Do you always end up doing the same things and going to the same places with your friend group? It’s easy to fall into a rut and establish patterns, but when you’re always repeating the same activities you aren’t gaining anything from new experiences. Infuse a little culture into group night. Even if you hate it, at least you’ll be trying something new.
Take a Walking Tour
Visit a historic neighborhood in your city, and take your own walking tour. This is a fun group event because you can stop to take selfies in front of interesting buildings and standout spots. Make the evening even more fun by doing some quick research about the neighborhood online. Write yourself a little memo on your phone, or print out some of the facts you find to share with the group while you walk.
Watch Old Movies
Host a classic movie night, or visit a theater that screens old movies. Watch something in black and white created by a legendary director or starring an iconic actor, and then spend some time discussing the film and what you’d all like to see next. There are a lot of culturally important classic films out there that many people have never seen. If you’re looking for inspiration, take a look at the American Film Institute’s lists of the best movies.
Go the Zoo or Aquarium
Have you ever gone to the zoo or aquarium with a group of adults instead of with kids? It’s actually lots of fun to visit a zoo or aquarium as an adults-only group, and you can stop and take the time to see what you want with no kids around. You’ll learn a little more about local and exotic animals or marine life, and you’ll get a chance to let your inner child have some fun for a change.
Try to see it all, not just your favorite creatures (or the ones you’ve heard of before). Again, this makes for some pretty good photo opportunities!
Eat at an Exotic Restaurant
Find a restaurant making authentic cuisine of another country, and go order something you’ve never heard of before. If you don’t like the food, you and your group can always stop at a burger joint after you leave! Trying new food can be an adventure, and it’s fun even when the food isn’t so great. Look for a locally-owned restaurant vs a big chain because this will offer the most cultural experience. At an independent restaurant like this, you’ll likely be surrounded by the decor and music of the country providing the culinary inspiration.
Getting Cultural
Expand your horizons, try some new things and give your friends the gift of unique experiences by enjoying some cultural activities together. Maybe you’ll hate classic movies, exotic food, looking at old buildings or watching animals in well-designed habitats — but at least you’ll be able to say you did it, and you’ll be doing something different for a change!