Whether you just started dating or have been together for years, sometimes it’s hard to think of fun and exciting date nights. Sure, you can’t go wrong with dinner and a movie. And the most important part of date night is spending quality time with one another. But every once in a while, it is nice to mix things up and do something a little different!
The great thing is, it doesn’t matter how long you have known the person you are going out on a date with; most fun date night ideas are perfect for pretty much any couple! All that matters is that you both enjoy yourself, feel comfortable, and are able to bond with the other person. Plus, wouldn’t it be so special for you (or your date) to plan something unique and memorable instead of doing the same old thing? Things can get crazy and hectic, but quality time with people you care about is the most important thing.
You may already have some ideas of your own, but to make things easy, we have compiled a list of ten fun date ideas for new and old couples alike. Some ideas on the list might be more for couples that have been together for a while (you probably won’t be writing love letters to each other on the first date), but most things can work for first dates, second dates, and every other date you will have with that person! Check out the list, and see how many of these date ideas you can use in your own relationship. Even if you’re single, keep them in mind for when you meet someone special.
1. Paint a Custom Portrait
Even if you are not creative in the slightest, this can be a really great date idea. You can get your custom portrait from Paint Your Numbers. If you have been together for a while, you can upload your favorite picture of you and your significant other, and we will send you a custom canvas with an outline of the picture!
Then, you simply use the numbered paints and match them with the corresponding numbers on the canvas. When you are done, it will look like a professionally painted picture. If it is your first date or you don’t have many pictures together, you can upload anything you want, such as an animal or image of a beach, and you can each work on certain numbers on the canvas.
2. Go Ice Skating
You can do this no matter where you live, even in warm cities. Most cities have local ice rinks where you can rent out ice time for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on their availability. Anywhere hockey teams and figure skaters skate, you should be able to rent the ice. Sometimes, they will even let you play your own music.
If you both have skating experience, you can race each other or time the other person to see who is faster. If you both have never skated in your life, that will make it even more fun! You can hold hands and try and help each other balance.
3. Visit an Art Museum
This is a classic date idea that never gets old. Most cities have some sort of art museum, even if it is a smaller place. If not, there should definitely be an art gallery nearby, which would be a good alternative. If you are lucky enough to live near a big museum, you can easily spend hours walking around.
Look ahead of time to see which exhibits they are showing so you and your date can decide which pieces you want to see. Or, just go wander around and get lost! This could be a great idea for a newer couple because museums are typically quieter spaces, so there won’t be any pressure to constantly talk. Plus, the art will provide great talking points if you get nervous and don’t know what to talk about.
4. Do a Workout Together
When you work out, your body releases endorphins, which make you feel happy and help to combat feelings of stress. Pick two days, and both of you get to pick a type of workout when it’s your day.
You could go swimming, take a boxing class, do an at-home workout, or just go for a run around town. You will both feel super accomplished afterward. Plus, it’s a great way to stay healthy and push each other to do something challenging and fun at the same time.
5. Cook a New Recipe Together
Cooking is a great way to bond. Pick a type of cuisine (Asian, Italian, Middle Eastern, etc.) and find a few different dishes that look good. Then, you can go to the grocery store together to pick out all the ingredients. Go through the recipes step by step and work together to make an amazing meal. Just don’t forget to taste test along the way!
6. Minigolf (or Real Golf)
Let your competitive side shine and challenge your date to a round of minigolf. The winner gets to pick the next date night idea! There’s nothing better than a healthy dose of competitiveness between couples. Make bets, and remember: it’s just a game (no throwing your putter when you lose).
Alternatively, you could also book nine holes and play a round of real golf together. Rent a golf cart and take turns being each other’s caddy.
7. Have a Picnic
This is a great idea because you can do it anywhere, any time of year. If you live somewhere cold and it’s wintertime, you can have an indoor picnic. Set up blankets and pillows on the floor, pack a basket, and pour a glass of wine.
If you live somewhere warm or if you go in the summer, scope out a cool place in a park or in nature to set up your picnic. Pack some of your favorite snacks and enjoy a meal outdoors in the sun together.
8. Have a Couples At-Home Spa Night
Buy some candles, lotion, under-eye patches, and whatever else you need to relax. Make a homemade face mask and apply it to each other. Light the candles and lay back and relax together. Don’t forget to wear a big comfy robe!
9. Take a Day Trip
Pick somewhere that is less than two hours away from where you live. Maybe there is a cool museum in a neighboring town or an art exhibit an hour away. You can also check for the best farmers’ markets in your area, head there, and see what you can find!
10. Write Love Notes or Letters to Each Other
This is a great bonding activity for couples who have been together for a while. Decide how many notes or letters you are each going to write. After you’re finished, exchange letters and read all of the nice things your significant other has to say about you!
Conclusion
Date night should not be stressful. It should be something you look forward to and view as something to help you have quality time with your significant other. While it is nice to keep things simple and stick with your usual date night routines, sometimes it is important to switch things up and try something new. That way, you can keep things exciting in your relationship!
Any effort you put into your relationship should be appreciated by your significant other, but once in a while, it is both special and thoughtful to go the extra mile and plan something different. Maybe you do something your partner has really been wanting to do for a while. Or maybe you take turns tossing out ideas until you both decide on something that sounds great. Either way, it’s good to change things up and think of different ways to enjoy some quality time together.
You could turn the list of date ideas into a fun challenge to see how quickly you can get through the list. Or, you could challenge each other to make every other date night something different from the list. There are tons of ways you can do it, but the important thing is that you actually do it. Add your own ideas to the list to see how many date ideas you can think of!
Sources:
https://conversationstartersworld.com/date-ideas/
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/relationships/a31405192/cute-romantic-date-ideas/
https://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/advice/g1033/romantic-first-date-ideas/
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/advice/a31786/100-date-ideas/