Are you a college student looking for some new things to do on your weekends? Adventurous activities that will appeal to the whole gang? If you live for adrenalin-pumping sports, thrilling activities, and recreation that will capture your complete attention, you’ve come to the right place.
I have made a list of 13 adventurous activities that you and your friends can do together that will satisfy your thirst for competition and fun. From spikeball to ziplining, this list will help you make the most of your free time and leave you and your crew with a ton of cool memories.
1. Go Axe Throwing
Hey, here’s a unique way to have a blast and let go of all that pent-up stress… have you ever tried axe throwing?
Gather your friends together and head to your local axe-throwing facility – they’re everywhere. Some even have pool tables, dartboards, and arcade games. The main attraction is the kind of sport that’s easy to get hooked on. The experience is quite a rush… perfecting your stance, lining up your shot, and letting your axe fly at the dartboard-like target.
Most axe throwing venues will offer some expert guidance if you’re a beginner, so no worries there. And you’ll have your own protected lane, so you can feel comfortable and safe. It’s a perfect way to engage in some light-hearted competition with your pals in a brand-new way.
Axe throwing venues often have a bar and a lounge area, so there’s plenty of opportunities to socialize between games. You could spend an hour or even three, and never get bored.
Read 19 related activities to axe throwing here.
2. Indoor Rock Climbing
Indoor rock climbing is the perfect all-weather adventure. The rush of adrenaline can be addictive as you conquer the wall, putting your strength, agility, and tenacity to the test.
With expert guidance and top-notch safety equipment, you can be worry-free as you make your way to the top. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned climber, indoor rock climbing offers an unforgettable experience and is one heck of a workout. It’s a top-notch activity that’s a lot of fun to do with a group.
Read more related activities to rock climbing here.
3. Go Camping on the Weekend
Road trip! Take a break from your studies and escape into the wild. Everyone needs to connect with nature, and what better way than a camping adventure? Head to the great outdoors on a weekend getaway to a nearby state park or national forest.
There will be tons of opportunities to bond as you pitch tents together, go hiking or mountain biking, swim, fish, or go canoeing. And under the stars at night, you can relax around the campfire, telling tall tales and enjoying a few drinks. Really, immersing yourself in nature, away from your phone and computer is the best medicine to ease stress. And camping with your friends will be something you can tuck away in your memory bank and revisit in years to come.
Camping can be as adventurous and physically exerting as you want to make it, but at the same time, leaves plenty of opportunities to just relax and chill. It’s the best of both worlds.
4. Play Spikeball
Have you ever played spikeball? This fun and intense game combines the excitement of volleyball, the strategy of tennis, and the agility of four square into one intense experience.
Spikeball is traditionally played outdoors, so you’ll be getting your exercise out in the fresh air. The game will provide you with a serious workout, and you’ll have to work together as a team to win. It’s a great way to incorporate some friendly competition into your next get-together, laughing and cheering each other on as you spike, serve, and volley.
5. Go-Karting
Looking for some fast-paced action? Take your need for speed to the next level with go-karting. Strap yourself into the driver’s seat and get ready for the rush of adrenaline! You and your friends will be unable to keep the smiles form your faces as you speed down the straightaways, maneuver around corners, and try to beat each other’s time. Everyone wants to win, of course, but the real fun is in the race itself. Make it a team event and you’ll have an even better time. A day spent at the go-kart track will be something you and your buds will still be talking about days later.
See 17 Activities Like Go-Karting to Do With Your Friends here.
6. Bubble Soccer
This next one’s a pretty hilarious way to spend an afternoon. Have you heard of bubble soccer? The sport is played like soccer except you’re encased in a giant, transparent bubble, with only your legs free. Seriously, no arms allowed. Try that on for size! The aim of the game remains the same: score as many goals as possible. But the bubble hinders you as much as it protects you (honestly, more). Every bump, block and fall turns into a laughing fit, or better yet, a snapshot opportunity.
So, if you’re looking for tons of fun and silliness with a sprinkle of competition, you should give this sport a try. Take a bunch of pics so you and your friends can chuckle about it for years to come.
7. Go on an International Trip with Friends
Take a trip around the world with your best friends and share the adventure of a lifetime! With so many exciting places to explore, it might be hard to choose one, but there’s no doubt it will be an unforgettable experience. Together, you can explore new cultures, sample local cuisine, and take pictures of amazing architecture. An experience like this is sure to broaden your horizons and forge a bond with your companions that will last forever.
