Eliminating alcohol from a date certainly doesn't eliminate the fun. There are plenty of sober date ideas out there that are actually way more enjoyable than simply going out for a drink. Whether you're sober, trying to cut back on booze, or planning a date with someone who doesn't drink, these ideas are sure to be an incredible time, all without alcohol.
Try a Unique Coffee Shop
Having a great conversation over a beverage is always a fun date, just make it a coffee drink instead of a cocktail. Plan an afternoon date and visit a unique coffee shop or pick an interesting dessert spot where you can have something sweet along with your coffee. You can also suggest your favorite coffee spot, especially if it has a cool vibe and your date's never been there.
Depending on where you live, your local coffee shops might stay open a lot later than you think. My favorite coffee shop closes at 11 pm, which is perfect for an after-dinner coffee date.
Head to an Arcade
Let your inner child out with a sober date at the arcade. Grab plenty of quarters beforehand then drum up some friendly competition by naming a prize for the person who wins the most games.
Take a Group Fitness Class
Alcohol and exercise do not mix, which is why fitness is an awesome non-drinking date idea. Sign up for a yoga class, HIIT, cycling, dance, or any other group class that sounds fun. End the date with a smoothie or donut to discuss your favorite (and least favorite) part of class.
Attend a Comedy Show
Get some laughs in with a comedy show. Just know that a lot of comedy clubs have a two-drink minimum, so you'll probably need to order two sodas, mocktails, or NA beers.
Make Mocktails Together
Speaking of mocktails, why not make some of your own together? Pick out a few recipes, get all the fixings, and then have a mocktail-tasting night.
Have a mocktail competition where you each bring your own ingredients and see which one tastes better!
Go See a Movie With Lots of Plot Twists
Movie dates are a classic choice, but they're especially fun while sober. Choosing a feature that's more involved or complex sans alcohol means you can follow all the twists and turns. You don’t have to worry about having to leave the theater mid-movie to use the bathroom, plus you can drive home! Use the money you saved on booze to splurge at the candy counter.
Browse at the Bookstore
The perfect date for literary lovers is a walk through the bookstore. It’s also an ideal location to learn about what your date likes reading and gain more insight into their personality. Have a little fun with this kind of date by choosing a book for each other by the end of the date, then plan another one where you can discuss.
Stroll Through Local Gardens
Local botanical gardens are a gorgeous place for a sober date. Wander around the grounds in the afternoon to marvel at all the flora or plan a magical evening date if they’re open after dark.
Rent Stand-Up Paddleboards
Doing something involving water sports is always a great bet for a date because it’ll bring on the laughs and give you a chance to do something adventurous together. Head to the nearest beach, lake, or harbor to rent paddle boards. Even if you fall off or never stand up on the board, you’ll have loads of fun.
If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can try stand-up paddleboard yoga. Yes, it’s a thing!
More Sober Date Ideas to Try
Even though some people associate booze with dating, that doesn’t have to be the case. Suggest these sober date ideas the next time you meet someone new or want to plan a fun date night with your spouse.
- Go for a hike together.
- Go indoor rock climbing.
- Cook dinner together.
- Fly a kite.
- Cruise the farmer’s market.
- Go roller skating.
- Have a picnic.
- Host a game night.
- Do a puzzle.
- Go out for ice cream.
- Go out dancing.
- Head to the amusement park.
- Check out an art gallery.
- Stargaze.
- Split a shake at a diner.
- Go antiquing.
- Go to the zoo.
- Check out a museum.
- Plan a spa day for a relaxing date.
- Play mini golf.
- Try an escape room.
- Have your palms read.
- Volunteer together.
- Try horseback riding
- Take a pottery class.
- Go to a local sports game.
Dates Don't Need to Involve Alcohol
Just because a date doesn’t involve alcohol doesn’t mean it's going to be boring. In fact, it’s the complete opposite. When you meet someone for a non-drinking date, you can rest easy knowing you’re not going to blurt out something embarrassing as a result of being tipsy. You can also feel awake and clear-headed the entire time and even drive yourself home. Try out a sober date idea next time you want to have a great time. You definitely won’t be disappointed.
