136 Memorable Friend Date Ideas

As we navigate midlife, balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities often leaves us with little time and mental bandwidth for nurturing friendships.

Although we understand that doing fun things with friends greatly boosts our emotional well-being, reduces stress, and strengthens our support systems, many of us still let our social connections fall by the wayside amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.

In this article, my aims are to discuss why investing in relationships is worth the effort and to inspire you with 136 friend date ideas that range from outrageously adventurous, highly memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences to those that are more day-to-day, budget friendly and practical.

Introduction: The Importance of Friendship Dates

As a clinical psychologist and a midlifer who deeply values active engagement with friends, I can personally and professionally attest to the importance of “friend dates”. These special outings don’t just provide us with fun things to do with friends, they also serve as vital opportunities for us to emotionally connect with others and grow personally by trying new things and stepping out of our comfort zones.

There’s no doubt that friends make life better. I’ve observed in my clients, my friends and even in myself that prioritizing and putting effort into creating friend dates leads us all to feel happier, less stressed, and generally more satisfied with our lives.

Why Midlife Friendships Deserve Special Attention

During midlife and beyond, we often face unique challenges such as career demands, family responsibilities, and personal life transitions (such as empty nesting) that can strain our social connections.

Many of us find ourselves feeling isolated and lonely, wondering what our purpose is now and how to reinvent ourselves at this stage of the game.

Add to this the fact that making friends in midlife can be very challenging, particularly if you’ve moved to a new city.

Choosing the Right Friendship Date Ideas for You

From talking to clients, brainstorming ideas for myself, and planning social club activities as the leader of The Trybe Women’s Social Club, I completely understand the challenges of choosing the “right” friend date ideas.

Many times, we become overly concerned with selecting the “perfect” activity, when the “what” actually matters much less than we think. In these busy and distracted times, people who make even a small effort to plan structured activities for their friends are becoming increasingly rare.

How often do you hear “we need to get together sometime,” only for both parties to fail to follow through? Because this has become so common, almost anything you plan will likely be appreciated by your friends. Sure, not all of them will be up for skydiving, but with a little consideration and discussion of their interests, you almost can’t go wrong.

I encourage you to review the list of friend date ideas below, mark those that interest you the most, and then just start planning. Fun and friendship are sure to follow.

Memorable Friend Date Ideas

I’ve put the “memorable” category of best friend date ideas first because my friends and clients frequently mention their desire to have more memorable experiences with friends. This list of ideas is designed to create lasting memories.

1. Plan a Mystery Adventure: Surprise each other with an unusual destination or activity.
2. Cat Café: Spend a cozy time with adorable cats at a local cat café.
3. Explore an Abandoned Place: Safely investigate an abandoned building or ghost town.
4. Attend a Live Taping of a Show: Be part of the audience for a TV show or radio broadcast.
5. Volunteer Together: Spend a day giving back to the community.
6. Vineyard Stomp: Participate in a grape stomping event at a vineyard.
7. Time Capsule Creation: Create and bury a time capsule to open in the future.
8. Road Trip: Plan a day trip to a nearby city or scenic spot.
9. Book a Unique Airbnb: Spend a night at an unusual or themed Airbnb location.
10. Flash Mob: Join or organize a flash mob.
11. Scenic Train Ride: Enjoy the countryside from the comfort of a vintage train.
12. Be an Extra in a Movie: Sign up to be background extras in a film or TV.

Exciting Friendship Date Ideas

The “exciting” category of best friend date ideas designed to get your adrenaline pumping while you create unforgettable memories. If you and your friends crave excitement and are always on the lookout for new experiences, this list of ideas will help you break out of the ordinary and dive into extraordinary adventures.

1. Theme Park: Spend the day riding roller coasters and enjoying attractions.
2. Laser Tag: Compete in a high-energy laser tag match.
3. Zip Lining: Experience the rush of zip lining through treetops or over landscapes.
4. Go-Kart Racing: Race each other in go-karts.
5. Skydiving: Experience the sensation of skydiving. Indoors or from a plane.
6. Virtual Reality Experience: Dive into VR games at an arcade.
7. Sailing Adventure: Rent a sailboat for the day.
8. Surfing Lessons: Learn how to ride the waves.
9. Flyboarding: Propel yourself above the water with a flyboard.
10. Hot Air Balloon Ride: Float above the landscape and enjoy the view.
11. Helicopter Tour: Get a bird’s-eye view of your city or nearby landmarks.
12. Hang Gliding: Glide through the air with a hang glider.
13. Whitewater Rafting: Navigate thrilling rapids together.
14. Rock Climbing: Try indoor or outdoor rock climbing.
15. Parasailing: Soar above the water.

