A double date can be a fantastic way to bring more fun and flow into a romantic connection. They can work well for a new person you’re getting to know or to bring some freshness into a long-term relationship.
In this guide, we’ll give you some of the best ideas out there on how to plan a double date that is fun and connecting.
Let’s dive in!
What Are Double Dates?
Double dates are when two couples go out together on the same date or outing. This could be as a double blind date–where people do not know each other. It can be with new couples or daters who have not coupled up yet.
Double Date Ideas for New Couples
If you are still getting to know each other, these fun double date ideas can be a great way to build rapport and connection.
Mini-golf
It is a light-hearted and fun activity that allows for conversation and a bit of friendly competition.
Escape room
Escape rooms are loads of fun for any puzzle solvers out there. They also provide a great opportunity for team-building and cooperation.
Art gallery tour
Pick a part of town with a handful of art galleries and walk around as a group. The art will make for great conversation starters while you get to know each others’ tastes.
Visit a zoo or aquarium
Appreciating animals can be a fun and casual way to enjoy a day together. It makes for a dynamic date as you venture through different habitats and animals.
Visit a farmer’s market
Stroll through a local farmers market. It’s a pleasant way to explore local produce and artisanal goods. And it makes for a lively ambiance to get to know each other.
Bowling night
Enjoy a classic night of bowling. It’s a casual and fun way to engage in a little friendly competition. Bowling also gives you lots of breaks for mini-conversations. Afterward, you can hit the bar for some more relaxed and long-spanning conversations.
Board game café
Spend an evening at a board game café. It’s a cozy and interactive way to bond over games. It can also be inspiring to pick a game amidst a massive collection.
Attend a live music event
Discover a band or music genre together at a live show. It’s an enjoyable way to experience new sounds and share musical interests. For something cheaper and more low key, you could also try an open mic night.
Pottery painting studio
This is a fun and easy way to get creative together. And you’ll all leave with a souvenir to remember the day.
Plus, research suggests that couples who participated in an art class together experienced an increase in the release of oxytocin, which is a brain chemical associated with feelings of closeness.
Go-kart racing
Add a bit of adrenaline with go-kart racing. It’s an opportunity to get a little bit competitive and to experience thrill and novelty together.
Double Date Ideas for Married Couples
For those who have been in a relationship for a while, these dates can help you bring some life into your connection and spice your romance back up.
In fact, one study1 https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fa0031719 ran a test and found that when couples spend 90 minutes a week doing something new and exciting for four weeks in a row, they will feel more excited about their relationship up to four months later!
Theme park adventure
Here’s a great one for adrenaline junkies. The thrill of rides and the fun of games make for an exhilarating and nostalgic experience.
Wine and cheese night
Host a sophisticated evening with a selection of fine wines and assorted cheeses. Give yourself to be a little snobby while you enjoy good conversation and discerning new flavors.
Couples’ cooking challenge
Have a fun and friendly cooking competition. Pick a theme or ingredient and see which couple can come up with the best dish.
You can also mix up the teams to get to know someone new.
Backyard movie night
Set up a projector and screen for an outdoor movie. Combine it with cozy blankets and popcorn for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Game night with a twist
Play classic board games or card games, but with added challenges or stakes, like playful bets or dares.
Here are a few dare ideas:
- The losing team has to cook dinner for the next double date night
- The loser has to serenade the group with the winner’s pick of karaoke song
- The loser has to give everyone a sincere compliment
If you’d like some ideas on what board games to try, here’s a list of some awesome ones.
Book club for four
Choose a book to read and discuss it together on a double date. It’s a great way to share perspectives and enjoy literary conversations.
Plus, it’ll give you each excitement as you read the book, knowing you’ll be discussing it together soon.
Cultural festival or event
Attend a local cultural festival or event. This allows the group to experience different cultures, foods, and performances together.
Puzzle night
Work on a jigsaw puzzle together. It’s a relaxing yet mentally stimulating activity that promotes teamwork and patience.
Plus, there’s plenty of opportunity to take a break and dive into conversation.
Attend a lecture or talk
Go to a lecture or talk on a topic of mutual interest. It’s an intellectually stimulating way to learn something new and have discussions afterward.
If you want to stay at home, you could watch a Ted Talk together as well. Here’s one great option from Vanessa Van Edwards about social connection.
Photo scavenger hunt
Create a checklist of items or scenes. Then, embark together (or on teams) with the camera in hand to snap photos from the list. It’s a fun and active way to explore, with a bit of friendly competition.
If this idea appeals to you, here is a more detailed guide on 19 Fun Photo Scavenger Hunt Ideas.
