8 Alcohol-Free Ways to Connect with Friends for Dry January

Live theater can be such a cool experience, especially if you are not someone who sees shows very often. Look up any touring productions coming to your city or any local theaters, and pick a show that appeals to your whole group. Want something more relaxed? Local comedians are always doing shows at theaters, comedy clubs and cafes. Find a night that works best for everyone, and spend time laughing and catching up with friends after the show!

Pickleball has seemingly taken the world by storm the last few years, so join in on the fun this January! A mix of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, this game is fun for all skill levels, and with the trend only growing, most pickleball courts have equipment rentals so you don't have to buy your own for only a one-time evening (but we think you will enjoy it enough to keep coming back).

Museum curators work hard to keep a rotation of galleries and exhibitions, alongside permanent installations, so things always feel fresh. Gather up some of your close friends or that new fling you're seeing and head to a local museum. Whether art, pop culture artifacts or history are your thing, most museums have something to offer everyone, and you can spend hours getting lost in the galleries.

Depending on where you live, a hike might not be the easiest activity in January. But if the weather is nice and temperatures aren't too cold, layer up and throw on your comfiest shoes for a winter walk. Many hiking paths stay open year-round to allow for snowy walks or more intensive uphill workout, so grab a jacket and your close friends to hit the trails. Afterwards, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee at a local cafe.

Start your new year off right by learning a new skill or taking up a hobby you have always wanted to try. Many local craft shops and community centers offer skill classes, such as pottery, knitting, screen-printing and even more intensive ones, such as glass blowing or woodworking. Get some of your craftier friends together to take on a new skill and join a beginner's class. Your creative energy will be flowing without the need for alcohol.

Giving back to your community will not only get your mind off of the challenge you are undertaking, but will also benefit those around you. Grab some friends and find local organizations needing volunteers, such as organizing donations at a food pantry or animal shelter, assisting with local library events or working outdoors with conservation groups. Begin the new year on the right foot and give back to your community with friends and family!

Gather your friends together and have them over for a night of tasty snacks and good fun. Set out a few of your favorite games and prepare some snacks for simple, alcohol-free fun at home. You can even try your hand at making a large batch mocktail or test out some non-alcoholic beer if you want to provide more elevated beverages to your guests.

Starting a book or movie club with your friends is a great way to get together and bond without the added pressure of a bar setting. You can meet up weekly or biweekly (depending on the length of the books or movies you choose) in a cafe or at someone's house to discuss that week's content, and if you really want to go all out, bring some snacks inspired by the pick of the week!