Last Updated on August 15, 2023 by Angela Vaz
Are you alone and bored?
Join the club.
I’m often alone for long periods of time since I work from home and don’t like stepping out way too often.
But I’ve found plenty of ways to have fun by myself and that’s what this list is going to be about!
Being alone doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be sad and miserable.
You can have fun by yourself!
Let’s dive in.
But before that really quick, get my free guide on how to really reset your life.
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Why should you go on solo dates?
Every single person should go on solo dates because it gives them an opportunity to enjoy their own company.
It builds your self-esteem and also helps you figure out what you enjoy doing. It’s a wonderful way to carve out time to do the things you love.
It helps you become more mindful.
45 Fun solo date ideas to try out if you’re alone and bored
1. Order take out
You don’t have to do this every day.
But if it’s a Wednesday evening and your tastebuds are really craving some fried rice and egg rolls, go for it.
It’s alright to treat yourself occasionally – this is how you recharge.
Order your favorite meal, and watch a fun movie while chomping down on some delicious food.
2. Start a fun project
Whenever I’m up for a challenge, I try to find something fun and innovative to do like:
- Build a cool birdhouse
- Knit a sweater (or a scarf if it’s easy)
- Write a poem or a short story
- Invent a new recipe
Think about what you enjoy doing and just create a project around that!
3. Read a good book
There are a few books that almost anyone can read.
If you’re not a reader, you’ve just not found a good book to read. Even my friends who don’t read really enjoy graphic novels.
You’ll find books in almost any genre that you can think of on Goodreads.
Just sign up and look for a good book to read.
You can choose a classic horror or something super light and breezy like a feel-good graphic novel.
4. Cook an interesting meal
I absolutely love looking at short and easy recipes on Instagram reels.
It’s so easy and I love trying them out.
You can try a simple pasta or burrito recipe.
Making a meal from scratch is so much fun because you can spend time picking up ingredients before you cook it yourself.
5. Ride your bike out
If you’re craving an adrenaline rush, why not take your bike out for a spin?
Just drive around the town and take in what your locality has to offer.
It’s so much fun and you’ll get some much-needed fresh air!
6. Play a fun video/mobile game
Looking to get involved in a cool story game? Just open up your laptop/PC/mobile and search for something fun to play.
You can play action/adventure or even play a strategy game.
The options are really endless and there are so many fun games available now.
You can also try Good Pizza Great pizza if you want something cute and food-like – it’s my current favorite.
7. Write your own story
Have you always wanted to write your own book but never really dived into it?
Why don’t you give it a shot?
It doesn’t have to be perfect – it just has to be yours. Writing is a beautiful way to pass time and it helps you better your language and vocabulary.
8. Take a physical class
If you want to meet like-minded people and just do something you genuinely love while mixing with a community, just join a physical class.
You can take a baking class or a karate class. The choice is yours.
Just take a walk around your society and find something you love.
9. Watch a movie in the theatre
The thought of watching a movie alone in a movie theatre can be daunting, but once you get there, it’s exciting and so much fun.
You’ll get lost in the story and you won’t even have realized a few hours have passed.
I used to do this a lot when I was single.
10. Go to a bookstore
If you’re a book lover, you can pass so much time at a bookstore.
It’s so much fun because you can spend hours looking for a good book to read.
And once you’ve purchased a good book, simply go to a cafe and read it peacefully with a cup of your favorite hot beverage.
11. Discover the area around you
If you live in a city, then you can take the local subway or bus and just go somewhere new.
Discover the area around you by just stopping at a new place and taking a lovely walk around.
Then stop for lunch somewhere and take notes of new places whose food you love.
You can also go to a new park and just walk around.
Take in everything you see and it will help you rejuvenate.
13. Organize your closet
After I got myself a copy of The Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, I fell in love with decluttering.
Every now and then, I go through my closet and just fold clothes I don’t use anymore and give them away.
Downsizing has helped me appreciate my life so much more and it has helped me focus on experiences rather than possessions.
14. Learn a new language
I spend 30 minutes every day practicing French on the Duolingo app.
It’s free and so easy to pick up. As you start developing your skills, you can start listening to easy podcasts or reading books in the new language.
This will give you the motivation to travel and speak to other people too.
15. Redecorate your home
Are you tired of looking at your furniture in the same place?
Maybe there is a better way you can rearrange it to spice things up. I always rearrange my office every few months to make it more interesting to work from home.
It also gives me a reason to declutter and get rid of more stuff I don’t use.
16. Play with your pooches
If you have dogs or cats, maybe you can spend some time with them and just give them some extra lovin’.
You can either cook them a meal from scratch or just play with them using their favorite toys.
This will not only help you feel better but will also make your pet feel over the moon.
17. Try a new workout session
I have a love-hate relationship with fitness.
Sometimes I am in the mood to move and sometimes, I can’t get off the couch.
If you’re pumped and ready to go, why not try a new workout?
