Whether you are the designated driver, sober curious, or you simply prefer non-alcoholic alternatives on nights out, there are many delicious zero proof drinks to enjoy across Durham Region’s downtowns.
And just because your plans are NoLo (no and low alcohol), it doesn’t mean your drinks—or your night out—will be any less fun.
Looking for fun things to do that don’t include a night of drinking? We’ve curated this list of fun things to do in Durham Region’s downtowns, paired with bars and restaurants that feature delicious mocktails and non-alcoholic beer options—so you can enjoy a night out on the town that is all fun, no booze.
Mocktails and Rock Climbing in Bowmanville
Pinnacle Indoor Rock Climbing, Bowmanville
✅ Student pricing
✅ All seasons
If your idea of fun includes working up a sweat, why not head to Bowmanville for some rock climbing and spirit-free cocktails? Start your fun night at Three Six Kitchen in Bowmanville, enjoying a bite to eat as you sip on a delicious zero-proof Caesar. Their wonderful mocktail menu features a variety of delicious drinks, complete with alcohol-free wine, house mocktails, and even Chronicle Brewing Co.’s Yoda Soda—an alcohol-free lemon-lime spritzer.
After fueling up for your adventure, stop by Pinnacle Indoor Rock Climbing nearby, which features some of the tallest walls in the Greater Toronto Area, as well as one of only two certified speed climbing walls in Ontario. The adult day rate includes a free orientation for first-timers (or if you need a quick refresher). They also offer a student day rate admission for full-time students, and adaptive climbing if looking for an accessible experience.
Board Games and Alcohol-free Beer in Oshawa
Brew Wizards Board Game Café, Oshawa
✅ All seasons
If your ideal night out involves strategic thinking, game play and winning bragging rights for your mad skills, then grab your friends and head to Oshawa for a night out at the Brew Wizards Board Game Café. Featuring lots of different coffee beverages, and non-alcoholic beer options, it’s a great way to spend a night hanging out with friends and trying your hand at some new games for some good clean fun. Check their website for specially themed game nights—and bonus, they offer some yummy food options for snacks while you play. Local tip: order the giant bowl of candy for the table.
NoLo Margaritas and Night Paddling in Pickering
Paddle Pirates, Pickering
✅ All seasons
✅ Adaptive paddling available, including additional staff or vessels at no additional cost
If you like spending the evenings outdoors, try your hand at illuminated night paddling with Paddle Pirates in Pickering Nautical Village. With a selection of illuminated kayaks, standup paddle boards, and even a peddle boat, you can hit the water in style in a light up vessel on Frenchman’s Bay. When you book your night paddle excursion, paddlers can be provided with a dry bag, Bluetooth speaker, and even a light box to assist with taking selfies—and your tour guide will be by your side, capturing the evening by taking photos.
After you’ve had your fun on the water, then hit up one of the many amazing restaurants nearby, like the Insta-worthy Chúuk restaurant. With sans alcohol margaritas and fresh pressed juices, they are a great go-to spot for a nice cold mocktail on a night out. If you’d like to take a walk or pick up some takeout, stop by With Grace Marketplace before you depart Frenchman’s Bay. As Durham Region’s first non-alcoholic bottle shop, this marketplace in Pickering Nautical Village specializes in alcohol alternatives. Whether you are cutting back or cutting out alcohol, they have some lovely non-alcoholic options for you to enjoy. While there, shop their plant-based pairings and mindful gifts.
Mocktails, Nachos and Bowling in Ajax
Ajax Bowling Centre, Ajax
✅ All seasons
For a fun night out with friends, why not try nachos and bowling in Ajax? Start your evening at Mexico Lindo, where they offer an extensive menu of cocktails to choose from—like pina coladas, daiquiris or even margaritas—and when you order the mocktail version, they offer it at a reduced price.
If you are looking for a restaurant to enjoy that purposely does not serve alcohol, swing by the Sea Salt Café in Ajax. Every product they serve is halal. No pork or alcohol is served at the restaurant.
After you’ve enjoyed some dinner, head over to Ajax Bowling Centre for some sober fun with friends. This five-pin bowling alley offers a fun, nostalgic bowling experience that includes throwback disco balls, pop music and a digital scoring system to keep track of all those strikes.
