The boredom bug is real and it can hit you when you least expect it. During the week, you’re busy with work and social activities, but as soon as the weekend rolls around, you’re suddenly out of ideas on what to do. 

If you want to spend your time doing something useful for your mental (and physical) health, why not take up a hobby? It doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming, and you can do it whenever you feel like it. 

Here are 5 fun hobbies to try this weekend and spend some quality time with your friends or family. 

1. Board Games

If you’re looking for interesting hobbies you can do with friends over the weekend, consider board games. Everyone can chip in so you can buy a few kinds and a different one each weekend. 

The best board games are timeless and suitable for families with kids. Visit your local thrift shop for some cheap secondhand games or make one yourself. 

2. Arts and Crafts

DIY projects and crafts are a cheap way to have some fun and create something from scratch. Writing, journaling, and painting are other simple and affordable hobbies that are good for the mind and soul. 

You can also sign up for art classes and learn a specific technique, take online courses, or follow YouTube tutorials to learn. Other similar hobbies in arts and crafts include knitting, scrapbooking, calligraphy, playing instruments, coloring books, and even graphic design. 

3. Escape Room

Escape rooms are all the buzz right now because they’re fun, exciting, and challenging. Gather your friends or family members and try to solve the mysteries together. This is a great way to bond, work as a team, and utilize everyone’s special skills and strengths to escape. 

Make sure to book an escape room on time because weekends can be busy and there may not be slots available. 

4. Cooking and Baking

If you want to try some fun hobbies you can do at home, learn cooking and baking from scratch. There’s something very soothing about making something delicious from simple ingredients. 

If you’re a first-timer, follow the recipes and instructions step by step. You can find tons of tutorials and cooking tips online. The more you cook or bake, the more confident you’ll be to try new methods or even develop your own recipes. 

5. Volunteer at an Animal Shelter

Volunteering isn’t a hobby per se, but it’s a noble way to donate your free time for a good cause. Animal shelters are always in need of volunteers, and you’ll have so much fun taking care of your new fluffy friends. You’ll even meet new people and learn about their stories. 

Another option is to volunteer at a homeless shelter or a soup kitchen, especially in the winter months. You can invite your family and friends to help as well. 

Make Your Weekend Special With These Fun Hobbies to Try! 

I hope this list of fun hobbies to try this weekend will help you get out of a rut and do something exciting with your time. 

Need more ideas on what to do when you’re bored? I cover tons of cognitive and brain-boosting topics on my website. Feel free to check them out and find what resonates with you. 

 Mandy X

Author: Mandy Kloppers

Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.