Saturday nights are great times to relax and unwind after a long week of school or work. But if you live alone, have no weekend plans, or are single as a pringle, hanging solo on a Saturday night can get boring. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be that way! Having a night to yourself can be a great opportunity to do something different and spend time on you—and the options are endless! No matter your interests, you'll be able to relax and have fun with a creative project, a bit of exercise, a good movie, or another boredom-busting idea from the list below.
Things You Should Know
- Try something you’ve never done before, like baking a new recipe, learning a new language, practicing an instrument, or researching your family tree.
- Tap into your artistic side by drawing, painting, or another craft like stained glass or knitting. If you’re more wordy than artsy, write a short story or poetry.
- Have your own movie or spa night (or combine them!). Put on a face mask, pop some popcorn, and put on your favorite movie or bingeable TV series.
Steps
Exploring Your Area
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Search online for free or low-cost events in your area. Visit your town hall events page or look on Facebook for groups that post upcoming events in your city. Cater your search to your tastes and interests. If you’re a music-lover, for example, search for free concerts or bars and restaurants that play live music.
- If you love art or literature, look for gallery openings, book readings, or poetry slams.
- If you love board games, look for community game nights at local cafés and game stores.
- If you love sports, look for pick-up games in your area for a sport you like to play, like soccer, tennis, or pickleball.
- Don't be afraid to show up to a bar, restaurant, or other event alone. You have total freedom to chat with whoever you want and leave whenever you feel like it.
- Going to an event alone and enjoying yourself is also a great self-esteem booster. Remember that nobody around you will think much (if anything) of it. They may even admire you!
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2Go to a nature preserve or park. If the weather is nice, go for a walk. Connecting with nature is a great way to relax and enjoy yourself, so drive or walk to the nearest park or nature reserve.
- If it's cold, you can still take a walk: snowy or wintry weather can be just as beautiful as summer weather. Just make sure to bundle up.
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3Go for an urban hike. Walking in an urban area can be just as interesting as walking in nature, and you're sure to see a lot of interesting shops and people along the way. If you live in or near a city, wander downtown and explore the parks, boulevards, unique sights, or a new neighborhood you don't know well. [1] X Research source
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4Go star-gazing . Use a telescope or binoculars if you have them, but you don't need any special equipment to enjoy the stars. Simply find a quiet, dark place and look up. Try to identify constellations and planets, and break out a map of the stars or a stargazing guide to learn the night sky.
- If you live in a densely populated area, you might have to take a drive to find an area with less light pollution. [2] X Research source
Getting Some Exercise
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Go for a bike ride. If you have a bike and a good path for cycling, go out for a bike ride. Cycle around your area and time your laps if you want to compete with yourself. Bike riding will depend a lot on the weather, so don't go out if it's too wet, cold, or dark. Be careful on busy streets and use bike lights , as cars often don't see cyclists, especially in the evening. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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2Go for a sunset jog. If the weather is nice enough, go for a run around your neighborhood. Running at dusk can make for beautiful views, but make sure to dress in bright colors and use a headlamp so cars can see you. Don't take it too fast if you don't run often, and make sure to stretch before and after you jog. [4] X Research source
- Make sure you have a good pair of running shoes and some comfortable workout clothes.
- If you want to run but the weather's not great or you feel unsafe running at night, use a treadmill if you have one at home.
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3Go swimming. If the weather is nice or you have access to an indoor pool that's open late, a late-night swim can be very relaxing. Grab a swimsuit and do some slow laps, or time your laps for competitive fun.
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4Do some weightlifting. Go to a nearby gym or invest in a weight set for your house, then learn the basics. The types of exercises you need to do will depend on your goals, so talk to a trainer or consult weightlifting sites or social media channels for more information that's tailored to you. [5] X Research source
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5Do some yoga. Find a comfortable spot where you have lots of room and a soft surface to stand on. Start with simple poses like downward-facing dog or tree pose. Alternatively, search for free yoga flows or classes on YouTube to help guide you.
