New York City, the city that never sleeps, practically screams “drink here.”
But what if you want to save some cash or avoid a wicked hangover while still doing something incredibly fun and social?
I know, I know. It's possible to have sober fun in NYC. More than that, it’s pretty easy. Check out our best suggestions for an alcohol-free good time!
1. Kick it With Your Crew
Remember in middle school when you played kickball and it was the best game ever? Or were you more a dodgeball person—in which case you kinda like picking on other kids or getting your aggression out.
Either way, ZOG sports has plenty of options for you and your squad. Think softball, ultimate frisbee, the aforementioned kickball and dodgeball, and more.
2. Get Interrogated... in a Comfortable Way
There are hundreds of trivia nights for you to test your knowledge in the city.
While a bar tab is sometimes the prize for the winning team, you can always gift it to someone else or use it on soda. Save your brain cells so you can keep winning.
3. Serenade your Honey or your Friends
There is nothing more empowering than singing in front of a crowd. All eyes are on you, you’ve got everyone’s attention, and once you’re through the song, even if you butchered it, everyone will cheer for you anyway.
Think Sid Gold’s for a chance celeb encounter, Arlene’s Grocery to live out your rockstar fantasy singing with a real band, or Baby Grand if you’re going for a crooner with a piano vibe. Either way, your voice will sound better sans liquor.
4. Play a Game IRL
As a kid, playing board games was some of the most fun you could have with friends. Sure, you never knew the real rules to Monopoly, and probably still don’t, but that didn’t make it any less fun to play.
Make up the rules as you go while sipping coffee or tea at The Uncommons. And if video games were more your thing, here are a few places to play video games that aren’t Dave & Buster’s.
5. Strike Out in Style
I’ve never been one to think of bowling as lame, though I know there are some who do. But have you ever been to Bowlmor?
It’s a whole new world of bowling. They have locations in Times Square and Chelsea Piers, and each has its admirable qualities. Times Square has lanes catered to different boroughs like Chinatown, and even Coney Island (complete with boardwalk games), along with an impressive food menu and Chelsea Piers has a mini ropes course, laser tag, and is in Chelsea Piers!
6. Skate After Dark
So full disclosure, I’ve always been more of an ice skating girl, and the first time I went to Dreamland Roller Rink in Prospect Park, I nearly wiped out about every two minutes, but it was totally worth it.
They’ve got themed nights, like Britney vs. Madonna—the one I went to—Taylor Swift vs. Katy Perry and more. So dress up, look dumb, and embrace the occasional fall on your butt.
7. Sleep No More in the City That Never Sleeps
Immersive and experiential is the name of the game now. And Sleep No More has been killing that game.
If you’ve never heard of it before, Sleep No More is an immersive theatrical experience in which you walk through rooms at the McKittrick Hotel following a Shakespearean storyline while being sucked into the magic. So basically, you’re a part of the show.
8. Laugh Your Butt Off
Laughter is the best medicine, right? Laugh until you cry at Comedy Cellar, UCB, The Pit, to name a few. While most clubs do have drink minimums, non-alcoholic beverages are included.
For those who really love comedy, West Village clubs are a frequent hotspot for celeb visits and appearances.
So if you aren't much of a drinker, we hope this list was helpful to you. If you're looking for more stuff to do this month, take a gander at our monthly guide.