Going on a date sober seems like it can be so simple but if you have been used to living life with drugs and alcohol it can be really overwhelming. Living life sober is a hard decision to make and it’s even more difficult when you are trying to plan a fun date night. A date doesn’t have to include alcohol or drugs and for most individuals it doesn’t. Having the opportunity to do something outside of your comfort zone or something relaxing with someone you enjoy being around is what makes the date fun at the end of the day. The benefits of being sober allow you to genuinely connect and get to know each other on a deeper level. So what does dating sober look like? There are plenty of options if you use your imagination and some creativity!

Whether you engage in a date on a weekly basis or less/more often, here is a list that will help you with some fun new ideas:

Movie and Dinner

Get out of the house and check out a new movie. This can be inexpensive depending on the movie and restaurant you pick. Check out local theaters to find new movies. When going to a restaurant you may feel uncomfortable when asked what you would like to drink. This doesn’t have to be challenging; a simple “water please” is fine. This could be even more interesting if you plan to try a new cuisine that you may haven’t tried before. It can be a fun experience to try with each other while exploring new cultures.

Baking Night

Pick your favorite treat and bake together! Whether its cookies or cupcakes, this activity is something simple and fun allowing you to have some laughs while you’re learning more about each other.

Couples/Friends game night

Invite some of your friends or other couples over for some popcorn and fun! Board games can always provide some laughs and conversation. Whether it is monopoly or trivia it’s something that you can do together or with a group of people.

Roller Skating/Ice Skating

Now is the season for winter fun. Find a local ice skating rink or roller skating venue. Put on some skates, hold hands, and enjoy some fun being together. What makes this date even more perfect, when you finish the night with hot chocolate, after all it is the season!

Try something new

Take turns planning a date with your significant other. This will allow you to challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and learn something new that you may even end up enjoying. This can be a new restaurant or hobby (i.e. painting, photography, dancing, or maybe even a massage). Allow yourself to give someone else the ability to make the decision on what a date could include.

Go for a hike

There is nothing more relaxing and refreshing than being outdoors. Use this time to get to know each other. You can make it into a game, like “21 questions” or “2 truths and a lie”. When all you have is time and nature, you can learn a lot about each other.

Ice cream and/or coffee date

Depending on where you live, it’s pretty safe to say there is an ice cream parlor or coffee shop close by. This can be a short date or turn into a long, intimate setting where you learn more about each other. The best part is it can be inexpensive.

Go bowling

You may be surprised at how well you can engage in fun activities now that you have a clear mind. Go for a couple rounds and make it interesting where the winner buys coffee on your next date!

Visit a local fair or Amusement Park

Spend the day playing games, eating cotton candy, and enjoying some of your favorite childhood rides. This date can be a short trip or you can make it an entire day ending with some coffee or ice cream.

Miniature Golf

Miniature golf is the perfect setting for many reasons. First, miniature golf courses don’t sell alcohol or allow alcohol on-site, therefore no temptations present for this date night. Challenge yourself and your partner with a playful activity, and you can make it into a competitive game with a fun prize at the end of the game.

Netflix night

Plan a night where you can binge-watch some Netflix shows or movies. Make some popcorn and sit back and enjoy a relaxing night with just you and your date. This provides you the opportunity to spend an intimate night alone to get to know each other or have some laughs.

Comedy show

There is no better way to learn about someone than to engage in a comedy night. This will give you the chance to have fun and a carefree night with some laughs. Comedy shows can be interesting and informative to help identify common interests with someone you may be dating because it is extremely revealing of their personality.

These are just a few ideas for a fun date night but remember the possibilities are endless. Try to think out of the box and be creative! No matter how you approach dating after achieving sobriety, remember your sobriety is the most important. You have the ability to avoid stressful situations and toxic people, so do yourself a favor and take it slow. Think about the decisions you’re making and ask yourself if they will aid in your recovery process or hinder it. There is a chance at living a fun and healthy lifestyle if you’re open minded and willing.