- Doing yoga has great benefits for your mind and body, and it’s sure to help you relax on your chill Saturday night in. [6] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
Having a Spa Night
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Create a clean, relaxing environment for your spa night. Clear clutter and wipe the dust from countertops and surface areas, then reassemble your trinkets and beloved items in a visually appealing way. Sweep and mop your floors until they’re sparkling clean, and wipe down any mirrors or glass items with natural cleaning products with calming fragrances. [7] X Research source
- While it may not sound like everyone’s idea of a relaxing activity, clearing your home of clutter can make you feel more settled and calm. Plus, it’ll make your home seem even more like a pristine spa!
- For an extra spa-like touch, spray your favorite room spray around the house or light some candles.
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2Apply hair and face masks. Use a hair mask that targets your hair’s needs, such as damage-repair or color care. Choose a hydrating face mask to refresh your face, and pair it with an under eye patches to relieve any undereye bags you’ve got hanging out under there.
- Follow the package instructions on your hair or face mask for directions on applying and removing the mask.
- While you’re waiting to remove your mask(s), put on your favorite TV show or listen to your favorite playlist.
- Make a yummy snack or drink (with a reusable straw , of course, so your mask doesn’t get all over your cup!).
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3Take a relaxing bath or shower. If you’re taking a bath, use bath salts or a bath bomb , even better if you can get one with soothing effects like lavender or rose. Roll up a hand towel and place it behind your neck like a pillow, then lean back and relax.
- If you don’t have a tub, use a scented body wash or shower steamer with the same therapeutic scents and ingredients.
- When you come out of the shower or tub, scrub all over your body with an exfoliating cream and seal it all in with a rich body moisturizer
Learning New Things
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Cook or bake a new recipe. Choose a fun recipe that you found on social media, in a cookbook, or from a cooking site like Bon Appetit or Allrecipes . Cook something you’ve never made before, and since you’re cooking for just you, it doesn’t matter if it turns out perfectly!
- If you’re completely new to cooking (or have limited appliances), start simple by learning basic cooking techniques .
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2Start learning a new language . Learning a few basic phrases in a new language is a rewarding, relaxing, and productive way to spend a solo Saturday night. Apps like Duolingo are free to start, and their game-like lessons make language acquisition super fun. Buona serata!
- Other programs like Babbel and Rosetta Stone are more in-depth, but they require paid subscriptions or memberships.
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3Research your family tree. Learning about your heritage and ancestors is a fascinating way to pass the time, and you may learn something about your history that you never knew. If possible, reach out to older generations in your family that may know a good starting point.
- Enter your name and your parent’s names into a genealogy database like Ancestry.com and start searching records for your family names and stories.
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4Discover new music. Most of us like to return to the same songs and artists we know and love, especially when we want to feel comforted or relaxed. But having free time is a great excuse to listen to new tunes and maybe even discover your next favorite musician!
- Start listening to music for free on Pandora , and they’ll make a customized radio station for your tastes.
- If you subscribe to music streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music , explore one of their “Made For You” playlists.
- Make a list of all the new songs that you like and make a playlist to listen to during your solo night (and for the future).
Getting Artistic
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Sketch something. Grab a pencil or pen and some paper and start sketching . Sketching is easier than painting because you need fewer supplies and you'll make less mess. You don't have to be an amazing artist to sketch a person or an object; it just takes a little practice and time. Using your free time to enjoy a creative outlet is a great idea. [8] X Expert Source Kari Samuels
Intuitive Counselor & Happiness Coach Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.- Consider taking a free online course or watch some tutorials for pointers about lines and shading.
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2Paint a painting. Start with a simple subject like a landscape or a bowl of fruit and paint it. This activity will take a little more foresight than sketching because you'll have to buy the right supplies. Visit a craft store and pick up a basic set of acrylic or oil paints , some brushes, a canvas, and an easel. [9] X Research source
- As with sketching, try watching a few instruction videos online or check out tutorials.
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3Make a funny comic . If you enjoy sketching and have a great sense of humor, try making your own cartoon characters. Start by imagining a funny character or by modeling your art style on a cartoon that you like. Make your character’s look distinctive in some way, whether with a unique hairstyle or signature accessory. [10] X Research source
- Then, create some panels for your comic.
- Sketch your characters in the boxes and give them text bubbles to show their dialogue.
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4Make a poster. Decorating your dorm or apartment can be a great project for a Saturday night. Decide what you want to put on your poster: a quote, a silhouette, or some characters from your favorite show. Print out or draw different images for your poster and then glue them to a large poster board to make a collage.
