How to Have Fun at Your Friend's House

Playing Games and Doing Activities

Play board games. See if your friend has a stack of board games in their house that you can pick from. Even though they may seem retro, board games are surprisingly fun, no matter what your age! They also are a great way to give you both something to focus on so that you aren’t at a loss for what to do or talk about. Remember to compromise and pick a game that you’ll both like, and try not to be overly competitive once you start playing. If your friend doesn’t have any board games, see if they have a deck of cards so you can play card games.

Play video games. If your friend has a video game console like an Xbox or a Wii, play video games together! Try to pick games where to both of you can play at the same time, either on a team or against each other. Also pick a game where you are evenly matched. If you’ve never played video games before, your friend’s house can be a perfect introduction! Have your friend teach you how to play the game and start at the easiest level.

Play sports with your friend. Kick around a soccer ball or shoot hoops with your friend if they have backyard. You can also just throw a baseball or Frisbee to have a fun activity to do that lets you enjoy the outdoors. You can even include your friend’s siblings in a game or invite other friends over to play. You don’t have to be good at sports to casually play. Be as competitive or casual as you feel like.

Play Truth or Dare. If you are having a sleepover at your friends house, play a game like Truth or Dare or Never Have I Ever. These games are a lot of fun, especially if a bunch of your friends are at your friend’s house.

Have a movie marathon. If you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day or at night, watch a movie or even have a movie marathon. Pick out a movie that both you and your friend haven’t seen and will enjoy. Make a bag of popcorn, sit down on the couch, and enjoy the movie! Try to pick a movie that is fun and upbeat rather than slow or serious.

Play with your friend outside. Your friend may have fun things at their house that you don’t have at your own, like a swimming pool or a trampoline. If the weather is warm, spend time jumping, swimming, or doing whatever activities you’re able to do at their house that you can’t do at your own.

Walk around the neighborhood. If your friend lives in a safe and quiet neighborhood, walk or bike around for a change of scenery. Remember to stick by your friend and not to wander too far. You can walk and chat or take pictures of the scenery. If you aren’t sure whether the neighborhood is safe, err on the side of caution and find something else to do.

Doing Creative Projects

Do an art project. An art project is a fun and creative thing to do with your friend if you’re bored with what you usually do together. Whether it be making cool origami or doing a paint by numbers, an art project is a fun way to spend the time and also lets you leave with a souvenir of the time you spent with your friend. If you are at a loss for what kind of art project to do, search the internet for ideas, or even just do something simple like coloring in a coloring book.

Build a fort. Building a fort is classic sleepover activity, but it can be done any time of the day. First get permission from your friend’s parents to build the fort. Then get chairs, sheets and blankets and construct your fort in a place that your friend’s parents approve of.

Take artsy pictures. Take selfies with your friend, or dress up in costumes and snap funny photos. You can upload these pictures on social media, or just keep them as memories of your time together. If you and your friend like makeup, you can also make each other over and take pictures of your new glamorous looks!

Bake dessert. Bake brownies or other easy sweet treats with your friend. Before doing so, get permission from your friend’s parents to use the kitchen and the oven. Get creative by decorating with frosting or icing.

Make a time capsule. A time capsule is an exciting and fun way to commemorate your friendship. Start filling a sturdy box with photos of you and your friend. You can even both write notes to your future self! Put small things that represent you into the box, then seal it up and store it or bury it outside. Don’t put anything in the box that you’ll miss. Stick to notes and doodles. Get your friend’s parents’ permission before burying the time capsule.

Getting Comfortable at Your Friend's House

Explore your friend’s house. If you’ve never been to your friend’s house, let them give you a tour to get you familiar with the layout of their house. It’s always interesting to see the ways that people’s houses are different than your own! Even if you’ve been to their house a million times, it can still be fun to have a look around.

Play with your friend’s pets. One big draw of going over to a friend’s house is being able to spend time with their pets! If your friend has pets, go over and say hi if they’re friendly. See if they are in the mood to play or take a walk. Make sure that your friend is with you, since your friend knows the pet best. Don’t force their pet to play with you. If their pet is sleeping, leave them be. They may wake up later and be in the mood to play!

Talk to your friend’s parents. If you run into your friend’s parents, say hi and chat a little with them. Sometimes it’s easier to get along with other people’s parents than your own! Being on good terms with your friend’s parents is also a good way to feel more comfortable and welcome in your friend’s house.

Eat food that you don’t have at your own house. One great thing about going over to a friend’s house is raiding their pantry! Make sure that it’s ok with your friends and your friends parents, and then treat yourself to a snack that your own parents don’t have around the house. Just make sure to only take one or two snacks so you don’t take advantage of their hospitality!