Friendship is one of the most important relationships we can have in life. The people we surround ourselves with shape who we are and how we experience the world around us. Investing in our closest friendships helps us lead happier, healthier lives.

Scheduling quality time with friends might sound simple, but it does require intention and effort. When life gets busy, social activities are often the first thing to fall by the wayside. However, these shared experiences are the glue that bonds friends together.

Whether you want to nurture new friendships or strengthen existing relationships, make time for fun group activities. Here are 6 social outings guaranteed to bring you and your friends closer together.

1. Host a Game Night

Bust out the board games, trivia cards, and video game consoles for a lively game night with friends. A bit of friendly competition brings out people’s playful sides and helps break down interpersonal barriers.

Laughing together over silly antics can quickly turn acquaintances into close friends. Avoid picking activities that pit people against each other. Cooperative games encourage bonding. Give prizes to reward good sportsmanship over winning.

Game night also gives people a chance to put phones down and be present. The laughter, teasing, and inside jokes that develop create treasured memories. An evening of games helps friends relax and reconnect.

2. Take a Creative Class

Trying something new together forges strong social bonds. Take a pottery, painting, cooking or craft class as a group. Immersing yourselves in shared creative activities leads to greater openness and vulnerability.

The act of creating also triggers the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone” that promotes feelings of affection and connection. Mastering a new skill alongside friends enhances self-confidence. You’ll discover untapped talents and gain appreciation for each other’s unique creative gifts.

Classes also provide a built-in opportunity for casual socializing before and after each session. Bring snacks or go out for a bite to eat afterwards so the conversations can continue flowing freely.

3. Volunteer as a Group

Few things bring people closer together than working cooperatively for a good cause. Volunteer as a group at an animal shelter, food bank, park cleanup or other charitable event. Helping the community delivers a sense of meaning and purpose.

Shared experiences of assisting others in need often leads to powerful breakthroughs in communication. Seeing each other selflessly put service over self-interest reveals people’s true character.

Working side by side to improve the lives of others also puts day-to-day problems into proper perspective. Simple pleasures like laughter and friendship become sources of gratitude, not things taken for granted.

4. Form a Book Club

Reading expands perspectives, and sharing insights from books creates intellectual and emotional intimacy. Start a book club to read and discuss fiction, memoir, poetry or other literary genres with friends.

Conversations about themes, characters, and pivotal scenes reveal how you each interpret literature and life itself. Hearing differing viewpoints is stimulating and forges understanding. A good book also sparks introspection.

Book clubs encourage consistent intellectual engagement and accountability. Members make time to read knowing they’ll be discussing the book. Division of chapters keeps the reading commitment manageable. Thought-provoking dialogue leaves everyone enlightened.

5. Plan a Weekend Getaway

A change of scenery worked wonders for strengthening friendships. Explore a new city or scenic rural area together during a weekend trip. Sharing novel adventures and sights helps you see one other in a new light.

Traveling as a group encourages bonding through hours of conversation during long drives or flights. Exploring museums, hiking nature trails or lounging poolside provides shared experiences. Trying local cuisine together also creates fond memories.

Overnight trips allow friends to really focus on one another without daily distractions pulling them away. The temporary escape from routine responsibilities enables deeper connections. Friends return home feeling closer than ever.

6. Host a Bonfire Night

Gathering around a backyard fire pit sets an intimate mood perfect for deep conversation. The warmth and flickering flames have a cozy, calming effect that softens interpersonal barriers. People open up and speak from the heart.

Keep the atmosphere casual and inviting by offering blankets, cozy seating, snacks, beverages and s’more supplies. Share funny stories, play acoustic music or recite poetry to bring out everyone’s expressive side.

When friends feel safe opening up about fears, dreams, regrets and future goals it strengthens trust and understanding. Regular bonfire nights give friends permission to be emotionally vulnerable together. The dark, quiet setting makes it feel like time stands still.

Make Friendship a Priority

Life can sometimes feel like a whirlwind of responsibilities that keep us preoccupied and isolated. But our human need for companionship and understanding never goes away. Meaningful friendships require an investment of time, but provide emotional dividends that enrich life each day.

Schedule regular social outings that allow friends to have carefree fun together. Shared adventures, creativity and service cultivate bonds that can weather life’s storms. Follow your inspiration and find activities that play to the unique interests of you and your friends.

The social connections you forge through both lighthearted and poignant interactions keep your spirit strong even during difficult times. So make friendships a priority. The joy you give and receive will fill your heart with gratitude.