- To level up your poster (and make it seem like you’re adulting just a little more than you actually are), make it into an art print!
- Make your poster by hand and take it to be scanned and printed at your local print shop, or design a print on Canva and have it professionally printed as a wall print.
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5Knit. Not only is knitting relaxing, but you end up with a useful product at the end of your hard work. Knitting requires supplies, so head to your local craft shop and pick up needles, yarn, and an instruction book. Practice simple patterns and items first, like scarves.
- You could make scarves to give to your parents for their next birthday, or even cute clothes and accessories for your friends once you get more advanced.
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6Make decorations for your home. Using materials you already have around the house, make small clay models, wreaths, or wall hangings. Look around for craft supplies you may already have, like clay, glue, pipe cleaners, or cardboard, then let your imagination run wild.
- Make a model of your favorite cartoon character with clay and paints, or make a small flag with some fabric and paints.
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7Make stained glass. Making your own stained glass is easy and fun. Purchase some pieces of broken glass, a brush, and special glass paint from your local craft store. Choose paint colors you like and apply them to your pieces of glass with the brush. Let them dry for a few hours. [11] X Research source
- Then, use your glass pieces to make mosaics , jewelry, sculptures, or an accent bowl.
- Be cautious when handling sharp glass. Wear gloves and close-toed shoes.
Writing Creatively
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Write in a journal. Journaling is an amazing way to gain insight into your feelings and to record moments from your daily life. [12] X Expert Source Kari Samuels
Intuitive Counselor & Happiness Coach Expert Interview. 12 October 2021. Date your entry and write about how you're feeling, what you're seeing, and what you're thinking about—there’s no wrong thing to write about. [13] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U.S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source- Journaling is most effective if it becomes a habit, so try to write in your journal more often than just Saturday nights.
- Bullet journaling has become trendy among teens and twenty-somethings, and it’s a super simple and beginner-friendly way to start journaling.
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2Write a short story. Writing a short story may seem daunting, but once you start typing, you may be surprised at the ideas that come out. If you already have an idea, map it out by creating an outline or a plot arc. Then, get to work writing your story. [14] X Research source
- Your story could be comedic, dramatic, or even scary—pick a story that speaks to you!
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3Write poetry. Writing a poem is a great way to put your ideas on paper, and it can be even more fun than writing prose. Poetry lets you describe objects and events in creative and therapeutic ways, and the sky's the limit with the amount of creativity you bring. [15] X Research source
- Decide what to write about, and then practice putting your poetic thoughts on paper.
- Remember, poetry doesn't have to rhyme: it can be as free-form as you like.
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4Write thank-you notes. Write a list of some people you’ve felt grateful for lately. Your list could include colleagues, friends, family members, teachers, mail carriers, or anyone else you feel has earned an extra bit of appreciation. Write each person a note to thank them for what they’ve done for you.
- Even though they aren’t as common in the modern tech-focused world, there’s nothing like receiving a genuine, handwritten “thank you” note.
- You’ll not only make the recipient’s day, but you’ll also be sending good vibes and positive energy out into the universe.
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5Start a blog. Choose a topic that interests you: fashion, travel, sports, or even the ins and outs of your day-to-day life. Open a computer and start writing your first blog post !
- Blogging sites like Weebly and Wix are free and user-friendly, and you can design a web page that looks and feels personal to your brand.
- Maybe your blog will take off and become a viral hit, or maybe it’ll become a private outlet for you to express your opinions and hone your writing skills .
- If you’re more of a visual person, starting a YouTube vlog à la Emma Chamberlain is just as fun!
Making Music
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Write lyrics for a song. If you're musically inclined, come up with a melody and lyrics to go with it. Writing a song is much like writing poetry, but you'll have to fit the lyrics to a melody. Grab a pen and paper, then write lyrics about how you're feeling or about a situation you were in recently. [16] X Research source
- Get inspired by listening to top songwriters that you love to listen to, like Taylor Swift, Zach Bryan, SZA, or Noah Kahan. [17] X Research source
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2Learn to play an instrument . Many people have an instrument gathering dust in a corner or a closet. Quiet Saturday nights are the perfect time to put the instrument to use and learn how to play. Start slow, and use internet tutorials or music books to learn the basics.
