Whether you're taking part in Dry January or looking to lower your alcohol consumption for a healthier version of you, check out our article for fun and affordable activities that don't involve drinking.
Gone are the days when you had to drink alcohol to have fun. Whether you’re having a go at dry January, looking for healthier ways to unwind, or simply don’t drink, we’ve got you covered. Read on for various budget-friendly activities that don’t require raising a glass.
Affordable Days In
Enjoy a Mocktail Making Night
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If you’re looking for one of the best alcohol-free activities that is as fun as going out for cocktails, it’s making mocktails. Get your friends together and have a go at mixing some non-alcoholic drinks.
Not only is this just as enjoyable as sipping a cocktail, but it’s more affordable too. Instead of going out and paying for a mocktail each, have each person choose a mocktail to make for everyone, so that you’re getting more, for less.
Check out the mocktail section in our article on Date Nights on a Budget for some great mocktail recipes.
Create or Join a Book Club
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For those who love to read, this one is for you. If you’ve got some friends who love to buy books on a budget as much as you, then create your very own book club. Randomly choose a book to read each month and hold monthly book meetings where you can discuss your thoughts.
A handy tip: assign a theme or genre for each month of the year. Have everyone suggest at least one book that fits this. Before the first day of the month, draw your monthly book out of a hat so it’s random. Enjoy!
Alternatively, scout out local book clubs near you and become a part of one instead. You’re sure to find like-minded people who also love to take part in alcohol-free activities too.
Have a Date Night
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If you and your partner are looking for alcohol-free activities to do together, then why not opt for an affordable date night on a budget? From a romantic walk in the park or reading a book together, to exercising, having a dance party for two, and more, you’re sure to enjoy each other’s company, without a single bottle of wine in sight.
Host a Games Night
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It’s time to brush up on your strategic skills with a family or friend game night. Have each person bring a game, and work your way through them. From Cluedo and Monopoly to the Fish Bowl Game, Heads Up, Charades, and more, you’ll be so busy having a laugh that won’t even realise you’re not drinking.
Cook a BBQ
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Whatever the weather, everyone loves a good barbeque. If you know how to make BBQs on a Budget, then you’re sure to enjoy it even more.
If you usually pair your BBQ goods with traditional beers, why not opt for a non-alcoholic beer instead? You can find a variety of affordable, 0% beers at the likes of Tesco, Morrisons, ASDA, and Sainsbury’s.
Host a Netflix Marathon
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As long as you know how to save money on video streaming services, you’re good to go. Invite some friends around, stock up on some movie night essentials like popcorn and sweets, and get settled.
Whether it’s a movie or series, you could even make this a regular thing by taking turns to host a monthly movie night at each person’s home. Why not take it up a notch by discussing your thoughts on the movie afterwards?
When played in moderation, video games can be a great way to unwind after a long day that’ll make you forget to reach for a glass of wine.
Read a Poetry Anthology
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For those who love to read and discover new pieces of writing, why not get your friends together and read a poetry anthology? Each week, fortnight, or month, choose a poem from your favourite anthology to read and discuss. Bring a mocktail to sip on while you do.
Alternatively, see if there are any poetry readings close by and take a trip with a friend.
Make Your Own Candles
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Have a go at getting your hands dirty with candle making. There are loads of candle-making kits available on the market, ranging from affordable options for one to more expensive options where the cost can be split between friends.
Cook a Three-Course Meal
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If you’ve got a few friends or couple-friends, get together and cook a three-course meal. Assign each course to an individual or a pair, or pick them out of a hat.
For those who aren’t confident cooks, fear not. Check out our handy article where you can find the best supermarket dine-in deals.
Affordable Days Out
Enjoy a Free Day out in the UK
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Get outside and enjoy the sunshine with friends and family. Whether that’s going on a hike, visiting local attractions, or a free day out, it’s sure to put a smile on your face.
If you’ve got a furry friend who loves nothing more than the outdoors, then don’t miss our handy article on free & affordable days out with your dog so your fur babies can get in on the action too.
There’s nothing more relaxing and glamorous than a trip to the spa. Make sure that your bank account can relax too when you check our article onhow you can save money on your next spa day.
Alternatively, if a trip to the spa is too costly, opt for an at-home pamper night. You simply can’t go wrong, and it’s affordable too.
Outdoor Cinema
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Try something new and visit a nearby outdoor cinema for the ultimate cinematic experience. If you’re going in the winter, be sure to wrap up warm with an affordable winter coat, and if it’s the summer, make sure you’ve got the perfect pair of affordable sunglasses, and you’ll be good to go.
Ditch the booze with the girls and have a girly day out. Whether it’s a luxurious spa day for less, a trip to the local zoo, or something a little more creative, be sure to check out our article on the Top 10 Girl’s Day Out Ideas that don’t require splashing the cash to have fun.
Visit a Museum
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Whether you’re looking to learn something new or just fancy walking around a beautiful space, you can never go wrong with a museum visit.
If you’re worried about the cost, according to the Oxford Royale, ‘Since 2001, entry to more than 50 British national museums has been free,’ so you’ll be able to indulge in as much of the museum as you like, free of charge.
Watch a Theatre Show
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As long as you know how to score cheap theatre tickets, there’s nothing better to put a smile on your face than going to the theatre. Whether you go every year or it’s your first time, it’s something you can certainly enjoy without a glass of something in your hand.
Alcohol-Free Drinks
Whether you’re looking for a new, fun beverage to sip on at your next alcohol-free activity, or you’re just after a healthier alternative to your favourite alcoholic drink, we’ve got you covered.
Non-Alcoholic Beers & Ciders
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If you’re after non-alcoholic beers, don’t miss out on the following:
I’m Layla, the home and garden editor, and I started working at MyVoucherCodes in November 2022. I have always loved to write, especially after getting my degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, and since getting my own place, I’ve gotten stuck into all things home and garden.
When I’m not writing about saving money on homely purchases, I’m either sitting with my head in a new book, painting a piece of art for my walls, or binge-watching an interior design programme on Netflix. I love to get inspiration and transform my space, usually with the help of a few Pinterest boards and a couple of tins of paint.
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