25 things to do if you're sober in the Detroit area

By Metro Times editorial staff on Sat, Jan 11, 2020 at 10:00 am

Whether you're recently sober, you've been on the wagon for a while, you're pregnant, or you're just trying to abstain for the night, finding activities to keep your mind off of drugs and alcohol is no easy feat. Being sober means finding new ways to socialize with your friends, as well as finding new hobbies to fill your free time. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to have fun that don't revolve around alcohol. To help get you started, we've compiled 20 things to do if you're sober in metro Detroit.

Tags:

Scroll down to view images

Page 1 of 2

Find your center with Citizen Yoga

1224 Library St., Detroit
Yoga's remained a powerful way to exercise one's mind and body for centuries.

Photo via Kzenon/Shutterstock

1 of 25

Get your aura read at AURA AURA

4200 W. Vernor Hwy., Rear Unit on Scotten St., Detroit
Visit this experimental portrait studio that specializes in capturing bio-magnetic energy through a unique photographic process.

Photo via AURA AURA / Facebook

2 of 25

Ease your mind in a sensory deprivation tank at Motor City Float

1203 W. 14 Mile Rd., Clawson
Sensory deprivation is said to aid in sleep, stress, and increased endorphin production, and quickens rehabilitation and recovery — not to mention, it's also just hella peaceful.

Photo via Vlue/Shutterstock

3 of 25

$Or adopt a furry friend in need 7887 Chrysler Service Dr., Detroit Why spend thousands of dollars on a purebred dog when you could adopt a furry friend for a fraction of that price? Photo courtesy of the Michigan Humane Society$

Or adopt a furry friend in need

7887 Chrysler Service Dr., Detroit
Why spend thousands of dollars on a purebred dog when you could adopt a furry friend for a fraction of that price?

Photo courtesy of the Michigan Humane Society

4 of 25

Get a tattoo at Iconic Tattoo

3401 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-818-0078
Get inked or pierced in the heart of Detroit by one of the many tattoo artists and piercers.

Photo via iconic tattoo & body piercing / Facebook

5 of 25

Enjoy artwork by the masters at Detroit Institute of Arts

5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
The Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the world’s largest art collections with over 100 galleries and is well-known for it’s sprawling mural by famous Mexican artist, Diego Rivera.

Photo via James R. Martin/Shutterstock

6 of 25

Explore rare animals at The Creature Conservancy

4940 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor; 734-929-9324
At the Creature Conservancy, you can learn about biology, ecology, and conservation of different wildlife. You get the chance to see animals you don’t see every day such as sloths, porcupines, cougars, and more.

Photo via The Creature Conservancy / Facebook

7 of 25

Set a new high score at Ready Player One

407 E. Fort St., Detroit
Bask in nostalgia as you play on dozens of machines, including pinball tables and arcade games.
Photo via atmosphere/Shutterstock

8 of 25

Make a new feline friend at Catfe Lounge

821 Livernois Ave., Ferndale
The cafe serves as a spot for visitors to come and connect with shelter cats in a relaxed setting. Patrons are also able to adopt any of the cats that roam throughout the cafe.

Photo via Mutita Narkmuang/Shutterstock

9 of 25

Reach new heights at Planet Rock

1103 W. 13 Mile Rd., Madison Heights
After your introductory lesson of how to climb and belay, you can explore and experience rock climbing at your leisure.

Photo via Craig Melville/Shutterstock

10 of 25

Go crate digging at People's Records

1464 Gratiot Ave., Detroit
Packed to the gills with rare soul, jazz, R&B, and rock, Peoples Records is known worldwide as a key spot for record hunters.

Photo via Dutch Scenery/Shutterstock

11 of 25

Head to Eastern Market to buy local produce

Eastern Market is a fun spot to get all of your fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, flowers, jams, and baked goods.
Photo via Alisa Farov/Shutterstock

12 of 25

Go thrifting to your heart's content at Boro Resale

1440 Gratiot Ave., Detroit
Curb the epidemic of clothing waste happening around the world and instead check out this conscientious consignment store.

Photo via Sakaret/Shutterstock

13 of 25

Release some pent-up energy at Detroit Axe

344 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale
The venue is "metro Detroit's first wholly dedicated, competitive axe throwing arena."

Photo via AP Group of Photography / Shutterstock

14 of 25

Get in shape at CrossFit BMW

2909 Woodbridge St., Detroit; 313-452-8294
Experience an intense workout at CrossFit BMW. They include Workout of the Day, and train each person individually based on what is best for them. It is a high-intensity, constant workout for a satisfying transformation.

Photo via CrossFit BMW / Facebook

15 of 25

Knock down some pins at Garden Bowl

4120 Woodward Ave, Detroit
It's bills itself as "America's oldest active bowling center and Detroit's original home of Rock'n'Bowl" — which features DJs spinning music while patrons bowl on over a dozen glowing blue lanes.

Photo by Devin Culham

16 of 25

See some live music in Detroit Rock City

If one thing is true of Detroiters, it's that we have a passion for our live music scene.

Photo by Doug Coombe

17 of 25

Support local artists and businesses at The Rust Belt Market

22801 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-238-8728
With over 40 local shops and an event space, you can support local clothing, food, or plan an event in the heart of Downtown Ferndale. Inside, they have vintage, homemade, and antique small businesses.

Photo via The Rust Belt Market / Facebook Photo via Google Maps

18 of 25

Release some steam at The Schvitz

8295 Oakland Ave., Detroit
There's something that draws us close to the heat and the restorative properties steam can bring.

Photo by Graeme Flegenheimer

19 of 25

Go to a Pistons Basketball Game

2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit (Little Caesars Arena); 313-471-7000
Enjoy Deeetroit Basketball at a home game.

Photo via Cody Cochran / Detroit Stock City

20 of 25