It’s no secret that having a drink often goes hand-in-hand with a lot of our celebrations here in Northern Ireland.
From parties and nights out to friendly catch-ups or dates – all of these occasions can often lead to a pint or two.
If you are taking on Dry January, are trying to cut back on your alcohol intake or are sober, there are loads of fun activities to take part in across Belfast hat don’t involve drinking.
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Whether you are choosing not to have a drink every time you go out, are teetotal or you are the designated driver – everybody has their own reasons for taking time off and that doesn’t have to come as a cost to your social life.
From bowling to escape rooms, museums to mini-golfing, here are some fun things to do in Belfast that don’t have to involve alcohol:
Go bowling
There are few better ways to spend a social evening than by going bowling, and there are some great bowling alleys in Belfast.
The Hollywood Bowl at the Odyssey complex has been a highly popular spot since opening for those with a competitive side.
Take yourself ice skating
Dundonald Ice Bowl
The Dundonald Ice Bowl is an institution in Northern Ireland and was always a keen favourite for days out and birthday parties as a child.
But who says there is an age limit on fun? Why not dust off your skates and try your hand on the ice for a day out.
Go mini-golfing
Another unbeatable activity if you want to have fun.
Belfast boasts some great mini-golf spots, including the incredible Lost City Adventure Golf in Yorkgate and the Odyssey complex, and the outdoor mini-golfing course in Dundonald.
Visit a museum
Not just for tourists, Belfast has a lot of exciting history to explore.
The likes of the Ulster Museum and the Titanic Museum are rich, rewarding and informative experiences for anyone who visits.
In addition, the Maritime Mile, just beyond the museum, offers a great walk through Belfast’s shipyard area.
Visit We Are Vertigo
We Are Vertigo
Northern Ireland’s leading indoor activities destination for all ages, We Are Vertigo is home to the world’s largest inflatable park in their Newtownbreda Centre, along with an incredible Alpine-themed adventure climbing & soft play village.
Closer to the city centre, The Titanic Park Centre houses the second of our huge inflatable parks, an action-packed ninja master course and Ireland’s only indoor skydiving tunnel.
Try you hand at axe throwing
Black Axe Throwing Co Belfast
(Image: Black Axe Throwing Co Belfast/ Instagram)
Definitely one of the more unique experiences in the city, axe throwing could be the perfect way to shake up date night.
Black Axe Throwing is fast paced, super competitive and a whole lot of fun. From safety basics to landing that all-important bullseye to win the competition, the team is with you every step of the way.
Located in Cityside at Yorkgate, this is one to add to the list.
Go for a walk in the city
People relaxing in the sun at Botanic Gardens.
(Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)
Yes, it may not be the warmest time of year to head out on a dander but Belfast is beautiful all year round!
Wrap up warm and head to one of the city’s stunning parks, picturesque mountains/hills or even around the city centre to take in the glory of Belfast.
Days out don’t have to require breaking the bank after all.
Go to an escape room
A strategic game in Prison Island Escape Rooms Belfast
Belfast is hiving with fun adventures and riddles to be solved in the numerous different types of escape rooms popping up across the city.
Who needs drink when you can be scaling walls and cracking codes as Prison Island off the Boucher Road.
Visit Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park
Young people trying out the Torrent at Andersontown Leisure Centre
(Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)
Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park is the largest centre of its kind in Northern Ireland, offering three high-speed water slides, a surf simulator and a children’s adventure aqua play area.
The water park has become a hub for friends, families and children alike.
Go to a bar…
Kelly’s Cellar in Belfast city centre
(Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)
It might seem like an odd one, but seeing as there are plenty of fantastic non-alcoholic beers, stouts, ciders and gins on offer at the moment, it’s probably never been easier to go to a bar and stay sober.
Just because you don’t want to have a drink, it doesn’t mean you should miss out on the craic, the music and the atmosphere of a bar.
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