What Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their Benefits

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Plus, life coaches explain how to have more fulfilling fun
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Did you know that the fun you have can be categorized into three different types? Well, it can! According to geologist Rainer Newberry, there are three levels or types of fun, and the type of fun you’re having depicts what you’ll gain from the experience. In this article, we’ll break down each type of fun, from what it is to how to have it. Plus, we spoke with life coaches Desiree Panlilio and Guy Reichard to give you the best tips on bringing more fun into your life.

What are the 3 types of fun?

Illustration of the 3 types of fun, including Type 1, fun in the moment and fun to remember; Type 2, just fun to remember; and Type 3, just makes for a good story.
Section 1 of 7:

What is the Fun Scale?

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  1. The Fun Scale measures enjoyment based on current and past fulfillment.
    Chances are, when you’re having fun, you’re not really thinking about what “type” of fun you’re having—that’s what the Fun Scale is for![1] Geologist Rainer Newberry coined the term “Fun Scale” in his novel Climbing Dictionary: Mountaineering Slang, Terms, Neologisms & Lingo in 1985.[2] The Fun Scale was originally applied to outdoor or adventure activities and has three main levels of fun: Types 1, 2, and 3. Each level weighs how rewarding and memorable an activity is based on the overall experience:[3]
    • Type 1 fun is fun in the moment and is pleasant to remember.
    • Type 2 fun is not fun in the moment but is fun or pleasant to remember.
    • Type 3 fun is not fun at all in the moment and you don’t look back on it fondly (but it may make for a great story).
    • Some Fun Scale enthusiasts add a Type 4 fun, which is fun in the moment but unpleasant to look back on or something you regret doing later.
    • While the scale has a general premise, everyone’s interpretation of the scale can be different based on personal experiences and expectations. In other words, what you find to be Type 2 fun may be a friend’s Type 1.
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Section 2 of 7:

What is Type 1 fun?

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  1. Step 1 Type 1 fun is fun to do and remember.
    Type 1 fun is the ultimate type of fun—it’s what everyone craves! An activity that’s Type 1 is fun to do in the moment and is equally as fun when you think about it. It’s carefree and enjoyable—something you’d do again in a heartbeat.[4]
    • Examples:
      • Eating your favorite dessert
      • Going to the beach with friends
      • Going to an amusement park
    • Benefits:
      • Increases dopamine
      • Improves mood
      • Creates enjoyment
  2. Step 2 How to have Type 1 fun
    Have Type 1 fun by doing things that make you happy! Choose a hobby or activity that you feel happy or at peace doing. Chances are, if you do something and want to quickly do it again, it’s a Type 1 activity.
    • Type 1 activities vary per person, so find what clicks for you. Maybe that’s coloring, going for a walk with your dog, or skateboarding.
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Section 3 of 7:

What is Type 2 fun?

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  1. Step 1 Type 2 fun isn’t fun in the moment but is fun to look back on.
    When you’re having Type 2 fun, you likely don’t feel like you’re having fun. But when you reflect on the activity, you feel fulfilled and think of it as fun. This type of fun usually comes with a sense of accomplishment or achievement.[5]
    • Examples:
      • Completing a marathon
      • Writing a book
      • Doing a cold plunge
    • Benefits:
      • Builds resilience and character
      • Enhances problem-solving skills
      • Increases self-efficacy
  2. Step 2 How to have Type 2 fun
    Incorporate more Type 2 fun into your life by stepping outside your comfort zone more. Type 2 activities feel uncomfortable at first, but they’re the most rewarding. Set goals of what you hope to gain and accomplish. Then, do what it takes to make them happen![6]
    • This can look like setting a goal to run a 5k or go on an overnight backpacking trip alone.
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Section 4 of 7:

What is Type 3 fun?

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  1. Step 1 Type 3 fun isn’t fun to do or to remember.
    Type 3 fun is no fun all around. You don’t enjoy the activity during or after the fact, but it makes for an awesome or educational story. This type of fun can be scary and dangerous in the moment. It likely starts from an activity you thought would be Type 2 fun but quickly becomes something you didn’t expect (and likely something you’ll never do again).[7]
    • Examples:
      • Getting lost in the woods while hiking
      • Meeting a bear in the wild
      • Climbing a steep mountain in the snow
    • Benefits:
      • Improves confidence
      • Builds character and resilience
      • Provides lasting memories
  2. Step 2 How to have Type 3 fun
    Let Type 3 activities come your way—don’t force them. Type 3 fun is the most difficult and challenging level on the Fun Scale. It comes when you least expect it, often branching out of what you’d expect to be Type 2 fun. So, let it come naturally and face the challenge head-on when it does. Remember, it’ll make for one epic story.
    • For instance, maybe you plan on going camping with friends. As the camping adventure goes on, you start to have less and less fun, turning into a Type 2 activity. When you think things can’t get any worse, a skunk attacks your tent, making it a Type 3.
    • Don’t try to seek out dangerous activities just for the sake of having Type 3 fun. At their worst, Type 3 activities can cause injury, psychological distress, or potentially even death if things go truly awry.
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Section 5 of 7:

What is Type 4 fun?

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  1. Type 4 fun is fun in the moment, but only in the moment.
    While Type 4 fun isn’t technically a part of the Fun Scale, many argue it should be included. Internet users categorize this bonus level of fun as something that feels like “the best time ever” in the moment, but makes you feel absolutely horrible afterward. You may experience this type of fun as you get older and realize you can’t do the same things you used to do when you were young.
    • Examples:
      • Going out for a few to many drinks with friends
      • Staying up all night to binge-watch a show
      • Eating 3 cheeseburgers back-to-back
    • Benefits:
      • Provides quality memories
      • Improves self-boundaries
      • Enhances self-awareness
    • Tip: Type 4 fun isn’t recommended to chase after, which is likely why it isn’t included in the Fun Scale. This level of fun is learned from, not sought after.
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Section 6 of 7:

Why do you crave different types of fun?

