It's not that hard to think of places unless you just want to sit around and talk. Otherwise, it just requires imagination and the internet. You're also very unlikely to find places that don't offer any food or drink because, of course, every place does. It's more important to consider what places don't require you to buy food or drink or where it isn't the focus.
I also think it really depends on where you live. If you live in a place with "stuff," it's not that hard. It's realistically probably not so easy if you live in a crappy city or a small town. I live in Seattle, which is a big city with a vibrant culture. Here is a list of some places and things to do that I could think of (along with a quick search) that are not primarily food- or alcohol-based. While some will cost a little money, many are not expensive or are even free. Some are indoor, some outdoor. Museums and parks are great, but so are any places that are experiential. You could easily string together a nice day out for friends or a date with any of these. Throw in a stop here or there to get coffee, and you've got a great day out socializing for very little money.
- Pike Place Market
- Snoqualmie Falls
- Chihuly Museum of Glass
- Museum of Pop Culture
- Museum of Flight
- Living Computer Labs
- Pioneer Square
- Gates Foundation Discovery Center
- Ballard Locks
- Science Center
- Fremont Market (all year on Sundays)
- Kubuto Gardens
- Seattle Central Public Library (its a cool library)
- Woodland Zoo
- MOHAI
- Center for Wooden Boats
- Botanical Gardens (there are like 6 in the area)
- Pinball Museum
- Boeing Factory Tour
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- Alki beach
- Gold Rush Museum
- Smith Tower
- The Reptile Museum (they have spiders too)
- Combat Armor Museum (cool if you're into that)
- Ride The Ducks
- Emerald Downs (horse racing)
- Evergreen Speedway (stock/drag racing)
- The Monorail
- Unicorn (which yes, is technically a bar)
- Pacific Place
- Crystal Mountain Gondola
- Dave and Busters (you don't have to eat)
- Westlake Center
- Top Golf (not as pricy as you think)
- iFly (yes, a little pricey)
- Northwest Trek (Lions, Tigers, and Bears)
- High Trek (zip lines)
- LeMay Car Museum
- any number of haunted houses in October
- there are a bunch of gaming centers like Mox
- bowling is always an option
- roller skating rinks (if you are coordinated)
- ice skating rinks (if you are coordinated and Canadian)
- rent some kayaks on Lake Union when it's warm
- rent a hot tub boat on Lake Union when it's cold
- there are a number of climbing centers
- ... also trampoline centers
- ... also aquatic centers if it's warm
- there are a number of gun ranges ( you don't even have to own a gun in most places, you can rent one)
- trails, so many many many many many many trails for hiking
- ax throwing
- escape rooms (so so many, escape rooms)
Plus, there are events and festivals going on all year long.
- Boat Show in February
- Tulip Festival in April
- Fremont Fair in June
- Seafair in July
- Timber! (country music) in July
- Bumbershoot in August
- Puyallup Fair in September
- Fremont Oktoberfest in (shockingly) October
- Cloudbreak Music Festival in November
- Winterfest in December
Obviously, many of these are Seattle-specific, but I know that even small towns and rural regions have things like this going. I'm from a small rural town, and I'm always busy going to things when I go back.
Many of these will allow you ample time and space to socialize with your friends. But again, if you really just want to hang out and talk, go to someone's home or a common area (many large apartment buildings have these). If that's not an option, book a room at a local library or your town hall (both are usually free).