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3Sing. One of the best things about being home alone is that you can sing as loud as you want and no one will be annoyed. Put some jams on with your phone, computer, or radio and sing along at the top of your lungs. [18] X Expert Source Kari Samuels
Intuitive Counselor & Happiness Coach Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.- For even more fun, pull up karaoke tracks of your favorite songs on YouTube and practice your star power—or take it to the next level with one of the wireless karaoke microphones you’ve seen all over social media.
Having a Movie Night
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Watch a movie. There are many ways to stream movies on demand nowadays, and it's fairly inexpensive: try Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime. If you don't have streaming services (or just want to mix it up and go retro with a physical DVD), go to a Redbox kiosk, video rental store, or watch a movie you already own.
- Movie night isn't the same without popcorn and movie theater candy, so make a trip to the grocery store for some inexpensive snacks.
- Watch a classic, like an old Marilyn Monroe movie or back-to-back John Wayne westerns.
- Make it a marathon by watching a franchise like Star Wars, National Treasure, The Hunger Games, Legally Blonde, or Despicable Me.
- If you don’t feel like watching a movie, stream and binge-watch a new series (or rewatch your tried-and-true favorites).
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2Watch a movie in a different language. Choose a film with subtitles in your native language or, if you understand another language, watch a film in that language without subtitles. Try the foreign film sections of your local film rental shop or Netflix to find an interesting foreign movie.
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3Go on a solo date to the movie theater. Pick out a movie that’s playing near you that you’ve been wanting to see. Since you’re going alone, you don’t have to ask anyone else’s opinion before choosing a film!
- Bring a blanket or cozy sweatshirt and treat yourself to all your favorite theater snacks—from popcorn to slushies to an assortment of sweet treats.
- Going to the movies alone can feel nerve-racking the first time you do it. But it can actually be an empowering (and fun!) outing!
- A solo cinema date allows your brain to relax and take in the emotion and meaning of the movie without anyone else’s opinion affecting your experience. [19] X Research source
- It may even become a Saturday night staple that you enjoy doing over and over again!
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4Make your own movie. Choose a film genre like comedy, drama, or horror. Write a simple script and film scenes with a video camera, webcam, or phone. At the end of the night, make popcorn and hold a "screening" of your film.
Getting Online
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Play games online. There are many websites devoted entirely to games. Whether you like to play complex video games or simpler games like Solitaire, you're bound to find something you love. Type the name of the game you want to play into a search engine, then look for a version that you like.
- Download a game store browser for more complex or multiplayer video games.
- Browsers like Steam let you search for video games by genre, and many are inexpensive or even free.
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2Edit online articles. Sites like WikiHow and Wikipedia allow you to edit articles and contribute to the site. Editing these articles is especially fun if you know a lot about a particular topic and like to write. Check out online encyclopedias and learn how their articles are formatted, then begin contributing your knowledge.
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4Watch beauty tutorials. Search YouTube and TikTok for makeup or hair tutorials and choose one that looks interesting. A beauty tutorial could be anything: how to give yourself beachy waves, do the perfect red lip, or make yourself look like a zombie …the possibilities are endless!
- Remember that practice makes perfect when it comes to hair and makeup skills—if you don’t love the way your look turned out tonight, try again on your next night in!
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Spend time on social media. Sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow you to talk to your friends even when they're not physically with you. Chat with a friend that you haven't spoken to in a long time and see how they're doing.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I enjoy the weekend more?Kari Samuels is an international Intuitive Counselor and Happiness Coach. With more than 21 years of experience, she specializes in intuition, energy healing, numerology, and astrology. Kari assists people in reclaiming their innate intuitive gifts and restore well-being through self-empowerment. She has a popular Youtube channel and has been featured on Hay House Radio and other podcasts.Use the weekend as an opportunity for self-reflection! Journaling is a great way to do this.
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QuestionWhat are some ways to be more creative?Kari Samuels is an international Intuitive Counselor and Happiness Coach. With more than 21 years of experience, she specializes in intuition, energy healing, numerology, and astrology. Kari assists people in reclaiming their innate intuitive gifts and restore well-being through self-empowerment. She has a popular Youtube channel and has been featured on Hay House Radio and other podcasts.Mix things up! You might teach yourself something completely new, or you could stick with something classic, like singing and dancing along to your favorite songs.
