50 Fun and Interesting Things to Do On a Sunday

Many of us experience the “Sunday Scaries,” where work is coming in hot in less than 24 hours, and we feel anxiety because we are not ready for it. As a result, many of us don’t know what to do with our Sundays and feel like we aren’t making the most of it.

If this sounds like you, or if you’d simply like some ideas on how to spend your Sunday, read on!

How to Figure Out What You Want on a Sunday

Before going into specific ideas, here’s a great way to plan your Sunday.

Reflect on your needs.

If there are particular needs that feel unmet, that could be an excellent place to start on where to spend your time!

Read through the following list, and on each line, notice if the category creates an inner feeling of “yes! I could use that!” or an inner feeling of resistance.

• Spirituality and self-reflection
• Rest
• Nature time
• Fun
• Creative expression
• Adventure
• Productivity
• Enjoying entertainment
• Exercise and embodiment
• Experiencing culture

Did anything from that list jump out as something you could use more of? If so, check out some activity ideas in the rest of this article! 

And if you’re not sure which category, you can read through the whole article and see which ideas appeal to you.

Free Activities

When Sunday rolls around, you might want to do something enjoyable without bruising your bank account. If that’s the case, check out these free ideas.

Make a vision board

A vision board creatively represents your goals and aspirations through a collage of images and affirmations. It can be a fun and inspiring activity. Gather supplies like a poster board, magazines, and glue, then arrange inspiring visuals depicting your desired future. 

Organize your Spotify playlists

Many of us have a disorganized heap of songs in our online libraries. Organizing your songs into vibes, activities, or genres can be rewarding and valuable. Cut songs you no longer enjoy. Then you can give each playlist a descriptive and creative name.

Watch a TED Talk

Browse TED Talks on topics that pique your curiosity. It’s a great way to learn new ideas and get inspired. Plus, there are TED Talks on almost everything, so let yourself wander through the rabbit hole and see where you wind up.

Here’s an awesome Ted Talk from Science of People founder Vanessa Van Edwards about how our body language and voice intonation impact how people perceive our confidence.

Write letters to loved ones

Set aside time to write heartfelt letters to friends or family. 

A handwritten letter can be a rare and cherished gesture in our digital age. Expressing your feelings and sharing your thoughts through writing can strengthen connections and offer a reflective and meaningful way to communicate.

I wrote one heartfelt letter to a friend daily for 30 days a few years ago. It was a wonderful, sincere, and surprisingly healing experience.

Productive Activities

Maybe you’ve had a mushy weekend, and getting stuff done and straightening your life out feels good. If so, check out a productive idea from the list below.

Make a to-do list for next week

One great option is to sit down with a cup of your favorite beverage and plan your week. Getting clear on your free time, tasks, appointments, and goals can help focus you for the week ahead. 

Clean your home

A tidy space often leads to a tidy mind. You could spend time putting on some tunes and organizing your space. It can feel surprisingly great to clean the toilet, scrub the stove, and do laundry.

Listen to a podcast

Podcasts are a great way to engage your mind and upgrade your knowledge. Try a Sunday podcast for new ideas and perspectives, whether it’s about self-improvement, a fascinating topic, or a fun hobby. 

Here’s one great option!

Meal prep for the week

For many of us, finding enough time to cook during the work week can be challenging. That’s where meal prepping comes in.

If you can pre-make a bulk of one or two dishes, you’ll be in great shape for the rest of the week! 

Re-organize your backpack

Is your backpack or purse a black hole of pens, notebooks, and loose coins? If so, you might want to take a moment to empty and re-organize your bag. 

It’s a small task, but getting rid of unnecessary items and arranging everything neatly can make your daily life smoother and help you feel more put-together and ready to tackle the week.

Creative Activities

We each have a creative world inside of us, and if you haven’t taken time to express yourself recently, you might feel pent up, agitated, or even gloomy. Consider some of these options to let your creative juices flow!

Write a short story

Try creating an imaginary world with made-up characters. You don’t have to be too ambitious about it—even writing a few pages can be a blast. Writing fiction can be a liberating way to explore your thoughts, feelings, and fantasies, turning them into a narrative that’s uniquely yours.

If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few creative writing prompts^{1 https://www.writersdigest.com/be-inspired/creative-writing-prompts-for-writers} .

Draw a picture

Grab some paper and pencils, markers, paints, or whatever medium you prefer, and start drawing or painting. 

You could sketch something from life, doodle from your imagination, or try lettering.

Take some time to express your mood and style on the page.

Record a song

You don’t have to be a famous musician to record a song! 

If you have a Mac, you can use Garage Band. You could also try Audacity^{2 https://www.audacityteam.org/} for any computer. 

