Ideas for Local Group Activities
See Local Group Events and Activities for how activities fit into overall event planning.
Words of Wisdom
A strong activity calendar offers multiple ways to connect.
Variety increases participation by meeting members where they are — in interest, time, and comfort level.
What Success Looks Like
- Members with different interests and schedules can find activities that appeal to them.
Best Practices
- Offer a mix of social, intellectual, active, and virtual activities.
- Include options with different time and commitment levels.
- Experiment with new ideas while maintaining successful favorites.
- Encourage members to suggest and host activities.
Common Pitfalls
- Offering only one type of activity.
- Repeating the same events without trying new ideas.
- Planning activities for organizers instead of members.
- Ignoring virtual or low-commitment options.
Purpose
Describe a variety of activity options that support different levels and styles of member engagement.
Why Variety Matters
Many Local Group activities center around food — and for good reason. Food is universal, accessible, and works across a wide range of ages and interests.
However, a strong calendar goes beyond this foundation.
Offering a wider range of activities:
- Reaches more members
- Encourages broader participation
- Creates multiple entry points for engagement
Types of Activities
A balanced calendar may include:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Social | Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, happy hours, coffee meetups, picnics, holiday gatherings |
| Intellectual | Book clubs, discussion groups, guest speakers, museum visits, science center visits, debates, TED Talk discussions |
| Games & Recreation | Board games, trivia nights, bowling, mini-golf, escape rooms, billiards, card games |
| Creative | Craft nights, writing groups, painting classes, maker activities, photography walks, quilting or fiber arts |
| Outdoor | Walks, hikes, nature centers, botanical gardens, sporting events, festivals, stargazing |
| Food & Dining | Restaurant explorations, potlucks, progressive dinners, cooking classes, food tours |
| Community Service | Food banks, park cleanups, charity walks, volunteer projects, community partnerships |
| Family-Friendly | Zoo visits, science museums, game afternoons, picnics, seasonal festivals |
| Virtual | Online discussions, virtual game nights, watch parties, speaker programs, online classes |
| Special Interest | Technology, genealogy, investing, languages, science, travel, history, puzzles, cars, books, crafts |
Almost any activity can be successful — what matters is creating opportunities for members to connect.
Specific Inspirations
- Behind-the-scenes tours (airports, theaters, factories, museums)
- Architecture tours
- Local history walks
- Cemetery tours (surprisingly popular)
- Escape rooms
- Geocaching
- Trivia leagues
- Maker spaces
- Planetarium visits
- Minor league sports
- Volunteer/service projects
- "Teach us your hobby" member-led sessions
- Travel presentations by members
- Mensa Reads-style book discussions
- Puzzle hunts and scavenger hunts