The weekends are the perfect time to relax and participate in activities that put a smile on your face. This is your free time to use as you please and to do more of what’s going to help you to feel calm and at ease.

While it’s important to work hard during the week, it’s also necessary to take some time for you over the weekends. Sitting on the couch is nice once in a while, but you’re likely to get bored of doing this as time goes on. Instead, consider discovering new talents you didn’t know you had, meeting up with others and engaging in entertaining activities that will keep you feeling amused.

No matter the time of year, #HipNJ has a lot of fun activities for you to do. Here are some of our favorites:

Play Golf
One fun weekend activity to consider is to get outside and learn the game of golf. If you already know how to play then call up a few friends and schedule a tee time so you can get out and work on your game. Make sure you’re always prepared to hit the course by having the right equipment and gear at home. For instance, head online to check out the latest super game improvement irons so you can perform well under pressure and in any weather.

Watch A Movie
Another idea for how to spend your weekends is to watch or go to a movie you’ve wanted to see. Either stay home and cuddle up on the couch in your comfortable clothes or head out and make a date night of it with your spouse or partner. Grab a few of your favorite snacks and sit back and enjoy being entertained for a few hours. Another idea is to have a movie marathon if you have a whole day to spare and don’t feel like leaving your house.

Go Hiking
Exercise can be fun when you’re participating in activities such as hiking new and beautiful trails. Find an area that you’re unfamiliar with, and you can explore at your own pace on your time off. Be glad to know that you’ll even be burning some calories and toning your muscles while you’re at it. Just make sure you have the proper gear and attire and carry a map or GPS with you so you don’t get lost.

Play Board Games
In addition, consider playing board games as a fun weekend activity that will help to pass the time. Get the family together or invite over your friends and make a night of it by providing snacks and drinks for all to enjoy. There are a wide variety of games to choose from out there that will have you laughing and feeling joyful in no time.

Take A Road Trip
Taking a short road trip is a great way to spend your weekend hours and escape your daily responsibilities for a little bit. Commit to exploring new lands and make it feel more like vacation by booking a hotel room for a night. It’ll feel good to get away from your normal routine for a night or two and you can return home feeling refreshed and ready to go back to work.

Head to the Beach
The beach is always an excellent option when considering how to utilize your weekend free time. Pack a lunch and make an afternoon of it by enjoying the sunshine and spending some time splashing around in the water. Think about bringing along a few fun games such as volleyball and any sand toys your kids might enjoy playing with.

Grab A Meal or Coffee
The weekends are the perfect opportunity to be social and catch up with friends or family members who you don’t see often. Invite someone who you like spending time with to grab coffee or a meal and catch up about what’s been going on in each of your lives. Consider trying a new restaurant or coffee shop in the area neither of you have been to before.

Play Pool or go Bowling
Weekends are meant for engaging in fun activities such as playing pool or going bowling. Both ideas are entertaining and can be done with either your family or a group of friends. Find a venue in the area that you’ve heard good remarks about and that serves food in case you get hungry.

Visit the Park with Your Kids
Take your kids to the park for a while if you’re feeling bored and looking for ways to use your weekend time. They’ll love getting to run around and act silly and will appreciate you wanting to spend time with them. You can even think about taking them for ice cream after you’re finished if they’re well behaved and you’re in the mood for a treat.

Go Shopping
Weekends are made for shopping and getting a few errands done when you have the chance. Not only purchase the necessities such as groceries, but also a few new items for yourself such as clothes or jewelry. Take the time to check out some new stores or malls in the area and see what’s out there and trending.

Schedule A Spa Treatment
You might also want to consider scheduling a treatment at the spa during the weekend. In no time you’ll feel more relaxed and will be able to reduce or minimize any stress you’re feeling at the time. Enjoy and take advantage of the chance to unplug from technology and simply be in the moment as you get pampered by the staff. There are a wide variety of services to choose from depending on what you’re in the mood for, such as a massage or facial.

Have A Cookout
Finally, another weekend activity to consider is to have a cookout either with your family or a bunch of your friends. It’s a great way to get everyone together and enjoy some good food while being able to soak up the warm weather. Play games, put on music in the background and have plenty of food and drinks to go around. Plan ahead and don’t be afraid to ask everyone bring a dish to pass so you don’t have to do as much work.