Celebrate World Friendship Day With One of These Friend Dates

Going on a “date” doesn’t always have to be romantic. You can also have a date night with your friends! Friend dates are a fun way to spend time with loved ones, whether in a group setting or one-on-one.

So, in honor of World Friendship Day (July 30, FYI), I wanted to put together a list of fun, platonic friend dates you can do to celebrate.

Also Read: Here’s Why You Have a Hard Time Making Friends

15 Fun Friend Dates To Try

1. Go Shopping

Yes, I know, shopping is a cliché friend activity. But sometimes things are cliché for a reason!

Shop for shoes, clothes, jewelry, art—you name it. As an alternative, though, consider shopping for what you need with a friend. If you’ve got kids, for instance, do your back-to-school shopping with a girlfriend. Spend time together and get an errand out of the way.

2. Have a Spa Day

This could involve actually going to a spa for a mani-pedi, facial, or massage. But it could also mean just getting together to paint each other’s’ nails at home.

3. See a Show Together

Here’s another one of those friend dates that can vary based on what you’re into.

It could be as simple as seeing a new movie together. Or, you can get a little more creative. Check out an art show, a play, or a ballet performance. Musicals or concerts are another good option to consider.

4. Spend Time at the Pool

Pool days are always fun. Bring a book and a friend and spend the day soaking up the sun, reading, and chatting. And if you live near a beach, that’s even better.

5. Try a Group Game Night

Game nights are (in my opinion) best done as a group activity. Get a group of friends together to play some board games. Apples to Apples, Catch-Phrase, and Cards Against Humanity are all fun options.

Or, try a poker night. And if you’re in a relationship, consider having a couple’s game night with other couple’s you know.

6. Go to a Winery

Here’s another fun weekend activity you can do with a group of girlfriends or with other couples.

7. Have a Play Date

This one is for the mom’s out there. If you’ve got kids, use your next play date as a friend date for yourself, too. You can go to a park or take the kids to do something fun, like go to the zoo or a science center.

8. Watch Trashy TV Together

I’m a firm believer that The Bachelor is a show best watched with others. Honestly, it’s trash (sorry for my die-hard Bachelor fans out there). Which is what makes watching it so much fun with friends!

Any trashy reality TV show will work, here, but the point is that you’re not watching anything that you need to pay attention to. It’s lighthearted entertainment that’s practically meant to be made fun of.

9. Go to a Karaoke Bar

Whether you’re going to actually sing or not, Karaoke bars can be a lot of fun.  

10. Try on Wedding Dresses

Yes, seriously. If you’ve never gone wedding dress shopping before, you’re genuinely missing out on something.

Even if you aren’t engaged (or, hell, even in a relationship) trying on wedding dresses is a blast. There’s just something about the experience that makes you feel special.

Some places might let you walk in and try on dresses, but most of the time you have to make an appointment. So, it’s not a super spontaneous friend date, but if you’ve got a pal who’s down, give it a shot.

11. Take a Hike

Back to the basics! This is a great way to get in some quality friendship time and some exercise.

For those of you who don’t like the idea of hiking, let me give you a little tip: it’s just walking. Outside. Preferably on a hiking trail, but not necessarily.

12. Go Dancing

This could be at a club, at a concert, or just at your house listening to the radio. Doesn’t matter! Wherever you decide to go, remember that it doesn’t matter how good a dancer you actually are. It’s just about letting go and having fun.

13. Ride Some Roller-coasters

I’m not a huge thrill-seeker, but I know that a lot of people genuinely love theme parks. If you’re one of those people, riding roller-coasters is a perfect friend date activity.

14. Paint and Sip

Paint and Sip parties are where you get together for an instructor-led painting session. Oh, and you also get wine and cocktails. These are pretty popular, so chances are you’ll be able to find a place near you. But you can also host a painting party at your house instead! Just gather the supplies, find a pretty (and easy) painting to try, and grab some gal pals.

15. Try Pole Dancing

Pole-dancing classes have become more and more popular lately. I’ve done it before and, honestly, it is a work out. And it’s fun!

Which of these friend dates do you think sounds best? Share your ideas and thoughts below!

And of course, happy world friendship day to all of you lovely readers.

-K

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