Social gatherings often revolve around food. But, it’s entirely possible to socialize without it. You can enjoy the company of others and have a great time without always having to eat. For me this became an important factor as I simply wanted to experience more things with my friends and now so many have different food allergies that it was less stressful.
There are many activities that you can do to socialize without food. These can range from physical activities like running and hiking to more relaxed ones like reading clubs or game nights. The key is to focus on the activity and the interaction rather than the food.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure how to start. In this article, I’ll share some tips and ideas on how to socialize without food. By the end of it, you’ll see that social gatherings can be just as fun, if not more, without the need for food.
Ways to Socialize and Celebrate Without Food
When it comes to social gatherings or celebrations, food often takes center stage. But, it’s entirely possible to socialize and celebrate without making food the main focus.
Here are some ideas to help you shift the focus away from food:
1. Take a walk or hike together
One of the best ways to socialize without involving food is to engage in physical activities like walking or hiking.
Not only does this provide a great opportunity to catch up and chat, but it also doubles as a great cardiovascular workout.
Walking is a low-impact exercise that can be done by people of all fitness levels. It’s easy, doesn’t require any special equipment, and can be done anywhere.
You and your friends can explore your neighborhood, a local park, or a nature trail.
Hiking, on the other hand, is a bit more challenging but equally rewarding. It can be an adventure, exploring new terrains and enjoying nature.
Plus, the sense of accomplishment after reaching the top of a hill or mountain is a great bonding experience.
2. Play a board or card game together
Playing a board or card game together is a super fun way to socialize without food. It encourages interaction, conversation, and friendly competition.
Plus, it’s a great choice for anyone who want to keep their hands busy without reaching for snacks.
And games can be adapted to suit any age group or interest so you’re bound to find one that everyone will love.
3. Go to an Escape Room
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to socialize without food, consider visiting an escape room. We have done this with a variety of friends and boy do you learn a lot about them!!
This non-food activity is all about working together to solve puzzles and riddles to “escape” a themed room within a set time limit.
Escape rooms are a great way to bond with friends, family, or coworkers. They provide an opportunity to engage in a fun, interactive experience that encourages teamwork and problem-solving.
Plus, the focus is on the game and the shared experience, not on eating or drinking.
4. Go to a museum
If you or your friend’s a history buff, then head to the museum!
Plus, most museums have strict no-food policies, so you won’t even be tempted to snack while you’re there.
Instead, you’ll be too busy exploring exhibits, discussing artworks, and learning new things.
5. Go to a play or musical
Attending a play or musical is one of the best ways to socialize without food. You and your friends can discuss your favorite scenes, the performances, or even the set design.
This activity also provides an opportunity to dress up and enjoy a night out. You can immerse yourself in the world of theater and forget about food for a while.
Plus, it’s a great way to support local artists and the arts community.
6. Go to a comedy show
Laughter truly is the best medicine, and what better place to get a healthy dose than at a comedy show?
Comedy shows offer a fun and lively atmosphere that encourages interaction and shared experiences. You can get together with your friends, enjoy some good humor, and forget about the stress of the day.
Plus, most comedy clubs don’t focus on food, so you won’t feel pressured to eat or drink excessively.
7. Go to the zoo or an aquarium
Another great place to head to is the zoo, especially if you or your friends have kids.
At the zoo or aquarium, you’ll find plenty to talk about, from the fascinating animals and exhibits to the conservation efforts these institutions support.
Just wear comfortable walking shoes and you’ll be good to go!
8. Go skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating
If you’re looking for a fun way to socialize without food, consider hitting the slopes or the rink.
Skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating are all great things to do that not only provide a great workout but also offer plenty of opportunities for social interaction.
Skiing and snowboarding allow you to enjoy the great outdoors while working your entire body. They improve your balance, flexibility, and strength. And let’s not forget the thrill of gliding down a snow-covered mountain!
Ice skating, on the other hand, is an incredible low-impact exercise that improves your balance and coordination. It’s also a great way to socialize, especially if you join a local skating club or participate in public skating sessions.
9. Visit a botanical garden
If you love nature, then head to a botanical garden with friends! While we get a lot of nature in Colorado, I still hit these up when traveling OR we go to the one here because it’s amazing!!
They offer a serene environment where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and engage in meaningful conversations.
Often, we’re so caught up in day-to-day life that we hardly get the chance to have deeper conversations! And a botanical garden will be a stunning setting for one.
10. Go to an amusement park
Who doesn’t love an amusement park? I mean I basically can’t ride anything due to motion sickness at this point, but I love the atmosphere and cheering you on to your potential barffest.
