50 fun group date ideas

Whether you’re looking for game nights or pickleball playoffs, these group date ideas offer a fun and exciting way to mix things up. So grab your partner in crime and your sense of adventure and get this group date started!

Date night (or day) is one of the cornerstone’s to a happy marriage. One of the reasons it’s so important is that it provides you with novelty.

Without that novelty, it’s easy to take your loved one for granted. After that, it’s a slippery slope that whips past boredom and smacks into discontent. And nobody wants that.

Luckily for you, there’s literally hundreds of date ideas on this website.

And to keep these date ideas novel as well, I’ll included some less common approaches to dating like double dates and group dates.

So if you’re wanting to ditch the candlelit dinners and embrace the world of group dates, here’s 50 group date ideas for you.

(And if you’re not, I’ll give you some reasons why you should consider it).

Benefits of group dates

When you’re an introvert like I am, a group date might seem akin to a torturous experience. However there are many benefits to going on a date with a group of your peers. The benefits of group dates include:

1. social connection: spending time with other couples offers the opportunity for shared experiences which enables reminiscing on a grander scale. Reminiscing is a proven strategy for boosting your happiness (source)
2. new experiences: group dates can provide an opportunity to try new activities or explore new places that couples may not have considered before. This can help to keep the relationship fresh and exciting
3. different perspectives: spending time with other couples can offer different perspectives and insights on relationships. Couples can learn from one another and get new ideas for how to improve their own relationship
4. strengthening communication: Group dates can help to improve communication skills as couples learn to navigate different social situations together. This can help to deepen the connection between partners as they let themselves be influenced by each other
5. increased intimacy: Group dates can provide a way for couples to connect with one another in a different context, which can help to increase intimacy and create shared meaning. This can be especially helpful for couples who may be stuck in a rut or looking to reignite the spark in their relationship.

Group date ideas to do home

Ok, how you’re sold on the idea of group dates, here’s group date ideas for when you want to stay at home.

1. Backyard movie night: Set up a cozy outdoor seating area with blankets and pillows, and project a movie onto a screen or sheet. This is a fun and romantic way to enjoy a movie under the stars with your loved ones (you can find all my tips on creating a backyard movie night here).
2. DIY pizza night: Set up a DIY pizza station with all the ingredients and toppings, and have your friends make their own pizzas. This is a fun and interactive way to have a meal together and customize your pizzas to your liking. Alternatively check out some of these pizza recipes
3. Favorite things night: Have each person bring something that is their favorite and share why they love it with the group. You could kick start it with these favorite things questions
4. Game night: Gather some board games or card games, and invite your friends over for a night of friendly competition and laughter. This is a classic group date idea that always brings people together. I love these date night games though skip the couple’s ones!
5. Get grilling: Fire up the grill and have a BBQ with your friends. You can grill up some burgers, hot dogs and vegetables for a healthier option. This is a great way to enjoy some delicious food and enjoy the outdoors together
6. Play question games like Never have I ever and How well do you know me: These games are a great way to get to know each other better and have a lot of fun in the process. You can ask each other questions and try to guess each other’s answers.
7. Play Minute to win it games: These games are fast-paced and exciting, and can be played with everyday household items.
8. Progressive dinner: Channel the 70s and have each couple host a different course of the meal at their house. Travel to each other’s houses throughout the evening. This is a fun and unique way to have a meal together and experience different atmospheres and cuisines.
9. S’mores night in: Set up a s’mores station with all the ingredients, and roast marshmallows over a candle or in the oven. This is a cozy and fun way to enjoy a sweet treat with your friends. You might like to include this s’more board or these mouthwatering s’more recipes
10. Watch the game: If you and your friends are sports fans, why not gather together to watch a game? You can cheer on your favorite team, and enjoy some snacks and drinks while you watch (here’s my favorite Super Bowl appetizers).

Free group date ideas

You’re keen to get out of these house but you want to be respectful of everyone’s budgets. This free group date ideas are for you.

1. Attend a free concert in the park: Check out your local community events calendar for free concerts in the park. You can bring a picnic blanket, snacks and drinks, and enjoy some live music with your friends
2. Beach clean up: Help keep your local beach clean and organized by organizing a beach clean up with your friends. This is a great way to give back to the community and enjoy some time outdoors. (here’s some other eco-friendly date ideas)
3. Go for a hike: Find a nearby trail and go for a hike with your friends. You’ll get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and bond with your friends
4. Create your own trivia night: Include questions about your interests, hobbies, or favorite TV shows and movies. This is a fun and interactive way to spend time with your friends and learn new things
5. Hang at the beach: Spend a day at the beach with your friends. You can swim, play beach games, or just relax and soak up the sun (here’s some beach date ideas).
6. Have a cornhole and / or Kubb championship at your local park: Organize a cornhole or Kubb tournament at your local park with your friends.
7. Have a scavenger hunt: Create a scavenger hunt for your friends, with clues and challenges that lead them to different locations or landmarks.
8. Movie marathon or binge to an oldie but goodie: Pick a classic movie or TV show that you and your friends have been meaning to watch and have a marathon. You can reminisce about old times and enjoy some nostalgia together
9. Sunrise breakfast: Wake up early and have breakfast with your friends while watching the sunrise. Enjoy the peaceful start to the day
10. Volunteer: Find a local charity or organization that you and your friends are passionate about and volunteer your time together.

