7 actually fun things to do on Zoom that aren’t just awkwardly staring at your friends

This weekend, I finally won at Zoom. How, you ask? My friend and I decided to mix up the monotony of staring at one another’s faces by practicing our handstands via video instead. It was a (sweaty) reminder that there are, in fact, fun things to do on Zoom… even if you have, like, no desire to go upside down.

During this time, the internet has banded together to bring you some of the best digital experiences in history—from giraffe meet-and-greets and game nights to magic shows and group workouts. Meaning, you’ll never have to grin and bear it through the awkward silence again.

7 fun things to do on Zoom that will make you look forward to it

1. VISIT AN ONLINE ZOO

This is not a drill: You can meet giraffes (virtually) with African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton, Ohio. For $150, you can your friend can hop on a 20-minute Zoom and meet a giraffe, eastern mountain bongo, and alpaca. And before you complain about the price, can I just say that it’s probably around the amount you and your crew would spend at happy hour anyway?

2. book a group workout

Zoom workouts are booming—and all your favorite teachers are getting in on the action. Well+Good fitness editor Zoë Weiner recommends booking a class with trainer Brittany Wilton of Barry’s Bootcamp with all your pals. You can also hop on group classes for just $10 a person with Y7 yoga instructor Lindsay Pirozzi (one of my personal faves) if yoga is what your body’s asking for today.

3. GO FOR A GAME NIGHT

Who knew that 2020 would revive our love for Uno, Yahtzee, and trivia? Games are back—and we’re all channeling competitive natures because… why not? If you want to get in on the action, programs like Jackbox Games make it a fun and easy to duke it out with your buds on Zoom even when you’re miles apart. You can also host a game of group trivia to keep everyone sharp.

4. BOOK A MAGIC SHOW

Imagine there’s a magician in your living room. Now stop imagining, because you can actually watch magic from your house the help of Gary Ferrar, a magician offering Zoom shows.

5. SPEND A NIGHT PAINTING WITH FRIENDS

Paint nights are such a blast when you can meet up with friends at your local studio, pour a tall glass of wine, and channel your inner-Pollack. (Or are you more of a Monet?) Artist Lital Gold is offering Zoom sessions for groups of folks who want to get their hands a little dirty, and make something to brighten their space now that they’re spending 24/7 there.

6. GO TO A CONCERT

It’s time to get your band of friends back together (online, that is). You can check out this list of folks who are streaming live music onto their IGTVs, then hop on Zoom with your friends, share your screen, and dance.

7. Attend a literary reading

Literary readings aren’t canceled. In fact, they are thriving. Brooklyn’s beloved Books Are Magic store is hosting a ton of events via Zoom, with authors like Alexander Chee, Megan Abbot, and Lauren Graham, among others. Strand Bookstore in the East Village has also taken its events online, so text your bookish friend(s) and geek out over the author-led conversation afterward.