They’re such a fun way to socialize without food being the primary focus.
So, instead of sitting around the table, you’ll be walking, laughing, and creating memories together.
11. Go apple or berry picking
If you and your friends have kids but you don’t know how to hang out without food, then go apple or berry picking with the kids!
Technically, food (aka apples or berries) are involved but the focus won’t be on eating large meals as much as it’ll be about spending time together.
Plus, apple and berry picking is a great way to support local farms and learn more about where your food comes from.
12. Take a crafting or painting class together
Taking a crafting or painting class together is a super fun way to socialize without food.
In a painting class, for instance, you can share ideas about the artwork you’re creating. This can lead to discussions about personal tastes, perspectives, and inspirations.
Crafting class, on the other hand, can be a great way to share skills and learn new ones together.
Moreover, these classes often run for several hours, providing ample time to connect and bond with your friends.
At the end of the session, you’ll have a beautiful piece of art or craft to take home which can be a great keepsake!
13. Craft together at home
Can’t find any crafting classes near you? Don’t worry! Simply head to Pinterest and find ideas for crafts you can do at home with your friends and family.
There are so many different options out there from painting to knitting, to even building model kits!
All that matters is that you’re willing to try something new and have the patience to learn.
14. Take an exercise class together
Taking an exercise class together is one of the most fun ways to socialize without food! We have done this for so many birthdays and it’s a hoot! We may sweat a lot or we may just laugh a ridiculous amount, but it’s the best.
You can choose from a wide variety of exercise classes, such as yoga, pilates, dance, or even a running group.
The key is to find something that you all enjoy and look forward to. This way, you can motivate each other and have fun at the same time.
15. Go to a sports game together
Love sports? Head to a game together!
This is a great way to bond over a shared interest, cheer for your favorite team, and enjoy the exciting atmosphere of a live game.
You can focus on the game, discuss the players’ strategies, and share your thoughts on the match, all while getting some fresh air and staying active.
16. Volunteer together
Volunteering allows you to spend quality time with your friends while also giving back to the community.
When you volunteer, you’re often so busy and engrossed in the task at hand that there’s little to no time to think about food.
Plus, the satisfaction you get from helping others can be a great distraction from any food cravings you might have.
There are countless volunteering opportunities out there. It could be helping out at a local charity, participating in a community clean-up, or even running a marathon for a good cause.
17. Go to a dog park
If you’re a dog owner, visiting a dog park is a great way to socialize without food. Dog parks are not only a playground for your furry friends but also a fun place to meet and interact with other dog owners.
You can strike up conversations while watching your dogs play, and it’s a casual environment where the focus is on the pets rather than what’s on the table.
18. Learn an instrument or language together
Consider learning an instrument or language together!
It not only provides a shared goal and common ground, but it also keeps your hands and mind busy, which can reduce the temptation to snack.
If you and your friend have always wanted to learn the guitar, why not start now? Or maybe you both have a dream of speaking fluent Spanish.
There are so many online resources and apps that make learning accessible and fun!
19. Get Pampered Together
Who said pampering sessions are only for self-care days? Turn them into a social event!
Booking a group session for manicures or massages can be a great way to socialize without involving food. It’s not only a fun activity, but it also gives you a chance to relax and unwind with your friends.
20. Go to a Movie Together
Going to the movie doesn’t mean you have to always grab something to eat! In fact, if you look around, you’ll spot many people that are not eating.
So try doing that the next time you want to hang out with your friends – pick a movie and go to it but focus on the movie, and not the food!
All right hopefully this gave you some new ideas. If you’re looking for other total off the wall ideas checkout my Denver Adult Birthday Ideas >> No more boring dinners here!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy friends without a calorie explosion?
Other ways to connect with Amanda
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Pippa
I love all these ideas! I’m always dragging friends and colleagues along to yoga classes or bootcamp sessions. Not sure they love me so much for it but it’s good fun nonetheless!
Jill @ RunEatSnap
I love this! When I am back home I still get together with friends to “walk the loop”, a 3 mile loop by our high school that is very popular for walking and running. It’s a great way to catch up and get some fresh air!
amanda
whooop we would be such good friends :) I know many old friends think I”m weird when I suggest these things, but that’s why I fit in to colorado!
