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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Sophie McLaughlin

Fun things to do in Belfast for adults that don't involve drinking

When it comes to social occasions in Northern Ireland, it's fair to say that having a drink goes hand-in-hand with almost anything - parties, nights out and celebrations can often lead to a pint or two.

For those who don't drink, are trying to cut back or are just choosing not to have a drink every time they go out, there are loads of fun activities to take part in across the city.

Whether it's a week or so stint, you are the designated driver or going completely teetotal - everybody has their own reasons for taking time off.

Read more: 23 things to do in Belfast in 2023

From bowling to beaches, museums and mountains, here are some fun things to do in Belfast that don't have to involve drinking:

Go bowling

There are few better ways to spend a social evening than by going bowling, and there are some great bowling alleys in Belfast.

The new Hollywood Bowl at the Odyssey complex has been a highly popular spot since opening earlier this year.

Go ice skating

The Dundonald Ice Bowl is an institution in Northern Ireland and was always a keen favourite for days out and birthday parties as a child.

But who says there is an age limit on fun? Why not dust off your skates and try your hand on the ice for an evening out.

Go mini-golfing

The Lost City Adventure Golf (Facebook/@LostCityBelfast)

Another unbeatable activity if you want to have fun.

Belfast boasts some great mini golf spots, including the incredible Lost City Adventure Golf in Yorkgate, and the outdoor mini golfing course in Dundonald.

Take a Black Taxi Tour

Black taxi in front of the murals on the Peace Wall in Belfast (Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)

One of Belfast's most unique offerings to locals and visitors alike is its Black Taxi tours.

For those who want to learn about the city's difficult history and its journey to the present, these tours are immersive experiences.

Visit the Titanic Museum

Not just for tourists, the Titanic Museum is a rich, rewarding and informative experience for anyone who visits.

In addition, the Maritime Mile, just beyond the museum, offers a great walk through Belfast's shipyard area.

Hike Cavehill or Divis Mountain

Cavehill (PSNI)

With Belfast being ringed by hills and mountains, you really don't have to venture that far to see an incredible view of the city.

Cavehill and Divis Mountain are both just a quick drive or bus journey from anywhere in the city, and always offer a great experience.

Go to an escape room

Belfast is hiving with fun adventures and riddles to be solved in the numerous different types of escape rooms popping up across the city.

Who needs drink when you can be scaling walls and cracking codes as Prison Island off the Boucher Road.

Visit We Are Vertigo

Northern Ireland’s leading indoor activities destination for all ages, We Are Vertigo is home to the world's largest inflatable park in their Newtownbreda Centre, along with an incredible Alpine-themed adventure climbing & soft play village.

Closer to the city centre, The Titanic Park Centre houses the second of our huge inflatable parks, an action-packed ninja master course and Ireland’s only indoor skydiving tunnel.

Make a trip to the beach

Beach-goers enjoying the sunshine at Helen's Bay, County Down (Justin Kernoghan)

If you're living in Belfast, you're just a short train or car journey away from some of the best beaches that Northern Ireland has to offer.

The weather may not be the best but the likes of Helen's Bay Beach and Brompton Beach still offer a stunning setting for a visit.

Visit Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park

Andersonstown Indoor Aqua Park is the largest centre of its kind in Northern Ireland, offering three high-speed water slides, a surf simulator and a children’s adventure aqua play area.

Since opening, the water park has become a hub for families and children alike.

Go to a bar - no really!

Kelly's Cellar in Belfast city centre (Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)

It might seem like an odd one, but seeing as there are plenty of fantastic non-alcoholic beers, stouts, ciders and gins on offer at the moment, it's probably never been easier to go to a bar and stay sober.

Just because you don't want to have a drink, it doesn't mean you should miss out on the craic, the music and the atmosphere of a bar.

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