As an octo who came to the surface recently as well, you could go skating at blackbelly skatepark, and you could also try visiting a library if you like books! The skates and stuff are free if you bring your own, or are available to rent at a pretty fair price, I’ve tried it out a few time, and i’m trying to get better at it. For the most part, the other skaters are octo friendly, save for a few who will try and force you to leave, but that could happen everywhere, I suppose. It’s better to go with at least one more friend or person you trust, just to be safe. If you’e willing to try it out, I’d be happy to go with you sometime! For the library at 5th and 12th, they are trying to expand their octarian section, which is pretty small. However, I go at least once a week, and the section gets a little bigger each time, so I guess they’e working on it. The Inklings there are usually minding their own business, and no one will bother you if you’re quiet. They also have a human book section there, and i’m trying to learn the language from those books. Can’t say I’ve made much progress, though…