Meeting friends in any city often means meeting in bars, which are great places to catch up on drinks, but sometimes going to another bar can start to get tedious. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for spending time with friends that don’t involve just going to the local watering hole. Toronto is getting more and more regularly recurring venues and events that do unique things to do, whether you meet a friend or six. Here are seven ideas for what to do the next time you want to go out – that’s not your typical night.
Coloring nights for adults
Adult coloring books have gained popularity in recent years, why should kids have so much fun? It is known to be a stress reliever, more and more adults are getting excited about the art of taking colored pencils to draw and now you can do it in a group. Every Thursday from 5 p.m. To close, Gladstone hosts an adult coloring night where you and your friends can go, have a drink (pints are only $ 5 from 5-8 pm), and color all night. There is also live music from 7 to 10 pm
Lego nights for adults
Like coloring, Lego is known as a kid-friendly activity, but it doesn’t have to be. The Gladstone also hosts a weekly Lego night for adults at the Melody Bar, known as Lego and Lagers, and that’s what it sounds like. They have Lego boxes ready for people to grab and get creative with a beer or two. Lego and Lagers runs every Tuesday from 5pm to 1am and it’s totally free. Gather up some friends, head over to Gladstone, and channel your inner child to see who can create the coolest Lego structures.
Hang out with the cats at a Cat Cafe
Regular cafeterias are great places for recovery sessions or get-togethers with groups of friends, but why not make things more interesting by bringing in cats? Toronto now has its own cat cafe, a phenomenon that has been very popular throughout Asia. If you are unfamiliar with the concept, there is an area to hang out with the cats that is separate from where you order and drink your drinks. Make time with the cats, who are looking for their forever homes. It’s a fun and relaxing way to catch up with a friend (assuming you both like cats).
Board games and beer (or coffee)
Head to a board game café with your game-loving friends for a night of serious (or not so serious) competition. In addition to several other board game cafes, you can choose from two Snakes and Lattes locations, one in the Annex and one in Little Italy, where you can take refuge with your game of choice over a pint, coffee or tea.
Or play other games with a side of beer
Okay, this list was supposed to contain alternatives to bars, but there are several drinking establishments in Toronto where the goal goes beyond just sitting around with a beer in hand. For example, the recently opened Night Owl serves reasonably priced food and drink, but also offers several classic arcade games for people who want to be a little more active while sipping their drink of choice. Track and Field Bar meets your gaming craving needs with 1000 square feet of playing space, including two bocce lanes and two lanes of cards.
You’ll find classic arcade games at Get Well, play a few ping pong games at SPiN, and find Fooseball, shuffleboard, pool, and pinball at The Dock Ellis.
Practice your ax throwing skills
Review your aim among friends with a night out learning to throw an ax to hit a target. The Backyard Ax Throwing League (BATL), with three locations in Toronto, is one of those places where you can hang out and throw an ax. Reserve a spot online for a group of friends and have fun learning a new skill. Sessions last around two and a half hours and are hosted by BATL coaches who offer instruction before any tournament game begins.
Dive into some DIY
Something that is always fun to do with friends, especially if you are willing to do something a little different is to learn something new as a duo or group. Whether it’s knitting, sewing, knitting, woodworking, or pottery, there’s a place in Toronto where you can try some DIY, get creative with a few friends, and come up with a new skill or potential hobby.