Live Music and Mocktails in Newcastle
Walsh’s Snug, Newcastle
✅ All seasons
For a fun night out with friends, plan a night at the Walsh’s Snug—a traditional Irish pub with lots of charm and character. The Snug features delicious dishes like shepherd’s pie and burgers to pair with your alcohol-free beverage. With options like spirit-free Caesars, non-alcoholic beer and even Zero Guinness, there are plenty of drinks to sip and savour while skipping the booze.
Walsh’s Snug also has an amazing patio for you to enjoy and a regular schedule of live music performances. Check their event schedule or call ahead to see if there are live bands scheduled while planning your night out.
Dinner and a Show in Pickering Village
Pickering Village, Ajax
✅ All seasons
Plan your next night out in Ajax’s Pickering Village. First, have dinner in the historic village and then catch a movie, play, or concert at a vibrant entertainment venue with historical roots.
Pickering Village celebrates a mix of the old and the new, including local businesses, restaurants and pubs that are situated in historical buildings with unique architecture. Wander the beautiful buildings and start your evening off right with dinner and drinks.
At Drums and Flats, you can enjoy dinner inside in the winter or hit up their beautiful patio during warm weather. Their menu features a variety of drink options, which you can ask to order alcohol-free, like a margarita on the rocks.
After dinner, head over to the St. Francis Centre to check out a performance. Originally constructed as a church in 1871, the St. Francis Centre is a year-round entertainment destination, which is housed in a vibrant and modern facility.
Concerts and Mocktails in Port Perry
Port Social, Port Perry
✅ All seasons
For a wonderful evening in a quaint lakeside town, why not head to Port Perry to stroll their lovely main street.Start your night off right with dinner and drinks at The Port Social and savour a mocktail from their extensive drink menu. After you’ve had dinner, it’s a short stroll to the Town Hall Theatre.
The Town Hall Theatre has been a vital part of the local arts scene in Port Perry for over 150 years. With regular performances, from theatre productions to concerts, there is no shortage of shows to check out. View their upcoming performances when planning a night out on the town.
Mocktails and Movies in Uxbridge
Urban Pantry, Uxbridge
✅ All seasons
If you are looking for the ultimate date night out, look no further than beautiful downtown Uxbridge. Start your night off right at the Urban Pantry—a contemporary Canadian, farm-to-table restaurant. Treat yourself to one of their delicious mocktails with your dinner inside the gorgeous restaurant, or enjoy an evening on the patio (weather permitting). Our favourite mocktail choice is the Brazilian Lemonade. We can’t stop thinking about this drool-worthy drink.
After you’ve had a lovely meal, why not catch a show in a historic movie theatre? The Roxy Theatre—a restored movie house from the 1950s—shows all the latest blockbusters in a vintage theatre setting.
Old School Games and Snacks in Whitby
8-Bit Beans, Whitby
✅ All seasons
If your idea of fun is gaming, then 8-Bit Beans Café and Gaming Lounge in downtown Whitby will be your new go-to for a night of fun. This full-service café, arcade and bar is brimming with nostalgic finds. Enjoy more than 20 arcade cabinets, two console booth areas with modern and classic gaming consoles, and a full food menu featuring classics like gourmet hotdogs and grilled cheese sandwiches.
While there, you can enjoy one of their alcohol-free drinks, like indulging in a Shirley Temple, or specialty lattes like the Superstar Salted Caramel Latte, the Eleven Maple Waffle Latte, or the Funky Kong Banana Cream Mocha.
Mocktails and Karaoke in Beaverton
Tar’d and Feather’d, Beaverton
✅ All seasons
If you love live music, plan a night out at Tar’d and Feather’d in Beaverton. With karaoke nights, and live music performances, you can enjoy a delicious dinner with a mocktail from their drink menu.
Check out their Facebook page for upcoming performances to plan your night out on the town.
While you’re exploring and enjoying, we’d love to know what you tried and loved the most! Tag @DurhamTourism on social media so we can follow along and share.
For even more travel inspiration, check out our Durham Region Discovery Guide.