Erin Lanahan 
A new year brings a fresh start to many, and to some, the challenge of “Dry January.” Typically, people aim to go for the month without having alcoholic drinks, and some use the opportunity to cut alcohol out of their diets for good. Whether it’s just for a month or a lifestyle change, there are plenty of activities to keep busy throughout January without a drink. Plus, we found several bars that serve mocktails for those looking for a fun drink without the booze. Here’s a guide to alcohol-free activities to participate in all around Hoboken + Jersey City.
Date Night
There is more to a romantic night with a special someone than a quick drink. There are plenty of comedy shows happening each week around Hoboken + Jersey City. Some places may have a two-item minimum, so people may skip the booze and order food or a mocktail instead. Couples can go to one of the shows put on by the Mile Square Theatre or the Jersey City Theater Center with a date or enjoy some live music at one of the many live music spots around Hoboken + Jersey City. Couple could also shift the focus from drinks to food and have a romantic date night at a nice restaurant in town, or take up a cooking class to learn how to make a new dish together. If the date night turns into a day date, read HG’s guide to local coffee shops together and search for the best cup of coffee the city is serving that day.
Indoor Activities
Gravity Vault in Hoboken is an indoor climbing gym that welcomes climbers of all skill levels. Guests can drop in for the day or sign up for classes to improve their climbing skills. Instead of going to a driving range, and fans of golf can head over to Hudson Golf in Hoboken to keep golf skills sharp before the warm weather returns and golfers are back out on the course. A group of friends with a passion for driving fast can head to Jersey City for some go kart racing at RPM Raceway. Gamers can spend a day enjoying some classic arcade games and modern video games at the family-friendly Pixel Lab in Jersey City. Play! Hoboken is a classic choice for bowling and other games. Retail therapy is always an option for shoppers looking to support local businesses. Check out one of the many gift shops, boutiques, and other small businesses around Hoboken + Jersey City during your next shopping day.
Read More: Things to Do in Hoboken + JC Instead of Scrolling TikTok (If It Gets Banned)
Workout Classes
There are dozens of boutique gyms around Hoboken + Jersey City for people looking to switch up their workout routine or try something new. There are many new spots to check out, with Pilates, barre, and yoga being many of the workout classes provided. Also available to the community are kickboxing classes, dance classes, and even CrossFit. These classes could be a great tool to help people stick to their fitness goals for the new year and maybe even meet new friends along the way.
Self-Care
Hair Salons
Photo Credit: Bond
There are dozens of amazing salons around Hoboken + Jersey City to visit for all kinds of hair treatments. From a simple cut to a special hair process, there are several ways to spend an afternoon helping you achieve the look you want.
Spas
For those looking for some extra rest and relaxation, a spa is great to help melt any stressors away. If a massage is in order, there are plenty of excellent massage places around Hoboken to visit. SoJo Spa Club is a popular choice in Edgewater for a spa day, with plenty of saunas, pools, soaking baths, therapy room, and even massages to help you feel refreshed. If the dry winter months impact your skin, consider visiting a spa such as Gaia’s Cavern in Jersey City for a facial, footbath, or even a massage.
The Arts
Artists can in touch with their creative side in the new year by signing up for an art class. From pottery to painting, there are several fun spots in Hoboken + Jersey City to visit solo or with a group of friends. While some places advertise enjoying an adult beverage with their class, it’s not required to have one while creating a masterpiece. For those who would rather enjoy the art than create it, visit an art gallery to see what artists from all over the world have worked on. Plus, there are plenty of educational museums around Northern New Jersey the whole family can enjoy during a family-fun day.
Outdoor Activities
Sports Leagues
For many people, exercising more seems to be a common New Year’s Resolution. Joining a sports league is a fun way to get more active, and meet new friends around Hoboken + Jersey City. Hive Athletic, an adult co-ed sports league, has different sports running all year round in Hoboken + Jersey City, including volleyball, pickleball, soccer, and more. Volo Sports has dozens of leagues around Northern New Jersey with leagues adults may join or drop-ins where people can show up for one night of sport instead of committing to an entire season. Zog Sports is another adult co-ed sports league in Hoboken with sports like kickball and bowling to pick up for a season.
Run Clubs
Maybe running more miles is part of a goal for the new year. There are dozens of run clubs around Hoboken + Jersey City to help runners not only achieve their goals, but it’s a fun way to meet new people and get to know the community.
Local Parks
It may seem counterintuitive to go outside during ultra-cold days, but one of Hudson County’s year-round gems is the parks. Each season has its own type of beauty, and winter is no different. Hudson County’s green spaces are always in season for unplugging, relaxing, and getting in touch with nature. Families can layer up and take a walk by the water around Pier A Park. Friends can put on a warm hat and scarf and stroll on the boardwalk at Liberty State Park and check out the Statue of Liberty. Parents can give the kids some gloves and bring them to one of many playgrounds in Hoboken with excellent views of not New Jersey but Manhattan too.
The Library
The library has more than hundreds of options for your next read: it has dozens of resources to help expand your knowledge and connect with the community. The Hoboken Library hosts dozens of events for all ages each month, from yoga to storytime to art classes and more at several locations around the city. The Jersey City Free Public Library system also hosts many events. Don’t forget about Bookmobile, a custom-designed bus with two computers, a DVD player for short films, and a collection of books that travels around Jersey City each week.
Mocktails
Photo Credit: Martha’s
It may seem difficult at first glance to go out with friends without having a cocktail. These Hoboken + Jersey City establishments serve several different mocktails for those looking for a booze-free drink.
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