50 Things to Do That Don’t Involve Drinking
Who actually has hobbies anymore? Like consistent activities you do just for the fun of it? (Side hustles/businesses don’t count.) If you have one, that is impressive—and please leave it in the comments, so I can try it out!
Because I seriously need a hobby. As of now, I work all day and come home to work more at night (freelance life, amirite?). OR, more realistically, I binge on that month’s Real Housewives franchise till it’s time to go to bed.
Chances are, you also go to work, go home, cook (or don’t), shower, then watch some TV (or read if you’re better than everyone else). Wash, rinse, repeat… until the weekend, when maybe you do something exciting, but not exactly a hobby.
But let’s be honest — not having a hobby really doesn’t make for good conversation in the dating world.
Now some may argue that going out to happy hour or wine night can be considered a hobby. (At least that’s what I’ve listed in my tinder bio.) Trust me, I’m the site leader of that camp. But during August, I decided to stop drinking (ya girl is trying to look good for Labor Day weekend)… and let me tell you, I’M BORED.
Fortunately, Tampa is brimming with affordable things to do every day that don’t involve drinking. And thanks to my Thursday Instagram polls, I became aware of all the sober fun to be had.
For instance, the other weekend, I decided to get out and try some affordable kayaking at USF Riverfront Park. One of my friends attends grad school there, so it was only $5 for 2 hours. Even if you don’t have the hookup, Lettuce Lake Park is right next door and offers kayaking on the Hillsborough River for $25 for 4 hours.
It was honestly an amazing experience, and coming back was much easier than going.
Hobbies List
So, if you’re anything like me, and never know what to do other than going out to eat, drink, or spend money, here are some other fun things to do that don’t involve drinking.
Disclaimer: These may not all be “hobbies” per se, but they are still ways to spend your leisure time (which is technically the definition). And if you do them regularly enough, then I suppose you could say they are.
Creative hobbies:
Pottery
Painting (not with a twist)
Candle Making
Cross-stitching
Knitting or crocheting
Calligraphy or Hand Lettering
Woodworking
Drawing
Coloring (we all remember the adult coloring book era)
Reading
Journaling
Selfie Studios (or photoshoots in general)
Puzzles
Fun Outdoor Activities/Active Hobbies
The cutest and most affordable picnic in Tampa by Picture Perfect Picnic Co. (Black-owned as well!)
Hiking (more like just walking in Florida)
Kayaking or Canoeing
Rock Climbing
Picnics
Biking
Scootering
Swimming (at the beach, pool, lake, creek, river, etc.)
Tubing
Surfing
Skateboarding
Rollerskating/blading
Ice skating
Curling (this one’s for you, Ethan)
Boating
Gardening
This is very niche to Tampa, but visiting Epperson Lagoon
Game hobbies since y’all like to play so much
Mini Golf
Top Golf
Go-karting
Arcading (we stan GameTime in this house —previously GameWorks)
Bowling (a personal fave)
Karaoke
Indoor Trampoline Parks
Axe Throwing
Escape Rooms
Laser Tag
Billiards or Darts (okay, okay, these feel like games you play exclusively at a bar, but you don’t have to drink)
Video games
Chess
Miscellaneous Activities
Thrifting, Antiquing, Yard Sale hopping
Baking or cooking
Strolling morning markets
Is working out a hobby?
Alright, I know what you’re thinking… “What about working out/going to the gym? Doesn’t that count?”
Well, does working out count as a hobby? I’m not so sure about that. Of course, it can be considered one, especially for bodybuilders and people of that nature.
But working out is something you kind of have to do for your physical (and mental) health. To an extent, it’s like eating vegetables, drinking water, and maintaining good hygiene. So, I wouldn’t consider it one for all situations.
Of course, I couldn’t make an exhaustive hobbies list of everything you can do with your free time, but this should offer a little inspiration to get you started.