Sun, Fun, and Roomie Time: 10 Fun Summer Weekend Activities to Do with Your Roommate

By Ella Shauman

Summer is a time to relax and de-stress from the heavy class schedules and the constant cycle of midterms and finals. But even with all that well-deserved free time, it’s easy to fall into a routine of binge-watching Netflix or scrolling your day away on TikTok. If you’re living with a roommate this summer, whether in your college town or back home, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore all the places and activities you haven’t had the time to and make some memories together. So, how do you make the most of your summer weekends without breaking the bank? Here are ten roommate-approved weekend activities to bring some joy to your summer.

1. Host a Themed Backyard Picnic

Take your ordinary lunch and make it memorable. Pick a theme—Parisian café, tropical luau, cottagecore tea party—and run with it. Pack homemade sandwiches, fruit, and maybe a fancy drink or two (mocktails, anyone?). Bring out a speaker, throw down a blanket, and soak up some sun. If you’re feeling extra, plan outfits to match the theme for the ultimate photo op. No yard? Head to your nearest park or rooftop and bring the picnic to the city.

2. Plan a DIY Spa Day

Who says you need a high-end resort to feel pampered? Grab some sheet masks, cucumbers, Epsom salts, and a couple of fluffy robes (or just your comfiest loungewear). Light some candles or diffuse a couple drops of your favorite essential oils and unwind. You can even take turns giving each other manicures or pedicures.

3. Go on a Mini Food Crawl

Pick a food category—tacos, ice cream, coffee, sushi—and create a mini food crawl around your city or neighborhood. Hit up three to four local spots and rate each one based on taste, vibe, and presentation. You’ll get a taste of the local scene, support small businesses, and maybe even find your new favorite spot.

4. Be Tourists in Your Own City

Even if you’ve lived in the same place for years, chances are there are museums you haven’t visited, trails you haven’t hiked, or local landmarks you haven’t seen. Challenge each other to plan a tourist-style day complete with cheesy souvenirs and photos. If you’re looking for some help unearthing hidden gems, check out apps like Atlas Obscura to help point you in the right direction.

5. Take on a Weekend DIY Project

Whether it’s redecorating your apartment, painting matching canvases, or trying your hand at air-dry clay crafts, a DIY weekend can be both productive and fun. Head to your local craft store, stock up on supplies, and set up a creativity zone in your apartment. You might end up with some unexpected new decor—or at least a few laughs over the mess you made.

6. Camp Out—or In

Want the camping experience without having to travel? Set up a tent in your backyard or make a pillow fort in your living room. Bring out the s’mores (use the oven if you don’t have a fire pit), cue up a scary movie or ghost stories, and enjoy the nostalgia of a childhood sleepover with a grown-up twist.

7. Start a “Roommate Bucket List” Challenge

Create a summer roommate bucket list of 10–20 fun, affordable activities—things like “bike five miles to get coffee,” “attend a free outdoor concert,” or “watch the sunrise together.” Make it a mission to check off every item before the summer ends. Not only does it keep your weekends full, but it also gives you both shared goals to look forward to.

8. Sign Up for a One-Time Class or Workshop

Take a cooking class, try wheel-throwing pottery, learn salsa dancing, or attend a poetry open mic night. Many cities offer discounted or pay-what-you-can weekend workshops, especially during the summer. Whether it’s a hit or a hilarious failure, doing something totally new together is a great bonding experience.

9. Have a “No Phones” Adventure Day

Designate one Saturday or Sunday as a “no phones” day—except for emergencies or directions. Head out with only a disposable camera and a handwritten list of stops for the day. Maybe it’s hitting up the farmer’s market, a thrift store, and then ending with a spontaneous road trip an hour out of town. Disconnecting from your devices helps you focus on each other.

10. Plan a Movie Marathon with a Twist

Movie nights are a classic for a reason. Pick a theme like “Coming-of-Age Summer Films” or “90s Teen Rom-Coms.” Decorate your living room, print out “tickets,” make themed snacks, and vote on outfits that match your movie picks. If you want to go even further, host a bracket-style competition to crown the best film of the night.

Making the Most of Roomie Time

Your roommate isn’t just someone who shares your Wi-Fi password and fridge space—they can also be a great friend. Summer is the ideal time to deepen your relationship, get out of your comfort zone, and create moments that you’ll look back on once classes pick up again.

It doesn’t take a big budget or elaborate plans to make a weekend feel special. Sometimes all it takes is a shared playlist, some creativity, and the willingness to say “yes” to something new. So, whether you’re crafting, picnicking, or watching movies, remember: the best summer memories are made with the people who make you laugh until your stomach hurts.

So text your roommate, grab your sunscreen, and start planning your next weekend together—because summer doesn’t last forever!