Group dates and double dates are a big part of dating culture in Utah Valley, and for good reason. They take the pressure off, make conversation easier, and let you see how someone gets along with your friends. They also add a layer of comfort and safety on early dates.
Here are group and double date ideas around Utah Valley.
Active group dates
Sand volleyball
Plenty of Utah Valley parks have sand volleyball courts. Bring a ball, snacks, and a speaker, and play couples versus couples.
Bowling or mini golf
Easy for any skill level and naturally competitive. Make teams by couple.
Ice skating
Public skate at Peaks Ice Arena in Provo is great with a group, especially if a few people have never skated.
Group hike
Bridal Veil Falls, Stewart Falls, and Battle Creek Falls are all doable for groups with mixed fitness levels.
Games and challenges
Escape room
One of the best double dates around. You learn quickly how people handle pressure and teamwork.
Game night
Host a board game or card game night. Party games work best for groups of six or more.
Cook-off or bake-off
Each couple makes a dish around a theme, like tacos, pasta, or pie, and everyone judges.
Photo scavenger hunt
Write a list of photo challenges around downtown Provo or a campus, split into couples, and race.
Outdoor group dates
Canyon picnic or cookout
Find a picnic area in Provo Canyon, Hobble Creek Canyon, or American Fork Canyon. Some sites take reservations for larger groups. Bring food, games, and blankets.
Sunset at Utah Lake
Bring the group, a speaker, and snacks to Utah Lake State Park for sunset.
Corn maze
In the fall, split into couples and race through a corn maze, then meet up for hot chocolate.
Outdoor movie
Set up a projector in a backyard, or catch a summer outdoor show like those at the SCERA Shell in Orem.
Events
Game day
BYU football at LaVell Edwards Stadium or UVU basketball at the UCCU Center in Orem make big, easy group outings.
Concert or show
Local theater at the Covey Center or SCERA, or campus performances at BYU and UVU.
Farmers market
Wander the Provo Farmers Market on a summer or fall Saturday, then picnic in Pioneer Park.
How to plan a double date
The hardest part of a group date is coordination. Make it easy by naming the activity, the time, the place, and who is coming. "Double date with my roommate and his girlfriend: escape room Friday at 7, then pizza" gives everyone what they need to say yes.
Keep the group small enough that people can actually talk. Four to six people is ideal. And plan a second stop, like dessert, so couples can split off if they want.
Post or request a plan like this on Rove
On Rove, every date starts as a specific plan. Here are a few plans inspired by this page. Men can post one like it, and women can browse and request the ones that sound fun.
- “Double date: escape room, then pizza. Friday at 7.”
- “Sand volleyball and a picnic with friends at the park. Saturday at 5.”
- “Game night with two other couples. Thursday at 7:30. Bring a snack.”
Frequently asked questions
Why are group dates common in Utah Valley?
Group and double dates take pressure off early dating, make conversation easier, and feel safer, which makes them popular with students and young singles.
What is a good double date in Provo?
An escape room followed by food, a canyon picnic, or ice skating at Peaks Ice Arena are all great double date options.
How many people should be on a group date?
Four to six people is usually ideal. Bigger groups are fun but can make it harder to actually get to know your date.