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  1. You crave fun for both enjoyment and achievement.
    Each type of fun comes with its own outcomes. Type 1 fun is simply pleasurable and makes you feel joyful and ecstatic. Type 2 fun is challenging but rewarding, helping you step outside your comfort zone and learn more about yourself. Type 3 fun is the ultimate challenge that teaches you lessons and makes you feel like you can accomplish anything (even if you never want to do that activity again).[8]
    • Each type creates memories and life lessons—they build character. While you may not realize it, you crave these activities to create a fulfilling, well-rounded, and liberating life.
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Section 7 of 7:

How to Have Fulfilling Fun

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  1. Step 1 Don’t think about how happy you are in the moment.
    The key to happiness is to just have it! Try your best to avoid thinking about what type of fun you’re having while you’re having it. Instead, simply do something you think will be fun rather than worrying about what type of fun it’ll be.[9]
    • “We can learn to create or nurture [feelings of happiness],” Reichard says. “Do more activities that invoke positive emotions, like spending time with people you love or playing and being active.”[10]
  2. Step 2 Discover what you enjoy.
    Focus on activities that fill your cup, whether that’s in the moment or down the road. Spend most of your time doing things that are enjoyable and fun for you overall. It’s okay if you hit a lull every now and then, but stick to what ultimately makes you happy.[11]
    • Reichard recommends getting “in touch with that part of you that is fun and likes to have fun. Then, let yourself enjoy life from that part of you. Encourage yourself to look for the fun or funny, the light and positive, and you’ll find it.”[12]
  3. Step 3 Make time to have fun.
    We get it! You have a busy schedule, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make time to have a little fun. Schedule time in your regular routine to do something for yourself. Maybe that’s writing one chapter of your book a week or going for a regular jog. The more fun you have in your everyday life, the happier you’ll be.[13]
    • “It’s really about self-care,” explains Panlilio, “and having that opportunity to focus on you for a few minutes.”[14] Whether you’ve had a good or bad day, you can do something you enjoy to decompress and feel happier.
  4. Step 4 Reflect on your experiences.
    Even Type 3 fun can have enjoyable moments (even if you can’t see them right away). Remember to take time to reflect and reminisce about all the fun times you’ve had. Looking back on fun or silly memories can make more painful experiences bearable.[15]
    • Even though Type 3 fun is typically unenjoyable to look back on, time has a funny way of changing your perception. Years down the road, you may look back on horrible Type 3 activities with a smile!
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277973145_A_Fun-Scale_for_Understanding_the_Hedonic_Value_of_a_Product_The_Destination_Context
  2. ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/03/24/what-is-type-2-fun/
  3. ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=jpcXCRMyDGwC&pg=PA100&lpg=PA100&dq=fun+scale+professor+of+geology+alaska&source=bl&ots=eZtFPsgaue&sig=ACfU3U1fY7enYSsOqZUXKoFC7SiAwVrY6g&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiIkYX-74H2AhWuD0QIHa5IA-YQ6AF6BAgaEAM#v=onepage&q=fun+scale+professor+of+geology+alaska&f=false
  4. ↑ https://as.csuchico.edu/blog/2016/02/reblog-the-three-and-a-half-types-of-fun-explained-from-tetongravity-com
  5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-of-fun/202404/type-ii-fun-embracing-hard-fun-for-personal-growth
  6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-of-fun/202404/type-ii-fun-embracing-hard-fun-for-personal-growth
  7. ↑ https://as.csuchico.edu/blog/2016/02/reblog-the-three-and-a-half-types-of-fun-explained-from-tetongravity-com
  8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-pursuit-fun/202106/what-is-the-underlying-psychology-having-fun
  9. ↑ https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/02/04/1150518287/fun-play-happiness-stress-reduction
  1. ↑ Guy Reichard. Executive Life Coach. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/02/04/1150518287/fun-play-happiness-stress-reduction
  3. ↑ Guy Reichard. Executive Life Coach. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/02/04/1150518287/fun-play-happiness-stress-reduction
  5. ↑ Desiree Panlilio. Teen Life Coach. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-antidepressant-diet/202107/are-we-forgetting-to-have-fun

About This Article

Guy Reichard
Co-authored by:
Guy Reichard
Executive Life Coach
This article was co-authored by Guy Reichard and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Guy Reichard is a Self Leadership Coach and Executive Resilience Builder who empowers high-achieving professionals, executives, and business owners to lead authentically with calm, clarity, confidence, and compassion. He is the founder of HeartRich Self Leadership & Resilience Coaching, where he helps his clients navigate challenges, overcome fears and self-doubt, and grow into purposeful, values-driven leaders. With a heart-centered, science-backed, and trauma-informed approach, Guy guides his clients to connect with their Authentic Self, align with their core values, and create meaningful change in their lives and leadership. His work focuses on enhancing resilience, emotional intelligence, presence, and well-being while addressing barriers like perfectionism, impostor syndrome, people-pleasing, and tough inner critics. With over 15 years and 4000+ of coaching experience and 20 years in consulting and business development, Guy brings a unique blend of empathy, insight, and strategic perspective to help his clients thrive. He received his professional coaching certification from the International Coaching Federation and is an EZRAx Executive Leadership Coach. He received an MBA and a BA in Psychology from York University. This article has been viewed 1,464 times.
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Co-authors: 5
Updated: August 3, 2025
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Categories: Fun Activities
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