Pick up an instrument or microphone and let the music flow. 

Writing lyrics, composing a melody, and recording a song can be an immensely satisfying way to channel your emotions and thoughts into something tangible.

Take pictures

Consider going on a walk and exploring your surroundings with a camera. 

Capture the moments that speak to you and try new things with your camera. 

If you’d like some prompts, check out this article on photo scavenger hunt ideas.

Cook a new recipe

Venture into the kitchen and experiment with a recipe you’ve never tried. 

Creating a totally new dish with ingredients you wouldn’t normally think of can be fun. Plus, unlike other creative projects, you can eat your work when you’re done!

See if any of these recipes speak to your stomach.

Spiritual and Reflective Activities

Check out these ideas if you feel like going inward or connecting with your wisdom. 

Meditate

You could see if there’s a meditation class in your area or try a guided meditation^{3 https://insighttimer.com/} . You could also sit by yourself, close your eyes, and see where your breath takes you.

Journal

Find a cozy nook and sit down with paper and pen. See what happens if you just write. Don’t filter anything; let yourself connect the dots in your life.

Here are a few more journaling tips to get you started.

Read a spiritual book

One great way to connect with your spirituality is to read a book written by someone wise. Here are a few you could try:

• The Four Agreements^{4 https://www.amazon.com/The-Four-Agreements-don-Miguel-Ruiz-audio/dp/B0007OB40E/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32EYQNEPIK98R&keywords=the+four+agreements+book&qid=1706660494&sprefix=the+four+ag%2Caps%2C349&sr=8-1} by don Miguel Ruiz: A guide to personal freedom and happiness through adopting four simple agreements, aimed at those seeking to improve their mindset and relationships.
• A Return to Love^{5 https://www.amazon.com/Return-Love-Reflections-Principles-Miracles/dp/0060927488/?encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=vzIPW&content-id=amzn1.sym.cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_p=cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_r=140-5948175-5263808&pd_rd_wg=z1ES5&pd_rd_r=06cce2ec-06ab-417c-9180-27e0b00f8f92&ref=aufs_ap_sc_dsk} by Marianne Williamson: An inspiring exploration of the transformative power of love and how to apply it in our everyday lives, beneficial for those seeking spiritual growth and personal development.
• The Untethered Soul^{6 https://www.amazon.com/Untethered-Soul-Journey-Beyond-Yourself/dp/1572245379/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CLWHD2A442FM&keywords=michael+singer&qid=1706660487&sprefix=michael+sing%2Caps%2C360&sr=8-1} by Michael Singer: An insightful examination of how to free oneself from the ego and find inner peace, geared towards individuals interested in meditation, mindfulness, and expanding their consciousness.

Sit in a spiritual building

Even if you aren’t religious, spending time in a spiritual building can be a powerful experience. Take in the beauty, or sit in a pew and meditate.

Go to a yoga class

For many, yoga is a great way to return to their body and inner stillness. Check out Google Maps to see if there are any yoga studios near you. Or try a YouTube yoga class:

Restful Activities

If you feel wiped, consider resting today with these activities.

Long, slow stretches

If you’ve ever tried yin yoga, it can be quite relaxing! This is where you go into deep stretches, sometimes relaxing into a stretch for a few minutes.

Try it out. Focus on each muscle group, hold each stretch for a bit longer than usual, and breathe deeply. Notice how your body responds and releases tension.

Watch the clouds

If it’s a nice day, lie back in a grassy field and gaze up at the sky. Let your mind wander as you appreciate the diverse cloud shapes. It’s a simple pleasure that can soothe your mind.

Bubble bath

If you want to relax, what beats a hot bath with bubbles? Throw some essential oils in there, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for relaxation.

Get a massage

Find a massage therapist at a local spa. Lie down and let the expert’s hands work through the knots and stress in your muscles. This can be a phenomenal self-care treat.

If every time Sunday rolls around, you consistently feel like you need to curl up in a hole and rest, you might be pushing it hard and approaching burnout. If that is the case for you, check out this free course on how to fight burnout.

Nature Activities

If you spend all your time surrounded by tech screens, concrete, glass, and metal, you might enjoy a foray into nature.

Go for a hike

Find a trail that speaks to you, whether it’s a challenging ascent or a gentle path through the woods. 

As naturalist John Muir^{7 https://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/writings/favorite_quotations.aspx#:~:text=Only%20by%20going%20alone%20in,(1924)%2C%20chapter%2015.} wrote, “Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness.” Listen to the sounds around you, breathe in the fresh air, and feel the distance from everyday life grow with every step.

