When you're in a relationship, it can be hard to remember that Netflix and chilling isn't really a date per se. It's so important to keep the spark with your partner alive, and fun double-date ideas can help you do that. First of all, you're much more likely to follow through with plans if there's another couple involved. And even more importantly: Research has actually proven that double dating has real benefits for your relationship.
According to a study, participating in actual bonding activities—aka a double date—with another pair can actually increase and reignite passionate love within your relationship. Apparently, these types of experiences spark something in you that helps your love grow. And when it comes to seeing your friends and your S.O. at the same time, it's a definite win-win. We've taken all the work out of it for you and brainstormed an extensive list of double-date ideas everyone will enjoy.
Below are 10 fun double-date ideas for everyone to enjoy. Pick one, put it on the calendar, and make it a monthly thing.
Have an At-Home Cooking Session
Yes, grabbing a bite out can be so much fun, but if you're heading there on a busy weekend, chances are your waiter won't let you have your table for more than an hour or so. Instead, choose your favorite meal delivery service and pick a recipe you've never tried. Both couples can make a portion—and you can see whose turns out best (winners don't have to clear the table).
Picnic at the Beach
Why does the water just make everything more romantic? When the sun starts to set, pack a picnic basket of easy appetizers and wine (don't forget some blankets for the sand). If it gets a little chilly, it's just an excuse for you to cuddle up next to your partner. P.S. If it's not too cloudy, this can be the perfect place to stargaze.
Hit Up a Film Festival
There's nothing wrong with going to the regular movie theater, but scoping out a film festival makes things a bit more special. Have both couples choose a few flicks they want to see and head to all of them together. You can debrief and chat about your favorites over lunch (or dinner).
Road Trip to a Concert
The thing we love about a concert is that you can make it an all-day affair. If you've got a ride there, road trip together, and listen to the artist's albums on the way to refamiliarize yourself with the words—you'll want to belt them out later, trust us. Depending on the time, plan a meal before or after to have time to catch up, since concerts are too loud for talking.
Scope Out a Flea Market
Visiting a flea market can be a mixed bag—you never know what you'll find. Walking around with friends only adds to the discovery experience. See who can find the wackiest thing. Who knows? You might find a true flea market treasure in the process.
Play Groupon Roulette
Similar to a flea market, Groupon is full of things to see and do—and some of it is definitely better than the rest. Why not take your chances on trying something new? Peruse the site and pick something you normally wouldn't try, like a dance class, paint night, or all-you-can-eat dinner at a Brazilian steak house. Team up with your couple friends and get out of your comfort zone.
Visit a Museum
Experience culture on a free museum day, or set aside a day to walk around one you've been longing to visit. Discuss the exhibits afterward over lunch or coffee at a nearby cafe. (Pro tip: This is a great indoor double-date idea for a rainy day.) Hopefully, you'll leave connected, inspired, and more cultured.
See a Magic Show
There's something sexy about a night filled with magic, but splurge on the real deal because an amateur magician isn't anything like amateur comedy night. If you live in New York, we've heard The Magician at The NoMad is not to be missed, while Los Angeles is home to the iconic Magic Castle (but you need to know a member).
Go to the Zoo
A lot has changed at your local zoo since you were a kid. Why not visit again with an adult perspective? Whether it's during the typical hours or at an after-hours special event, a trip to the zoo will make you feel like a kid again and give you greater awareness of the world's wildlife.
Volunteer Together
If you and your double-date friends have a cause you're passionate about, join together to volunteer. Maybe it's a food drive, a meal, or serving as manpower in a disaster-relief scenario. Either way, you'll be using your time together in the most rewarding way—to make a difference.
Go Skating
Whether it's ice skating or roller skating, both are great fun for a group. Skating rinks, especially roller rinks, often host entertaining theme nights, complete with music and lights. Don your best '80s gear and get ready for disco night. Or, if it's winter, head to a frozen pond or an outdoor ice rink.
Play a Game of Laser Tag
It's probably been quite a while since you enjoyed a stimulating game of laser tag with friends. Why not bring it back and liven things up with some friendly competition? You'll probably work up an appetite so grab a bite and some cocktails afterward to complete the night.
Hold a Yard Sale
Do you and your friends have some things that are gathering dust? Hold a joint yard sale together, complete with a lemonade stand. You'll bond over creating the plan, decorating the signs, and hosting the event. At the end of the day, you'll be closer and have less clutter in your house and more money in your pockets.
Host a Game Night
Along with your double-date couple, invite over some more friends for a game night. Split the group into two subgroups: those who want to play social games and those who are there for the strategy. If you're lacking games, have guests bring some they wish to play or check out some tips for hosting a successful adult game night.
Check Out a Play
Invite another couple to join you in attending the off-Broadway musical that's in town, or a play by a local theater troupe. It's a great excuse to dress up and grab drinks. Discuss your thoughts during the intermission and afterward. Likely, with another couple there, your discussion will be more robust.
