Enjoy the Sun: New Sober Summer Hobbies to Try

Summer Sober Hobbies & Activities

The summer months can be challenging for people in early recovery. From pool parties to beach day trips, 4^th of July BBQs and concerts, it seems drinking and drugging are involved in every social gathering. While you’re equipped with the tools to prevent a relapse in these situations it is important to have sober hobbies and activities you and your friends (sober & non-sober) can look forward to and enjoy together. Whether this is your first sober summer or your 20^th, check out our list of new hobbies and activities to partake in while the weather is warm and the sun is shining bright!

10 Summer Activities & Hobbies that Support Sober Living

Get in the Water: Whether it’s the beach on the Jersey Shore or a local lake in the Delaware Valley there is an abundance of fun water activities to try this summer! Consider any of the following fun summer hobbies:

• Learn how to surf, body surf or boogie board
• Try stand up paddleboarding. Incorporate exercise with standup paddleboard yoga.
• Kayaking or canoeing
• River rafting

Scenic Electric Bike Day Trip: Electric bikes are a great way to explore a new town (think cozy little beach town) with ease!

Host a (sober) BBQ/Pool Party: If your home has a pool (or you know someone who will volunteer their backyard) host a sober summer pool party with all the fixings, minus the alcohol.

Tip: Make sure each party guest understands this is a sober event.

Backyard Movie Night: Set up a projection screen and pick your favorite movie for a fun (& free) outdoor sober summer activity. Invite your friends, set up beach chairs & blankets and of course a snack & soda station!

Go Camping (or glamping): You can go all out and pitch a tent at a campground or rent a cabin for the weekend with your closest friends.

Explore Local Hiking Trails: There’s no shortage of hiking trails in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Get a group together and explore a new trail every week!

Redesign your House: Tired of the colors of your walls? Repaint! Then redecorate your space to invite clean, renewed energy into your home, even if it’s just one room.

Volunteer: Give back to the community by volunteering your time with local organizations like animal shelters, food pantries and other nonprofit human services groups.

Golfing: Although this can be an expensive sport, it is known to be extremely relaxing, reduce stress & anxiety and help maintain mental alertness.

Ice Skating: If you need to cool off and get out of the summer heat, many townships have indoor ice-skating rinks!

Read More: Winter Sober Hobbies

No matter the season, there are plenty of activities and hobbies you can enjoy that do not involve drinks or drugs. From a winter reading challenge to discovering new hiking trails in the spring and perfecting your cooking skills in preparation of the holidays. Always remember to attend your meetings, stay in touch with your sponsor and be grateful for your sobriety.