So much has changed since last year. I’m sure you’re probably thinking, “yes, yes, we know, COVID“. I’ve always loved to see the silver lining in crazy situations. Let’s admit, the internet got better (for most), the “this could all be said in an email” meetings went back to being emails, and can we talk about the improvements in home delivery services?
One thing I didn’t like though, was how many places of entertainment shut down, leaving us…slightly bored. Lucky for our younger kids, lots of virtual play ideas sprung up all over the place. But what about the adults and teens?
Mums I’m sure you miss the Ladies Nights Out. For some, you probably miss not hearing your teens telling you how bored they are. But, back to the silver linings, internet connections are better, everyone is home and delivery services have upped their game.
Virtual hangouts are a thing now and they’re actually more fun than what one would expect. Having just been encouraged to stay home to stay safe; here are some ideas for virtual hangouts you’ll enjoy.
Host A Games Night
If you’re a fan of board games and many other games with your family and friends, these are still possible online. I will admit, the first time I was invited to a games night over Zoom, I was a bit sceptical. We had so much fun though, so much that I’ve put it up as the first thing you can do.
They are really easy to organise and there are lots of different games you can play. Some classic games work well over a regular zoom call but there are some too (which your teenagers might love) on the internet. Here are a few examples listed below
- Charades
- Pictionary using the Zoom Whiteboard
- Never Have I Ever
- Scattegories
If you’d like to play some online ones, here are some I’ve personally found entertaining
- Jackbox.TV: This is a great app with many great games. It’s not free but works best when one person purchases the games and hosts on zoom by sharing their screen. Everyone else can simply log on and play using their phones.
- Monopoly: The classic board game brought to life on your screens. Available for both Apple and Android users.
To take your games night a notch higher, you could incorporate some food items in it. For example, you could theme the night. Host it on a Wednesday, call it a Wacky Wednesday Games Night, and have everyone enjoy a Steers burger.
Host A Movie And Pizza Night
Have you ever wanted to sneak pizza into a cinema? Or maybe you just love to have a great movie night with friends. If the answer to any of those was “yes” then this hangout is for you.
There are downloadable extensions on your browser that allow you to watch a movie together. Teleparty (Netflix Party) is one of them. The movie will play at the same time with a chat open on the side…for those friends that love to comment on the movie while it plays.
You can get your friends in on this and have each one order their favourite pizza. There’s something about having the same meal that brings everyone together.
Host A Pub Quiz
Everyone loves some good healthy competition and quizzes are great for that. These work best with a larger group of friends. You can host your pub quiz on Zoom. The internet has lots of quiz questions available.
Tip: Make sure you have a prize! It makes it all the more fun and competitive.
Virtual Come Dine With Me
This one is for everyone that loves to cook and loves to host a dinner party. Ever watched the show “Come Dine With Me”? Each week contestants come up with a meal and host people. At the end of the night, their guests score them based on how the meal and entertainment was.
For a virtual version, each week someone could share a recipe. Everyone cooks the meal and then dines ‘together’, talking about how the meal went for them. At the end of the weeks, the person whose meal was the best takes a prize.
Have A DJ Night
There’s something about dancing and just letting loose and having fun. Yes, even in your house and virtually. A friend once hosted this. All ladies were dressed to the nines and danced the night away.
Have one of your friends create a playlist for the night and show off your dance moves.
One thing I love about all this is that now we can have fun and include friends who might be out of the country.
Pick one of these virtual hangouts, tweak and adapt to your situation and let us know how it goes. Let’s continue to stay home & stay safe.
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