The New Year encourages us to make healthy changes to our lifestyle. To many, this means dropping the booze, going to the gym, and eating healthier. But in a city with so many cool bars, restaurants, and things to do, dropping the alcohol cold turkey can be, well, challenging.
That’s why we hand-picked seven booze-less activities that are sure to make for a fun night without having to worry about reaching for the Pedialyte the next morning.
1. Unleash Your Inner Child at COSI After Dark
While a trip to COSI is an awesome, family-friendly activity that’s always a blast, us adults deserve a chance to turn the museum into our own playground every once in a while! That’s why COSI is bringing back COSI After Dark, a 21+ event tailored to adults. You’ll get to enjoy all of COSI’s flagship exhibits (my favorite is the High Wire Unicycle) with concessions and themed nights every month!
More info here.
2. Become a History Buff at The Ohio History Center
In keeping with the museum theme, the Ohio History Center is a blast from the past, walking museum-goers through Ohio’s Natural, Architectural, Sports, and General History. With all the awesome exhibits and history confined within the museum’s walls, you’ll be sure to leave this trip as an “Ohio Expert” and will surely be a great asset to an Ohio-based Trivia Team.
Current Exhibits and More Info here.
3. Hi-Tech Bowling and Gaming at Star Lanes Polaris
There is fun for everyone at Star Lanes, with an arcade packed to the gills with new and unique games, a VR Omni Arena, and Hi-Tech Bowling! What’s Hi-Tech Bowling? Think of it as regular bowling meets pinball meets TopGolf, with LEDs lighting up specific places to aim your throws to get extra points. And if regular bowling is more your speed, you can opt for the traditional route while still experiencing the immersive and interactive LED lighting on the lane. Plus there are massive projectors above the lanes, which makes for the perfect Super Bowl viewing experience!
More info here.
4. Float Your Worries Away at Ebb & Float
Practicing mindfulness is a buzz phrase that gets floated around rather often these days (pun intended). What better way to practice being present than floating in a warm, quiet, immersive water tank without the distractions of work, friends, or social media? The water is heated to your body temperature and loaded with several pounds of epsom salt, allowing you to effortlessly float and relax. Float therapy is the perfect way to hone in on yourself and find the inner peace you’ve been looking for.
Float over to their website for more info.
5. Mocktail Hour at Watershed Distillery
Just because you are cutting back on drinking doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the enjoyment of an expertly crafted cocktail! Take a tour around the world with mocktails inspired by different parts of the globe! Explore the tastes of India with an Horchata Masala mocktail, or delve into the citrusy country of Mexico with their NA Guayaba Cobbler.
Check out the full drink menu here.
6. Pour Your Own Candle at Penn & Beech Candle Co.
There’s not much better than lighting a candle and having a cozy night in… except for lighting a candle that YOU poured and designed. Penn & Beech has the perfect system in place to help you create your new favorite candle smell! Rank the hundreds of candles they have on display, decide which ones you think would work well in combination, then pour and name your creation. I still contend my “Christmas at Grandpa’s” candle is the best smell ever.
Start your candle making journey here.
7. Hit The Slopes at Mad River Mountain
Don’t let the cold weather and snow get you down this winter… take advantage of it! With the resort less than an hour northwest of Columbus, you can try to become the next Shaun White or Lindsay Vonn on the black diamond run or enjoy the scenery on a green circle. Whatever you decide, just be sure to take advantage of the cozy lodge and delicious hot chocolate after you hang up the skis!
Hours, conditions, and more info here.
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
