Dating is usually synonymous with grabbing drinks at a bar. But what if you’re sober, don’t drink, or just want to do something else? Fortunately, there are many fun, engaging date ideas that don’t involve alcohol whatsoever.
Being creative with non-drinking dates allows you to get to know your partner in a more clear-headed setting. You can also avoid the pressures of booze and truly bond over activities you both enjoy. So for your next date, think beyond the bar scene and try these ideas.
Outdoor Activities
Nature makes a great backdrop for romance. Head to a scenic park or botanical gardens and take a relaxing stroll while chatting and appreciating your surroundings. Other active outdoor date concepts include hiking, biking, kayaking, beach trips, or even just walking around a cool new neighborhood and exploring.
Cultural Attractions
Immerse yourselves in arts, culture, science and history by visiting museums, observatories, zoos, aquariums or galleries. Interactive exhibits and shows make for amusing date adventures. Cooking classes, local markets, and festivals also present opportunities to bond.
Game Night
Have some friendly competition with game-centered dates! Test your skills at mini golf, bowling, darts, billiards, or the arcade. Board game cafes are also popular spots for everything from chess to Jenga. Getting playful together is a surefire way to break the ice.
Learn a New Skill
Pick an activity you’ve always wanted to try and learn together. Pottery painting, dance lessons, martial arts classes, improv comedy, or magic workshops make for unusual, engaging date activities you can laugh through together.
Foodie Fun
Eating out is common for dates, but now you can skip the wine list. Try a new cuisine you’ve both been wanting to sample, or visit an eatery with entertainment like comedy clubs, jazz bars or fondue/hot pot spots. Going on a lunch or brunch date is also a nice change of pace.
Lights Down Low
You don’t need alcohol to set the mood. Candlelit restaurants, scenic lookout points, planetariums, concerts, or cozy coffee shops all make for romantic ambiance. End your evenings with dessert and a lakeside or rooftop stroll under the stars.
Spontaneous Fun
Don’t overplan and let the date flow where your mutual curiosity takes you. Ride public transportation and get off at an interesting neighborhood. Follow your noses to a new bakery. Pop into oddball stores and see what treasures you uncover. Wander new streets and admire architecture and scenery. Or just find a quiet bench to sit and people watch.
Sometimes the best dates come together organically. So next time you go out, leave room for adventure.
The Most Important Ingredient
At the end of the day, a date’s success has little to do with what you do or don’t imbibe. It’s about the company and enjoying new experiences together. With the right person even everyday moments become special. So pick any activity that excites you both – the rest will fall into place.
FAQs:
What if my date assumes we’ll be drinking?
Politely share that you’d prefer to do a non-drinking activity and make a different suggestion. Most decent people will have no problem accommodating this.
Do I need to explain why I don’t drink?
You have no obligation to disclose your reasons. A simple “I don’t drink” suffices if your date asks. If you want to open up later about sobriety, you can. But don’t feel pressured.
What if the other person drinks during our date?
That’s their prerogative, but they should be considerate and not order alcohol excessively. As long as they still engage with you, it shouldn’t be an issue. If their drinking makes you uncomfortable, reconsider seeing them again.
Where can I find good ideas for sober date activities?
Local event listings, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Groupon, Eventbrite, and Reddit are all great resources. Or chat with friends and find out what they enjoy doing on dates that doesn’t center on drinking.
How do I discreetly order a nonalcoholic drink?
If you’re self-conscious about ordering something like a seltzer or mocktail, simply ask the server for a fun drink recommendation. Most bartenders are happy to whip up flavorful non-alcoholic beverages. You can also research options beforehand.
