Keeping Score

We’ve all been in that group text. You know, the one where everyone’s trying to solidify upcoming plans by tossing ideas of what to do out into the mix and hoping one lands. Maybe we try to catch happy hour at that new bar in your neighborhood? Mini golf again? We could bring out Steve’s grill and do dinner? Let’s get real though — while all of these can be fun ways to spend time with friends, sometimes you need to shake things up.

It’s natural to think that you or your friends need to be avid sports fans or semi-regular athletes to play a game together — the thought of heading to the park for kickball or stepping onto the court for a tennis match can be daunting for some — but that’s not true. What matters is that you’re having fun, feeling confident, and creating memories.

The next time the group chat is going off with tired discussions of what to do, suggest one (or all) of these underrated activities that are nearly guaranteed to be a good time.

It’s no surprise that this is such a popular sport on college campuses. The group-centric game allows for a competitive edge and strategic teamwork. If you and your friends are people who love the idea of competing against other friends, consider starting or joining a frisbee league. If you want a more mellow approach to the game, just pick up a frisbee on your way to the next park hang or beach day and see who’s game to toss it around.

If you’ve been looking for a reason to put on a tennis-approved outfit, give pickleball a shot. A hybrid of three sports (tennis, badminton, and ping pong), the game was first created in 1965 by three dads looking to cure their kids’ boredom during summer vacation. All you need is a court with a net, a paddle, and a small plastic ball with holes (think of the classic wiffle ball from elementary PE class). With simple and straightforward rules, it’s easy enough for beginners to learn and has become increasingly popular across the United States.

Many people might consider rollerblading to be a solo activity and, while it can be, it doesn’t have to be. Friends looking for a low-stakes way to try it out can strap on their skates with the intention of rolling around parks, courts, or skating rinks. There’s versatility in rollerblading that allows for more intense activities, too. Play a game of pick-up roller hockey, maybe try to learn tricks in the skatepark, or just race — it’s time to find out who’s really the fastest in your friend group.

Looking for a sport that’s not reliant on the weather? Head to your nearest rock-climbing gym. The indoor sport is a full-body workout that can be done at your own speed, regardless of who you’re climbing with. Whether you’re there for the traditional rock wall (you’ll first need to learn how to belay) or want to try your hand at bouldering, most indoor climbing gyms have you covered.

If you’ve ever seen a group of people standing around a shin-height net — maybe at the beach, park, or a tailgate — and were confused, you were probably witnessing a game of Spikeball. It’s played two versus two, you surround the net, and the rules resemble a mix of volleyball and foursquare. To the untrained eye, it might look intricate, but it’s a simple back-and-forth that makes for a fun competition that’ll give the winners bragging rights for at least the rest of the night.

For more ways to get real and celebrate yourself and your friends, visit gotmilk.com.