Activities You Can Do With Friends That Does NOT Involve Alcohol
Do you ever miss hanging out with friends but feel like every time you do it is centered around alcohol? Why is it that when we get older, we tend to require liquid courage in order to have genuine connection and fun? Don’t get me wrong, sometimes a fruity drink with the right people can make for some good times and memories. But sometimes that liquid courage can add a hefty tab on your wallet, or maybe you or someone you know is trying to cut back on their alcohol consumption.
Choosing not to drink is completely acceptable and doesn’t mean that we can no longer socialize or be fun. Let’s lose the expectation that to hang out with someone as an adult, alcohol must be required. Here’s a list of activities you can do with friends or someone you love that does not require alcohol.
Craft
Break out those paints and crayons that are sitting in the back of your closet. Or finally get started on that DIY project you’ve been putting off for months. Maybe it is something you can work on together, or each do your own for something to take home and use. Don’t have any craft supplies on hand? Go to a Dollar Store or 5 Below and pick out a craft kit and get busy. You don’t have to be an artist to make art!
Movie Night
Vote together or set a schedule for regular movies nights and rotate who picks the film. On a budget? Host at your home or apartment and spice it up with snacks or different flavored popcorn. Everyone can pitch in or rotate locations.
Go Outside
Take a hike, ride bikes, go to the beach, sit in nature, swing on the swings at a playground. Whatever it is, go outside and get some fresh air. Maybe even make a day out of it and go somewhere new or a little further from home that you normally don’t get to visit. This can be the perfect time to talk and catch up with friends.
Plan a Vacation
Always talk about meeting up with long distance friends and then never follow through? Make it happen! Find what days match up and plan a trip, getaway or even a staycation even if it is far in advance.
Play a Game
Board games are always a classic way to spend time but sometimes games can include video games or trivia. Play one that you love or maybe try a new one together. If you don’t have any, check your local library or coffee shop for ones you can play there!
Volunteer
There are so many places that would be thrilled to have volunteers, even if it is just for a day. This can be some sort of community service, walking dogs at an animal shelter, or even helping to do yardwork at your grandma’s house. Volunteering can feel good to help others and a great way to bond with your friends doing something new or different.
Spa Day
Get fancy and pampered at your local spa. If that’s not in your budget, host your own self-care spa day at home with face masks, nail polish, relaxing music and whatever else you want to spoil yourself with.
Take a Lesson
Is there something you’ve been dying to try but too nervous to go alone? Bring a friend and try it out together! Take a dance class, cooking class, learn a new language, try an instrument, or maybe something totally random being offered locally. If your budget is tight, try taking an online lesson or even learn something new from YouTube or other platforms like Masterclass.
Karaoke
One might argue that liquid courage is required to go to your local karaoke bar and sing in front of strangers. But no one said you had to be in public, your living room can be the perfect karaoke place. Good friends singing along to good music with words on a screen and can be a load of fun with no alcohol needed!
Make a Playlist
Mash together your favorite songs to play whenever you are with your friends at the next social night, trip, or outing.
Whatever it is that you choose to do with your friends, remember you are in good company. Relax, enjoy the connection, and try something new. Even if your activity turns out to be a total bust, I can almost guarantee it will be fun memories with good people that you will remember and cherish. Remember that I love you, and you should love you too!