11 fun ‘sister date’ ideas we can’t wait to try

You and your sister (or sisters if you’re lucky enough to have more than one!) may spend plenty of time gabbing on the phone or texting. But when’s the last time you spent some actual quality time together—without anyone else around?

Call it what you’d like: hanging out, family bonding or catching up. But labeling that time together as a “date” just makes it feel extra special and gives you the impetus to plan something fun.

Inspired? Here are 11 fun “date” ideas just for sisters.

1. Start A Family Book Club

Sure, you could go see a movie. But are you really spending quality time if you’re just sitting in the dark, side-by-side in silence? Instead, alternate picking a book to read simultaneously and then get together at a coffee shop (or even via FaceTime, if you are far apart) to discuss it.

If you need some ideas, Goodreads curates a list of books for book clubs and it’s got a mix of classics and newer titles.

2. Go For A Hike

Growing up, you may have wanted to tell your sister to take a hike a time or two. But this time you mean it literally. Catch up while enjoying the great outdoors, and as an added bonus, you can burn more than 400 calories per hour hiking.

If you’re looking for a new hike, check out Hiking Project, which will pinpoint some nearby trails and parks for you.

3. Dine Out In A Food Hall

When you were teenagers, the mall food court was a popular hangout. You could wash down a slice of pizza with an Orange Julius smoothie and then get a huge pretzel with nacho cheese. (Come back, teenage metabolism!)

Now, food halls are pretty much the grown-up equivalent to food courts. They still offer a variety of cuisine, but the restaurants are higher-quality than fast food (like the Eataly Italian food-focused food halls based in New York City, Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago), and many also have shops, galleries and bars. If you are beer-lovers, breweries abound in many cities and often have top-notch food options.

Plus, some of these food courts have taken up residence in some cool, old buildings—like The Source in Denver that’s housed in an old foundry, and The Cigar Factory in Charleston, South Carolina, with its name a nod to the spot’s past life.

4. Take A Yoga Class

Grab your sister and try one of the latest yoga trends.

There’s plenty to pick from, but one that’s still going strong is goat yoga. Other ideas: stand-up paddleboard yoga, hip-hop yoga or buti yoga, which combines tribal movements with traditional yoga moves. It can be intimidating to try new classes alone, which is why this is the perfect sister date!

5. Volunteer Together

Spending time with your sister while doing good for others. That’s a win-win.

If you need help finding some volunteer opportunities, you can check out Volunteer Match, which will show what nearby organizations could use a helping hand.

6. Get A Fresh Mani-Pedi

Some fun nail trends are playing out this year.

Some of the top looks, according to the trendsetters at Harper’s Bazaar, include metallics, color-blocked nails, neutrals and even pops of color near the cuticles (think: a reverse French manicure, but with bolder citrus colors or sparkly golds).

Alternatively, go for a blow-out and reminisce about all the bad haircuts and hilarious perms you had growing up.

7. Bliss Out At A Spa

While a massage is certainly a great way to indulge, they can be expensive. Luckily, many spas offer a la carte day passes. Sometimes, $15 or $20 will get you a pass into the spa, steam rooms and gym so you can bliss out all day long for one low price.

8. Visit Your Childhood Home

Fair warning: It might not be as big as you remember! You can chalk that up to memory bias.

But it’s certainly fun to take a stroll through your old neighborhood and reminisce. And who better to accompany you than the person who grew up there too?

9. Visit The Farmers’ Market

The veggies are great. But farmers’ markets have more to offer than just the peaches and kale these days. Many have cooking demonstrations, crafts, live music and beer gardens.

Block off a whole afternoon for optimum sampling, shopping and exploring.

10. Whip Up Some DIY Face Masks

Avocados, bananas, milk… they’re all ingredients that can be turned into homemade masks and can be a fun and affordable way to spend a Friday night.

11. Hit The Driving Range

Whether you’re an avid golfer or a complete newbie, hitting the driving range can be a fun way to spend an afternoon.