15 Fun Things to Do If You Don’t Want to Watch the Super Bowl
Will the Super Bowl be on your TV this year, but you aren’t a fan? Or are you going to a Super Bowl party but are just there for the snacks and commercials? I’ve been there! Here are some fun alternative ideas if football isn’t for you!
For the Non-Football Party Goer
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I can remember being a sophomore in college when I went to my friend’s apartment for a Super Bowl party. At the time, I had ZERO interest in the game, and I’m pretty sure I stayed in the kitchen most of the night — with a few of my girlfriends — and, of course, the snacks.
Things have changed a little in 30+ years… my husband is a HUGE football fan, and my sons, though I wouldn’t call them fans, love to commentate pretty much the whole thing and announce every play.
Back then, I was already looking for “things to do during the Super Bowl if you don’t like football,” but I didn’t have a name for it yet.
Now that I’ve lived through many Super Bowl Sundays, I’ve learned that there are actually lots of fun Super Bowl activities and Super Bowl ideas for non-football fans that make the night enjoyable even if the game isn’t your thing.
If you’re like me (or how I was) and are searching for activities during the Super Bowl to keep busy, relax, or simply enjoy the atmosphere without focusing on the TV, I’ve got you covered.
These ideas might work just for you personally, or for a group of friends who are equally Super-Bowl-avoidant.
They also work wonderfully for kids — especially when the game feels too long, or they just aren’t into football… or maybe the noise and overstimulation is too much.
Either way, having some family Super Bowl ideas ready can make the whole evening more fun for everyone.
While these activities may be an escape from the game itself, this could also really end up being a fun time to make some great memories together.
Here are my suggestions for Super Bowl alternatives.
What to Do Instead of Watching the Super Bowl (Family-Friendly + Fun)
1| Create a Cozy Corner
If there’s another corner of the house you can escape to, you can make it a little cozy get-away. For many kids, the overstimulation and noise of the game is too much. Bring some blankets and pillows, hot cocoa, some books, Legos, puzzles, and other quiet activities. Or make your own blanket fort with string lights, flashlights, and camp out!
2| Games Table
Why not set up your own competitions? This is a great time for board games or card games! Uno, Dutch Blitz, Monopoly, Jengo, Scrabble, Yahtzee – pretty much anything works!
If you have enough people and space, you can even set up your own Bunco tournament!
3| “Pretend It’s Football” Movie Corner
If you have access to another TV, you can create an alternative screen selection! Stream or download some of family-friendly movies, rom-coms, or winter favorites. Or binge-watch some old favorite sitcoms.
4| DIY Spa Night
This might drive the men crazy, but if you have a few girlfriends (little girly-girls) with you who are not into the game, you can find a space where you can do all the girly things- pretty much the polar opposite of football: manis and pedis, hand and foot soaks, face masks… all the spa things.
5| Bring Your Own Hobby Station
Encourage the non-football-watchers to bring their favorite hobby or craft. Things like crocheting, hand-lettering, doodle drawing, watercolor painting – or even a craft they are working on!
You also can prepare a few easy winter crafts (or Valentine’s Day crafts!) ahead of time for the adults, too!
6| Simple Kids Craft Table
The game can end up feeling long for kids, so having activities for them can be a pre-emptive strike against the crankiness. Think about stocking up on sticker books, paint-by-number, coloring books.
You can also try these fun football-themed crafts for kids!
I also love those simple foam crafts as well – adorable options for both winter and Valentine’s Day!
7| Valentine’s Card-Making Station
Valentine’s Day is literally days after the Super Bowl! This would be a fun thing to do with kids or girlfriends while the game is going on!
You can make cards, tags, or little gifts for the kids to give out in school. This is a great way to be ahead of the curve when Valentine’s Day quickly creeps up on you!
Take a look here for card ideas kids and adults can make together.
And this kit comes with everything you need for your kids to make adorable class Valentine cards and small gifts!
8| Football Bingo (Free Printable!)
If you don’t want to be totally anti-social, you can pop back in and play Football Bingo! That way, you can stay a little engaged (and occupied) if you don’t really want to watch the game. It can at least keep you nearby your family (and they maty actually want to play!)
You can also just pop in for commercials and play Commercial Bingo! Most of us know that the commercials are what we’ve all come for!
9| Food Contest & Snack-Voting Cards
Have a little food contest and let your guests “judge” the snacks. Ask your friends to participate by bring food in a certain category and make it a little fun competition.
Feel free to also include a few prizes (gag or real!).
Some fun categories for a food contest might be football-themed appetizers, football themed treats, buffalo wings, salsa, chili – really, anything would be a blast!
10| Phone Scavenger Hunt
Use this list of items for fun photo scavenger hunt! You can make it a little extra and have everyone do a ‘selfie’ challenge along with it, too!
11| Make-Your-Own Snack Box
Think about stadium food and how it’s served – and let guest create their own box from all the food that’s laid out!
You can grab football-themed boxes for extra fun!
12| Popcorn Mix Bar
A popcorn bar is another fun and easy way for guest to feed and entertain themselves by building their own.
Set out popcorn, M&M’s, nuts, candy corn, Reese’s Pieces, different salts and spices (and sugars!), chocolate chips, parmesan cheese… no combo is off limits.
13| Blind Food Tasting
My kids always want to know which food brand is better – this is a great time for a blind food tasting contest! Get different brands of your favorite snacks as well as the knock-off brands – Doritos, corn chips, potato chips, soda – and see which wins!
14 | Half-Time Show Alternative
A lot of times, the half-time show isn’t exactly family-friendly. Have your kids come up with an alternative. They can plan and put it together during the 1st half of the game, and be ready to perform it during half-time!
You can also watch a family-friendly TPUSA Halftime Alternative or have your own mini-dance party.
15| Football Themed Games
You can also set up your own friendly competition with Football Minute-to Win-It or other party games! This is sure to create a ton of laughs, and you won’t feel like you’re missing a thing. 
You can also try these football printable games – this pack is amazing and it’s free!!
Lifesaver Ideas for the Non-Football Fan
I hope you found some ideas to keep you busy and happy during the big game! Even if you don’t like football, it still can be a really fun time with your friends and family! Maybe even a yearly tradition!
More Super Bowl Ideas
55 Best Football Appetizers: Super Bowl Party Food
40+ Slow Cooker Party Recipes Guaranteed to Wow
If you try any of these ideas, I’d love to hear! Leave a comment below!
And if you found this post helpful, I’d be so grateful if you pinned or shared!