Outdoor Adventure Double Date Ideas
For outdoor enthusiasts, here are some date ideas for enjoying the beauty of the natural world together.
Canoe together
Paddle through the waters together. Canoeing is great since you all share the same boat. So, it requires rhythm, coordination, and some gentle teamwork. It’s a great way to appreciate the beauty of water.
Sunrise or sunset hike
Climb a trail in the dim light. Witnessing the day’s start or end is a shared ritual, both a beginning and an end.
I recall going for a sunrise hike with a group of new friends in Guatemala years ago, and it’s a memory that will stick with me. The thrill of hiking in the dark, the beauty of catching a sunrise above the city, and the feeling of accomplishment before the day even began.
Botanical garden exploration
Walk through the beautifully manicured paths of a nature park. The flowers and plants are a quiet backdrop to conversations.
Bike through scenic routes
Ride side by side. This will be especially enjoyable if you can find a route off of city roads.
Picnic in a secluded meadow
Share a meal in a hidden spot. This can be an escape to simplicity, where food and company are all that matter.
Horseback riding along trails
Google if there are horseback rides you can pay for in your area. Connecting with a horse can be an amazing experience. It’s a memory none of you will soon forget.
Swimming adventure
Pick a lake or oceanside beach where you can lay a blanket and enjoy the water together. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy nature and cool down from the sun.
Snowshoeing
If you’re in a wintery area, consider hiking over snow-covered landscapes together. This can be a beautiful way to explore the tranquility of nature together.
Star gazing
Find a clear night and lie under the stars. Simple and profound. Conversations underneath the stars tend to go a layer deeper than most other conversations.
Cross-country skiing through silent trails
Glide across snow-clad trails. Cross-country skiing can be a meditative workout. It can be a bonding experience to traverse hills together and enjoy the serenity of winter.
Nightlife Double Date Ideas
If you’d like to get together after work for some late-night hijinx, then one of these double date ideas will be just what you’re looking for.
Try a speakeasy
Everyone loves to be in a secret, exclusive-feeling location! Find a speakeasy in your city. The allure of secrecy adds to the excitement of sharing crafted cocktails.
Go to a comedy club
Studies suggest laughing with other people fosters connection. Take advantage of this by enjoying a night of laughter with a stand-up comedian! It’s a great way to break the ice and have fun together.
Go to a roller skating rink.
If you know how to skate, roller rinks are a great time. There’s usually dance music playing. It can be a nostalgic, active, and playful night out as a group.
Karaoke night
Sing your hearts out together. Whether you’re on key or off, it’s all about the fun and camaraderie.
You can do a karaoke night where you sing in front of a crowd or opt for private room karaoke.
Go dancing at a club.
Lose yourselves in the music and lights. If you all share a taste in music, dancing is an incredible way to bond and experience the energy of the night.
See live jazz
If you can find live jazz, it can be a real treat to experience creative inspiration together. It’s a sophisticated and relaxing way to spend the evening.
Attend a night market.
Explore the vibrant atmosphere of a night market. It’s a feast for the senses with street food, crafts, and live music.
Nighttime beach walk
Stroll along the beach under the stars. The sound of the waves and the calm of the night create a romantic backdrop.
Attend a drag show
Experience the vibrant and playful world of drag. It’s an evening filled with incredible performances, humor, and a celebration of diversity.
Food truck hop
Sample various cuisines from local food trucks. It’s a casual and fun way to explore different flavors together. Plus, it gives you a reason to adventure around the city together.
Attend a midnight movie screening.
Catch a late-night movie. It’s a twist on the classic movie date with a more intimate and adventurous vibe.
Visit an arcade bar
Combine retro games and drinks. There’s plenty of opportunity for play, competition, and exploration.
Stay-At-Home Double Date Ideas
If you’re feeling more lowkey and want the intimacy of being at home together, then try one of these ideas.
DIY craft night
Look on Etsy or Amazon for some home craft kits. It could be weaving dream catchers or making a scrapbook. Crafting is a relaxed way to hang out and practice some simple teamwork.
Connection cards
Use these cards to spark deep and meaningful conversations. They’re excellent for learning more about each other in a fun way.
Here is one deck of couples connection cards2 https://www.theadventurechallenge.com/products/connection-cards-couples-edition/ you can try out.
Cook a meal together.
Pick a recipe and cook together. It’s a collaborative and rewarding way to enjoy a homemade meal. Alternatively, you can each take a different part of the course. Someone does dessert and other drinks, and the other two split the main course.