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QuestionHow can I have fun on the Internet?Kari Samuels is an international Intuitive Counselor and Happiness Coach. With more than 21 years of experience, she specializes in intuition, energy healing, numerology, and astrology. Kari assists people in reclaiming their innate intuitive gifts and restore well-being through self-empowerment. She has a popular Youtube channel and has been featured on Hay House Radio and other podcasts.Join an online group! This is a great way to meet people who have the same interests as you.
Video
Reader Videos
Tips
- Be honest with yourself and try to understand what you truly enjoy doing. Then, start surrounding yourself with things or cues that remind you of what you enjoy. [20] X Expert Source Zach Pontrello
Embodied Leadership & Relationship Coach Expert Interview. 12 July 2022. This way, when you're alone, you won't feel lonely or boredThanks - If you're feeling sad because you're alone, try reframing that thought. Remember that this is a time to enjoy your own company! [21] X Expert Source Kari Samuels
Intuitive Counselor & Happiness Coach Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.Thanks - Go to bed at a reasonable time. Saturday may be a traditional night to stay up late, but if you stay up too late, you'll feel terrible in the morning.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- Buy an adult coloring book and color the pages inside. These books can be funny or relaxing, and they have complicated designs to keep you occupied.
- If you're under 18, don't go on social media sites or use social apps without parent permission.
- Make up a dance or learn a popular dance routine from TikTok or a famous music video.
- Meditate to relax your body, brain and heart, while also passing the time.
Warnings
- Talk to a doctor before doing any new exercises, especially if you have a medical condition.Thanks
- Always be careful online. Don't give any personal information to strangers on the internet, and leave situations that make you feel uncomfortable.Thanks
- If you're under 18, ask a parent for permission before going outside. Nature walks and exercise are great activities, but your parents will be worried if you leave the house without telling them, especially at night.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://denverbyfoot.com/what-is-urban-hiking/
- ↑ https://globeatnight.org/light-pollution/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/cycling-at-night-4-must-read-safety-tips
- ↑ http://www.realsimple.com/health/fitness-exercise/workouts/how-to-start-running
- ↑ https://www.npr.org/2021/10/07/1044016040/weightlifting-strength-training-tips-getting-started
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/yoga-benefits-beyond-the-mat
- ↑ https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/a32160032/home-spa-ideas/
- ↑ Kari Samuels. Intuitive Counselor & Happiness Coach. Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.
- ↑ https://drawpaintacademy.com/guide-painting-supplies/
- ↑ http://www.creativebloq.com/character-design/tips-5132643
- ↑ http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2015/02/diy-faux-stained-glass.html
- ↑ Kari Samuels. Intuitive Counselor & Happiness Coach. Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.
- ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1
- ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-a-story/
- ↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/8-reasons-why-poetry-is-good-for-the-soul
- ↑ http://www.musicindustryhowto.com/how-to-write-a-song-for-beginners-a-step-by-step-guide-to-becoming-a-songwriter/
- ↑ https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100-songwriters/
- ↑ Kari Samuels. Intuitive Counselor & Happiness Coach. Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.
- ↑ https://www.flashpack.com/us/solo/travel/solo-travel-tips/8-reasons-you-should-be-going-to-the-cinema-alone/
- ↑ Zach Pontrello. Embodied Leadership & Relationship Coach. Expert Interview. 12 July 2022.
- ↑ Kari Samuels. Intuitive Counselor & Happiness Coach. Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.
About This Article
If you’re by yourself on a Saturday night, you can still have tons of fun at home. Try using the time to catch up on your hobbies, like painting, writing, or knitting. You might also print out some posters and decorate your room a bit. If you’d rather relax, put on a movie and make yourself a nice snack, like a bowl of popcorn. If you’re feeling antsy, take a walk in the city and people watch. Or, go for a bike ride and find somewhere to star-gaze! For more ideas, like how to have fun online on a Saturday night, read on!
Reader Success Stories
- "Just about all the tips were great! Especially for a single woman who loves spending her off days indoors! The outdoor activities are just as great." ..." more