Sober dating… something that would scare the hell out of me if I didn’t experience that it could be super fun.
While many traditional date ideas revolve around bars and cocktails, there’s a whole universe of exciting, creative, and meaningful activities that don’t require alcohol at all. Whether you’re embracing sobriety for personal reasons, supporting a partner, or simply looking for new ways to connect, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive into my list of 13 sober dating ideas that promise fun, adventure, and the chance to connect without the influence of a drink truly.
Get ready to rediscover the art of dating, one sober step at a time!
13 Sober Date Ideas
Hiking or nature walks
Put on your cutest workout fit and put your hiking shoes on. A walk is perfect for an early date because it allows you to be in a neutral public space while still having a sense of intimate connection. Take some nice snacks with you and go for a hike together! You can talk as little or as much as you want while enjoying nature together.
Zoo date
A zoo offers a laidback and relaxed atmosphere where you and your date can get to know each other better. With a variety of animals to see, you’ll never run out of things to talk about. Each enclosure presents an opportunity to share thoughts, ask questions, and discover common interests, keeping the conversation flowing naturally.
Stroll around the city (or take a guided city tour)
If you don’t live in the same city, invite your lover to yours for a special city tour. Show all the highlights of the town and share memories.
Mini Golf
A bit of action but also plenty of time to talk. And the opportunity to take a good look at your lover!
Breakfast date
I love breakfasts.. especially now I am up early since I got into sobriety. Go to a cute breakfast place and enjoy coffee, eggs, croissants, and whatnot together. There is something magical about going out for breakfast in the morning. How nice to spend it with your date.
Spa date
This might be a bit too intimate for a first date, but it can be incredibly fun and relaxing if you’re further along in your relationship. Go to a spa and get some massages, enjoy the sauna, and go swimming together.
Explore another city in your country together
Become a tourist in another city than your or your lover’s hometown.
Ice cream date
Go get an ice cream with your lover and take a stroll around the park or in your city. You can finally find out about the favorite ice cream of your sweetie, too.
Go Bowling
Bowling offers plenty of downtime between turns, providing opportunities for conversation and getting to know each other better. At the same time, bowling allows physical activity with social interaction, keeping the date dynamic and lively.
Go to an arcade
Arcades are filled with games that encourage playfulness and competition, making it easy to break the ice and enjoy each other’s company. Playing games together fosters interaction and teamwork, providing opportunities to cheer each other on, share laughs, and celebrate victories together!
Ice Skating
and you got a very good reason to hold hands, right?
Go to the movies at a boutique cinema
Have a coffee together before the movie starts at the cinema, pick your snacks and enjoy a film together. A little bit more intimate than a regular movie theater and mostly offers stylish and thoughtfully designed interiors that create a cozy and inviting environment.
Sunset while having a picnic
Plan a picnic or a drive as the sun begins to set, and then find a perfect spot to watch the sky transform into a kaleidoscope of colors. Whether you’re at the beach, on your back porch, or on the patio of your favorite dinner spot, the experience is wonderful as long as you’re together.
Benefits of sober dating
When you start dating sober, you will find that it feels a bit scary at first. After all, you don’t have something to suppress your feelings or a liquid to loosen yourself up a bit. But look on the bright side; you can be completely yourself and make a conscious decision about whether someone is a good fit for you or not.
I personally think this is a great advantage, at least this way you don’t waste time on someone who seemed nice on 1 night but doesn’t suit you at all.
