34 Weekend Plans for the Best Weekend Ever
Are you feeling burnt out after a long week? We know the feeling! It sounds like it’s time to plan something fun, relaxing, or rejuvenating for the weekend. Whether that...
Are you feeling burnt out after a long week? We know the feeling! It sounds like it’s time to plan something fun, relaxing, or rejuvenating for the weekend.
Whether that means spending time with family members, cozying up on the couch with a book, or hopping on a plane, there’s always a way to have the best weekend ever. Here at The Good Patch, we know it’s easy to fall into the same old routine; to be fair, that can get nice and comfortable.
However, letting yourself start to follow the same habits each week runs the risk of you getting bored. Instead, follow along with us for all the ideas you need to spice up your weekends.
Plan Ahead
Before you can get started on the weekend festivities, it’s worth getting some sort of plan in order.
Don’t wait until the last minute on Friday night to figure out how you’ll spend the next few days. Take a few minutes during the week to dream up your ideal plan for the weekend.
This will help you make the most of your time and avoid any last-second scrambling. If you struggle to plan during the week's craziness, our think patches might be just what you need to get your head in the game.
Of course, things change! The schedule you set up one day may not end up working out, so try to stay flexible. If you’ve decided on some outdoor activities, keep an eye on the weather and have a few backups in case you get rained out.
Now that we’ve got the pesky planning out of the way, let’s move on to the good stuff. Here are our 34 ideas to start your weekend preparation:
Get Active
Getting active can add a whole other level to your weekend off. Not only can you discover new spots around town, but a little blood pumping never hurts anybody.
Try these ideas for your next weekend romp:
1. Go for a Stroll
Walking is probably one of the easiest and most enjoyable activities you can settle on. It will get your heart pumping and is a perfect way to appreciate the fresh air. And if you haven’t had a chance to explore your town or city, now is the time. Oh, and it’s free!
2. Take a Hike
Step up your walking game by heading out into nature for a hike. Escaping your usual scenery can be a great way to reset after a long week while getting some good exercise.
3. Run Around Your City
If you’re looking for a bit harder workout, explore the city while going for a run. Experts recommend getting at least 75 minutes of higher-intensity activity each week, so this is an easy way to knock those minutes out while having fun.
4. Go for a Bike Ride
Grab your bike and ride somewhere completely new. This is a wonderful activity to do solo or with a group of friends — just make sure to wear a helmet!
5. Go Swimming
Whether you do it for sport or pleasure, swimming is always a blast. Find an indoor pool to enjoy during the colder months and venture to your nearest beach once the weather gets nice.
6. Dance the Weekend Away
Enroll in a dance class or just head out dancing with some friends for a fun weekend night. If you do go out, don’t forget our Revive patch to bounce back better than ever the next morning!
7. Join a Sports League
A common new trend, adult sports leagues are an ideal opportunity to socialize while getting a bit of exercise.
Enjoy the Outdoors
There’s nothing like some fresh air to shake the week off. Here are our favorite outdoor activities to try next weekend:
8. Birdwatch
For those looking for a new hobby, birding might be just the thing. Grab a pair of binoculars, a bird book, and step outside to see what you see.
9. Garden
Repurpose part of your yard for a flower bed or even start a small herb garden if you’re strapped for space.
10. Visit a State or National Park
Look up your nearest state or national park and get lost in the beauty of these protected patches of nature. With over 400 national parks in the US and even state parks, you’re sure to find something interesting.
11. Go to Your Local Park
Organize a BBQ with friends and family or just pack a blanket and book to relax in the comfort of a sunny field.
12. Watch the Sunset/Sunrise
Speaking of the sun, take advantage of being out of the office to visit a vista point for the sunset. If you’re feeling up for it, grab a caffeine patch and catch the sunrise!
13. Have a Bonfire
After getting any permits or permission you might need, hit the beach for an evening of roasting marshmallows and making delicious smores around a big bonfire.
