30 Fun (and Affordable) Double Date Ideas That Aren’t Just Another Dinner

Although date nights are typically reserved for a party of two, more can sometimes be merrier. Inviting another couple on a double date can be an excellent way to honor your relationship and clock in some quality time with friends, colleagues, or family members. What makes planning a double date difficult, though, is finding plans that will appeal to the whole group. Unlike coordinating a date with just your significant other — where you’re well aware of your shared interests and budgets — sussing out what a fellow couple likes to do and what they can afford is a whole other layer of planning. (Sure, I love a good meal as much as the next foodie, but a dinner date is decidedly overplayed.)

To spark inspiration, I’m sharing a bunch of on-point double date ideas that cost $50 or less per person (many are practically free!). It doesn’t matter if you’re craving an idyllic outdoor adventure or some cozy time indoors, there’s something here for all couples — yes, even your double date group.

Whether you choose to stream a brand-new film or watch tried-and-true favorites, a movie night is a surefire way to kick back, relax, and enjoy. (Because talking is often kept to a minimum during movie marathons, this is a great idea if your double date quad is on the more introverted side.)

While I love a trip to the spa as much as the next person, it’s possible to recreate this idea at home for a lot less. Pick up a few sheet masks, add some lemon or cucumber slices to a big pitcher for the ultimate spa water, and press play on a soothing sound bath playlist. Next on the agenda: Pure, interrupted chill time with your crew.

Wander around your neck of the woods by breaking out your bikes — or renting them for the day! — and exploring historical landmarks in the area. Once you’re done, you might’ve worked up an appetite to grab a bite to eat at your go-to local restaurant.

Did you know some museums offer free entry to locals on certain days or host monthly “late nights” with extended hours and refreshments? Here’s your excuse to get dressed up and learn something new.

Show off your extensive whiskey collection with an exclusive tasting where the whole crew can dissect each pour’s notes and nuances. (You can recreate this idea with a wine tasting or non-alcoholic seltzer sampling, too!) You can also assign someone the duty of bartender and make this a blind tasting.

If you want to chow down on something delicious but don’t want to book a reservation, try your luck with a homemade pizza night. Pick up a wide array of toppings (think: pepperoni, pineapple, and sardines) and let everyone’s taste buds guide them to the perfect pie.

Ask everyone in your party of four to bring their favorite game and host a night of nonstop fun. From Clue to Cards Against Humanity, this idea delivers on the (friendly) competition.

They say that laughter is the best medicine, but it’s also an ingredient for a great double date. Corral the crowd to check out a lineup of local comedians. Tickets are usually less than you’d pay for a concert or even a movie.

Why stay cooped up inside if the weather is practically begging you to enjoy the beautiful sunshine with a perfect picnic? Grab a large blanket, an epic cheese board, and beverages of your choice and soak up the vitamin D together.

Make an excuse to see your fellow bookworms on a regular basis by forming your own book club. Each month, members can take turns choosing the book to talk about. (Pro tip: Pack each meeting with snacks!)

Any couples who like to push their physical limits will find a lot of enjoyment in trying a new workout. To make this double date idea a fun challenge for all, select a class that nobody has ever tried before, like trapeze training or aerial yoga.

You don’t have to actually be newlyweds to enjoy this fun game. Pick up some whiteboards and have each duo take turns answering questions about their significant other. It’s a fun way to learn more about the other couple and your very own partner.

With a range of topics from pop culture to history, this is a great way to show off your area of expertise. (Who knows? If everyone has a particularly fun time, you can make this a weekly outing!)

Take a trip down memory lane by assembling relationship scrapbooks with your favorite couple. Although you’ll assemble (and reminisce!) together, each duo will be responsible for picking up their own scrapbook and finding their favorite mementos. From old concert tickets to dried flowers, this idea is a welcome blast from the past.

Heed your call to the wild by lacing up your hiking boots and trying out a new trail. To capture some memories (perhaps to paste into your scrapbook?) snap a few mid-hike selfies!

If you live near a rushing river, pick up some inflatable inner tubes and enjoy a rollicking ride. (Don’t forget to pack plenty of water and SPF! After all, a bad sunburn is no way to end a double date.)

Flex the right side of your brain with an art class. From chill, wine-fueled paint nights to full-blown pottery classes or glass-blowing workshops, each couple will walk away with a beautiful souvenir.

For an action-packed whodunnit, organize a murder mystery party at your house. (While you can always build the game from scratch, there are plenty of pre-made murder mysteries available for purchase online!) If you want to have a larger cast of characters, turn this party into a triple or quadruple date.

The weather outside might be frightful, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring your double date outside. Instead, embrace your inner child by picking up a few affordable sleds and sliding down your steepest hill. Make this winter date even sweeter by busting out the hot cocoa after.

Calling all music-lovers: Enjoy some sweet, sweet music at your local music hall. While headlining artists might cost some major coin, you can often find tickets for up-and-coming talent on the cheap. Your favorite band just sold out? Create a killer playlist and recreate the vibe at home.

Be honest — when’s the last time you went bowling? Revive this old-school pastime with your partner and another couple. All you’ll need to pay for is the lane, rental shoes, and, okay, some salty snacks!

ICYMI, a double date idea can be practical, too. If your group has been itching to pick up a new skill, be it guitar or improv, look for an affordable class in your area. Or, if you’re really struggling to find the perfect setup, stream some YouTube videos from your television.

Did someone say “field day?” It’s couple versus couple in an array of fun games, from a three-legged sprint to the classic egg-and-spoon race. To make things interesting, the winner gets a prize — or, at the very least, bragging rights.

Have some time to spare? Pack into a car and see where the road takes you! Whether you’re heading out for the day or craving a weekend-long camping trip, a road trip will help you embrace your adventurous side.

Turn the typical restaurant reservation on its head by bopping around to a bunch of eateries. For example, if there’s one neighborhood that’s known for its piping hot dumplings or cheesy pizza, try a few and power-rank your faves along the way.

From a rush of adrenaline on a gravity-defying roller coaster to picking out the biggest, baddest prize at the game booths, an amusement park is packed with childhood wonder and offers something for just about every risk level. If you don’t watch your dollar, amusement parks can get expensive quickly, so we recommend setting a spending limit before you pass through the admissions gate.

Equal parts suspenseful and strategic, an escape room is an excellent way to have an action-packed adventure without … you know, leaving the room. Although you might sign up for an escape room for frantic fun, this idea can also help you brush up on your communication skills. (After all, good communication is the secret to many lasting relationships — and with the time ticking down on your mission, you won’t want to mince your words!) 

Food, conversation, and something to do — there’s a reason why dinner is a double date mainstay. However, if you’re looking to sidestep tradition, trade in the reservation for a few slots at a nearby (or online) cooking class. Not only will you get to devour the final product, but you’ll also walk away from the date with a new recipe in your arsenal. 

You have our permission to belt out your go-to song at a karaoke session. Singing in front of a room full of strangers can be a tad intimidating, but you can also recreate this at home by streaming some sing-along versions of your favorite jams on your computer or television screen. Start the night on the right note by ordering some of your favorite takeout for when you want to give your pipes a rest. 

Just because a double date is meant to help you connect with another couple doesn’t mean you can’t help others. In fact, a double date spent volunteering makes it easy to bond with your buddies and help out your community. From taking shifts at a local soup kitchen to passing out water bottles during your town’s 5K race, it’s a do-good double date idea that will leave everyone feeling grateful and in good spirits.