9 Enjoyable Activities To Kill Time On Weekends

According to the American Time Use Survey, one-third of Americans work during the weekend. This statistic is worrisome given how much most people use weekends to relax and unwind from their work week’s demands. It is important to find enjoyable activities to fill your weekend with, even if there is work to do.

In fact, a 2008 study proved that workers feel more vitalized and are in better moods during weekends. This could be because weekends aren’t as stressful or because you can spend time with your loved ones. With that being said, make sure you don’t waste your precious weekends.

There are many fun and enjoyable activities you can do to have a great weekend. These enjoyable activities can make your weekends more fulfilling.

Enjoyable Activities for the Weekend

1. Road Trips

An OnePoll survey revealed that 64% of Americans want to take a spontaneous road trip vacation. Road trips have numerous benefits that make them worth it for your weekend to-do list. They are an inexpensive means of traveling, take your mind off work, and give you time to reflect.

These trips also present an excellent opportunity for you to adventurously explore the countryside, enjoy good music, and take a break from social media.

So, why not gather your family or friends for a classic road trip during weekends? It is a fun way of relaxing and making unforgettable memories.

2. Volunteering

Volunteering is an excellent way to spend your weekend in a fulfilling manner. Local animal shelters, homeless shelters, and soup kitchens always seek people to help with numerous activities. Therefore, consider volunteering during weekends to connect to your community and make it a better place.

Aside from helping out with little tasks to make a difference in people’s lives, community service can also be a social platform to boost your social skills, make new friends with similar values, and expand your network. Research from the London School of Economics also establishes a relationship between volunteering and happiness, so consider doing something worthwhile during weekends to give back to your community.

3. Solving a Jigsaw Puzzle

Tackling jigsaw puzzles is a fun and engaging way to pass the time. According to science, these puzzles are suitable for your brain because they engage your left brain (logical) and your right brain (intuitive and creative) simultaneously.

Puzzles also boost your short-term memory, improve your visual-spatial reasoning, relieve stress, and are an excellent meditation tool. You also benefit from increased attention to detail, increased problem-solving abilities, and a potential IQ boost. Are you up for a good challenge yet? Why not challenge yourself with the world’s hardest jigsaw puzzle for a memorable weekend experience?

4. Visit a Museum or Art Gallery

Your busy daily life leaves little room for art appreciation, so consider using weekends as an opportune time for this. Slip away to a nearby museum or art gallery to see some cool relics and art.

Visiting museums and art galleries is also pocket-friendly because many places are free to enter or require just a little fee to admit visitors. Museums and galleries engage you on a broad range of cultural and historical events, providing an effective, informal learning method that you can benefit from.

Museums and art galleries are also social centers where you can meet people with similar interests. So, consider a museum or gallery visit as part of your weekend plans.

5. DIY Projects

According to new research, the average American has about nine DIY projects that need immediate attention. Many homeowners describe their house as a work in progress, so DIY is a popular, cost-effective method for people to maintain their property.

Chances are, your busy work week robs you of time to focus on repainting your bedroom or laying that new carpet. As such, set aside weekends as a perfect time to tackle these tasks around your home.

6. Learn a New Skill

Information is abundant in this technological age, so you must use this to your advantage. You will most likely not find time to squeeze in lessons for something practical and helpful during your workweek, making weekends an excellent time for you to improve your vast knowledge.

You can learn skills like repairing cars, website design, how to start a blog, sewing, coding, etc., from YouTube videos or tutorials. Also, consider enrolling in practical online classes like the MasterClass program to improve your skills and interests in a broad range of topics.

7. Community Sports

Weekends are an opportune time to indulge in sports and recreation. Science repeatedly stresses the importance of regular exercise for maintaining your overall health and wellbeing. Therefore, joining a community sports team is a great way to engage in some physical activity for optimum health benefits.

Weekend sports and recreation also provide an avenue for self-expression because it allows you to engage in your sports interests. So, it would be best to sign up for that football, hockey, cricket, or basketball team for weekend games to exercise while also meeting new people.

8. Play Board Games

Board games remain an entertainment staple in most homes despite the internet’s influence in today’s world. Timeless classics like Snakes and Ladders, Chess, Checkers, Monopoly, and Scrabble are always available to turn to during your free time.

As such, you can gather the family or invite your friends over for an engaging board game marathon over the weekend. Board games reduce stress, boost brain function, and strengthens relationships.

Also, board games provide an excellent alternative to digital distractions like your phone, so these games should always feature in your weekend to-do list.

For board game ideas for kids, check out this blog post: https://momwifewine.com/2020/08/02/12-of-the-best-games-for-kids/

9. Read a Book

Reading is a pastime most people say they want to engage more in but lack the time for. A hectic work week typically interferes with your ability to find the time and mental freedom to enjoy good reads.

Reading provides mental stimulation, reduces stress, increases your knowledge, and expands your vocabulary. Reading’s engaging nature also improves your concentration and develops your analytical thinking skills.

As such, prioritize re-reading your favorite classics and new recommendations from fellow readers as an excellent way to relax and enjoy your weekends. There are also many books to read with your kids that you will all enjoy.

While many people work on weekends, these should be the times to enjoy life and relax. Find something you love to do and spend time with those you love. Don’t let your weekends get away from you without creating everlasting memories.

What enjoyable activities do you like to do on the weekend? Tell me about it in the comments!