, not just chatting and laughing, but collaborating to unravel a real-life mystery.
You will be provided with all the intriguing details – witness statements, crime scene photos, potential clues – everything you need to put your collective brainpower to the test and see if you can finally crack a case that has baffled investigators for years.
Get ready for a unique and engaging experience that will have you and your friends talking long after the mystery is solved (or not!). It's more than just a get-together; it's a chance to become crime-solving heroes for the night.
You can create your own Unsolved Murder Case, but there are plenty out there to purchase and play at home. Wandering Bear has a great game for example called ‘Murder on the Polar Express’.
Play a Murder Mystery Game
Hosting a murder mystery night is the perfect way to add drama, laughter, and a touch of suspense to your hangout with friends. Choose a theme—like a 1920s speakeasy, haunted mansion, or glamorous red carpet—and assign everyone a character. Encourage costumes for extra immersion! Provide scripts or clues, then let the mystery unfold as guests mingle, question each other, and try to uncover the killer. Add themed snacks and drinks to set the scene. Whether you're playing detectives or suspects, a murder mystery game turns an ordinary night into an unforgettable, plot-twisting experience. Just remember: trust no one!
Wandering Bear has a great Murder Mystery Game available in store - OMG The Influencer is Dead!. Play this game with friends and find out who killed the influencer.
Want to create your own, here are some interesting themes:
- Mansion Murder – A wealthy host is found dead during a dinner party.
- 1920s Speakeasy – Gangsters, flappers, jazz…and a murder behind the bar.
- Victorian London – Foggy streets, top hats, and a Jack-the-Ripper-style mystery.
- Hollywood 1950s – Glitz, glamour, and a scandalous starlet's demise.
- Office Party Gone Wrong – What starts as a team-building retreat turns deadly.
- Haunted House Mystery – Ghosts, secrets, and someone who didn’t make it out alive.
- Wizards & Wands – A spell gone wrong at a magical academy.
- Murder in Space – Think Among Us IRL with astronauts and impostors.
- Island Resort Secrets – A tropical paradise with a deadly twist.
- High School Reunion – Old grudges come back with a vengeance.
Have a playlist-swapping party
If you love discovering new music and sharing your favorite tunes with friends, a playlist-swapping party is the perfect low-key hangout. It’s part music discovery, part bonding experience, and 100% good vibes.
Add a theme to your playlist swapping party so that everyone can prepare for the party at home and create the most amazing playlist. Themes include:
- 80s Mixtape Mania - a dedicated throwback to the iconic sounds of the 1980s
- Tropical Getaway -transport guests to a warm and carefree mental space
- Summer Jams - capture the carefree and joyful spirit of summer
- Songs That Tell a Story - encourages a deeper appreciation for songwriting and storytelling through music
- Golden Age of Hip-Hop - allows for a deep dive into a specific genre and its cultural impact
- High-Energy Dance Party - ideal for a group ready to let loose and have a fun, active night
To truly bring the chosen theme to life, consider enhancing the party beyond just the music. Thematic decorations can create an immersive atmosphere and enhance the party's visual appeal.
For example, an 80s theme could feature neon colors and retro decorations , while a tropical theme might incorporate beachy elements and vibrant colors. Serving snacks and drinks that align with the theme adds another sensory dimension to the experience. Fruity cocktails and tropical snacks would complement a tropical theme , and seasonal treats and drinks would be perfect for a holiday theme.
Hosting a playlist-swapping party is such a chill, personal, and creative way to spend time with friends. You get great music, good conversation, and maybe even a few new favorite songs. All you need are friends, tunes, and a shared love for the soundtrack of life.
Draw a painting together
Looking for a creative and fun way to spend an evening with your friends without hitting the town? Why not host a painting party at home? It's a fantastic way to relax, bond, and maybe even discover a hidden artistic talent (or at least have a good laugh trying!).
How to go about it? Gather an easel, a large canvas, brushes, and paint. Choose a theme for the painting and have each person contribute to the canvas, building upon the work of the previous painters.
Some ideas for a theme:
- Back to Nature - Imagine capturing the serene beauty of a landscape, the delicate details of a flower, or the vibrant hues of a sunset. Even painting animals, from beloved pets to majestic creatures
- Abstract explorations - Experiment with colors, shapes, and textures, allowing for a more freestyle and personal expression
- Movie scene - Think about recreating a favorite movie scene - something like Leo and Kate at the deck of the Titanic, or the memorable words - Today is Independence Day.
Host a game night
Play board games, card games, or video games. You can make it competitive or just play for fun.
There’s nothing like gathering your favorite people for a night of laughter, snacks, and friendly competition. Whether you're looking for something chill or wildly competitive, hosting a game night at home is a perfect way to bring everyone together.
Hosting Game night is more than just playing games—it’s about making memories with your favorite people. Whether it’s once a month or a spontaneous Friday night, setting aside time to connect, compete, and snack together is always a win.
To spark your imagination, here are some game ideas categorized by type, catering to various group sizes and preferences:
| Game Type | Examples | Best For (Group Size/Preference) | Key Features |
| Classic Board Games | Ticket to Ride, Catan, Carcassonne | Small to medium groups | Strategy, negotiation |
| Engaging Card Games | Uno, Spades, Cards Against Humanity | Medium to large groups | Easy to learn, social, humorous |
| Lively Party Games | Pictionary, Charades, Telestrations | Medium to large groups | Active, creative, interactive |
| Interactive Video Games | Mario Kart, Jackbox Games, Overcooked | Small to medium groups | Competitive, collaborative, visually engaging |
Have a movie night
Watch classic movies or binge-watch your favorite shows together with snacks and drinks. You could even have a themed movie marathon.
Skip the crowded theaters and expensive tickets – your living room is the perfect setting for a fantastic movie night with friends! Dim the lights, pile up comfy blankets, and get ready for some cinematic fun. Whether you're revisiting beloved classics, diving into a new release, or even hosting a themed movie marathon (think superhero flicks or 80s nostalgia!), a movie night at home offers a relaxed and intimate way to connect. Don't forget the essential snacks and drinks to complete your cozy home cinema experience!
Some ideas for a theme:
- 90s Rom-Com Night
- Superhero Showdown
- Spooky-but-Funny Horror
- One Actor, Many Roles (hello, Meryl Streep or Ryan Gosling!)
- Classic movie night - watch some oldies like Back to the Future
- TV Show binge - wanna watch Married with Children all over again?
Create a time capsule
Have everyone bring an item to put in a capsule and bury it to open in the future.
Looking for a hangout idea that’s a little different, a little sentimental, and a lot of fun? Hosting a Time Capsule Night is a beautiful way to pause, reflect, and preserve a snapshot of who you all are right now—to be rediscovered in the future.
First think about the time capsule. Will it be something physical like a box or a jar, or are you going to do something digital and include things like a recording, a video.
Ideas for the time capsule include:
- A handwritten letter to their future self
- A photo with a favorite memory
- A list of current goals or dreams
- A small object that symbolizes something important
- A printed playlist of songs they love right now
- A current headline, meme, or pop culture moment
Finally, add something that you create together during this friends night. A group picture, or a video that you recorded together or write a letter together and have everyone sign it.
