Alternative ways to have fun during the Olympics

If you’re dreading the start of the Games, you may not be alone. Round up a group of your friends and do one of these fun alternative activities together instead:

Plan a Ladies Night In

Avoid the crowds this summer by hosting a ladies night for your friends in your home. Instead of watching the games, you can plan a movie marathon featuring your favourite flicks or the ones you missed in theatres last season. The most opportune times to stay inside the house will be during the Opening and Closing Ceremonies (July 27 and August 12, respectively.) Forget the sports fanaticism with a few comedies or some artsy foreign films. The best part? You can earn the money to fund the evening’s snacks and entertainment by selling unwanted DVDS with musicMagpie.

Spend a Day at the Spa

When they’re not attending Olympic events, tourists in the city will be anxious to spend their free time sightseeing. That means that London’s museums, theatres, and galleries will all be busier than usual. Get away from the crowds and pamper yourself by scheduling an all-day spa visit with the girls. You and your friends can indulge with facials, massages, manicures, and pedicures. You’ll feel refreshed after your day of rest and relaxation, and ready to take on the crowds!

Head for the Green Spaces

While London’s green spaces are bound to be a little more crowded this year due to the influx of tourists, you’ll still be able to find some refuge at the city’s many beautiful parks, gardens, and outdoor arenas. Keep in mind that some of the major parks—Potters Fields Park, Hyde Park—will have Olympic-related screenings and events, so opt instead to have a picnic with the girls at a local park that will be overlooked by tourists. You could also plan a night watching open-air cinema or theatre together. See what’s on at The Globe, Regent Park’s Open Air Theatre, Nomad Roaming Cinema, PopUp Screen, and The Luna Cinema for some alternative Olympic fun.

Check out the Local Festivals

This one won’t get you away from the crowds, per se, but it will give you and your friends the opportunity to enjoy some non-Olympic festivities together. When you feel like you’re ready to face the crowds, head to one of the many festivals on in London this summer. The Exhibition Road Show, the Great British Beer Festival, and the Southbank Centre Festival of the World all coincide with the 2012 Olympic Games. You and your friends will have a blast eating, drinking, shopping, and checking out the attractions.

Get Out of London

If you really want to escape the Olympic hype, plan a holiday getaway with your friends. Remember that the events aren’t just confined to London—they’re spread throughout the UK. As such, many Britons are planning international holidays this year. Look for last-minute travel deals in Europe, holidays to Majorca this time of year offer the perfect location, or consider going all out on a far-flung adventure with the girls. Plenty of relaxing international beaches and spas await you.

Tara West.

Posted Sun, 07/08/2012 - 16:57 by Anonymous