Girls Weekend Ideas

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Planning a girls’ weekend is a great way to spend quality time together, try something different, and create memories outside of your usual routine. The best girls’ weekend ideas can be as simple as a relaxing stay at home or as involved as a full weekend of activities, but that all depends on what your group enjoys.

At Night of Mystery, we have spent more than 20 years creating murder mystery experiences for groups of all kinds. We have sold more than 128,000 murder mystery parties, with more than 40 mysteries to choose from, and we write and produce our games in-house. Let’s spotlight some popular weekend ideas for your gals and how a murder mystery party can spice things up.


Plan a Girls’ Weekend Everyone Will Enjoy

Planning a successful girls’ weekend starts with choosing activities that give everyone time to relax, catch up, and share something worth remembering. Consider your group’s interests, how much time you have, and how structured you want the weekend to feel.

Start by choosing a destination or setting that works for the whole group. A nearby city, cozy rental, beach town, or someone’s home can all set the right backdrop for the weekend. Plan a few shared activities and leave room for downtime so the weekend flows at a comfortable pace.

A murder mystery party gives the evening a shared storyline that keeps everyone engaged from the opening scene to the final accusation. Night of Mystery games come with character descriptions, downloadable mystery materials, and a printable host guide. See how it works to see how each element fits together.

Add Costumes and Party Extras

Explore Girls Trip Destinations and Weekend Getaway Ideas for Friends

Choosing the right destination can shape the entire weekend, from the activities you plan to the pace of the trip. Think about what your group enjoys most and choose a setting that gives everyone opportunities to spend time together. Here are a few ideas to consider:

  • Pick a Destination That Fits Your Group: A nearby city can be a great choice for groups that want restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and plenty of things to do within a short distance. For a quieter weekend, consider a beach town, mountain destination, or cozy rental where the group can focus on relaxing and spending time together.
  • Plan Around a Shared Activity: Give the weekend a central activity that everyone can enjoy, such as a spa day, cooking class, sightseeing tour, or themed party. A planned activity can bring structure to the trip while still leaving room for casual conversations and downtime.
  • Keep the Itinerary Flexible: Avoid filling every hour of the weekend with plans. Leave time for slow mornings, meals together, unexpected stops, and individual downtime so the trip feels enjoyable rather than rushed.

Plan a Girls-Only Weekend at Home

A girls-only weekend at home can be just as memorable as any getaway, especially when the group wants a relaxed setting with time to catch up. A little planning transforms a living room, backyard, or rental space into the stage for a full weekend of activities.

Plan a Girls-Only Weekend at Home

Set the Tone

Start with simple decorations that fit the weekend’s theme. Add music, comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, and a few small touches that make the space feel different from an ordinary night at home.

Set the Tone

Plan a Group Activity

Start with simple touches that match the evening’s theme. Music, comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, and a few decorative details make the space feel distinctly different from an ordinary night in. Night of Mystery Party Extras include themed posters, suspect boards, and welcome banners designed to pull the whole atmosphere together without hours of prep. 

Make Time for Relaxing

Balance planned activities with plenty of downtime. You might prepare brunch, watch movies, play casual games, or spend the evening talking. Keeping the schedule comfortable gives everyone the chance to enjoy the weekend without feeling like they need to stick to a packed itinerary.

Add a Mystery Game to Your Friend Group Weekend Trip

A mystery game can give your weekend a shared activity that keeps everyone involved throughout the evening. Guests take on characters, follow the story, gather information, and eventually make their accusations as the mystery unfolds:

  • Choose a Theme Your Group Will Enjoy: Night of Mystery offers a variety of mystery themes for different groups and occasions. Choose a scenario that matches your group’s interests, then order the materials you need to prepare the party.
  • Give Everyone a Character: Each guest receives a character description and instructions with information to help them participate in the mystery. The printable invitations can be sent digitally or hand-delivered, or you can use digital invites that include character information so guests can learn about their roles before the weekend.
  • Let the Mystery Unfold: The host uses the provided guide to keep the night moving as guests interact and follow the plot points. At some point, the lights will go out, and the murder will occur, setting the main mystery in motion before guests work through the information provided and eventually make their accusations and vote.

For groups planning ahead, the Bachelorettes and Bullets Planning Tool can help organize a themed mystery experience.

Bachelorettes and Bullets Planning Tool

Make Your Girls’ Weekend Easy to Plan with Night of Mystery

A successful mystery party comes together with the right materials and a simple plan for the host. Night of Mystery provides the resources needed to prepare the setting, introduce the characters, and guide guests through the evening without requiring the host to memorize scripts.

Gather Your Materials

Each game includes a detailed host guide, printable party invitations, character descriptions and instructions, downloadable guides and plot points, name tags, play money, and DIY mystery materials. You also receive Who Dunnit accusation and voting sheets, themed awards for Super Sleuth, Best Dressed, Best Actor, and Most Money, plus Party Extras such as themed posters, suspect boards, and welcome banners.

Gather Your Materials

Keep the Game Moving

The printable host guide walks the host through setup and gameplay, helping keep the night moving from one part of the mystery to the next. Guests can focus on their characters and the story while the host follows the provided guidance.

Keep the Game Moving

Add Your Own Weekend Details

The mystery provides the main activity, while you can personalize the rest of the weekend around your group. Set up themed food, drinks, menus, decorations, or other activities that fit your plans and make the gathering feel like a complete girls’ weekend.

With the mystery as your centerpiece and the rest of the weekend built around your group’s favorite touches, you’ll have everything you need for a girls’ weekend nobody wants to end. Shop our murder mystery party games and find the perfect theme to make your weekend unforgettable.

Add Your Own Weekend Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Girls Weekend Ideas

How far in advance should you plan a girls’ weekend?

For a small group, a few weeks may be enough, while larger groups or popular destinations may require more planning time. Booking accommodations and major activities early can make it easier for everyone to coordinate schedules.

How much should I budget for a girls’ weekend?

Your budget will depend on transportation, accommodations, meals, activities, and the length of the trip. Set a general spending range with the group before making reservations so everyone has a clear idea of the expected costs.

How many people work well for a girls’ weekend?

No set number works for every group. A smaller group can make coordination easier, while a larger gathering can create more opportunities for shared activities and conversation.

What should I pack for a girls’ weekend?

Start with clothing suited to your planned activities and the weather. Add comfortable shoes, toiletries, chargers, medications, or personal essentials, and anything needed for special activities or dinners.

How long should a girl’s weekend last?

Two or three nights can provide enough time for several activities without requiring a long break from work or other responsibilities. The ideal length depends on travel time, schedules, and the amount of downtime your group wants.

What are some low-key girls’ weekend activities?

Consider a movie night, brunch, board games, a craft session, a group dinner, or a relaxed morning at your accommodation. Combining a few simple activities can create a full weekend without an overly demanding schedule.

Night of Mystery | Girls Weekend Ideas

Night of Mystery Editorial

The Night of Mystery editorial team has helped over 128,000 hosts throw murder mystery parties across the world. We share buying guides, theme ideas, and party planning tips drawn from 20+ years of mystery game design.