You can choose the adventure route of backpacking around or take the more traditional route of booking accommodations. The choice is yours! Take care to plan the perfect itinerary ahead of time, so you don’t miss out on any of the sights and experiences your destination has to offer.
And make sure to take lots of photos to preserve all the special moments of your trip!
8. Go on a Ziplining Tour
Ziplining is never a bad idea – it’s just so plain exhilarating. If you’ve never done it, there’s no time like the present! There are tons of different types of courses available, from short, mellow trips to more exciting and challenging routes. No matter what you choose, you’ll experience a major rush as the landscape whizzes by below your feet. Incorporate this into a group excursion to an unknown area, and you’ll wind up with a bird’s eye view that will make a lasting impression you and your friends.
See 19 Activities Like Ziplining here.
9. Cheer at a School Sports Game
Show your school spirit! Support the players at a school sports game and be there to cheer as they show off their athletic prowess.
The atmosphere of a live game is electrifying, and the experience will stick with you. There’s something special about the camaraderie among students during these experiences – bonds form as you cheer together. And if your team wins? Mad party! Plus, you can have 2X the fun by participating in pregame events like tailgating parties or pep rallies.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for an exciting experience, there’s something special about watching your school compete with a rival that’s very satisfying.
10. Surfing
This one kind of depends on where you live, but surfing is the epitome of an adventurous activity. It blends that rush of adrenaline you crave with strength, coordination, and connection with nature. Done as a group outing, it’s a great bonding experience. The exhilaration of catching a wave and gliding along the water’s surface, propelled solely by the power of the ocean is mind-blowing.
Even if you’re a beginner, surfing is an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also an excellent form of exercise, both physically and mentally. Just the action of waiting for the perfect wave, then navigating it to shore successfully can wash away your stress. Add in the universal appeal of a day at the beach? A win-win, hands down.
11. Kayak, Canoe, or White-Water Rafting
Ready for some more water sports? A white-water adventure might be just what you crave. Whether it be rafting, kayaking, or whitewater canoeing, the experience will knock your socks off. Brace yourself for an adrenaline spike as you encounter rapids and test your skill with a paddle, surrounded by lots of breathtaking scenery. River trips are perfect for exploring remote landscapes. There’s a lot of hidden beauty out there you can’t get to on foot, but the river is happy to oblige, carrying you and your friends through scenic gorges lined by dense forests. What’s around the next bend? The thrill of the unknown is half the fun.
For those who prefer a more serene experience, there are plenty of calm waterways to choose from, offering a tranquil setting for admiring wildlife and soaking in nature. And hey, why not pack your camping gear and make a weekend of it? Canoe camping trips are just plain awesome.
12. Go Skydiving
Have you ever daydreamed about flying? How about free-falling from thousands of feet before gliding like a bird? If that sounds exciting to you, then skydiving might be your thing. Skydiving is at the top of the food chain when it comes to exhilarating activities. You got to admit it’s a pretty cool concept… you, a mere mortal, jumping from a plane and soaring through the sky! Bragging rights for a lifetime.
Whether you’re a first-time jumper or a seasoned skydiver, every dive promises a unique and unforgettable experience.
Want to dip a toe in, first? Try Indoor Skydiving – This adventure uses vertical wind tunnels to keep you suspended. You’ll experience first-hand what it’s like to free-fall and soar through the air, all without having to jump out of a plane. It’s an unforgettable way to get your heart racing and experience the thrill of flying.
See 25 Activities Like Skydiving for Adrenaline Junkies here.
13. Start a Business!
If you think this doesn’t sound adventurous, then you must be among the uninitiated. Launching your own business is such an amazing experience! Believe me, the thrill you get from being an entrepreneur is one of the highest highs.
It’s not just about the money (though the money rocks!), it’s the satisfaction of taking your own ideas, creativity, and determination, and turning it into something others find value in.
Starting a business in college gives you practical experience in leadership, risk-taking, and decision-making. While it may come with its fair share of challenges, the rewards for getting a leg up on your peers is huge. By building an independent revenue stream for yourself, you’ve creating something that is truly yours, not at the mercy of other peoples’ whims.
So, go ahead and turn your ideas into reality. The world is waiting to see the unique contributions you have to offer.
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!
