35 Activities to do That Don’t Involve Alcohol

Weekends are a great time to relax and unwind after a busy workweek. While some people may choose to spend their weekends drinking alcohol and partying, there are plenty of other activities that you can do that are fun, healthy, and don’t involve drinking. Here are some great ideas for activities to do on the weekend that don’t involve alcohol.

1. Get Active Outdoors

One of the best ways to spend your weekends is by getting outside and getting active. There are so many fun activities you can do, such as hiking, cycling, swimming, or playing sports like soccer, basketball or tennis. Not only is getting active great for your physical health, but it can also boost your mood and help you clear your mind.

A couple more ideas for outdoor activities that don’t involve alcohol:

1. Rock climbing: Rock climbing can be a challenging and rewarding activity that can be enjoyed by both beginners and experienced climbers. Climbing gyms and outdoor climbing areas offer a variety of routes to suit all levels of skill and experience.
2. Kayaking or canoeing: Kayaking or canoeing can be a great way to enjoy the water and explore local lakes and rivers. These activities can be enjoyed by both beginners and experienced paddlers, and can be a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the scenery.
3. Beach activities: Spending a day at the beach can be a great way to relax and have fun. Activities such as swimming, playing beach volleyball, and building sandcastles can be enjoyed by all ages.
4. Outdoor yoga or meditation: Practicing yoga or meditation in the great outdoors can be a great way to connect with nature and improve your physical and mental well-being.
5. Picnic in the park: Grab a blanket, some snacks, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the park. You can bring along a book, a frisbee, or just enjoy the company of friends or family.
6. Farmer’s market or outdoor festival: Check out a local farmer’s market or outdoor festival to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of your community.

2. Try a New Hobby

Weekends are a great time to explore new interests and hobbies. Whether it’s painting, knitting, or learning a new language, there are plenty of options to choose from. Trying something new can be a fun and rewarding experience, and you might even discover a new passion.

Try one of these new hobbies in place of drinking this weekend:

1. Exercise: Regular exercise can help improve your mood, reduce stress, and boost your overall health. Consider taking up a new form of exercise, such as running, yoga, or weightlifting.
2. Cooking or baking: Cooking or baking can be a great way to unwind and focus on a creative task. You can experiment with new recipes or challenge yourself to master a particular cuisine.
3. Art or music: Painting, drawing, playing an instrument, or singing can be great ways to express yourself creatively and relieve stress.
4. Reading: Reading can be a great way to escape into a different world and expand your knowledge. Consider joining a book club or starting your own reading list.
5. Learning a new skill: Learning a new skill, such as coding or woodworking can be a great way to challenge yourself and boost your confidence.
6. Travel: Traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures can be a great way to broaden your perspective and make lasting memories.

3. Host a Game Night

Hosting a game night with friends or family can be a fun way to spend your weekends. You can play board games, card games, or even video games. It’s a great way to socialize and spend quality time with loved ones. Of course the choice depends on your personal preferences and the size of your group. Here are some popular games that are loved by many:

1. Party games: Games such as Cards Against Humanity, Apples to Apples, and Taboo can be great choices for game night. These games are easy to learn, encourage laughter and conversation, and can accommodate larger groups.
2. Strategy games: Games such as Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Risk can be great choices for game night if you’re looking for a more strategic game. These games require careful planning and critical thinking, and can be enjoyed by both casual and experienced gamers.
3. Cooperative games: Games such as Pandemic, Forbidden Island, and Hanabi can be great choices for game night if you’re looking for a collaborative experience. These games require players to work together to achieve a common goal, which can be a great way to build teamwork skills and strengthen relationships.
4. Trivia games: Games such as Trivial Pursuit, Jeopardy!, and Wits & Wagers can be great choices for game night if you’re looking to test your knowledge and have some friendly competition. These games can be enjoyed by trivia enthusiasts and casual players alike.
5. Classic games: Games such as Scrabble, Monopoly, and Chess can be great choices for game night if you’re looking for a nostalgic and familiar experience. These games have been enjoyed for generations and can be a great way to spend time with friends and family.

4. Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and make a difference in the world. There are plenty of organizations that could use your help, whether it’s volunteering at a local animal shelter, helping out at a soup kitchen, or participating in a beach cleanup. Not only is volunteering rewarding, but it can also be a great way to meet new people and make new friends.

Here are some additional reasons why volunteering could help with distracting away from drinking, and maintaining sobriety:

1. Provides a sense of purpose: Volunteering can give individuals a sense of purpose and meaning, which is particularly important for those in recovery who may feel lost or directionless. It can give them something to focus on and help them feel that they are making a positive contribution to society.
2. Builds self-esteem and confidence: Volunteering can help individuals build their self-esteem and confidence. By engaging in meaningful work and making a difference in the lives of others, they can feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in their abilities.
3. Offers a sense of connection: Volunteering can provide opportunities for individuals to connect with others who share similar interests and values. This can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common among those struggling with addiction.
4. Reduces stress and anxiety: Volunteering can be a therapeutic and stress-reducing activity. It can provide a sense of relaxation and fulfillment, and distract individuals from their worries and concerns.
5. Helps with sobriety maintenance: Volunteering can be a positive coping mechanism for those in recovery. It can help them avoid triggers and maintain their sobriety by providing an alternative activity to drinking.
6. Provides structure and routine: Volunteering can help individuals establish a routine and structure in their lives, which is important for those in recovery. It can provide a sense of stability and predictability that can be beneficial for maintaining sobriety.

5. Visit a Museum or Art Gallery

Visiting a museum or art gallery can be a great way to spend your weekends, especially if you’re interested in history, art, or culture. You can spend hours exploring the exhibits and learning new things, and many museums offer guided tours or special events that you can participate in.

Here are some benefits of immersing yourself in art:

1. It can stimulate your creativity: Art has the ability to inspire and spark creativity in individuals. Being exposed to different art styles and mediums can help you develop new ideas and perspectives, and may even inspire you to create your own art.
2. It can reduce stress and anxiety: Viewing art can be a calming and relaxing experience, and can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Studies have shown that people who visit art galleries and museums report feeling less stressed and more relaxed.
3. It can boost your mood: Art has the power to evoke emotions and can have a positive impact on your mood. Viewing art that you find beautiful, inspiring or thought-provoking can uplift your spirits and leave you feeling more positive.
4. It can improve your cognitive function: Engaging with art can improve cognitive function and critical thinking skills. Looking at art requires observation, analysis, and interpretation, which can help improve your cognitive abilities.
5. It can be a social activity: Visiting an art gallery with friends or family can be a fun and social activity that doesn’t involve drinking alcohol. You can discuss the art together and share your thoughts and opinions, which can lead to engaging and meaningful conversations.
6. It can provide a cultural experience: Visiting an art gallery can expose you to different cultures and histories, and can provide an opportunity to learn something new. This can expand your knowledge and understanding of the world around you.

6. Have a Movie or TV Marathon

Sometimes, all you want to do on the weekend is relax and unwind. Having a movie or TV marathon can be a great way to do just that. You can binge-watch your favorite shows or catch up on movies you’ve been wanting to see. Just make sure to take breaks and get up and move around every once in a while.

Here are some good movie suggestions by genre:

1. Comedy: The Hangover (2009), Bridesmaids (2011), and Superbad (2007)

2. Action: Die Hard (1988), The Matrix (1999), and Mission: Impossible — Fallout (2018)

3. Drama: The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Forrest Gump (1994), and A Star is Born (2018)

4. Horror: The Shining (1980), The Exorcist (1973), and Get Out (2017)

5. Romantic: Casablanca (1942), newer hits like The Notebook (2004), or comedies like Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

6. Sci-Fi: Blade Runner (1982), The Martian (2015), and Inception (2010)

In conclusion, there are plenty of fun and engaging activities you can do on the weekend that don’t involve drinking alcohol. Whether it’s getting active outdoors, trying a new hobby, or volunteering, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re planning your weekend, consider trying something new and enjoying all the great experiences that life has to offer.