27 Things to Do on a Saturday Night That You Probably Haven't Thought Of

I've never really resonated with the whole "working for the weekend" mindset. Not only do I thoroughly enjoy my job, but I'm also often too busy to think about that two-day resting period. And while this might make it easier for me to live in the present, it also means that I usually lack the foresight to plan my weekends thoughtfully to get the most out of my personal time. This is especially true when Saturday night rolls around and the exhausting workweek and hectic errands of the day are behind me. How many times have you found yourself scrambling to make last-minute plans or simply going along with something you don't feel like doing on a Saturday night?

If you find yourself in a similar position, you're in the right place. To ensure that we all get the most out of the glorious gift that is Saturday night, we decided to make a comprehensive list of all the things anyone can do, no matter where they are or what mood they're in. In fact, we broke the list into three sections to make it even easier to plan: activities to do when you're feeling restless and energetic, low-key but social, and solitary and tired but need things to do when you're bored. Whether you want to hibernate or hit the dance floor, you'll find something enticing in this list of fun things to do on a Saturday night. So scroll through to discover 27 new ways to maximize your free time.

Even though going out with friends may seem like an obvious (and maybe even repetitive) Saturday night activity, there's a reason it's a classic. But to make things a little more interesting, consider picking a funky dive bar, a swanky speakeasy you've been wanting to try.

In the same vein, if you want to hang out with your friends on the town but don't want to settle for a bar, there are plenty of fun, out-of-the-box options. Look into gallery openings, karaoke bars with private rooms, dance halls, roller rinks, bowling alleys, and escape rooms.

Plan an exciting date night. Whether that means logging onto a dating app to find a potential first date or going out with your long-term partner, make this Saturday night a romantic one.

Go for a night hike with your significant other, pet, or a group of friends. It's a great way to get outside, and sometimes an expansive view can look even more beautiful at night. If you're in a city without any hiking options, check out a scenic view from a lookout point or skyrise building.

Check if there are any upcoming concerts in your area. Even if you don't know the artist, you could end up having a great time listening to live music and dancing.

Host a house party! And if that sounds way too ambitious, round up some friends to help a plan a bonfire or sunset potluck picnic at a park.

Invite someone to see a movie in theaters with you or have them come over to stream it at home. Most importantly, don't forget to order your favorite takeout and have a pint of ice cream ready to go.

Host a wine and cheese night with your nearest and dearest. Keep things intimate so you can relax and unwind while also being able to catch up with friends. You can simply sit around and chat or make it a more formal sit-down dinner.

Okay, so a concert or a club sounds way too exhausting right now, but what about checking out a gallery opening, a comedy show, or a book reading? This way you'll get out of the house without having to lose any sleep.

Not all family game nights are lame, especially when you come prepared with an arsenal of hilarious card games. In fact, they'll probably prompt some great banter and keep things interesting as you get to know your opponents in unexpected ways.

Have you always wanted to try a seance or learn more about fortune telling? Ask around to find some like-minded friends to see who would be interested in making a night of it.

Instead of going out with your friends, plan a night of catching up and bonding at a spa. Something about night spas makes them feel even more indulgent and unconventional, breaking up routine for an unforgettable Saturday. Just make sure you check their hours to see if it stays open late enough.

Sometimes all you want to do is curl up in bed and relax with a good book and a cup of tea without having to worry about going to work the next day—now's your chance!

Treat yourself to a spa night in complete with a relaxing bubble bath, a face mask, and a glass of wine. Then top it off with a good TV show or movie on your own or with family.

Have you been too busy to make yourself a comforting homecooked meal lately? Dedicate the evening to learning a new recipe or whipping up an old favorite, and then go ahead and enjoy it in bed.

Your favorite stores may be closed for the day, but don't let that stop you. Take a peek inside your closet to see what's missing and what you need to get rid of. Once you feel organized, go online shopping to replenish the goods. Then in the morning, donate your old clothing.

When you aren't feeling up for a night out or you're feeling stuck in a rut and lonely, call some long-distance friends and relatives. Spend the evening catching up.

If you feel like snuggling up by yourself tonight, use your time wisely by planning a get-together with a friend, or consider planning that solo trip you've been dreaming of.

Up next: 21 self-care ides to start practicing today for a balanced, healthy mindset.

This was originally published on January 6, 2018, and has since been updated.