Sober Date Ideas That Are Way More Fun Than Grabbing a Drink
“How about we grab a drink?” might be the default date idea, but if you’re sober or sober-curious, it’s also the worst one. Maybe you’re just taking a break, maybe you’re fully abstaining, but no matter your motivation, there are plenty of more creative date options out there for anyone looking to keep things spirited without the spirits. Many of today’s dating apps even let you indicate whether you drink or not, which is helpful when looking for matches with similar preferences or like minds. Try out these drinks-free date ideas for a more interesting evening (or morning or afternoon) the next time you're meeting up with a new match.
Go roller skating
Roller skating nights are the throwback date we’re never afraid to revisit. Dance to disco, make a fool of yourself when you slip up, and cozy up to your crush while improving each others’ balance: What’s not to like? If your date’s tastes skew a bit edgier, a roller derby night might be an even better way to go. Think full-contact skating, with a raucous energy that’s still normally very accommodating of sober fans. Either way, skating rinks are an easy way to get clean fun and skip the awkward pretense while picking up a skill you didn’t know you needed.
Visit a botanical garden
Botanical gardens are the grown-up, fancy versions of your standard city parks. But with fewer crowds, even more lush ecosystems, and the chance to learn a thing or two about nature, it’s one of the best places to get to know someone. Many cities host jazz nights, outdoor theatrical performances, or other cultural events in their botanical gardens, making them a worthwhile destination for both day- and nighttime get-togethers. If your date is a true plant nerd, schedule the date for when the garden’s staff offers classes or tours of seasonal highlights, so they can geek out over the plants in bloom and get the full rundown on what’s growing. Their green thumb will thank you, even if they only use it to scroll through PlantTok.
Volunteer for a good cause
Acts of service bring us all closer together. Wherever you live, keep an eye out for opportunities to bond with your potential boo while participating in park cleanups, walking shelter dogs, or reading to kids at the local library. You'll have done some good work you can both feel positive about, and you might even figure out their love language in the process.
Take in some art
Get some cultural enrichment in while you flirt by meeting at a museum. Picking up a bit of knowledge is always a good idea, and you can impress your date by reciting information that you read off a placard 30 seconds ago. If you're especially an art aficionado, make sure to mention your interest, or a favorite artist or two, on your dating profile to show other art lovers that you're open to touring galleries.
Get your sweat on
If you want to make a seriously strong impression on a date, try taking a workout class or physical activity. Signing up for a fitness class is an incredible way to get to know your partner: Are they game for pushing their limits or are they going to complain every step of the way? Putting yourselves in a challenging situation is half the fun, so embrace the sexy sweat glisten and water breaks. Afterwards, you can commiserate over your sore bodies.
Pitch a picnic
It’s time to get creative. The perfect picnic is a finely balanced mix of the right foods, drinks, setting, and atmosphere. To really impress, bring in some homemade snacks to enjoy — nothing is hotter than well-packed tupperware. Then it’s up to you to set the vibe: music or no music? Stay in one place, or explore different areas of the park? If you keep the date going long enough (and you’ve picked the right setting), then it’s an easy transition into one of the most romantic date activities: stargazing.
Show off at trivia night
Ok, so most trivia nights are held at bars. If that doesn’t bother you, then great! (This environment can also make things easier if one of you would rather stay sober and the other prefers to drink.) But you can also find trivia nights at comedy clubs, theaters, and other venues that don’t mind if you’re just there to flex your knowledge. For even more fun—and a chance to introduce them to your friends—make it a double-date, so you can all sync up your skills as a group.