Seven ChatGPT add-ons that help you find something fun to do

Bored on a weekend? Tom's Guide writer Elton Jones tested the ChatGPT plugin directory and picked seven add-ons that can point you toward something fun to do. They cover hiking, live shows, crafts, manga, chess and trivia. A plugin is an add-on that lets ChatGPT work with a specific service.

Ideas for getting out of the house

AllTrails helps you find hiking, walking and biking trails. Tell it how hard you want the route to be and what kind of scenery you like. Viator covers experiences far from home, but it also works for attractions near you. It can suggest cooking classes, things outside your comfort zone and excursions.

Ticketmaster is the pick for live events such as concerts, Broadway shows, basketball games, stand-up comedy and wrestling. The review says it works better when you mention your price range in the request.

Ideas for staying in

Etsy can suggest products based on your interests. The review points to its DIY kits, which could turn into a new hobby for crafters, bakers and other makers. Emaqi is a digital service for officially licensed Japanese manga, available in English in the US and Canada. The writer uses it as a guide to titles worth tracking down and reading.

Chessy lets you play chess against ChatGPT. Beginners can ask it to explain how the game works. Experienced players can see how they measure up to AI. The review suggests taking what you learn into games against people. Trivana is aimed at group nights, helping you set up trivia for friends and family.

What to do

The article includes sample prompts for each plugin, but they were not part of the text available here. The advice that does come through is simple: be specific about what you want.

• For AllTrails, name the difficulty and scenery you want.
• For Ticketmaster, include your price range.
• For Chessy, say you are a beginner if you need the rules explained.

What is not covered

The review is one writer's experience. It does not give costs, setup steps or how well each plugin works in every city. Results from Viator and Ticketmaster will likely depend on where you live, so check details before you book or buy anything.