As I approach the final months of my high school career, I have found myself wanting to cherish the time I spend with my friends more than anything. Making the most out of these last few months before we all part ways and go into different paths of life has become an undeniable priority. With that in mind, my friends and I have dedicated ourselves to spending quality time together in as many fun ways as possible. So whether you’re heading off to college, or simply want a guide on fun activities to do with your friends, here are four fun hangout ideas that you can do with your friends.
Themed Get Togethers
One of my favorite ways to spend time with my best friends is having “Themed Hangouts.” In the past, my best friends and I have organized sleepovers and evenings dedicated specifically to celebrating special times of the year such as Thanksgiving, and Valentine's Day! These get-togethers can be as simple as running to your local grocery store and procuring a spread of decor and yummy treats to enjoy with your best friends while watching a movie and taking cute photos. This low-budget activity calls for timeless memories with your friends. One of my favorite new activities to do during these get-togethers is making themed pizza, such as the one pictured above that my friends and I made in a collaborative effort. Pinterest and TikTok are great places to find inspiration for these hangouts.
Mall Photoshoot
Perhaps one of the most iconic ways to spend time with your friends — historically — is to go to the mall, window shop, grab a coffee, and catch up. A cute twist to this hangout is to have an impromptu photoshoot throughout the mall. Not only can you get cute photos for your Instagram out of it, but you can also capture a fun experience with your best friends to look back upon in the years to come. The only thing that isn’t safe in this scenario is your wallet when walking past your favorite store!
Explore The Local Arts
Exploring the arts in your city is another great way to spend quality time with your friends. For instance, me and a group of my friends recently attended a musical theater show, Ride the Cyclone, hosted by our school’s talented theater department. We went into the theater with a feeling of anticipation, excited to watch the show. When the curtain opened, we were in awe at the story and music expressed by the performers. We couldn’t stop laughing at the pure comedy of the show and how well our friends brought the characters to life. We were thrilled about how amazing the show was. I recommend looking into your local theater, or perhaps a museum, and enjoying the arts with your friends!
Go To The Movies
I’m a big “movie buff”, and to me, there’s nothing better than watching a new blockbuster hitting theaters. Make your movie-going experience more entertaining is bringing along a group of friends eager to watch the same flick. Recent releases like Dune 2 have been a big hit in the pop culture world, with a star-studded cast, including actors like Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, and Austin Butler. The most exciting season for new movies is in the summer. Movies like IF, Garfield, Inside Out 2, and Deadpool and Wolverine are all guaranteed smash hits. Try to plan out an opening day experience, so you and your group are first to see what the buzz is all about. And don’t forget about all the popcorn and candy you desire. Earlier this year, my best friends and I went to check out the “Eras Tour” concert movie, and it was almost as if we were right there live and in concert, we even had some other Taylor Swift fans offer us friendship bracelets as keepsakes. This is a guaranteed way to have some laughs, cries, and a good time with your best friends!
College is around the corner, and it's bittersweet for friends going to different colleges. Take the time you and your friends have during the next few months to truly cherish the feeling of being with them. Activities like themed get-togethers, mall photoshoots, and watching a play or movie could all be great ways to spend time together!