If you’re in a relationship, chances are you have other friends who are also coupled up. You love them and their partners, but you don’t necessarily want to hang out with them in a group setting. The idea of teaming up for a double date can fill you with dread, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are actually some fun double date ideas that will actually get you excited to go out with another couple rather than thinking up excuses to cancel.
Why does double dating get a bad rap?
If you’re someone who dreads and avoids double dates, it’s likely because they’re awkward and often uncomfortable. If you don’t know someone in the other couple all that well — say, your college friend’s new partner — that can be a bit weird. Trying to make small talk and relax around a relative stranger is no one’s idea of a good time.
Even if you’re close to both of them, that doesn’t guarantee a smooth night. What constitutes a great date differs depending on the individual. There’s nothing worse than going out and doing something you hate just because you didn’t want to be rude when the other couple suggested it.
Plus, there’s having to deal with another couple’s power PDA. This is especially obvious (and obnoxious) if you and your partner aren’t overly handsy. Having to watch them coo sweet nothings at each other all night, call each other bizarre pet names, and basically eat each other’s faces as they make out in public is not the vibe.
Fun double date ideas you’ll enjoy rather than dread
- Complete an escape room. If you like a challenge and want to bond with the other couple, an escape room is a really fun choice for a double date. You’ll have to work as a team and race against the clock to get out before the time is up. It flies by really quickly and is a total laugh. Plus, it negates the need for small talk since you’ll be focused on the task at hand.
- Bounce around at a trampoline park. Want to feel like a big kid again? Go to a trampoline park and bounce around for a bit. Many trampoline parks offer different games and challenges, like dodgeball or obstacle courses. It’s a great way to blow off some steam and let loose. You’ll probably fall over in fits of laughter, but that’s what makes it so great.
- Hit up karaoke night. Karaoke is always a fun time, and it’s even better with friends. Many bars or restaurants offer karaoke nights, so you can grab a drink and sing your heart out. And no, you don’t need to be a good singer to do this. As you probably already know, the worse you are at singing, the better karaoke ends up being!
- Try a cooking class together. A cooking class is a great way to learn new skills, bond over food, and enjoy a delicious meal with the other couple. Many cooking schools or restaurants offer classes that cater to different cuisines or skill levels, and most also have a one-off evening so you don’t have to commit to a full course together.
- Host a board game night. This is definitely one of the most fun double date ideas, especially if you like something a bit more low-key. Choose a variety of games, whether new ones or nostalgic favorites. Then make some snacks and drinks and have a party right in your living room.
- Plan something outdoorsy. If you and your friends are into being active and getting outdoors, a double date hike, camping trip, or kayaking adventure can be a fun way to spend time together. This gets you out of the house (where you probably spend way too much time) and into nature, which is always pretty soothing.
- See how far under par you can go at mini golf. Mini golf is always fun, and it can get super competitive too! There are even themed mini-putt places in a lot of cities/towns which makes it even more enjoyable. Grab the scorecard and that tiny pencil and get shooting!
- Go wine-tasting like the fancy adults you are. If you and your friends are wine enthusiasts, a wine tasting can be a fun and sophisticated way to spend time together. Many wineries offer tastings and tours that you can enjoy together. Talk about fun double date ideas! There’s nothing like getting drunk mid-afternoon, right?
- Book yourselves into a paint and sip night. Paint and sip nights have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They’re a fun and creative way to enjoy some drinks and bond with your friends. Many art studios or bars offer events like this (Google is your friend!), where you can create your own masterpiece while enjoying some wine or cocktails. And no, you don’t have to be artistically inclined. In fact, it’ll probably be more hilarious if you’re not much of an artist!
- Check out a comedy club. If you want to do something social with the other couple but also don’t want to leave room for too many awkward silences, this is a great choice. However, it’s probably better to book tickets to a comedy night to see comedians you already know or have heard of. Open mic nights can be a bit disastrous and the opposite of funny.
- Get on your bowling shoes and go for a strike. Sorry, but anyone who doesn’t love bowling isn’t worth going on a double date with. Rent a lane for a few games and give it a go. Just make sure you resist the urge to take those snazzy bowling shoes home…
