Whether you’re recently sober, you’ve been on the wagon for a while, you’re pregnant, or you’re just trying to abstain for the night, finding activities to keep your mind off of drugs and alcohol is no easy feat. Being sober means finding new ways to socialize with your friends, as well as finding new hobbies to fill your free time. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to have fun that don’t revolve around alcohol. To help get you started, we’ve compiled 20 things to do if you’re sober in metro Detroit.
Find your center with Citizen Yoga
1224 Library St., Detroit
Yoga’s remained a powerful way to exercise one’s mind and body for centuries.
Photo via Kzenon/ShutterstockGet your aura read at AURA AURA
4200 W. Vernor Hwy., Rear Unit on Scotten St., Detroit
Visit this experimental portrait studio that specializes in capturing bio-magnetic energy through a unique photographic process.
Photo via AURA AURA / FacebookEase your mind in a sensory deprivation tank at Motor City Float
1203 W. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson
Sensory deprivation is said to aid in sleep, stress, and increased endorphin production, and quickens rehabilitation and recovery not to mention, it’s also just hella peaceful.
Photo via Vlue/ShutterstockOr adopt a furry friend in need
7887 Chrysler Service Dr., Detroit
Why spend thousands of dollars on a purebred dog when you could adopt a furry friend for a fraction of that price?
Photo courtesy of the Michigan Humane SocietyGet a tattoo at Iconic Tattoo
3401 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-818-0078
Get inked or pierced in the heart of Detroit by one of the many tattoo artists and piercers.
Photo via iconic tattoo & body piercing / FacebookEnjoy artwork by the masters at Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
The Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the worlds largest art collections with over 100 galleries and is well-known for its sprawling mural by famous Mexican artist, Diego Rivera.
Photo via James R. Martin/ShutterstockExplore rare animals at The Creature Conservancy
4940 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor; 734-929-9324
At the Creature Conservancy, you can learn about biology, ecology, and conservation of different wildlife. You get the chance to see animals you dont see every day such as sloths, porcupines, cougars, and more.
Photo via The Creature Conservancy / FacebookSet a new high score at Ready Player One
407 E. Fort St., Detroit
Bask in nostalgia as you play on dozens of machines, including pinball tables and arcade games.
Photo via atmosphere/ShutterstockMake a new feline friend at Catfe Lounge
821 Livernois Ave., Ferndale
The cafe serves as a spot for visitors to come and connect with shelter cats in a relaxed setting. Patrons are also able to adopt any of the cats that roam throughout the cafe.
Photo via Mutita Narkmuang/ShutterstockReach new heights at Planet Rock
1103 W. 13 Mile Rd., Madison Heights
After your introductory lesson of how to climb and belay, you can explore and experience rock climbing at your leisure.
Photo via Craig Melville/ShutterstockGo crate digging at People’s Records
1464 Gratiot Ave., Detroit
Packed to the gills with rare soul, jazz, R&B, and rock, Peoples Records is known worldwide as a key spot for record hunters.
Photo via Dutch Scenery/ShutterstockHead to Eastern Market to buy local produce
Eastern Market is a fun spot to get all of your fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, flowers, jams, and baked goods.
Photo via Alisa Farov/ShutterstockGo thrifting to your heart’s content at Boro Resale
1440 Gratiot Ave., Detroit
Curb the epidemic of clothing waste happening around the world and instead check out this conscientious consignment store.
Photo via Sakaret/ShutterstockRelease some pent-up energy at Detroit Axe
344 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale
The venue is “metro Detroit’s first wholly dedicated, competitive axe throwing arena.”
Photo via AP Group of Photography / ShutterstockGet in shape at CrossFit BMW
2909 Woodbridge St., Detroit; 313-452-8294
Experience an intense workout at CrossFit BMW. They include Workout of the Day, and train each person individually based on what is best for them. It is a high-intensity, constant workout for a satisfying transformation.
Photo via CrossFit BMW / FacebookKnock down some pins at Garden Bowl
4120 Woodward Ave, Detroit
It’s bills itself as “America’s oldest active bowling center and Detroit’s original home of Rock’n’Bowl” which features DJs spinning music while patrons bowl on over a dozen glowing blue lanes.
Photo by Devin CulhamSee some live music in Detroit Rock City
If one thing is true of Detroiters, it’s that we have a passion for our live music scene.
Photo by Doug CoombeSupport local artists and businesses at The Rust Belt Market
22801 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-238-8728
With over 40 local shops and an event space, you can support local clothing, food, or plan an event in the heart of Downtown Ferndale. Inside, they have vintage, homemade, and antique small businesses.
Photo via The Rust Belt Market / Facebook
Photo via Google MapsRelease some steam at The Schvitz
8295 Oakland Ave., Detroit
There’s something that draws us close to the heat and the restorative properties steam can bring.
Photo by Graeme FlegenheimerGo to a Pistons Basketball Game
2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit (Little Caesars Arena); 313-471-7000
Enjoy Deeetroit Basketball at a home game.
Photo via Cody Cochran / Detroit Stock CityBrowse through a million books at John K. King Used & Rare Books
901 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit
Bookworms are most likely already aware of John K. King Used & Rare Books for years, the hulking downtown warehouse has been a treasure trove, boasting a collection of one million books, give or take a dozen in more than 900 subjects.
Photo by Devin CulhamSee a film at Cinema Detroit
4126 Third Ave., Detroit
Cinema Detroit is an independent theater featuring indie, classic, contemporary, and cult movies.
Photo by Devin CulhamVolunteer at a homeless shelter
Find a shelter with the Homeless Shelter Directory
Give back to the community by donating or volunteering at a homeless shelter in the Detroit area. You can volunteer at a sanctuary, food kitchen, or group homes. A little can go a long way.
Photo via Google MapsFind your way out of The Fifth Wall Escape Rooms
1930 Hilton Rd., Ferndale; 313-888-5580
With Detroit-themed escape rooms, Fifth Wall take you through a Michigan cabin in the woods, solving a crime as a Detroit police, and solve Harry Houdinis Detroit-based death.
Photo via Google MapsHave a laugh at a comedy show
310 S. Troy St., Royal Oak; 248-542-9900
At Mark Ridleys Comedy Castle, you can experience different comedians, comedy challenges, open-mic nights, and take comedy classes.
Photo via Google Maps
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