Watch a corny movie
Put on a cheesy, lighthearted film. It’s perfect for laughs and easy to watch.
Plus, since the film won’t be too engrossing, there will be plenty of opportunity for conversation and bonding in the peanut gallery together.
Beer tasting at home
Set up a selection of beers to taste and discuss. This can be both an educational and loose way to spend the evening.
Play the newlyweds game.
Test how well you know each other. It’s a fun, vulnerable, and often hilarious way to learn new things about each pair.
Here are 310 of the Best Newlywed Game Questions.
Charades
Charades are a great way to get out of your shell together. It is sure to provide laughter and just a touch of embarrassment.
Here are 55 other party games you can look at for inspiration.
Themed dinner party
Decide on a theme, and each brings dishes that match. It’s a fun way to explore different cuisines and decorations.
You could go the extra mile and include a dress theme as well.
Bonfire night
Gather around a backyard bonfire. Share stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the warmth of the fire. It’s a cozy and intimate way to spend an evening. There’s something primal about gathering around a fire that seems to foster a sense of camaraderie and connection.
Vision board creation
Spend time making vision boards. This activity encourages sharing dreams and goals. It’s a creative and inspiring way to visualize future aspirations and learn more about each other’s hopes and ambitions.
Vision boarding can be a natural segue into discussing goals together. This can be a growthful and vulnerable way to get to know each other.
If this is of interest, and you’d like some support clarifying your goals, you might enjoy this free guide:
[How to set better goals using science]
Educational Double Date Ideas
These creative double-date ideas are for groups of people who love to learn new skills. Art classes and workshops allow you to learn and get inspired together.
Explore a museum together.
Walk through a museum together and swap ideas on art, aesthetics, and meaning.
Candle-making workshop
Learn the craft of candle making. It’s a cozy and creative activity, plus you get to take your creations home.
Creative writing workshop
Join a session to explore the craft of writing. It’s a stimulating way to express creativity and share stories, perfect for literature enthusiasts.
Glassblowing workshop
Check Google to see if there are glassblowing studios in your area. It’s a fascinating way to understand this intricate craft and create beautiful glass pieces.
Mixology class
Learn the art of crafting cocktails. It’s a fun and interactive way to understand the nuances of mixology and experiment with different flavors.
Go to a figure drawing class.
Figuring drawing is a wonderful way to explore creativity and appreciate the human form. Search online for figure drawing groups or classes near you.
Pottery class
Get your hands dirty in a pottery workshop. Pottery is fun and tactile.
Beekeeping class
Beekeeping is an educational and outside-the-box date that offers a unique perspective on sustainability.
Improv class
Loosen up and laugh with an improv workshop. It’s perfect for learning to think on your feet and enjoy spontaneous moments.
If you choose to get drinks or hang out afterward, you’ll certainly be primed for more playfulness and silly jokes.
Cooking class
Take a class to learn new cooking techniques or cuisines. This is a creative date where you take home some practical new skills to add to your kitchen repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Planning a Double Date
People do double dates because it can reduce pressure and make a date feel more casual with others around. Double dates also allow two couples to share the experience and add a social dynamic to the date.
There’s no right answer here. One option is for the person who initiates the date to pay. But that might also seem unfair to them. Another solution is to clarify this question before the date with everyone involved to avoid a complicated conversation when the check arrives.
On a double date, it’s usually ideal to sit in a way that encourages a group dynamic. If you’re at a table, try having partners sit on opposite sides of the table. This might push your comfort zone not to be next to your partner, but it might help the whole group open up more.
Double dates aren’t weird; they can be a fun and interactive way to socialize. They offer a different dynamic compared to a typical one-on-one date.
Double dates can be awkward, especially if the couples don’t know each other well. Just like any meeting of new people, the chemistry might not vibe. But double dates can also be a great opportunity to break the ice and make new friends.
People do double dates to combine the intimacy of dating with the fun of socializing in a group. They can provide a balanced experience of personal connection and shared activities.
He might want a double date to introduce you to some of his best friends or to make the dating experience more comfortable and less intense by having friends around. If you suspect a questionable ulterior motive, bring it up with him.
Takeaways on Planning a Double Date
A double date can be a great way to increase the fun and flow with your partner. Here are a few top ideas to consider:
- Mini Golf
- Escape room
- Canoeing together
- Exploring a museum together
- Board games
If your date is coming up, you might benefit from these 11 Science-Backed First Date Tips To Make Your Date Great.
Article sources
- https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fa0031719
- https://www.theadventurechallenge.com/products/connection-cards-couples-edition/
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