9 fun double date ideas (that aren’t bowling!)

Whether or not you get on stage depends entirely on you (and how many margaritas you’ve had), but a comedy night is a great way to loosen everyone up and keep the conversation flowing as you discuss which acts wowed and which crashed and burned. First date tip: maybe don’t sit in the front row, unless you feel like being dragged through the mud in front of your new beau.

Do you have a competitive streak? Pair up and hold your own mini tournament day – whether it’s a few games of pool or a pub quiz, a little competition makes for a fun and flirtatious atmosphere, and it’s the ideal time for you to show off your talents (or laugh at your lack of them). Just try to keep it all light fun, and avoid red faced, overzealous point scoring and furious rulebook scouring.

There are two kinds of people: those who enjoy wine tasting because they love sampling and comparing the aromas, textures and flavors of some of the world’s most fascinating wines, and those who enjoy wine tasting because they get to drink lots of (aphrodisiac) wine. Whichever category you and your date fall into, this is a surefire hit; one of the classic double date ideas.

Perhaps one for the bold, karaoke works best when you’re in a group. While it might seem strange if you were to suggest this as a one on one date, it can be a real thigh-slapper with the right crowd. If one of you can nail a warbling soprano and one of your team can belt out the baritone, you’re onto a winner. Ultimate karaoke tip: for the perfect duet, ditch ‘Islands in the Stream’ and instead shoot for anything by June Carter and Johnny Cash.

This one works on a double date, but in reality you can invite as many friends or couples as you like. Each couple cooks a different romantic course for the meal, and you travel to each other’s homes for each one. It's a fun, frantic, and inventive way to spend a day that you’ll be talking about for years to come  - assuming nobody contracts food poisoning, or gets lost on the way to dessert.

Is there anything better in the world than the sheer anticipation before a grand day out? In many cases, the journey is often more exhilarating than the destination. Wake up early, load the car with goodies, pile inside with your date and your friends, and hit the road together – whether it’s a day excursion or a full couples' vacation, the natural giddiness that arises from imminent adventure is guaranteed to bring the smiles.

Obviously this one won’t be applicable to everyone (unless global warming continues) but a trip to the beach is one of the most simple, joyous and affordable activities for a double date. Think volleyball, Frisbee, drinks coolers, and the inevitable moment someone leaves their shoes too close to the water and they are washed out to sea like Wilson in Castaway.

Another of the more classic double date ideas: if you’re concerned about running out of talking points on your date, head to an art gallery or museum and let the exhibits do all the talking for you. Visiting an art exhibitions or museum also gives you a chance to get a real insight into the inner clockwork of your date’s head – where do their interests lie? Don’t hold back from showing your interests, either – there’s nothing more attractive than seeing someone wax lyrical about their passions.

If you can settle on an act between the four of you, a concert is a completely relaxed environment and a fantastic opportunity to let loose and enjoy a boogie to some live music, whether it's a cool little indoor club in the winter or a big summer festival. Probably best to find out your date’s music taste before you go booking those Metallica tickets, though.