Edmonton activities for a night out without alcohol
So many nights are whiled away at the same local watering hole. You share some drinks and laughs and repeat, week after week. If you want to shake up your routine and have a memorable night out with your friends sans alcohol, check out this list of fun things to do around Edmonton. [Image credit: iStock.com/sanjeri]
JimBows Archery Edmonton
13955 156 St Nw, Edmonton, AB T6V 1J1If you’ve ever had a desire to try out archery, head over to Jim-Bows. Whether you’re a complete newbie or an experienced archer who could put Legolas to shame, this place has all the gear and knowledgeable staff to help you get started with lane shooting. Bring your own gear or rent it for the day. Multi-day shooting passes are available.
The Carrot Coffee House
9351 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 0N3For a more relaxed night out, check out The Carrot’s live music on Friday nights ($5 cover), open mic on Saturdays (no cover) or poetry nights on the last Thursday of every month. Serving up locally brewed, delicious coffee and an affordable assortment of baked goods, pastries and light meals, The Carrot is a volunteer-run non-profit – a mainstay in the revitalized Alberta Avenue neighbourhood.
Laser Quest
11271 170 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 0J1Shoot, hide and make your way through this glow-in-the dark labyrinth of indoor laser tag. Each player is provided with a laser gun and a pack that vibrates whenever you get shot. At the end of the game, your scores are tallied up on the public scoreboard for all to see (so use a pseudonym if your shooting and hide and seek skills need practice!).
Jack Axe
9785 45 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 5V8If you want to feel like a burly lumberjack for the day, check out Edmonton’s indoor lumberjack arena to practice your skills such as axe throwing, pole climbing, balancing on logs (birling), cutting logs with a crosscut saw and the Hercules Hoist (lowering your own body weight down slowly). Closed-toed shoes are required but plaid shirts are optional.
Monster Mini Golf Edmonton
3414 Gateway Blvd, Edmonton, AB T6J 6R5Glow-in-the-dark mini golf, monsters and arcade games unite at this southside fun house. Play 18-holes of fun-themed monster golf, then head your way to the arcade area with glow air hockey. After this, it’s hard to go back to regular mini golf.
Art Gallery Of Alberta
2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 2C1For the creative crowd, check out AGA’s assortment of drop-in classes on Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. for $18. Try out silk screening, figure drawing, kinetic sculptures and more. If you can’t get enough of art workshops, consider buying a five-workshop punch card.
Bonnie Doon Bowling Lanes
Y095-8330 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 4E3Good old fashioned five-pin bowling is always a good time. Bonnie Doon’s well-maintained bowling alley is discreetly tucked away on the mall’s lower level. The food is the usual hamburgers, pizza and fries, but it’s all reasonably priced. Come on Saturday nights for neon bowling from 6 to 10 p.m.
Speeders Edmonton
12808 170 St NW, Unit 16, Edmonton, AB T5V 0A6For adrenaline-junkies, drop in to SPEEDERS for a race (14 laps) or two. These aren’t the go karts of your childhood; these electric-powered go karts can reach speeds up to 75 km/hr. Fridays are drop-in anytime racing. The huge 50,000 square foot building is an indoor racing oasis – perfect for a bit of friendly competition.
Sugar Swing Dance Club
Remember the dances you used to have in the gymnasium of your school? Well, this is a swing-style, grown-up version of that (minus all the raging hormones and insecurities). Put on your dancing shoes for the weekly Friday Night Stomp – a non-alcoholic event. Dancers of all ages are welcome; beginners can come early for a $2 dance class.