Maybe there’s a cool Zumba or Yoga class in your neighborhood you’ve been wanting to try or there’s a fun rock climbing station in your town
18. Give yourself a makeover
Are you looking for a new style?
I always like changing my look every 1-2 years. Sometimes, I get a new eyeliner or a new haircut.
There are so many ways you can do this:
- You can color your hair a new color
- You can buy some cool new running shoes
- You can get a few accessories to jazz up your outfits
Either way, it’s so much fun to get a new look. Just hop on over to the makeup store or salon and try out something new.
19. Try a Paint by Numbers Kit
These are so much fun to do, and you can get one of these kits online too!
Paint by Numbers is not only a great way to pass time and fuel your creativity but it also makes a beautiful piece of home decor once you’re finished.
20. Go to a comedy stand-up
I love watching stand-up comedy.
It’s also a great way to relax, throw your head back, and have a good laugh.
Just check out where the closest venue is and book a ticket and go. You can also grab a beer and a few fries and make a whole night of it.
It’s honestly one of the greatest ways to pass time.
You might even make a few friends afterward.
21. Go to Ikea
What I love about Ikea is that it’s a whole day trip.
So, if it’s been a while that you’ve been to Ikea or you’re house plant is feeling lonely and wants a little buddy, then just make a day out of it and go.
You can even have lunch there and pick up a few decor items for your home. It’s a win-win!
22. Pamper yourself
Maybe you’ve been working or studying to the bone and you’re just tired mentally.
In that case, I highly recommend just pampering yourself.
Run yourself a hot bath and read your favorite book or magazine.
Light some candles and eat a nice homemade pasta.
Put on a face mask, and a hair mask, and just relax. This is a great way to relieve some stress and tension and just take it easy.
23. Go thrift shopping
If you’re looking to find some great deals and want to step out of your home, why not hit two birds with one stone?
My boyfriend loved doing this in New York and he found some great hoodies and sweatshirts (that I now wear) too.
24. Write a letter to your future self
I love writing letters to my future self once in a while because it really helps me see how much I’ve grown and how much I’ve overcome.
It’s such a beautiful way to connect with yourself emotionally and give yourself a pat on the back.
Give it a shot.
If you’re not a pen-and-paper person, you can go to this website here and do it. It will send you an email on the date you set. So it’s like getting mail from yourself!
25. Have dinner at a fancy restaurant
Are you craving some lasagna or just ratatouille?
Just put on a lovely outfit and go somewhere fancy.
We often feel like we shouldn’t spend on ourselves unless we’re out with someone else. But this really makes no sense.
Sometimes, it’s nice to put ourselves at the forefront and just have fun.
So, go out and indulge yourself.
You won’t regret it. And it will be a meal you’ll remember for a long time.
26. Go for a solo trip
I honestly don’t know why I waited so long to do these.
One of the best decisions I ever made was to travel. It definitely requires a little push because we tend to procrastinate when it comes to spending money on ourselves – but it’s so important to travel the world and gain perspective.
Book a weekend trip – start with something small. You can book an air BnB or a hotel for a weekend.
Book a train or a bus.
You don’t have to go international, just take a trip to a new place outside of your town or city.
Just start with baby steps.
27. Attend a musical
Are you genuinely a person who enjoys listening to people sing their hearts out?
Then why not go for a musical?
The experience is not the same as watching YouTube.
It’s a beautiful experience and you’ll walk out more charged mentally and emotionally.
28. Do something you genuinely enjoy and love
This requires some soul-searching.
But if you’re constantly thinking about how you can pass your time, then this is for you.
Figure out what you love doing.
Take online classes, watch YouTube videos and learn something new.
If something catches your fancy, then do more of it.
Everybody has a hobby, some haven’t discovered it yet.
29. Do some goal planning
We’re often lost in a crazy routine and mornings bleed into evenings and vice versa.
And before we know it months and years have gone by because we were just fixed with our routines.
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to create personal goals for yourself.
There are so many areas you can make personal goals like health, finance, personal, spiritual, etc.
29. Start a blog
A blog is by far one of the most fun things to start and maintain.
I have 3 blogs and they all make me good money.
If you’re well-educated about a certain niche or just have a passion, then why not look into starting a blog?
It’s so much fun and it’s not that expensive either.
30. Go to an arcade
Ah, these are my all-time favorite places to be.
You can spend hours or a whole day at an arcade. And I honestly love shooting hoops and playing dance revolution.
Just check out your local arcade and treat yourself to some fun nostalgic games.
31. Watch a movie in a new language
Sometimes, it’s so much fun to watch movies in different languages.
I love watching Russian/French films when I get the chance.
It’s so immersing to see something totally different from your culture.
Just give it a try, you’ll find some hidden gems, for sure!
32. Go to the beach
I don’t swim on beaches, but I love watching the sunsets and standing on the shore.
It’s a very peaceful experience and for some reason, I feel closer to my mother.