Sue
Wow! After reading this post I realize I may just need to seek out new friends!! My current circle of girlfriends would rather drink turpentine than do anything that involves physical activity, in fact just last weekend we spent 3 hours at a restaurant while they ate appetizers, dinner, drinks, and dessert and I tried to be a good sport but really couldn’t enjoy the overindulgence due to a 11 mile run scheduled the next day in preparation for today’s half marathon. I got a ton of flack and when I shared my Tough Mudder story they looked at me like I was an alien – complete with eye rolls. But I’m not going to feel sorry for myself! I will just use this post as a good reminder that I need to spread my wings a little wider and find some new, like minded friends to spend time with. Thanks.
amanda
I can say for certain that many of my running friends have noted their friends changing once they started running more. I personally started this blog eons ago because at the time I didn’t have any support around me, so know your cyber friends are here!!
Kat
I love this post – so much truth here! While my friends and family do love surrounding our get togethers with food, I love the idea of doing something active together instead. In fact, on Thanksgiving my entire family grabbed our dogs and went out for a really nice long walk instead of passing out on the couch from a food coma. Though the food had already been consumed it was nice to get up and do something instead of just lay around!
Taylor Kiser
“Have you been eating well all week long? If you do enjoy a plate of appetizers will it really send you back to old habits? Do you actually still even want that food or are you eating it because the OLD you used to eat it?” These are GREAT questions to ask myself before partaking at holiday parties! And the tips while at the party are fantastic too! The last one in particular really jumped off the screen at me. I don’t think there’s ever been a truer statement than that! Love the 20 non-food get-together ideas! This post is full of great and helpful information!
amanda
Thanks so much Taylor!!! I do think if we pause to ask ourselves a few questions, we often realize we don’t even like what we think we’re required to eat, ha!
lindsay Cotter
one of my favorite things to do with people is to go for hike or walk. It’s truly the best socialization! when it comes to holidays, i try to focus on catching up, friends, laughter! That’s way more important that worrying about the food. Well kinda. IMHO. ;-)
Colorado Gal
Love this! I love getting together with friends for hiking and runs. PS Love that first photo :)
Sarah
So many great ideas! I indulge a little more during the holidays but I’m ok with that. That said sometimes I pay for it, like today.
Long story… one family we were with (really good long time friends) have let their unhealthy habits get even worse and just wanted to eat the whole weekend and eat junk. They also weren’t big fans of getting out and doing things. We were out 5 hours Friday but they grabbed food a few times and the kids whinny about being outside and Saturday plans were changed and cut short as they wanted to go out but didn’t want to be out that long so we didn’t go to the cabin hiking and sledding. While the girls and I didn’t have too much junk it was a lot of food we normally don’t eat. I tried some new cheese as mine wasn’t packaged right and soaked up water on the way up. It didn’t work with my stomach and I was sick all night Saturday and yesterday morning. Still not feeling that great this morning. It was that, sugar, and the alcohol. My husband was the big one who indulged and ate all the “crap” for lack of a better word.
Another reminder our bodies aren’t use to that and it isn’t fun.
Laura
I’m an all things in moderation person. One of my favorite ways to have fellowship with people is over good food, which is more important to me than looking a certain way! Obviously there are always healthy, nutritious choices that are also delicious! I have learned not to let fear of eating too much keep me from enjoying my friends and family…because most gatherings are centered on food, especially around the holidays! <3
Elizabeth Shaw
Such a great post Amanda. I too am all about the non food ways to enjoy the holidays! I always initiate a family walk that is now well received (the first year not so much) lol! I’m looking forward to many hikes with friends too, which is a great way to really get to chat and catch up!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
I love these ideas! Hiking, running, and the dog park are my favorite things to do during the holidays (or really, any time of year) that don’t involve food. I enjoy companionship over good food and drink, but that kind of loses its sense of enjoyment when it’s just food upon food upon food and not as much focus on the people.
Alisa Fleming
I love these ideas and needed this list for hanging out with a friend who’s trying to lose weight – brilliant! I’ve been wanting to be supportive and suggest more non-food stuff and there are some great ideas on here that would fit with what she likes.
Emily
I love the connection between how we socialize and how we eat! It is often so overlooked or misunderstood, great lost!
Rebecca | NOURISHED. the blog
Love this post!! Some really great tips here. I know I always try to eat before I go to any party and I definitely make sure I always have water to sip on. Those tricks have been lifesavers for me!
Sonali- The Foodie Physician
Everyone should read this! Going out to lunch or dinner seems to have become the norm for a lot of people. These are some great ideas to change it up and have fun doing it! Thank you for sharing!
Karlie
Such good info I love your mindset!
Meg @ With Salt and Wit
This is a great post! You have some great tips! Everyone needs to read this!