Kayak

Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle board and take some time connecting with the stillness of the water. It can be a peaceful yet invigorating way to explore the world from a different perspective.

Write nature haikus

This is one of my favorite ways to interact with nature.

A haiku is a simple poetry form. It is three lines. The first line is five syllables, the second line is seven syllables, and the third line is five syllables.

You don’t need to write anything profound. Just the act of sitting in a greenspace and writing poetry will allow you to explore your surroundings.

Here’s one example of a haiku^{8 https://spot.colorado.edu/~downton/lifegardening/nature.htm} :

Edge of a red cliff.

Stone from an ancient sea bed.

Water memories.

Picnic in a botanical garden

Pack a picnic with your favorite snacks and find a quiet spot in a botanical garden. Enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace with the buzz of nature and the beauty of gardens around you.

Take a forest bath

Embrace the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku^{9 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19568835/#:~:text=The%20term%20Shinrin%2Dyoku%20was,the%20atmosphere%20of%20the%20forest.} , or forest bathing. The idea is to spend time in the trees and soak up the ambiance.

Walk slowly, breathe deeply, and use all your senses to absorb the forest atmosphere. 

It’s a therapeutic experience, and studies^{10 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19568835/#:~:text=The%20term%20Shinrin%2Dyoku%20was,the%20atmosphere%20of%20the%20forest.} have shown forest bathing to decrease stress and cortisol, lower blood pressure, and create more calm. 

Fun Activities

Maybe life has felt dry and serious recently. In that case, consider some of these options to have fun and let loose.

Play board games

Gather friends or family, pick out a few board games, and let the fun begin. Whether it’s strategy, trivia, or classic games, board games can be a great way to bond and spark joy in simple pleasures.

If you don’t want to host, you could go to a board game cafe where you can rent a game. Also, make sure to check out this list of the best board games.

Go to a theme park

If you’d like a change from the norm, consider immersing in a theme park where you can experience the adrenaline of roller coasters and the magic of themed attractions. Such an adventure can help reignite feelings of childlike wonder within and offer an escape into a world of excitement.

Try an escape room

If you’ve never done an escape room, they are worth trying! Especially if you like puzzles.

In escape rooms, you and your team are put in a room with a fun theme (like being trapped in Atlantis, for example). You then have to figure out the clues embedded in the room to eventually succeed in your escape.

They are brain-teasing and exhilarating and can spark some great teamwork. 

Go to an arcade

If you like video games, try going to an arcade. Get lost in Guitar Hero, break a sweat in Dance Dance Revolution, or enjoy throwbacks like Pacman. Arcades can be a nostalgic and fun escape.

Play put-put golf

If you have a friend or two to recruit to a round of mini golf, it can be a fun and relaxed way to enjoy a bit of competition. The courses are usually creative and covered in whimsical obstacles.

Adventurous Activities

If life has felt especially rote and predictable recently, consider embarking on an adventure.

Hot air balloon ride

Soar above the world in a hot air balloon and witness the landscape from an entirely new perspective. This is a great way to break up routine! It can be both tranquil and energizing if you have a fear of heights.

As you float peacefully in the sky, the breathtaking views and the serenity of being up high can provide a sense of awe, a perfect escape from the everyday.

Go-kart racing

If you’d like a little rush, find a nearby Go-Kart track and get your Mario Kart on! You’ll get to experience the rush of adrenaline as you race for first place. It’s a thrilling way to engage in some spirited competition. 

The fast-paced action and the focus required can put you in a flow state and offer a fun departure from the usual schedule.

Go snorkeling

If you have a lake or beach nearby, consider buying some snorkel gear and diving into a different world underwater. You might be able to spot some colorful fish and, depending on where you live, maybe even discover some coral reefs. 

Snorkeling can be an adventure that can remind you of the vast, beautiful, and diverse world that exists beyond the daily grind.

Media and Entertainment Activities

Sometimes it can be nice to turn your brain off, sit back, and let someone else’s creative work entertain you and spark inspiration. If that’s the case, try one of these ideas.

Watch a movie

Choose a film that piques your interest, be it a classic, an indie gem, or a 12-hour Lord of the Rings marathon. Escape into a different world and get space from the stresses of your own life for a few hours.

Curl up with a good book

Find a cozy corner, grab a warm blanket, and dive into a new book you’ve been wanting to read. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or a graphic novel, losing yourself in a book can be a wonderful joy.

If you want some tips, here are the 43 Best Books for Self-Improvement to Boost Your Confidence.

Go to a comedy show

Comedy has a way of lightening the mood and bringing joy. If you go to a comedy show with the intention of having a good time and sharing some laughs, you’re bound to have a great Sunday.

