“Grabbing drinks” is an easy fallback for socializing. But if you’re trying to cut back on alcohol or know someone who doesn’t drink alcohol, then you may need to be a bit more creative when making plans. Thankfully, there are plenty of activities you can partake in completely sober.
Visit a Board Game Cafe
Grab a few friends and head to a local board game cafe. Many of them have a large variety of games to choose from (sometimes even hundreds!) and serve food and non-alcoholic beverages. There are board game cafes across the country, but if you can’t find one in your city, then consider hosting a game night at home.
Host a Themed Dinner Party
Brainstorm a unique theme and invite your friends over for a potluck dinner. For example, you could ask everyone to try making a particular type of cuisine, ask friends to bring their favorite food that starts with the first letter of their name, or cook something from a cookbook.
Sign Up for an Art Class
Get creative and sign up for an art class with a friend. You can look up studios, recreation centers, or even colleges in your area that offer classes like oil painting, watercolor, ceramics, jewelry making, and more.
See a Comedy Show
Check out a few local comedians in your area or a local mic night at a nearby comedy club. Some venues may have a minimum drink limit, and typically any type of beverage, such as a soda or mocktail, will satisfy the requirement.
Join a Local League
There’s a league for nearly everything these days! You can look for a league of a sport you enjoy, such as pickleball, or try a new hobby like backgammon or mahjong.
Have a Wellness Day
If you want to splurge, make an appointment at your favorite spa to get a massage or facial with your friends. Most spas will let you use their facilities after, so you can enjoy amenities such as pools, hot tubs, and saunas.
Attend a Sporting Event
If you already root for your favorite team, try getting tickets to a new type of sport. You may discover a newfound love of hockey, baseball, or soccer. Another great option? Check to see if your city has female sports teams, such as the WNBA, or support the female athletes at your local college.
Try a New Type of Workout
Trying something new is a fun way to bond with others, and larger cities offer some unconventional fitness classes, like puppy yoga. If you’ve tried every workout in your area, explore the outdoor terrain and hit a new hiking trail when the weather permits.
Work on Your Golf Swing
If you want to hone your craft, head to an indoor golf simulator to practice playing on a digitally replicated course. Or for something less serious, play a round of mini golf.
Organize a Clothing Swap Party
You’ll clean out your closet and get a few new (to you) items! Just invite your friends over for a swap party. Here’s how to throw one: Ask everyone to bring gently used clothing items, and people can exchange as they see fit.
