There are many activities suggested by Real Alternative Drugs and Drinking designed to steer students away from alcohol-influenced parties are available for the social-minded individual.

Suggestions include late-night programming such as comedy night, karaoke and movies, and active options ranging from hiking, rock climbing and intramural sports. These initiatives help reduce alcohol-related issues, provide engaging, educational social outlets, and an opportunity to make new friends and relax without feeling pressured to drink.

Here is a sampling of the alternatives:

Adult Coloring Book Night: Buy adult coloring books, color pencils and crayons, and play CDs and offer healthy snacks to provide a calm, creative environment.

Bob Ross Paint-Along: Pick one of Bob Ross Joy of Painting episodes on YouTube to play for students to paint along to. Provide brushes, canvasses, paint and a space.

Board Game Night: Collect popular board game, set up stations, and provide wings, mozzarella sticks and other snacks. Don’t structure the board games, allowing students to hang out.

Campfire and Smores: Host a campus campfire evening. If the campus doesn’t have a fire ring, work with the facilities department to design a space. Set up a s’mores bar and play CDs.

Canvas Painting: Buy canvases, acrylic and watercolor paint, crayons and color pencil, and invite students to create wall art. Buy feathers, gems and rhinestones to provide a 3D aesthetic.

Comedian: Seek a comedian to entertain students on campus. Visit TikTok or Instagram to learn what comedian’s students enjoy. Work with an artist agency to find up-and-coming acts.

DIY Ceramic Planters: Pick up acrylic paint, paint markers, sharpies and white planters, and let students decorate a planter they can take home or to their residence hall.

Field Day: Host a field day highlighting three-legged races, tug-of-war, water balloon races and other fun outdoor games. Award gift cards to the team that wins the most events.

Game Show Night: Have student organizations decorate, plan the games and promote the event. Partner with a company that can bring game equipment for a night of Family-Feud or Price is Right-style entertainment.

Hypnotist: Contact a hypnotist and provide specific campus information they can weave into their performance. This will make for an engaging and memorable the evening.

Karaoke: Set up a speaker and microphone, and conduct a competition. Provide the space, materials and party snacks, and allow students to run their own competition-free karaoke night.

Knitting Night: Ask a student group if anyone can teach students to crochet or knit. Supply needles and yarn, play music, and provide Chex Mix, cookies and other healthy snacks.

Movie Night: Host a movie night on campus or in a local movie theater. Provide snacks and show the latest releases to encourage student attendance.

Open-Mic Night: Host an open-mic night for students to show off their garage bands or comic talents. Leave it unstructured and don’t turn it into a hyped-up competition.

Outdoor Concert: Work with a company or artist to bring well-known talent to the campus. Partner with campus offices to help cover the cost of artists that students enjoy.

Roommate Game: Invite roommates to sign up to compete for the title of best roommates. Enlist a host to lead the show, based on the retro Newlywed Game, and encourage participation.

Theater Night: Contact local theaters about group rates and book a bus to take students to see a show. Campus theater departments sometimes put on shows that interest students.