In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to let months slip by without making time for the people who matter most—your friends. Between work, family commitments, and life’s daily responsibilities, social time can easily fall to the bottom of the priority list. But here's the truth: making time to hang out with friends isn't just a luxury—it’s necessary. And when you live near a place like Libertyville, IL, you're lucky enough to have a wide range of engaging, exciting, and downright fun options right in your backyard.
This blog covers the best fun activities to do with friends—from thrilling adventures to relaxed hangouts, creative outings, and more. Whether you're looking for something active, something unique, or just a refreshing way to spend the weekend, there's something here for every group of friends.
Let’s kick things off with the why. Why should we care about planning fun activities with friends in the first place?
Life doesn’t slow down unless you hit pause—and that pause often comes in the form of quality time with the people you care about. Friendships aren’t just good for laughs; they’re a vital part of your emotional and mental well-being. Hanging out with friends can lower stress, boost happiness, and even improve your overall health.
But meaningful time together doesn’t just happen. It takes planning. You’ve probably said things like, “Let’s catch up soon,” only to realize three months have flown by. That’s where intentional group activities come in—they give your friendship a place and a purpose.
From reconnecting with old high school friends to creating new memories with coworkers, doing something fun together helps you feel more human and more connected. It breaks up the routine, creates anticipation, and most importantly—gives you stories to laugh about for years to come.
Let’s talk about something that’s become wildly popular in the last few years—axe throwing. It sounds intense, maybe even a little dangerous at first—but once you give it a shot (or a throw), it quickly becomes one of the most satisfying activities you can do with a group.
At Timberjaxe, axe throwing isn’t just a sport—it’s a full-blown experience. It’s where casual meetups turn into high-energy competitions. You and your friends get your own lane, learn the basics from an expert coach, and start launching axes like you’ve been doing it for years.
What makes axe throwing such a hit among friend groups?
Anyone can do it: You don’t need to be strong or sporty. It’s all about form and rhythm, not muscle.
It’s surprisingly safe: The Timberjaxe team ensures everything runs smoothly and safely.
It’s competitive but casual: You can play mini-games, compete for the highest score, or just cheer each other on.
It's a great stress reliever: There’s something primal (in a good way) about throwing an axe and hearing it stick.
This activity works great for birthdays, team bonding, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or even just a fun Friday night.
And unlike a movie or dinner, it’s interactive. You talk, you laugh, you yell when you stick the bullseye—and you’ll definitely want a video of it.
Now, if you're looking for something futuristic and mind-bending, Virtual Reality (VR) is where it's at. Gone are the days when video games meant sitting on a couch holding a controller. With VR, you’re inside the game. You’re moving, thinking, reacting—living it.
At Timberjaxe, the VR experience is designed for groups, making it an excellent choice for friends who want to do something different and immersive. It’s not just for gamers either. You don’t have to know anything about technology to enjoy it. Just put on the headset and get ready to be transported.
Some of the group-friendly VR options include:
VR Escape Rooms: You and your friends work together to solve challenges in a fully immersive environment. Think of it like an escape room—but in space, or a haunted house, or ancient ruins.
Digital Axe Throwing Games: A high-tech twist on the classic axe throwing experience, with digital targets, scoring, and game modes that change up the gameplay.
Multiplayer Adventures: Whether it’s battling robots or solving mysteries, these shared missions build teamwork and keep everyone engaged.
Why is VR such a great group activity?
It’s different—something most people haven’t tried yet.
It encourages teamwork and communication.
It’s adrenaline-pumping without being physically demanding.
It leaves you with unforgettable stories.
It’s one of those things you’ll be talking about in the car ride home: “Remember when you completely missed that zombie because you were screaming?” That kind of thing.
While Timberjaxe easily tops the list for fun and exciting outings, it’s also worth recognizing the overall vibe of Libertyville and the surrounding suburbs. This area has a great balance between active experiences and chill spots where you can just hang out and enjoy each other’s company.
But rather than listing specific locations, let’s explore types of activities that are great for friend groups. These ideas can help you plan a wide range of get-togethers depending on the vibe you’re going for.
If your group loves action, competition, or just breaking a sweat, you can look for:
Sports courts or field rentals for a casual match
Indoor climbing gyms for a vertical challenge
Trampoline parks for your inner kid
Go-kart racing or paintball fields
These aren’t just fun—they also create shared challenges and tons of laughs.
If you're a more relaxed or artsy crew, consider:
Pottery painting nights
Group cooking classes
DIY workshops (candle making, painting, etc.)
Improv or acting classes
These options are perfect for groups who want to try something new without needing athletic skills.
Sometimes the best times come from laid-back hangouts where you don’t need to move much at all:
Board game cafes
Themed trivia nights
Escape room challenges
Lounge-style venues with darts, shuffleboard, or retro arcade games
These give you time to talk, joke, and enjoy each other’s company while still doing something fun.
Now that we’ve covered a range of options, it’s clear that Libertyville has a lot to offer. But if you're looking for a place where your group can laugh, compete, explore, and unwind—all in one spot—Timberjaxe is your go-to.
Here’s why it’s become a favorite for local groups:
You don’t need to split up your plans. Axe throwing, VR games, and chill lounge areas are all under one roof. That means less coordination, fewer logistics, and more time actually enjoying the moment.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, organizing a work outing, or just looking for something fun on a Saturday night, Timberjaxe fits the bill. You can book in advance, reserve private lanes, or just walk in with your crew.
You don’t need to be a pro or even particularly outgoing. The team at Timberjaxe makes it easy to feel comfortable, whether it’s your first visit or your fifth. They’ll guide you through the activities and make sure everyone has a great time.
Once your group finds that one go-to spot where everything just clicks, it’s easy to turn it into a tradition. Monthly axe throwing tournaments? Birthday VR sessions? A new way to catch up after a long week? Timberjaxe is that kind of place.
Book your next outing with Timberjaxe and enjoy axe throwing, VR, and more in Libertyville!