Go Bowling
If you thought bowling was for your friends' elementary school birthday parties, you're wrong. Split a lane with another couple and see who has hidden talent. If no one shines, don't be afraid to add the gutters. It's all about the company anyway.
Run a Race
If your foursome consists of active people, sign up for a fun race together. If you're not particularly active, but aspiring to be, find another couple who is in the same boat and train together. Chart your health progress and see how your relationships grow, too. It's a win-win.
Be Tourists in Your Home Town
Every town has something it's known for, and if you're like most locals, you probably avoid it. Try to see your home from a different perspective, and invite along another couple for the outing. It might be fun to do it on a weeknight if you really want to avoid the out-of-town crowds. Check off all the bucket list items in your town together. You might walk away with a renewed appreciation for where you live.
Go Rock Climbing
For an adventurous double date, meet at your local climbing gym to rock climb together. You'll get a good workout in as you support each other through the various climbs.
Hang at the Beach
If the weather is warm, why not take advantage and enjoy a relaxing day catching waves and soaking up the sun with your favorite people? Even if it's spring or fall and you can't exactly sunbathe, a trip to the shore is great for a long walk. As if you need another reason to be by the ocean anyway.
Visit the Aquarium
Aquariums aren't just for kids. I'm sure I'm not alone in finding the fluid back and forth motion of sea creatures utterly mesmerizing and therapeutic. Why not enjoy these benefits with your loved one and friends? Plus, you're sure to learn something new.
Gather Around Hot Pot
This Chinese tradition is all about bonding with a group of people over food, so it's practically made for group dates. Swap stories while waiting for your meal to cook in a simmering pot of soup stock. This will be especially enjoyable on colder days.
Go for a Hike
Go for a double-date hike through a local nature area. Even if your terrain isn't particularly hilly, you can still go for a stroll at a nearby park or nature preserve. The walk will get you outside and give you plenty of time to talk and catch up.
Take Your Dogs to the Dog Park
If you or one of your friends has a dog, take it to the dog park together. Not only will your dog love the exercise and extra attention, but you'll also get to socialize with other adorable animals. If the couple you're meeting also has a dog, the outing is basically a triple date.
Indulge in Korean BBQ
This is yet another cultural tradition that's made for group settings. Chat it up with your friends while taking turns throwing deliciously marinated meat on the grill. You're sure to leave satisfied with both the food and the conversation.
Get Tickets to a Sports Game
Whether you're a super fan or not, you'll still have a good time cheering, or at least binging on popcorn during a sports game. A pre-game tailgate doesn't hurt, either, and it's great fun everyone can get in on. Bonus points if you try to get on the Jumbotron during the halftime show.
Paint Pottery
Embrace your creative side with a double date at a pottery painting studio. Whether you team up to paint something big, or each paint something small, the experience will lend enough time to getting to know someone else better. The bonus? Your ceramic creation.
Walk Through a Botanical Garden
Unless you're a botanist, walking through a botanical garden might seem like simply looking at a lot of plants and flowers, with a couple more interesting ones thrown in. By taking your double date to a botanical garden, you'll likely notice more and gain other perspectives.
Karaoke in a Private Room
You may not be the type to belt out your favorite song in front of the entire bar, but renting out a private room at your favorite karaoke spot is the ultimate good time. Most places will deliver drinks and food right to your room, too! It can be couple versus couple or friends versus partners (or maybe just keep switching it up).
Eat Your Way Through a Food Hall
If your city is home to a food market with an array of vendors, eat your way through it on a double-date food tour. Make it your mission to sample something small from each of the vendors and split the cost along the way. You might find a hidden gem to return to on a future date.
Take a Terrarium Planting Class
Taking care of plants can be a challenge, but succulents and those that thrive in a terrarium environment also tend to thrive on neglect. If you're no green thumb and have no clue how to arrange plants, attend a terrarium planting class on a double date. You'll leave with new skills and a freshly planted terrarium.
Bike a Trail
Meet your double-date friends at your community's bike trail, or travel together to mountain bike in the hills, if that's more your style. Bike together and take breaks at interesting stops along the way to turn the exercise into more of a bonding experience.
Unwind at a Spa
To rejuvenate and feel refreshed, take your double date to the spa. There's nothing like a couple's massage to relieve stress and bring you closer to your partner. While you might have to split up from the other couple at certain times, there will likely be common areas where you can meet up to relax and discuss the great body scrub you just had.
Go Camping
Extend your typical date night by getting out of town and sleeping under the stars. What could possibly be more romantic? Roast marshmallows and make smores over the campfire. Hike, canoe, or swim—embrace the natural beauty with your friends and make memories.
Take a Fitness Class
Speaking of workouts, if you really want to get your blood going, try out a new fitness class together, like yoga, Pilates, or cycling. If you can't make it to an actual studio, there are tons of virtual fitness classes you can do together. Dance classes are always fun for couples, too, and you'll all feel refreshed and more energized from the endorphin rush.