I also love walking on the beach.
There are so many activities you can do on the beach even if you’re not into water sports.
You can also take a book or just have a quiet picnic by the shore.
If you have a dog, take them to the beach – they might just have the time of their lives.
33. Volunteer
Check out the local charities and organizations in your area and see how you can contribute.
Apart from giving back, you will be filled with a wonderful sense of gratitude and peace.
There are also shelters where you can volunteer your time to help out animals.
Or you can go to a hospital and just spend time with children or old people who are sick.
When my mom was going through chemo, I remember a beautiful old woman who would come by and just talk to everyone. She said she’d beaten cancer and she knew how scary it was going through chemo alone.
So, once a week, she used to make it a point just to visit hospitals and talk to people in the chemo ward.
That really touched my heart.
34. Declutter one room in your home
If the whole house is too daunting for you to declutter, just start with one room.
You can do your bedroom or the living room.
Pick something that’s easy and fun.
I talk about how you can declutter most of your house in 1 day in this post.
35. Meditate
Sometimes, we just need a bit of quiet.
If you’re an anxious person with a lot of thoughts and feelings and just want peace, then try meditation.
Meditation is more than just sitting in one place.
It’s about observing your thoughts (not trying to control them) and letting them flow.
It’s not about quieting the mind. It’s about watching without getting involved.
I downloaded the Headspace app and I find it incredibly beautiful. I follow guided meditation because it’s easier.
Just give it a shot.
36. Take a new class
You can try a new class that you’ve never done before like:
- Pottery
- Flower arranging
- Painting
The idea is to do something new and just step outside your comfort zone. It’s always scary at first, but eventually, you might end up having fun or discovering something new you love.
37. Watch the sunset
If you’re a morning person, then you can watch the sunrise.
Otherwise, the sunset is also very beautiful.
Just find a place that’s peaceful and watch the sky. It will melt all your tension away.
I do this at least 2-3 times a week with my dogs on the balcony and it’s such a humbling experience.
If you don’t have a balcony, you can go to your terrace or just sit on a park bench.
38. Have a picnic
How long has it been since you reconnected with nature?
Pack yourself a picnic basket (don’t forget a blanket) and head on to the closest park you can find.
Sit under a tree and just listen to all those beautiful nature sounds.
You can also take a book and some headphones if you’d like to engage yourself in a peaceful activity.
39. Book a spa weekend
If you’d like to just take a chill pill, book a whole spa day or a spa weekend.
This is a beautiful opportunity to reset and just take it easy.
Sometimes, I just go for a hair spa and back massage and I feel like a whole new person after I leave.
If you have a job where you’re sitting for long hours and your muscles are sore, try to make the body massages more frequent.
40. Attend a local festival/carnival
Check out what is happening in your local town or city and make it a point to go.
You’ll not only meet so many exciting people, but you’ll also get to try out so much new food.
You can even document your experience via photos and make a scrapbook later.
41. Go to the farmer’s market
Another great way to mingle with hardworking people and buy some fresh ingredients is to go to a farmer’s market.
You’ll also be supporting small businesses and meeting so many people when you do this.
You’ll get untainted, fresh, high-quality ingredients that will elevate the taste of your food.
Give it a shot – it’s lovely!
42. Go to a museum
If you’re in the mood to learn something new, why not hit your local museum?
Check out everything they have to offer.
At the end of the day, you’ll come out having learned some new facts.
43. Pick up a musical instrument
Honestly, it’s never too late to pick up a musical instrument.
Is there something that you’ve always wanted to play as a child?
Now is your chance to learn that skill. Just go to your local music shop and pick up an instrument that you’ve always wanted to play.
There are so many apps and videos online that will teach you how to play.
It’s really become so easy for us.
44. Journal
There are so many types of journals you can start.
If not, get yourself a cute notebook and start writing. It’s never too late to start a journal.
There are also movie journals, food journals, and fitness journals, the ideas are limitless!
Don’t overthink it. Just pour out your thoughts.
It’s fun!
You can also start a bullet journal!
Don’t know where to begin? Take this fun online course to get started!
45. Enjoy a hot beverage
Is there a Starbucks drink you have always wanted to replicate?
Maybe you can make it your day’s plan.
Go out and get those ingredients and make the drink yourself at home. The reward will be a lovely hot beverage that you can enjoy on your balcony or your porch.
Here are some more posts you’ll find super helpful:
- Alone on a Friday night? Here are 45 fun things you can do
- Alone outside and bored? Here are 45 fun things to do while you’re outside
- 35 fun things to do as a single woman
- 45 fun things to do with your friends on the weekend
- How I combatted loneliness and learned to be happy alone
- 55 fun things to do that don’t involve eating food!
- 13 easy ways to live in the present moment
- 13 ways to make every day count
- How to take complete control of your life and improve it right now
- 25 personal goal examples to help you become a better person
- How to become 1% better at anything every day