Cheap group date ideas

Moving up from free are these cheap group ideas that are still creative and fun.

1. Bring out the book club: Choose a book that you and your friends have been wanting to read and start a book club. You can discuss the book over some snacks and drinks, and have a fun and intellectual discussion
2. Dine out on dessert: Skip the expensive dinner and just go out for dessert with your friends. This is a cheap and delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth AND socialize
3. Have a baking contest: Have a baking competition with your friends, and see who can make the best dessert or pastry. Bonus is, you can eat it all afterwards
4. Have a group picnic: Pack some snacks and drinks, and have a group picnic with your friends at a local park
5. Hit the pub quiz: Check out your local pub for a trivia night or pub quiz with your friends
6. Play mini golf: Go to a nearby mini golf course with your friends and have a fun and competitive game
7. Play your own version of the Amazing Race: Create your own version of the Amazing Race with your friends, and have challenges and clues that lead you to different locations around your city. You can come up with cheap prizes for the winner
8. Switch it up (likes, dislikes, clothing style): Have a night where you and your friends switch up your likes, dislikes, or clothing style, and see how it affects your personality and behavior
9. Have a pickleball playoff: Find a local pickleball court and have a playoff with your friends
10. Race at your local go karting track: Check out your local go-karting track and race with your friends. This group date idea is a fun and adrenaline-pumping way to spend time together

Holiday group date ideas

If you’re planning a group date around your next holiday, check out these holiday themed group date ideas.

1. Create Easter eggcitement: Host an Easter egg hunt with your friends, and have a fun and competitive game searching for eggs filled with candies and small prizes. You can also have an Easter-themed potluck or Easter cheesecake making competition to enjoy some tasty deliciousness together
2. Do Christmas in July: Host a Christmas in July party with your friends, complete with decorations, holiday music, and festive food and drinks. You can exchange small gifts or have a Secret Santa, and enjoy the holiday spirit during the summer months
3. Harness the luck of the Irish with a St. Patrick’s Day celebration: Host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration with your friends, complete with green decorations, Irish food (here’s St Patrick’s Day brunch and dinner ideas) and drinks, and some fun games like a shamrock scavenger hunt
4. Have a 4th of July celebration: Host a 4th of July party with your friends, complete with red, white, and blue decorations, patriotic food like these cupcakes, cakes, and desserts, and some fun games like a water balloon toss or a backyard barbecue competition
5. Have a Halloween party: Host a Halloween party with your friends, complete with spooky decorations, couples costumes, and themed food and drinks. You can also have a pumpkin carving competition or a Halloween movie marathon to get into the holiday spirit.

Other group date ideas

Here’s more group date ideas, just in case you’re still searching.

1. Attend a live sports game and show your team spirit by wearing matching outfits. Enjoy snacks and drinks while cheering on your favorite team.
2. Attend a couple’s workshop: Take a couple’s workshop or class with your friends, and learn some new skills or techniques to improve your relationships. If that’s too much, you can attend a dance class, a cooking class, or a yoga workshop, among other options.
3. Charter a boat: Rent a boat or yacht with your friends, and enjoy a day or evening out on the water. You can go fishing, swimming, or simply relax and enjoy the views.
4. Eat at the top rated restaurant in town: Indulge in some delicious food and drinks while having a superior experience. This can be a fun and fancy way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a night out together.
5. Go bowling: Visit a bowling alley with your friends. You can also try cosmic bowling for a fun twist on this classic game
6. Go around the world: Host an international-themed dinner party with your friends, and have each person bring a dish or drink from a different country or region
7. Go to a festival or event: Attend a local festival or event with your friends, and enjoy some music, food, and culture. You can also participate in some activities or workshops to make the most of your experience
8. Have a creativity night. Paint, draw, sculpt, or make crafts together.
9. Head off to your local haunted attractions: Visit a haunted house, maze or trail with your friends during Halloween season. This can be a thrilling and scary way to spend time together and get into the spooky spirit. Here’s the best ones in California, Illinois and Texas
10. Hire an expert: Hire an expert to teach you and your friends a new skill or hobby, such as cooking, photography, or dancing. This can be a fun and educational way to spend time together while learning something new
11. Hit the driving range: Practice your golf skills while enjoying some friendly rivalry. It’s a fun group activity that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their golfing experience
12. Rent a cabin: Rent a cabin in the woods or near the beach with your friends, and enjoy a relaxing weekend away from the city. You can go hiking, swimming, or simply enjoy some quality time together in nature
13. Take a road trip to a concert: Take a road trip with your friends to attend a concert or music festival. This can be a fun and exciting way to bond over shared interests and create some unforgettable memories.
14. Visit an escape room. Work together to solve puzzles and escape the room before time runs out. This can be a fun and challenging group activity that encourages teamwork and problem-solving
15. Visit the aquarium: Visit an aquarium with your friends, and explore the fascinating world of marine life. You can also attend a guided tour or a feeding show for an even more immersive experience. (Here’s how to plan a fun aquarium date).

Whether you’re looking for fun, adventure, or just a good excuse to wear matching outfits, group dates are the way to go. From backyard movie nights to driving range goodness there’s no shortage of group date ideas to choose from.