Whether you're a busy parent or expecting a new baby, sometimes you want to see your friends without alcohol being involved.
As a busy mum of five, I'm always looking for simple date ideas for when I'm out with the gals that don't involve drink because let's face it, sometimes it's just not worth it the next day.
I don't know about you but it takes me a day or three to get over a few beers and I'm just not able for it anymore.
So here are some simple alcohol-free date ideas to consider the next time you get a hall pass from your usual parenting duties.
Afternoon Tea
Why not take a step back in time with a unique experience with Vintage Tea Tours on a fully restored vintage double-decker bus.
Enjoy afternoon tea delicacies while travelling the streets of Dublin listening to 1950's jazz or keep it simple and head to your local haunt and relax with all the cheese and chats with your besties.
Luxury Cinema Experience
Dinner and a movie is a classic combo but why not chance your arm with an evening off to head to the beautiful Stella Cinema, an iconic landmark that has been restored to reflect the glamour and glitz of the 1920s for an entirely new generation of moviegoers.
The Stella Cinema show some of the latest blockbusters to old school classics and it's worth a visit for the seating alone. The auditorium boasts hundreds of luxurious red armchairs, sofas and double beds that engulf the front row. It's a day of indulgence and well worth a visit.
Visit A Spa
Never rule out a trip to a spa if the budget and, of course, time allows. A day at a spa has many mental and physical benefits and can help you reconnect with your family and loved ones by simply taking time to rejuvenate and recharge.
Why not relax and destress with a massage, facial or even a pedicure and milk all the added services while on site. The jacuzzi, sauna and steam room are there for the taking so use them. You will leave feeling fresh and fulfilled, and hopefully ready for whatever life has to throw at you.
Indoor Challenge Arena
Why not try something a little different like an indoor challenge arena such as Go Quest located in Finglas, Dublin. GoQuest is a purpose-built arena with 28 unique challenge rooms aimed to test physical and mental skills.
When participants enter each room they have a limited amount of time to try and solve a challenge. If they fail they can re-try or move on to another themed challenge zone. Sessions last 2 hours and teams can be made up of 3 to 5 people.
Bingo That's A Little Bonkers
Okay, alcohol consumption is completely optional here but you haven't played bingo until you have tried Bingo Loco. Think rave rounds, conga lines, dance-offs and lip-syncing all while playing bingo.
I know, it sounds a little bonkers but it would a brilliant date night next time you go out with the girls to let your hair down. They take place regularly across the whole of Ireland so there are no excuses.
And if none of the above options tickles your fancy you could always go bowling, wall climbing, zip-lining or even join a dance class like Zumba.
