This list includes a variety of social activities for people of all ages and interests. We'll cover general social activities, as well as activities for students, adults, seniors, and other groups.
For more tips on how to be more social, check out our main article.
Here are a few of the social activities on our list:
Sections:
- The best social activities
- Social activities for students
- Social activities for adults
- Social activities for seniors
- Social activities for introverts
- Activities to get to know each other
We hope this list gives you some ideas for social activities that you'll enjoy!
The best social activities
These social activities are universal, and they can work for people of any gender or age. With some creativity, they can also fit any budget or schedule.
Going out to eat
Invite your friends to dinner and make an effort to try new restaurants regularly to keep things fresh.
Best social activities for students
College offers many opportunities for socialization, but it's important to take the time and effort to take advantage of them. Here are some of the best activities to try:
Study groups
Studying with friends is a great way to stay motivated and learn from each other. You can quiz each other, share notes, and help each other understand difficult concepts.
Camping trips
Camping is a great way to bond with friends and enjoy the outdoors. It's also a relatively inexpensive activity, especially if you rent or borrow gear.
Join a club or sports team
Joining a club or sports team is a great way to meet new people and make friends who share your interests. There are clubs and teams for all sorts of activities, from academic interests to sports to hobbies.
Attend campus events
Many colleges host events throughout the year, such as concerts, lectures, and festivals. These events are a great way to get involved in the campus community and meet new people.
Volunteer together
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and meet new people who share your values. There are many volunteer opportunities available, both on and off campus.
Concerts
If you enjoy live music, plan on going to concerts or festivals with friends. If money is tight, check in your local area to see if there are any free events. Local bands often perform in bars, restaurants, or plazas.
Fundraising
Consider starting a fundraising campaign with friends to raise money for a good cause. This is a great way to give back to your community and bond with your friends at the same time.
Escape rooms
Escape rooms require problem-solving skills and strong communication. They're a lot of fun, and because you're working against the clock, it's a great bonding activity for everyone involved.
Best social activities for adults
When you're an adult, you're probably busy with work and other obligations. But socialization is still incredibly important. Here are some easy ideas that can fit into most schedules and lifestyles:
Dinner parties or barbecues
If you enjoy cooking, dinner parties or barbecues are a great way to socialize with friends. If you're concerned about all the pressure, consider having a potluck where everyone offers to bring a dish.
Happy hours
Happy hours are a great way to relax and unwind after work. They're also a good way to meet new people or catch up with friends.
Game nights
Game nights are a fun and affordable way to socialize with friends. You can play board games, card games, video games, or any other type of game you enjoy.
Volunteer work
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and meet new people. There are many volunteer opportunities available, so you can find something that interests you and fits your schedule.
Classes or workshops
Taking classes or workshops is a great way to learn new skills and meet new people. There are classes available on all sorts of topics, from cooking and dancing to photography and language learning.
Playdates
If you have children, you've probably organized many playdates. But don't just do it for the kids. If you get along with your child's friend's parents, take advantage of their playdate to catch up and socialize.
Group fitness classes
Exercise is important, but you can have fun with your friends while doing it! Consider signing up for a yoga, dance, or fitness class near you. Even though you won't be talking much during the class, there's time to catch up before and after.
Double dates
Socializing as a couple can be a lot of fun, especially once you start making friends as a team. Best of all, you can strengthen your relationship with your partner by getting to know their friends better. Even having dinner together can initiate a new friendship.
Scuba-diving lesson
If you're fascinated by the ocean and scuba-diving is on your bucket list, grab a friend and sign up for a class together. You'll get to explore the deep sea and probably have amazing stories to tell everyone afterward!
Best social activities for seniors
Social activities for seniors can reduce the risk of loneliness and depression. Here are some ideas to try:
Group walks
Walking is a low-impact activity where you can socialize and get exercise at the same time. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes to get started. Instead of driving to your next errand, ask a friend if they'd like to walk with you.
Water aerobics classes
These classes are also low-impact, which means they can be great for people with health issues or chronic pain. Many community centers host water aerobics or swimming classes. Most of the time, you don't need any previous experience – the teacher will show you what to do.
Book clubs
If you enjoy reading, book clubs are a great way to socialize with friends. Most book clubs meet once a month or every other month. During these groups, you will usually discuss the book in detail and share snacks and drinks.
Puzzle parties
Grab a group of friends for a puzzle night. Whether you're completing jigsaw, crossword, or sudoku puzzles, these brain activities are good for the mind and spirit.
Group tours
Many companies offer tours for seniors interested in going to places like casinos, national parks, or even international trips. Traveling with a group can be safer than traveling alone, and you'll get to socialize with new friends while exploring somewhere new.
Social activities for introverts
Introverts often get stereotyped as people who don't like being around other people. However, introverts simply need more time to recharge after social interactions. This doesn't mean that they don't enjoy spending time with others, but they may need to be more selective about the social activities they choose.
Cycling
If you're not in the mood for too much conversation, cycling with a few friends is a perfect activity to enjoy their company without the need to talk for hours on end.
Dancing
Dancing can reduce the amount of small talk needed at a social gathering. You can also enjoy ballroom dances, in which you only need to invest social energy in your partner.
Volunteering
Not all volunteering involves lots of people working together and talking out loud in a shared space. Introverts can volunteer for tasks involving one-on-one interactions, for example.
Visiting a museum
Visiting a museum with a couple of friends is a great way to socialize in a quiet environment. It also creates an opportunity to talk about something specific and interesting, leaving less space for empty small talk.
Taking a class
Introverts can invest their social energy in learning new skills. People taking the same class socialize naturally in a low-pressure environment. You will be around like-minded people without the need to be involved in random conversations all the time.
Learning a language
Language learning can work very similarly to taking a generic class. In addition, learning a new language makes it easier for you to travel abroad without the burden of depending on large and noisy groups.
Gaming
Gaming is another excellent activity for introverts to socialize. People usually play with one or a few friends, and most of the time, they talk about the game itself. Role-play games can also improve your social skills in a safe environment.
Cinema
A trip to the cinema is a good activity for introverts to share with friends. Everybody is together, but for the most part, they will be watching the movie in the silence of a dark room.
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to connect with nature and get some exercise at the same time. It's also a relatively quiet activity, making it a good choice for introverts. Go with one or two friends who enjoy beautiful scenery, exercise, and relaxed conversations.
Knitting
Knitting and similar handmade activities, such as crocheting, embroidering, and sewing, require some focus. This can be a good thing for introverts, who may feel overwhelmed by too much social interaction. There are many small knitting classes and knitting circles available, which can be a good way to socialize without feeling too much pressure.
Other social activities to get to know each other
Paint nights
