Sober Date Ideas: 9 Great Dates That Are Fun and Alcohol-Free

Dating in the modern world is hard enough. 

Online dating. Catfishing. Busier-than-ever lives. Varied expectations. Divorce and re-entering the dating scene later in life.

Sobriety doesn’t have to make dating harder — instead, it can make it easier to get to know the person you are dating when you have a clear mind. 

We are going to walk you through the whys and hows of sober dating and offer nine specific, fun sober date night ideas you can plan without alcohol or substances.

Table of Contents

• Is Dating Sober Hard?
• What Can You Do for a Sober Date?
• 9 of the Best Sober Date Ideas
• Dove Recovery: Alcohol Addiction Treatment To Help You Stay On the Path of Sobriety

Being sober doesn’t have to make dating any harder. However, it may require some adjustments to routines, patterns, and hangout spots if sobriety is a new thing in your life. You hope that through sober dating, you’ll quickly see the benefits of getting to know the person behind the substances and being more present in your dating life — and life in general. 

There are many benefits to dating sober, including:

• Being more present with your date.
• Remembering what happens clearly.
• Getting to know a person’s true personality, not that of the alcohol they are consuming.
• Enjoying hobbies and trying new activities on dates.
• Improving your health and getting more active. 
• Putting your best foot forward and not allowing alcohol or other substances tell the story of who you are.

Here at Dove Recovery, we know that getting sober and staying the course can require professional support. If you need help, we are here for you. 

The stigma around alcoholism is changing. We understand the ins and outs of the disease, and most importantly, we provide proven step-by-step support to achieve and maintain sobriety. If you are seeking to free yourself from addiction, you do not have to do it alone. Contact us for more information.

There are so many cool things you can do on a sober date — the sky's the limit. Without alcohol clouding your judgment and limiting your physical abilities, you can do nearly anything you can think of. After reading this list, we bet you’ll be able to think of nine more sober date ideas that will work even better alcohol-free.

#1: Take a Hike

Reconnecting with yourself and your special someone in nature is a great way to get exercise together while enjoying deep conversation or the sounds of silence. This low-pressure date idea is great for new or established couples and can also be a fun double date activity.

#2: Volunteer Together

Do some good for your community while enjoying each other's company. Volunteer at a local food bank, community garden, or home building and repair project serving those in need. It can help build mutual respect to get involved in giving back with your special someone.

#3: Paint Pottery

Get creative and try something new with a keepsake you can take home and enjoy forever. You can work on one piece together or each work on your own piece while talking and laughing the evening away. 

#4: Stroll Through a Museum

Take a stroll through a local or nearby museum. Go somewhere new together or take turns picking out your favorite museums and sharing them with each other. Many museums are accessible for free through your local library or on certain days of the week for local residents. Check out the options in your community online.

#5: Go on a Picnic

Pack a picnic to enjoy together in a local park. This is a great date idea to combine with the previous suggestion. Enjoy a stroll through a museum and the park before sitting down to enjoy your picnic. Show your attention to detail by bringing favorite foods and snacks.

#6: Hit Up a Comedy Club

Get your laugh on! Go see a comedian at a local comedy club. Enjoy mocktails while laughing and connecting with your special someone. Laughing together may form lasting memories and help facilitate a closer bond. 

#7: Visit the Zoo

Head to the nearest zoo with your date, and enjoy seeing all the animals while taking a leisurely stroll. This is a particularly great idea for introverts dating someone new as there will be so much to discuss with all the animals you see. 

#8: Sign Up for Dance Lessons

Pick a style of dance you think you would enjoy learning, and try out lessons together. Enjoy laughing and connecting as you practice and fumble over the steps. Being silly and vulnerable together may increase closeness. 

#9: Go Bowling

When was the last time you went bowling? Give it a try, keep it friendly, and have some fun! This can be a great double date idea as well — no alcohol is needed. 

Sober dating doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it can be a lot of fun. 

However, taking the first steps to get sober can sometimes be hard. Knowing you don’t have to face it alone can help. 

If you need professional support to get on the path of sobriety, you need Dove Recovery. We offer alcohol rehab in Columbus, OH, through unique programs and support to get your life back on track. Our programs are compassionate and evidence-based. Call us today for a consultation on our inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, designed with busy professionals in mind. 

We hope that Dove Recovery will be your last call to find the professional help you need and deserve. Don’t let alcohol or substance use hold you back from living your best life any longer.