The Best Fun Sober Activity Ideas for any Occasion
If you’re scratching your head for fun sober activities, but every thought that enters your mind features cocktails or beers, you’re in the right place.
According to Alcohol Change, 20% of people in the UK don’t drink at all, but because our culture is so geared towards drinking, finding inspiration for activities that don’t involve drinking can be harder than you’d think.
If you don't want to leave your sober friends out (or maybe it's you!) – we’ve got some great ideas for how to have fun without alcohol. Whether you’re planning a date or a night out with friends, here’s our top 10 things to do instead of drinking.
1. Go to a Comedy Night
People might say it’s a laugh to have a drink, but you don’t need a drink to have a laugh. Comedy nights are a great sober date activity because the jokes provide all the entertainment and the laughter is infectious.
Sit back, relax (if you’re not in the front row), and let the comedians do the hard work while you have a good giggle.
2. Do Something Sporty
Looking for sober activities to do with friends? From spinning to yoga, classes are a fantastic way to bond with mates while ticking exercise off your to-do list.
Whether you’re a seasoned gym bunny or trying something new, breaking a sweat is way more fun than you’d think when you work out with friends.
3. Go Snack Hunting
If the idea of just "grabbing coffee" feels a little stale, there are other delicious ways to add some flavour to your outings.
Take your foodie game to the next level by hunting down the best treats in your city. Maybe it’s the fluffiest cinnamon bun, the richest hot chocolate or the crispiest fries – you could even turn it into a regular challenge!
4. Enjoy a Movie Night
You might watch films all the time but you can make it into an extra-special occasion with a movie night with your friends or partner. Simply turn the lights down, whip out some popcorn (extra points if you make it yourself!), lay out your cosiest blankets and you’re all set for a sober night in.
Tip: Get together with your friends and write down your favourite films on paper and put them in a jar. Each movie night you can pull one out to avoid spending hours scrolling through streaming platforms to find something you can all agree on.
5. Stir up Some Friendly Competition
If you’re wondering how to have fun without alcohol at the weekend, arcade games are at the top of our list of fun sober Friday night activities. After all, nothing beats a bit of friendly competition.
Hit up the pool table, take on a round of mini golf or aim for a strike at the bowling alley for an unforgettable night. These games bring all the laughs, minus the booze so you’ll feel fresh going into the weekend.
6. Host a Games Night at Home
If you prefer staying in, then dust off your board games and cards, stock up on your favourite soft drinks and fill up all of your snack bowls for a night full of laughs and strategy.
Whether you opt for games that nobody has played before for some extra excitement or stick with the tried-and-tested classics - you’re sure to have hours of fun without a drop of alcohol in sight.
7. Turn Your Hand to Life Drawing
Trust us on this one, you don’t need to be any good at art to enjoy life drawing.
With a mix of focus, creativity, and (sometimes) unexpected giggles, the fun is in the process, not the final masterpiece. And - you never know - you might discover a hidden talent.
8. Get Adventurous at a Bouldering Centre
Rock climbing’s cooler younger sibling, bouldering, has become a go-to activity for adventurous types. It’s challenging, social and seriously addictive for all of those adrenaline junkies out there.
Whether you’re scaling the walls like Spider-Man or cheering on your friends, it’s a great way to spend a sober afternoon or evening.
9. Break the Mould with Pottery Making
Friends who mould together, stay together. Sign up for a local class where you can spin the wheel and mould your masterpiece or grab an at-home clay kit and bring the fun to your living room.
Either way, it’s a hands-on activity that’s relaxing and rewarding for everyone involved.
10. Head out into Nature
When the weather’s nice, one of the best sober activities is simply going for a long stroll.
Whether there’s a group of you or just you and your partner, it’s the perfect way to soak up the outdoors, get some fresh air and even explore new places in your local area.
You could try planning a route that includes pit-stops for lunch or turn it into a mini food tour of your city. If you're looking for a sober night activity, a moonlit stroll with a hot chocolate in hand is equally as magical.
Whether you test your art skills with a life drawing class or get competitive at the bowling alley with your nearest and dearest - there are plenty of ways to have fun when you’re not drinking.
With so many sober activities at Hollywood Bowl, it’s the ideal place to start. Find your nearest centre today to get your sober activities well underway.