Alcohol-free activites
Sports and fitness
Walk
The benefits of a simple 30-minute walk are pretty impressive – fitness, heart and bone health, weight loss and lifting your mood are just some.
Do a 5k running challenge
Build up your running skills and test yourself by entering a 5k event – go further if you’re already fit!
Walk a dog
Borrow one if you don’t have one. Borrowmydoggy.com can help you to find you a dog to borrow!
Join or make a team
Join or start a five-a-side football team, try netball, hurling or tag rugby. Or just go to the park for a kickabout.
Chilling
Box set binge
Research some top-rated series and pick your favourite
Have a home movie night
Pick a classic or a new release. Don’t forget the popcorn!
Late lunch
Go out for a weekend brunch or make a big fry-up for your friends or family.
Do a jigsaw
Surprisingly satisfying!
Family time
Go for a family outing
Walk on the beach, go to the park or check out local free events for children.
Make some quality time
Stay at home with your kids and do whatever they want to do – kick a ball outside, read stories, play a game or watch a movie together.
Learn something new
Pick a recipe and bake something or pick a craft project to do together.
Fun
Have a karaoke night
Find backing tracks on Youtube and sing along, or go to a Karaoke bar.
Jump around
Try trampolining at a jump zone.
Laugh
See a comedy show.
Play
Organise a board game night with friends or your family.
Get smarter
Read
Get lost in a good book or join a book club.
Treat yourself to your favourite magazine
Take some time out to read it.
Go to an exhibition
Lots of museums are free – check out what’s on.
Brain training
Do a crossword or Sudoku, play chess or word games online or join a chess club.
Solve a mystery
Do an escape room challenge.
Pamper and beauty
Treat yourself
Have a spa night with your friends. Paint your nails, have a pedicure or try out make-up styles. Get in a beautician or do it yourself.
A relaxing soak
Have a long bath – bubbles, candles and music make it even better.
Smile!
Go for a makeover and photoshoot session.
Good for the soul
Volunteer
There are all kinds of opportunities – how about a motor-racing marshall, theatre usher or therapy dog handler? www.volunteer.ie is a good place to find something interesting.
Do some random acts of kindness
Pay for someone’s coffee, give someone flowers or do a job for someone.
Donate
Give the money you save to a favourite cause.
Good for the mind
Learn how to meditate or go to a class
Meditation is brilliant for relaxation and mental health.
Go for a mindfulness walk
Concentrate on the smells, sights and sounds, to really appreciate nature and peace of mind.
Try yoga
Find videos online or go to a class.
Keep a diary
It’s good for mental health, and it can be fascinating to look back on after a few years.
Appreciate the simple things
Get up early to watch the sunrise, watch children play or take a few minutes to count your blessings.
Try something daring
Driving challenges
Go for an off-road 4x4 jeep trek, rally driving or quad biking.
Water fun
Try kite surfing, rafting, gorge-walking, wake-boarding or windsurfing.
Hit the heights
Rock-climbing, abseiling or high ropes.