Sometimes it can be tricky figuring out what to do with your friends. You’ve exhausted your library of video games. That TV show? Watched it already. A film? Your mate’s already seen it! Luckily, you don’t have to hang around indoors to have fun with friends. The great outdoors has such a massive variety of things to do that it’s hard to choose! That said, here’s our list of the top ten fun things to do outside with friends – see which ones you like the most and give them a try!
Nerf War or Paintball
If you and your friends are kitted out with Nerf guns, it can be a blast to head out into a garden or a public field to wage war in an all-out Nerf brawl. Just make sure you all agree to not aim above the neck!
For those of you who are slightly older (age 12+ is usually recommended), then a few games of paintball at your local centre is bound to get the adrenaline pumping for you and your friends outside.
Swimming
Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise you can do, and what’s more it can be one of the most fun things to do with your friends. Find an outdoor pool when the weather is nice and let the fun begin. See which of your group is fastest in a race, enjoy a splash around and, if you’re lucky enough to have some, enjoy some time on a water slide!
Mini or Crazy Golf
Fancy yourself as the next Tiger Woods? Fun with friends is never far away when tackling a round of holes at your local mini golf or crazy golf course. For a more straightforward test of skills amongst your friends, mini golf is just the thing. But if you’re all in the mood for some wacky trick-shots and obstacle hijinks (we’re looking at you, giant windmill), crazy golf poses the perfect challenge!
Go Camping
Fancy a taste of outdoor living? Arrange a sleepover at a friend’s place with a twist: camping outside in the garden! Set up your tents and sleeping bags, gather your blankets and eat some delicious s’mores American-style. Just make sure you clean up the next morning! We've researched some of the best places to go camping in the uk
Visit a Petting Zoo
If you’re looking for things to do with your animal-loving friends, spending a day at a petting zoo is a great opportunity to make some new furry friends. Many petting zoos have animals like goats, rabbits and ponies to meet up close, and some even have llamas! Just be sure to wash your hands before and after touching the animals.
Take a Bike Ride
A chilled bike ride through the countryside can be a great way to have fun with friends, while also getting some good exercise. Reaching the top of a hill with an amazing view for a lunch or water break is a great way to make memories with your friends before starting the ride back down again.
Go on a Photography Tour
Whether you and your friends are shutterbugs or not, you don’t need to be a photography pro to enjoy a photography tour together. Pick a place outside to explore and compete with your friends to see who can take the best photo by the time you’re done. You don’t even need a fancy camera for this – smartphones are perfect. You can even use cheap disposable cameras for that old-school feel!
Ga-Ga Ball
A big hit over in American summer camps, ga-ga ball is likely to be one of the best games you’ve never played. It’s like dodgeball in many ways. It’s best played in a waist-high octagonal fenced pit, although you can mark the play area with jumpers at each corner for your own version! Everyone starts against the edge of the pit. A ball is thrown into the play area and allowed to bounce twice. On the second bounce, you and your friends can then rush in to get to the ball. The objective is to try to hit the ball at your opponent’s knees or below. If anyone is hit there by the ball, or if they knock the ball out of the pit, they are eliminated. Players cannot hit the ball twice in a row, unless the ball hits the wall or another player between touches. The winner is the last person standing!
Go Hiking
Exploring a nature trail can be a fun activity to do with your friends, particularly if you make a list of things to look out for before you go. You can make a competition out of it and say that the first person to complete their list wins a prize, such as their favourite chocolate or getting to decide what to do next weekend.
Join the Army Cadets
Unsure how to pitch a tent for camping? Love sports? Looking to learn new skills and have new experiences both in the UK and abroad? Then maybe joining the Army Cadets could be the right choice for you and your friends. As well as learning fieldcraft, you can go on camping expeditions, compete together in sports like football, rugby and swimming (and many more!) and make even more friends along the way. Do you want to create memories and friendships that last a lifetime? That’s definitely a great way to have a fun time outside.