Adventurous Friend Date Ideas

The “adventurous” category of best friend date ideas is perfect for those who thrive on exploration and new challenges. This list of ideas is designed to push boundaries and create exhilarating experiences together.

1. Archery: Try your hand at archery at a local range.
2. Glamping: Enjoy a luxurious camping experience.
3. Spelunking: Explore underground caves.
4. Aerial Yoga Class: Try yoga while suspended in the air.
5. Horseback Riding: Spend a day riding horses through trails.
6. Sandboarding: Slide down sand dunes on a board.
7. Dune Buggy Ride: Speed through the sand in a dune buggy.
8. Snowshoeing: Trek through snowy landscapes in winter.
9. Escape Room Challenge: Test your teamwork skills by solving puzzles in an escape room.
10. Treehouse: Enjoy the thrill of sleeping in a luxury treehouse nestled in the forest.
11. Paranormal Investigation: Join a team of ghost hunters and explore haunted locations.

Truly Unique Friendship Date Ideas

I’ve included the “unique” category of best friend date ideas because many of my friends and clients are always on the lookout for one-of-a-kind experiences that stand out from the norm. This list of ideas is curated to offer distinctive and memorable moments that will make these friend dates truly special.

1. Ghost Tour: Explore haunted locations in your city.
2. Silent Disco: Attend a silent dance party where everyone wears headphones.
3. Trampoline Park: Bounce around and feel like kids again.
4. Sleep in an Ice Hotel: Experience the chill of staying overnight in a hotel made entirely of ice.
5. Attend a Rocket Launch: Witness the awe-inspiring sight of a rocket launch at a space center.
6. Participate in a Firewalking Event: Conquer your fears by walking on hot coals together.
7. Take a Trapeze Class: Feel like a circus performer by learning trapeze skills.
8. Visit a Bioluminescent Bay: Paddle through waters that glow with bioluminescence at night.
9. Go on a UFO Tour: Explore famous UFO sighting locations and learn about extraterrestrial lore.
10. Sleep in a Haunted Hotel: Test your bravery by booking a room in a reputedly haunted hotel.
11. Viking Reenactment: Participate in historical reenactments dressed as Vikings.
12. Cheese Rolling Festival: Watch or participate in the quirky tradition of chasing a wheel of cheese down a hill.
13. Llama Trekking: Hike scenic trails accompanied by llamas carrying your gear.
14. Human Bowling: Get inside a giant inflatable ball and roll down a lane to knock over pins.
15. Museum of Oddities: Explore a museum filled with strange and unusual exhibits.

Outdoor Friend Date Ideas

I’ve included the “outdoor” category of best friend date ideas because connecting with nature is a one of the most common desires amongst my friends and clients. This list of ideas is designed to get you out into the fresh air, enjoying physical activities and the beauty of the great outdoors with your friends.

1. Kayaking/Canoeing: Paddle through rivers or lakes.
2. Beach Bonfire: Have a bonfire and roast marshmallows at the beach.
3. Botanical Garden: Explore beautiful gardens and plants.
4. Scenic Drive: Take a drive through picturesque routes.
5. Bird Watching: Identify and observe local bird species. (I love the Merlin App!)
6. Outdoor Yoga: Practice yoga in a park or garden.
7. Star Gazing: Use a telescope to look at the stars and planets.
8. Fishing Trip: Spend a relaxing day fishing.
9. Mountain Biking: Tackle challenging trails on mountain bikes.
10. Outdoor Art Class: Take an art class that’s held outdoors.
11. Geocaching Adventure: Go on a modern treasure hunt using GPS to find hidden caches.

Creative Friendship Date Ideas

The “creative” category of best friend date ideas is ideal for those who enjoy artistic and imaginative pursuits. This list of ideas is crafted to inspire and engage you in fun, hands-on projects with your friends.

