Not all of us are drinkers. For many different, valid reasons, some of us just do not like or do not want to drink alcohol. For others, we might like to have some from time to time, but we would also be equally as happy doing something fun without getting drunk. Despite misconceptions that some people may have, not all sober activities are boring. There are a multitude of things that you can do that are just as fun, or perhaps even better, than getting drunk and grooving, especially here in Pretoria.
- Lace up your ice skates
Ice skating, the sport of winter kings and queens, is the perfect idea for anyone who enjoys a little chill in their bones and does not mind falling onto hard ice if they stumble. Unless, of course, you are good enough that falling is not a problem. For those of us who are not very good skaters, the only way to get better is through practice. The ice rink at The Grove Mall is the perfect place for you to learn the art of not falling flat on your face.
- Perform a great escape
For mystery lovers and anyone who has ever wanted to test their ability to solve puzzles, Just Breakout is home. Located on 285 Lynnwood Road, you can escape a crazy scientist’s lab or a World War II-styled prison as an intelligence officer for R250 per person. Sounds a bit too expensive? Well, the prices get cheaper when a larger number of people come in a group. A full group of six is R210 per person, with R20 discounts being offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays. So gather as many of your smartest friends as you can and test your ability to solve puzzles and riddles.
- Do some bouncing
Are you in the mood to jump? Well then, Bounce Inc. is the perfect place for you! The ultimate bouncy castle awaits you in Menlyn Maine. Filled with activities such as Slam Dunk, Dodgeball, X-Race and more, there is no better place to set your inner child free.
- Go on a picnic
A cheap and relatively easy idea for you and your friends is picnicking. Put your money together to buy some food and drinks to share, bring blankets, and you have everything you need for a perfect day. Well, almost everything. The thing about picnics is finding the perfect place to have it. Pretoria has plenty of parks and natural landscapes that would make for the perfect, picturesque backdrop for a picnic. For bird lovers, you could go to the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary. Jan Cilliers Park is the perfect place for nature lovers, and it would make for amazing photographs. The Pretoria National Botanical Gardens is also a beautiful, viable option.
- Binge-eat at the Hazel Food Market
If you like eating and have a Saturday morning free, the Hazel Food Market is the best place to go. It is the perfect place for food lovers who want to try out new things. It is open every Saturday from 08:00 to 14:00, and is located at 378 Queens Crescent in Lynnwood. It is perfect for anyone looking for a meal, a snack, or even some arts and crafts. Is there any better way to start a Saturday morning?
- Join a drum circle
What better way is there than to end a Saturday after the food market with a drum circle? Across from a Q4 Garage on Garsfontein and Tierpoort roads, you can join in on the beat for free at Klitsgras Drumming. They are open every second Saturday from 16:00. No drum? No problem! You can rent one to join in, or buy yourself some pizza and sit around the fire to listen. And if the cosy, warm atmosphere makes you sleepy, you can always camp there for the night for free.
