Now that it’s officially July, summer is at its peak! This means that pool parties, barbeques, and bar hopping with friends might be a weekly event for you. Which got me thinking, what are some ways I’m able to hang out with my friends that don’t always involve alcohol or going to a club/bar? I know for me, I don’t mind going out for a few drinks every once in a while, but I don’t like to involve alcohol every single time I see my friends. However, for many of us in our 20s, alcohol is often a common denominator when catching up with friends. So, I know how difficult it can be to find new ideas that don’t revolve around drinking. Therefore, today’s post is about how to catch up with a friend or friends without involving alcohol!
And if you are trying to watch your weight this summer, or simply limit your alcohol intake, this post was specifically made for you! But definitely check out this post as well on how to lose weight, without losing your social life! That post is very helpful for my fellow 20-somethings as well!
But with that, let’s get into today’s post!
1. Bring back game night
Now that it’s summer, game-night can be a blast either inside or outside! If you’re holding your game night (or game day if it’s in the afternoon? haha) outside, there are so many fun games you can add to your backyard! Such as cornhole or ladder golf. Or if you have a pool, host a pool party. Even if others are drinking, personally I’ll choose to drink a La Croix or add lemon to my water instead! If you choose to host a game night inside, there are tons of fun board games, card games, videogames, or even apps that you can download such as Heads Up, Catch Phrase, Would You Choose, etc.
In fact, my brother came over the other day and brought his Nintendo Switch which he has a game called Quiplash downloaded on it through Jackboxgames.com. Even if you don’t have a Nintendo Switch, you can download this game on several other devices such as a Playstation, Xbox, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and many others!
2. Workout together
This one may be common but I really do believe that having a workout partner makes such a big difference! Especially when it comes to motivation! And since it’s summer, I know many of us are still working to stay in shape and feel good and healthy from the inside out! Therefore, if you have a friend or several friends who are wanting to maintain their fitness and wellness routines, then ask them to join you for a walk, run, bike ride, HIIT workout, etc. Having people to help motivate and hold you accountable can really make working out more enjoyable and maintainable! Plus, it’s such a healthy way catch up with a friend without involving alcohol!
3. Visit a zoo
Zoos are always such fun in the summertime! Not to mention, when I go to the zoo, it always brings back a feeling of nostalgia. That feeling when you were young and used to go to the zoo in the summer with your friends and family! Why not recreate that and experience that happy, stress-free feeling as an adult?! In fact, there’s this new petting zoo that just opened up about 30 minutes away from my house that my friend and I are going to check out next week! Therefore, simply lookup any local petting zoos, farms, or even drive-thru zoos (yes that’s a thing haha!) around your area. You’re sure to find one!
4. Have a dinner + movie night
This one is so simple, but honestly one of my favorite things to do! As a homebody, I love having my friends over to make our own dinner (usually pizza!) and watch all of our old favorite movies! Plus, now that’s warmer outside and if you have enough space/equipment, you could have your movie night outside! I’ve seen this done with at-home projectors where you watch the movie on the side of your house or on a blanket. Or, I’ve even seen people purchase inflatable movie screens! I never knew that was a thing until this year and I want one so bad now haha! Either way, you can never go wrong with pizza, movies, and tons of snacks when hanging out with your friends!
5. Take a day trip somewhere
It doesn’t have to be far! In fact, why not drive a couple of hours and visit a new city in your state. Or, be a tourist in your own city! Lookup any restaurants or coffee shops that are recommended in that area and shop around with your friend(s). There’s nothing I love more than leaving early in the morning, driving someplace new with my best friend, and spending the entire day shopping around or eating someplace I’ve never been to. Even if it’s in my own state! And what’s better than spending a couple of hours in your car listing to music or having a deep conversation with your BFF?! Nothing I can think of haha!
I hope you enjoyed today’s post! And let me know if you have any favorite ways to catch up with a friend that doesn’t involve drinking alcohol! I would love to hear some of your suggestions!
Have a beautiful day and a great 4th of July weekend!!
xo, Cydney
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