10 birthday party ideas for adults that don't involve drinking
Birthday celebrations are often synonymous with food and alcoholic drinks. However, you don’t need alcohol to have a good time. Whether you’re trying to live a sober life or simply looking for a fresh take on birthdays, these 10 ideas will help elevate your party.
1. Outdoor adventure
A trip to the great outdoors is an excellent idea if you and your loved ones enjoy exciting activities. Choose what suits everyone’s interests best:
- Camping: Spend the day surrounded by nature, cook s’mores, meditate and play fun games together.
- Kayaking: If you love water-based adventures, consider renting a cabin with a lakeside view and kayaks for your friends and family. This activity can be a fun workout for everyone.
- Zipline: Consider going on a zipline tour if you’re an adrenaline lover. This might not be for the faint of heart, but the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel will be memorable.
2. Indoor inflatable park
Heal your inner child at an indoor inflatable park. Invite your friends and family to race down slides, dive into ball pits and play in obstacle courses. This is an excellent alternative to the gym, so remind your guests to wear comfortable clothes. Many parks offer adult-only sessions, meaning you and your loved ones can enjoy the place exclusively.
3. Self-care day
You deserve pampering on your birthday. Make it extra special by inviting your loved ones to a spa party. Treat everyone to a relaxing whole-body massage, facial, or manicure and pedicure.
If you’re looking for a more holistic approach to self-care, consider taking a local yoga class on your birthday. This practice lets you and your guests focus on the present moment and provide a moment of stillness in this busy world.
4. Movie-themed party
Planning a sober party is easier with a theme. That way, your guests know what to expect from the dress code. Have the theme revolve around your favorite movie to make your celebration unique. Here are some fun movie themes to consider:
- Mamma Mia: Channel the coastal Greek island atmosphere with beachy decor, and bring the 70s vibes with disco balls, sequins and an ABBA playlist.
- Barbie: Go all out with the pink decor, and ask your guests to dress like one of the characters from the movie – whether it be classic Barbie, weird Barbie or Ken – to have a Barbie fashion show.
- Wicked: Jump on the green and pink train by dressing up as your favorite Wicked witch, and decorate with an emerald color scheme.
5. Live entertainment
Go to an improv show or see a stand-up comedian to fill your special day with laughter. You could also have your own event by asking guests to prepare jokes and funny stories in advance. You might be surprised to see the funniest people are the quiet ones — they just needed the right moment to shine.
6. Brunch party
Serve brunch favorites like pancakes, fruits, eggs, breakfast burritos, tea and juice whenever you want on your birthday. Include fun board games or a fun challenge — like a pancake flip challenge — to keep your attendees engaged.
7. Trivia night
If you have nerdy friends, challenge them to a fun, competitive night of quizzes. Whether you’re a trivia enthusiast or want a unique way to celebrate your special day, a trivia night is a sure way to entertain many.
First, choose a theme that’ll appeal to your guests, like general knowledge or fun facts about you. If attendees love keeping up with the latest trends and celebrity gossip, a pop culture or internet-meme theme may be a great choice.
8. Karaoke party
If you love singing and dancing, consider throwing a karaoke party. You’ll only need a microphone, a TV, a spacious room and friends to jam with. To get the party started, offer finger foods such as crab rangoons, fried zucchini and pot stickers alongside mocktails so you all can still experience a cocktail without the alcohol.
9. Cooking class
Learn to make your favorite dishes from scratch with your closest friends and family. Compared to momentary experiences such as bar visits, cooking classes will give you lifelong, valuable skills. Whether learning how to make pizza dough from scratch or a sushi roll, this event will have you always ready to prepare a delicious dish.
10. Paint & sip
Sip, snack and connect with your loved ones as you paint together. A private paint-and-sip party lets you work with an artist to help your squad create masterpieces. Simply sit back, drink mocktails and enjoy putting your artistic skills to the test.
3 Reminders for a successful sober birthday party
Here are three simple tips for your celebration.
1. Communicate Drinking Rules
If you’re hosting a huge celebration, you’ll most likely expect people who enjoy drinking at parties. If this is the case, communicate about the drinking rules as much as possible. Ask about their favorite alternative drinks to alcoholic beverages.
2. Choose the Right Location
House parties are classic go-to’s, but they have a strong association with alcohol. Break the mold and take your celebration to a beach, next to a river or a park. Natural settings can help create a relaxed mood and distance your event from alcohol-related triggers.
3. Have Fun
It’s your birthday, so you deserve to have fun. Remember to keep your spirits high so other guests will pick up your energy. That way, they can realize having fun while sober is possible.
Enjoy an alcohol-free celebration
A great birthday party isn’t defined by the presence of alcohol but by the memories you make with loved ones. All it takes is proper planning and creativity to make yours memorable.
Written by Cora Gold
Cora is a wellness writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. Along with tips for health and happiness, Cora loves writing about party planning. Follow Cora on Pinterest, LinkedIn and Twitter.