1. Art Gallery Tour: Visit local art galleries and discuss the exhibits.
2. Storytelling Night: Share personal stories or read from favorite books.
3. Craft Fair: Explore and buy unique handmade crafts.
4. Glassblowing: Learn to create beautiful glass art together.
5. Memory Books: Compile photos and mementos into a scrapbook.
6. Craft Night: Host an evening where you create personalized crafts together.
7. Jewelry Making: Create custom jewelry pieces.
8. Perfume Making: Create custom fragrances.
9. Urban Sketching: Draw or paint scenes from around the city.
10. Collaborative Art Project: Work on a large art piece together.
11. Themed Photoshoot: Plan and execute a creative photoshoot with a specific theme.

Culinary Friend Date Ideas

I’ve added the “culinary” category of best friend date ideas because so many people share a love for food and cooking. This list of ideas is designed to bring you together over delicious meals and culinary adventures.

1. Cooking Class: Learn a new cuisine or technique.
2. Cooking Challenge: Compete in a friendly cook-off using mystery ingredients.
3. Food Tour: Sample delicious bites from various eateries on a guided food (or food truck) tour.
4. Wine and Cheese Pairing: Host a tasting at home or visit a wine bar.
5. Bake-Off Challenge: Compete to make the best dessert.
6. Craft Cocktail Class: Learn mixology with clear ice and fresh herbs
7. Beer Brewing Class: Learn how to brew your own beer.
8. Chocolate Tasting: Sample different kinds of gourmet chocolate.
9. Cooking Marathon: Spend the day cooking meals for the week together.
10. Progressive Dinner: Enjoy different courses at various restaurants in one night.
11. Murder Mystery Dinner: Play detective with your friends in a thrilling dinner party.

Wellness Friendship Date Ideas

The “wellness” category of best friend date ideas is important for those looking to focus on health and well-being. My friends and clients often seek activities that promote relaxation and self-care, so this list of ideas is crafted to help you and your friends nurture your minds and bodies together.

1. Meditation Retreat: Spend a day at a meditation retreat center.
2. Sound Bath: Experience relaxation with sound therapy.
3. Forest Bathing: Reconnect with nature through mindful walking.
4. Tai Chi Class: Learn the gentle martial art of Tai Chi.
5. Reiki Session: Try energy healing with a Reiki practitioner.
6. Holistic Health Fair: Attend a fair focused on wellness and natural health.
7. Float Therapy: Relax in a sensory deprivation tank.
8. Herb Garden Tour: Visit a local herb garden and learn about their uses.
9. Aromatherapy Workshop: Explore the world of essential oils and make your own blends.

Budget-Friendly Friend Date Ideas

I’ve created the “budget-friendly” category of best friend date ideas because many friends and clients emphasize the need for enjoyable yet affordable activities. This list of ideas ensures that you can have a great time without worrying about cost.

1. Picnic in the Park: Pack a lunch and relax outdoors.
2. Library: Browse books and enjoy a quiet afternoon.
3. Free Community Events: Attend local events like street fairs or farmers’ markets.
4. DIY Movie Night: Enjoy movies at home together, complete with snacks and fuzzy blankets.
5. Hiking Excursion: Explore nearby hiking trails.
6. Board Game Night: Play classic and new board games.
7. Thrift Shopping: Hunt for treasures in thrift stores.
8. Photo Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items to find and photograph around town.
9. Bike Ride: Go for a scenic bike ride together.
10. Environmental Cleanup: Volunteer for a beach or park cleanup and learn about conservation efforts.
11. Spa Night In: Create a soothing spa environment at home with face masks and massages.

Cultural Friendship Date Ideas

The “cultural” category of best friend date ideas caters to those who love exploring different traditions and experiences. This list of ideas aims to provide enriching and diverse experiences that broaden your horizons.

1. Outdoor Concert: Enjoy live music under the stars.
2. Opera Night: Attend a live opera performance.
3. Film Festival: Watch independent films at a local festival.
4. Cultural Festival: Experience different cultures at a local festival.
5. Language Class: Take a beginner’s class in a new language.
6. Cultural Cooking Class: Learn to cook dishes from a different culture.
7. Take a Dance Class: Learn a new style of dance together, like salsa or ballroom.
8. Historical Landmark Tour: Visit significant historical sites.
9. Book Club Meeting: Discuss a chosen book over coffee.
10. Classical Music Concert: Enjoy a night of classical music.
11. Foreign Film Night: Watch a critically acclaimed film from another country.
12. Local Theater Production: Support and watch a community theater show.

