Are you tired of always going out with your friends and ending up drinking more than you intended to? Or maybe you're trying to cut back on alcohol altogether. Whatever the reason, finding activities to do with friends that don't involve drinking can be challenging. But fear not, there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do with your friends that don't involve alcohol. As a Millennial, I grew up having get togethers with friends that almost always involved alcohol. Learning to do things that didn’t involve alcohol and focusing our friendship on something else has truly changed the game for us. Especially because now we are more focused on wellness and doing things together that enrich our lives.

One option is to get active. Exercise can be a great way to bond with friends while also improving your health. You could try going for a hike, taking a yoga class together, or joining a recreational sports league. Not only will you be spending quality time with your friends, but you'll also be getting a workout in.

Another option is to get creative. There are plenty of arts and crafts activities that you can do with your friends. You could try painting, pottery, or even a cooking class. Not only will you have fun creating something together, but you'll also have a tangible reminder of your time spent together. And who knows, you may even discover a new hobby or passion. Here are some great activities that you can start trying with your friends:

Outdoor Activities

Hiking

Hiking is a great way to explore nature and get some exercise. You can find hiking trails in your local parks or nature reserves. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks for the journey. Hiking with friends can be a great way to catch up and enjoy the scenery together.

Beach Day

A day at the beach is a classic outdoor activity, especially here in Florida, that you can enjoy with your friends. You can bring a frisbee, beach ball, or other games to play in the sand. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, towels, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. You can also pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beach.

Camping

Camping is a great way to disconnect from technology and enjoy the great outdoors. You can rent a campsite or go backpacking to explore new areas. Make sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, and plenty of food and water. Camping with friends can be a great bonding experience and a chance to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Biking

Biking is a fun way to explore your local area and get some exercise. You can rent bikes or bring your own to explore new trails or bike paths. Make sure to wear a helmet and bring plenty of water for the journey. Biking with friends can be a great way to enjoy the scenery and catch up on each other's lives.

Indoor Activities

Game Night

Gather your friends and have a game night! You can play classic board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Risk, or try something new like Settlers of Catan or Ticket to Ride. If you prefer video games, try a multiplayer game like Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros, two of my favorites.

Movie Marathon

Choose a theme, grab some snacks, and settle in for a movie marathon with your friends. You can choose a genre like horror or comedy, or pick a series like Harry Potter or Star Wars. If you’re feeling extra creative, have your friends bring snacks that are in line with the theme of the movie.

Cooking Challenge

Have a cooking challenge with your friends! Choose a recipe, a cuisine, or an ingredient and see who can come up with the best dish. You can even make it a potluck and taste each other's creations.

Escape Room

Challenge your friends to an escape room! You'll work together to solve puzzles and escape the room before time runs out. It is such a fun activity and it helps you get to know your friends even more, especially under pressure.

Arts and Crafts

Get creative with your friends and do some arts and crafts! You can paint, draw, make jewelry, or even try your hand at pottery. I love having my friends over and we do a pizza and crafts party.

Fitness and Wellness

Take a fitness class together

Whether it's yoga, Pilates, or a dance class, taking a fitness class together is a fun way to get moving and try something new. Many studios offer group rates, so you can save money while getting fit.

Go for a hike

Hiking is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature while getting some exercise. Find a local trail and bring some snacks and water for a fun day out with friends.

Try a new sport

Have you always wanted to try rock climbing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding? Gather a group of friends and sign up for a lesson or rental. You'll have a blast trying something new together and seeing how some of you all fall trying.

Attend a wellness event

Many cities host wellness events like yoga festivals, health expos, and meditation workshops. Check your local events calendar and attend one with your friends for a fun and educational day out. If you are in Southwest Florida, check out Yoga Week.

Educational Activities

Visit a Museum or Art Gallery

Museums and art galleries are great places to learn about history, culture, and art. Many museums offer free admission or discounted rates for students, so it's worth checking out what's available in your area. You can also look for special exhibits or events that might be of interest to you and your friends. If you are in Florida, there are several museums you can try: The Dali Museum, the Perez Art Museum, the Ringling Museum.

Attend a Lecture or Workshop

Many universities and community centers offer lectures and workshops on a variety of topics, from science and technology to history and literature. Attending one of these events can be a great way to learn something new and engage in thoughtful discussions with your friends.

Take a Cooking Class

Cooking classes are a fun way to learn new recipes and techniques while spending time with friends. You can choose a class that focuses on a specific cuisine or cooking style, or opt for a more general class that covers basic cooking skills.

Participate in a Book Club

If you and your friends enjoy reading, consider starting a book club. You can choose a book to read each month and then meet up to discuss it. This is a great way to stay engaged with literature and have meaningful conversations with your friends.

What are your favorite activities to do with your friends? Share your thoughts with us in the comments or social media.