Dry January is in full swing—yep, we’re still putting those wine glasses down and raising a toast to connections that don’t come with a side of liquid courage. And guess what? It’s almost over, which means it’s crunch time to make the most of this booze-free chapter. Whether you’re fully embracing the sober life or just testing the waters, now’s the perfect time to shake up your dating routine (no cocktails required).

Remember, ditching the drinks doesn’t mean ditching the fun. In fact, it’s the ultimate opportunity to get creative, be fully present, and build connections that are intentional, not just convenient.

So, if you’re ready to ditch the bar scene for something that doesn’t require a designated driver, I’ve got you covered. Here are 10 Dry January date ideas that are anything but boring—because sober doesn’t have to mean dull, and intentional dating is always in style.

Grab a green juice, mocktail, or sparkling water, and let’s dive in…

1. Mocktail Mixology Night

Unleash your inner bartender and create Instagram-worthy mocktails at home. Stock up on non-alcoholic spirits like Lyre’s or Seedlip, alongside a pre-made mocktail mixer from brands like Kin Euphorics. Add fresh fruits, herbs, and your own flair for a fun, hands-on evening. Feeling lazy but still want those libations? Brands like Curious Elixirs offer bottled mocktails inspired by classic cocktails, providing a convenient way to enjoy complex flavors without the alcohol.

2. The Ultimate Coffee Crawl 

Swap the pub crawl for a coffee crawl. Pick a few local cafes with cozy vibes or stellar specialty drinks, and try something new at each stop. Pro tip: order a seasonal latte at one spot, an espresso shot at another, and finish with something indulgent like hot chocolate. Who needs a hangover when you can have a caffeine buzz?

3. Trivia Night (No Alcohol Required) 

Head to a local trivia event, or host your own at home if there’s nothing in your area! Test your knowledge on everything from pop culture, geography, or “what random fact do you know about Nicolas Cage.” Trivia is the perfect way to spark some laughs and maybe even show off your (totally useless) knowledge. 

Pro tip: Stick to the same team for your first trivia showdown. Sure, competitive sparks can be fun, but save the “I’m smarter than you” banter for later dates—this is about bonding, not breaking up over who knows more about the capital of Uzbekistan (it’s Tashkent, by the way).

4. Comedy Show Laugh Fest 

Laughter truly is the ultimate icebreaker—nothing says "instant connection" like snorting over the same punchline. A comedy show sets the perfect scene for letting loose and sharing genuine belly laughs. The best part? Every comedy venue worth its salt offers non-alcoholic drink options, so you can sip on a fancy mocktail or a refreshingly classic Diet Coke (because, let’s be real, DC never disappoints). No buzz necessary—the only thing that’ll be intoxicating is the energy of the room.

And here’s the cherry on top: a comedy show is basically a litmus test for compatibility. If you’re both rolling in the aisles over the same jokes, you’ve already got a great start. If they don’t laugh at your favorite bits? Well, at least you found out early—and hey, you still got a fun night out of it. Cheers to that!

5. Game Night for Two 

Board games, card games, or even video games can turn a regular date into an all-out battle for bragging rights—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little playful competition? Whether you’re spelling out your brilliance with Scrabble, duking it out on Rainbow Road in Mario Kart, or pulling a sneaky victory in Uno, games are the ultimate date-night icebreaker.

Pro tip: If you can make them laugh while they're plotting their next move, you’re already winning. Just remember, it’s all fun and games... until someone lands on Boardwalk with a hotel. So pick your poison—classic board games, nostalgic video games, or even a cheeky round of truth-or-dare Jenga. Either way, you’ll walk away with memories, inside jokes, and maybe a rematch already in the works.

6.Movie Night with a Twist

Forget Netflix and chill—it’s time to give movie night the glow-up it deserves. Imagine this: a cozy setup with a projector that turns your living room (or backyard, if you’re feeling extra) into a private cinema. Then, there’s the pièce de résistance—a DIY popcorn bar. Think buttery popcorn topped with gooey caramel drizzle, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or even a cheeky dash of chili powder for the spice lovers. Feeling fancy? Toss in chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or colorful candy for the ultimate sweet-and-salty combo.