Educational Friend Date Ideas

The “educational” category of best friend date ideas appeals to those who enjoy learning and intellectual and personal growth. Many of my friends and clients value activities that stimulate their minds, so this list of ideas is designed to provide informative and enlightening experiences that you can share.

1. Science Center Visit: Explore exhibits and interactive displays at a science center.
2. Astronomy Night: Attend a local observatory’s public viewing night.
3. Historical Reenactment Event: Experience living history with reenactors.
4. Documentary Screening: Watch an educational documentary together.
5. Library Lecture Series: Attend a public lecture or seminar at your local library.
6. Archaeological Dig Tour: Visit a nearby archaeological site and learn about its history.
7. Botany Workshop: Participate in a workshop to learn about plant sciences.
8. Genealogy Research: Spend a day tracing your family trees together at a local records office or online.

Personal Growth Friendship Date Ideas

I’ve included the “personal growth” category of best friend date ideas because for those who are passionate about self-improvement. This list of ideas is created to support your journey towards becoming the best version of yourself, while also strengthening your friendships through mutual growth.

1. Vision Board Creation: Make vision boards to outline future goals and dreams.
2. Life Coaching Session: Attend a life coaching workshop or session.
3. Gratitude Journaling: Spend time writing and sharing what you’re grateful for.
4. Mindfulness Workshop: Participate in a workshop focused on mindfulness techniques.
5. Personal Finance Seminar: Learn about budgeting, investing, and financial planning together.
6. Public Speaking Class: Improve your communication skills in a supportive environment.
7. Personality Assessment: Take and discuss results from personality tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.
8. Time Management Workshop: Attend a workshop to improve productivity and time management.
9. Empowerment Retreat: Join a retreat focused on personal empowerment and growth.
10. Creative Writing Group: Write and share personal stories or poetry with a supportive group.

Limiting Beliefs and FAQs

“I don’t have time for friend dates”

This is the most common problem that I hear from folks and one of the main reasons that people join The Trybe Social Club. (And why our unofficial motto is “we provide the friends and the fun – you just show up!)

Many people in midlife feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities and believe they can’t fit social activities into their busy schedules. Making time to nurture friendships and create fun things to do with friends takes concerted effort, but it is always possible (if you make it a priority) and absolutely always worth it.

“My friends won’t be interested in these activities”

If, after reviewing the above list of activities, you’re having this thought… You are either wrong, or you need to find new friends!

“It’s too late to strengthen or revive my friendships.”

My advice here is to just TRY reaching out. You’ll be surprised at the warm reception you’ll get from old friends (they’ve also been remiss about connecting with you, after all). It is NEVER too late to make new friends. There are always people out there looking for connection. The oldest member of The Trybe Social Club is 86 years old!

“Spending time with friends isn’t a priority compared to family or work.”

If you read this article about reasons why friends make our lives better and you’re still not convinced that having fun with friends is a priority, then friend dates truly may not be what’s most important to you right now.

And that’s ok!

Not everyone thrives from a bustling social life or a big social network, but I would argue that everyone does need at least one other person they can call at 2am if everything falls apart.

“I don’t have the energy for socializing after a long day.”

Fatigue from daily tasks is REAL, but if you plan ahead and just push through the fog and the resistance, you’ll be surprised by how energizing going on a friend date (or doing any other active and engaging activity) can be.

Free therapy tidbit – Don’t wait for motivation to come to you. Motivation come from action.

“I’m not good at planning events or activities.”

As I mentioned above, you may be surprised at how excited and grateful your friends are for ANY activity that you plan, but if you are truly nervous about being the leader of an activity or event, you may want to consider joining some kind of social club, such as a book club, crafting club or a women’s social club where fun and interesting activities will be planned for you.

“Quality time with friends requires spending a lot of money.”

I also hear this one quite a bit, which is why I included the budget friendly friend date ideas above. I hope that these ideas inspire you to action – or at least spark your creativity to think of your own ideas.

Final Thoughts

From my perspective as a therapist, friend and leader of a social club, I have provided my thoughts on and suggestions for (what I hope you will agree are some) interesting and fun things to do with friends.

For more ideas, check out some of my other blog articles (specific suggestions are listed below) as well as my post on 78 Social Event Ideas and this article on 339 Summer Bucket List Ideas for Adults.

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