Listen to a music album

Listening to a music album from start to finish can be a beautiful and immersive experience. Doing so can really tap you into the musician’s vision and let you enter into their world.  

Browse a bookstore

Visit a local bookstore and enjoy the simple pleasure of browsing through books. Let your curiosity guide you on an adventure of intellectual stimulation and far-out stories.  

Exercise Activities

If your body feels underused (especially if you work a desk job), the idea of moving your human vessel might sound like just what the doctor ordered. Here are a few ideas.

Go for a long bike ride

Hop on your bike and set off on a long ride, be it through city streets or country roads. 

If you don’t have a bike, try a Limebike, Bird, or other rentable city bike.

There’s not much better than feeling the wind in your hair and the freedom of the open road. It’s a fantastic way to get your heart pumping, explore new areas, and enjoy a sense of adventure.

Take an urban hike

Consider taking a long walk through your city. Walk through different neighborhoods, parks, and trails, taking in the sights and sounds. You can also intersperse your trekking with buses and trains.

It’s a great way to get moving, observe the city’s character, and maybe even stumble upon places you’ve never seen before.

Go to a bouldering gym

Most major cities will have a bouldering gym you can try. Climbing requires both physical and mental engagement, making it an exhilarating way to exercise. 

It’s a fun and satisfying activity that works out different muscle groups.

Meaningful Activities

Maybe you’ve been plugging away at your job but haven’t felt a strong sense of meaning or purpose recently. If that’s the case, try one of these ideas to feel a greater sense of fulfillment.

Pick up trash

Buy a few large trash bags and some disposable gloves. Then, take a walk in your local park or beach and pick up any trash you see. You can do it alone, though it’s also a nice way to bond with friends.

When you’re actively looking for trash, you’ll be surprised at how much you see! 

This simple act of caring for the environment can be incredibly fulfilling because it’s a way to make a tangible, positive impact on your community.

Volunteer at a local charity

Studies^{11 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5504679/} indicate that volunteering can improve your well-being and decrease depression.

Find a cause that resonates with you and offer your time to a local charity. Volunteering can provide a profound sense of purpose, whether it’s helping at a food bank, animal shelter, or community center. 

Try VolunteerMatch^{12 https://www.volunteermatch.org/} to find opportunities near you.

Spend quality time with family or friends 

What is more meaningful than spending time with loved ones? According to research from palliative care worker Bronnie Ware^{13 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3377309/} , one of the top five regrets of people on their deathbed is that they had stayed in better touch with their friends.

Organize a gathering or a one-on-one meetup with family or close friends. This quality time is invaluable for nurturing relationships and can be a powerful reminder of what truly matters in life.

Culture Activities

If you’ve been in your own world, it can feel nice to plug into the vibrant culture-scape of your city. Here are some ways to do that.

Go to an art museum

Carve out an hour or two to get lost in an art museum. Let the colors, shapes, and stories behind each piece inspire you and spark your imagination. It’s a wonderful way to reconnect with human creativity and see the world through different eyes.

Check out a history or science museum.

If you’re in the mood for knowledge, try a history or science museum.

Discover artifacts, innovations, and stories that shaped the world. It’s an engaging way to learn something new and appreciate the journey of human knowledge and achievement.

Eat out at a restaurant

Pick a restaurant with a cuisine that interests you or a vibe that you want to experience.

Eating out is a delicious way to experience the cultural diversity of your city and support local businesses.

Hop between a few cafés

Spend a day café-hopping, tasting different coffees, and enjoying the unique atmosphere and art each one offers. It’s a leisurely way to explore new neighborhoods, find your new favorite spot, and enjoy the local café culture.

Walk through a farmer’s market

Stroll through a local farmer’s market and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of fresh produce and artisanal goods. It’s a vibrant, sensory experience that connects you to the community and local food scene.

Do the most touristy activity in your city

Usually when you live somewhere, you don’t do the thing that tourists do. But it can be fun to embrace your inner tourist and go to the top of the tall building, visit the iconic landmark, or take a guided tour.

It’s a fun way to see your city from a new perspective and rediscover what makes it special.

Takeaways on Things to Do on a Sunday

If you’re trying to figure out how to spend your Sunday, first read through the following options and see which feel appealing and which feel unappealing:

• Spirituality and self-reflection
• Rest
• Nature time
• Fun
• Creative expression
• Adventure
• Productivity
• Enjoying entertainment
• Exercise and embodiment
• Experiencing culture

With a little intention, you’re bound to feel fulfilled on Sunday night, and ready to take on Monday morning.You might also be interested in this article on 40 productive (and fun) things to do when you’re bored.