Of course, no elevated movie night is complete without beverages that pop as much as your popcorn. Skip the soda and whip up mocktails like a sparkling cranberry fizz—bubbly, tart, and delightfully refreshing—or non-alcoholic margaritas served with a salt rim for that extra flair. Pair all this with a lineup of your favorite rom-coms or timeless classics, and you’ve got a night that’s equal parts swoon-worthy and Insta-worthy. Bonus points if you add fairy lights or snuggle under the fluffiest blanket you can find—because who says romance can’t start with popcorn and end with "one more episode"?

7. Escape Room Adventure

Team up with your date and put your problem-solving skills to the ultimate test in an escape room. Nothing says "romantic bonding" quite like frantically searching for clues and debating whether the random lamp in the corner is part of the puzzle. It’s a guaranteed icebreaker—because let’s be honest, nothing will reveal your true personalities faster than a ticking clock and a locked door.

Will one of you take charge as the fearless leader, or will you both end up laughing at how utterly confused you are? Either way, you’ll see how well you work together under pressure, and maybe discover if your date is more “detective genius” or “comic relief.” Bonus: when you finally escape (or don't), you’ll have endless stories and plenty of laughs to relive over coffee or dinner afterward.

8. Picnic in the Park

Who says picnics are just for summer? A winter picnic is the perfect excuse to cozy up and get close—literally. Pack a basket with your favorite snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, or my personal favorite, a thermos of hot chocolate, extra marshmallows required. Don’t forget a thick, cozy blanket to sit on—or better yet, wrap yourselves in.

Want to take the romance up a notch? Add some fairy lights for a touch of magic, and maybe sneak in a portable heater if you’re feeling fancy. Bonus points if you bring hand warmers and make a flirty game of who’s colder. The chill in the air will only make those warm, shared moments even sweeter—and hey, it’s the perfect excuse to snuggle. So bundle up, embrace the brisk air, and make this picnic one for the books. Who needs sunshine when sparks are flying?

9. Take a Fitness Class Together

Break a sweat and have fun while you’re at it—because nothing says “romantic connection” like being slightly out of breath together. Whether you’re finding your zen in a couples’ yoga class (hello, trust-building poses), pedaling your hearts out in a spin session, or laughing your way through a dance workout while trying to nail those tricky steps, fitness dates are the perfect way to bond. Not only do you get to share some playful, sweaty moments, but those feel-good endorphins will have you both grinning like fools by the end. And let’s be honest: seeing someone’s determination mid-workout might just be the kind of inspiration you didn’t know you needed.

Afterward, keep the healthy vibes going by refueling with smoothies, cold-pressed juices, or maybe even a cheeky acai bowl. Bonus points if you both pretend you weren’t dying during that last set of burpees. Who said dates couldn’t be good for your heart in more ways than one? 🏋️‍♂️❤️

10. DIY Art Night

Channel your inner Picasso (or Bob Ross, happy little accidents included) with a DIY art night that’s equal parts fun and flirtation. Grab some canvases, paints, and brushes, and let the creative chaos commence. Will you paint a masterpiece or something that looks like it belongs on your mom’s fridge? Who cares? It’s all about having a laugh and seeing whose "artistic vision" takes the wildest turn.

Feeling bold? Challenge each other to a portrait contest and see who can capture the other’s “essence” (hint: exaggerate their best features for bonus points). Not exactly Picasso-level? No problem. Stick figures and abstract blobs are highly underrated. Either way, you’ll leave with more than just brushstrokes—you’ll have a memory that’s uniquely yours. 🎨❤️

Why Dry January Dates Are the Best

Dry January gives you the perfect opportunity to focus on intentional connections. Without alcohol, you’re fully present, more in tune with the other person, and less likely to wake up the next morning questioning your judgment. It’s about creating experiences that let you connect, laugh, and get to know each other in a meaningful way.

So, this January, ditch the drinks and give one (or all) of these date ideas a try. Who knows? You might just discover that a mocktail and meaningful conversation beats a blurry bar night any day ✨

Ready to find someone to try these ideas with? Download First Round’s On Me and start planning your next intentional date today!