I know what you are thinking: “What a lame article.” Everyone loves a good party, but sometimes it is good to branch out and try new things. Here is a list of my favorite things to do on the weekend while still staying out of trouble.

1. Mini Golf

Every time I’m in the mall I pass by this new glow-in-the-dark Mini Golf place. It looked pretty neat and it’s a great activity to do with your friends. Whether you are good at sports or not, you are guaranteed to have fun. I mean who could pass up mini golf? (Not to mention glow-in-the-dark mini golf??)

2. Anthony’s Pets

The classic go-to in Bloomington. Hit up Anthony’s Pets for a fun time with puppies. Nobody with a heart can resist puppy love. (They have other animals too!!)

3. Movie night

Great for a night in with your friends or if you want to switch things up and go to the movies, you can do that too! There are plenty of great movies out right now and coming up! Some of those include Black Panther, Jumanji, and The Greatest Showman.

4. Hiking & Staying in a Cabin

Some of my favorite nights are nights we have spent at my friend’s cabin. Hiking and staying in Brown County is an awesome activity to get into when there is not much happening around campus. Bring cards and your speaker and it’s bound to be fun.

5. Sober for a pair

Here’s an unusual idea. If you are involved in Greek Life on campus, offer to sober monitor for one of your house’s socials. You get the fun of going to the party, but don’t feel obligated to drink. It’s the best of both worlds when you are just not feeling it.

6. Support your favorite IU team

There are always games going on the weekends. Tickets are super cheap or admission is free for a lot of sports. Some of the best games are ones you get to go to with a bunch of your friends. Leaving your dorm or apartment is fun for a change of scenery, especially when so many people go to these games. Get out there and see what’s happening! I personally love the basketball games.

7. Escape Room

There is a new Escape Room experience in Bloomington called Locked Up. It is fun for all ages and great for when you have guests! Trying new things is really fun and this is a great bonding experience for people looking to take big groups. I did one in Indy, and it ends up being something you talk about all the time. Plus they are currently running a promo for Valentines Day! Use the code ‘Vday2018’ when you checkout.

8. The Comedy Attic

This is a great one for the older crowds. With different shows every weekend, it is so much fun to go and eat dinner with your friends while you get some good laughs in. People love the entertainment. They also have kid-friendly shows as well!

9. Bowling at the IMU

Bowling is an awesome activity for when your group just can’t decide on what to do. Everyone loves a good competition. It’s super cheap for students to go and there are other games to do once you are in!