Stay Inside
As much as we love some outdoor time, we fully endorse some time indoors. For our readers in the PNW, that rain can make it next to impossible to get outside.
14. Join or Plan a Book or Movie Club
Those of us looking for a chill but social weekend can consider joining a book or film club.
15. Visit a Museum
With so many free museums and plenty of other accessible options, it’s hard to go wrong with a museum day.
16. Have a Game Day
When the weather takes a turn for the worse, or you’re just in the mood, get some friends or family together for a day of board games and cards.
17. Go to the Library
Besides borrowing books, your local library probably offers movies for rent, magazine subscriptions, and computers to surf the way.
18. Host a Movie Marathon
Invite friends over to watch your favorite classics — don’t forget the popcorn and any other essential movie snacks.
19. Rearrange the House
Turn what can be a chore into a zen moment. Spend a moment envisioning what you want your home to look like, then put that plan into action.
20. Bake Some Sweets
Unlock your inner foodie and have a go at a hot apple pie or chocolate chip cookies. If baking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of no-bake dessert recipes out there.
Get Involved In The Community
21. Donate Clothes/Go to a Yard Sale or Thrift Shopping
Clear out your closet and donate anything you don’t need to an organization in your area, then treat yourself to a yard sale or trip to the thrift store! With 16 million tons of textiles wasted each year, this is a good chance to stay sustainable.
22. Volunteer
Give back to the community by volunteering at a food bank or other charity near you.
23. Clean Up Your Neighborhood
Join an organized neighborhood clean-up, or simply head out with some friends to pick up litter.
Skip Town
Another option is to just skip town for a few days. Why not?
24. Take a Roadtrip
Take advantage of those long weekends! Pile into the car for a road trip with good tunes, an audiobook, and plenty of snacks.
25. Leave the Country
When you’re feeling a bit more extravagant, pick one of the best weekend getaways and treat yourself to a weekend in a new country.
Let Your Creativity Flow
We believe there’s nothing better for calming the mind than tapping into our creative selves. If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, we've got you covered.
26. Do Origami
Try your hand at the Japanese art form of origami! Buy some pretty paper and get to work learning the many folding techniques.
27. Draw or Paint
Open up your imagination with some drawing or painting. Plus, there are many online art courses for those who want a little help getting started.
28. Write a Story
If you aren’t that into art, do a bit of creative writing. Remember your favorite memories or cook up some exciting fiction.
Feed Your Mind
29. Journal
Practice mindfulness through reflective writing or with a gratitude journal. Leave your judgment behind and write whatever comes to your mind.
30. Do a Puzzle
Can you remember the last time you put together a puzzle? They aren’t just for kids! Fish out your old jigsaw puzzles and be pleasantly surprised as the images come together.
31. Listen to a Podcast
Keep up on current events or simply be entertained by a podcast or a radio show. This activity can be easily paired with many others, like baking or going for a run.
32. Read a Book
Put down the smartphone for a moment and get lost in a novel on a Saturday afternoon. It’s hard to beat the satisfaction of getting through a good book in a weekend.
33. Catch Up on Your Favorite TV Series
Nourishing your mind doesn’t always have to be academic. We all need a chance to relax and unwind at the end of the week. Give your brain a break and binge that show you haven’t had a chance to start yet.
34. Write a Letter
Sure, you could send a text, but who doesn’t love to get a letter? Get in touch with old friends who you haven’t seen recently or family members who live far away — the old-fashioned way.
To Wrap Up
In conclusion, the best way to have a great weekend is to plan ahead, get outside, try something new, relax and unwind, spend time with friends and loved ones, take care of yourself, and do something fun.
Of course, it can be hard to find the energy and motivation after a long week, but we’ve got you covered with The Weekender Set to help you chill out and get revived as needed.
With a little planning and some openness and flexibility, you can have an amazing weekend that you'll never forget.
Sources:
How much physical activity do adults need? | CDC