Dating can be nerve-wracking for some. All the anticipation and worry about what to wear or how to act can lead to some serious nail-biting. We are here to help you with some interesting date ideas for couples that you may need, whether it’s your first or your nth one. From digging up your wardrobe and going to the parlor to checking in the mirror again and again even after you are ready, dating can stir up mixed feelings. However, it is not just about getting ready to look good; even how you present and act on a date makes it effective and memorable. So in this post, we have a collection of unique ideas for dating couples to make their meeting exciting and fun. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date or a fun day with your special person, these ideas cater to all preferences and budgets. Get ready to win your date!
Romantic Date Ideas For Couples
You never need a reason or an occasion to go on a romantic date with your loved one. While each couple has its own meaning of romance, here are a few romantic date ideas you may try.
- Dine at a fancy restaurant: Take your partner out for dinner to a fancy restaurant or the most happening place in town. Make sure the restaurant you are going to has something unique such as live music, provision to make special requests and/ or some rare delicacies.
- Plan a picnic: This may seem old school, but never goes out of style. Drive down to a place close to nature, spread a blanket on the grass, and lie down with your partner to share childhood stories and chat for hours while stargazing.
- Go on a vineyard tour: Choose this activity on your anniversary or your spouse’s birthday. Take them on a tour to the local vineyard, taste some fresh wine and click a lot of cozy pictures. Also, if there are any free wine tasting sessions happening, do not miss them.
- Have a photoshoot: Photoshoots are a favorite date idea now. Be it to celebrate a special event or just to have fun, plan a couple photoshoots for you and your partner. You can try funny and cheesy poses and at the same time create memories to look back on.
- Go on a long drive: A long drive or a road trip is a classic idea for a romantic date. Pack some food, drive wherever the road takes you, and watch the sunrise or the sunset together, hand in hand. In between the drive, take breaks to have some romantic time together.
- Role-playing: Turn your imagination into reality with this idea. You can either surprise your partner with an invitation or pick an idea together. Once the roles are decided, get into the character and get ready for an unforgettable romantic date experience.
- Have a massage done: Book an appointment at a spa for you and your partner, and get a relaxing body massage done. If you can book it in a resort far away from the noisy city then nothing like it.
- Try a couple dance form: Certain dance forms, such as Rumba, Waltz, Tango, and Bolero, seem to be made for couples in love. These dance forms are sure to ignite the passion between you.
- Plan a staycation: Book a room on the top floor of a luxury hotel and spend a couple of days together. Go for a swim, relax in the spa, order food to your room and have some memorable private moments together.
- Go on a hike: If you both love adventure and don’t mind stretching your legs, then plan a romantic outdoor hike date. Pick a nice spot and hike it together, and after you reach the top, spend time admiring the magnificent view.
- Do gardening: Activities like gardening give couples lots of time to spend together. Spend a weekend mending the lawn or planting trees. To make it more memorable, plant a sapling and write the date on it. As it grows, it will stand as proof for your togetherness.
- Join laughter yoga:
This is a good idea to take your connection with your partner to a completely different level. Laughter yoga begins with asking partners to look into each other’s eyes and fake laughing, which soon will turn into spontaneous laughter. You can also do yoga together for bonding, relaxing and being outright romantic.
- Go grocery shopping together: Grocery shopping is a surprisingly romantic activity. Wander the aisles hand-in-hand and make conversation while also playfully nudging each other.
- Read to each other: Nothing could sound more alluring than finding a steamy book in your local library and taking turns reading it out to each other. This will surely set you up for a romantic date night.
- Visit a museum near you: If you haven’t visited your nearest museum in a while, it’s time to take a trip to one. Wear cute museum-appropriate outfits, and indulge in a romantic date there.
- Go berry or apple picking: Fruit picking makes for the perfect Instagram-worthy date idea. Autumn is the ideal season for fruit picking, be it apples, berries, or pumpkins. Go fruit picking with your significant other and relish in each other’s company.
- Stargaze together: There’s an innately romantic quality to the night sky. Carry a blanket to your backyard or a nearby park, lay next to each other, and enjoy identifying as many constellations as possible.
- Try a dinner cruise: Experience a candlelit dinner on the water for the most romantic evening ever. Book a table under the open sky and delve into a romantic conversation amidst the sound of the rippling waters.
- Choose library books for one another: Visit your local library and select a book for your partner for a quirky and cost-free date. Hand over your favorite childhood book or introduce them to your current favorite book.
- Organize a romantic playlist date: Recall your favorite songs and create a playlist of your favorite songs together. Set up a cozy environment, play your songs when you’re together, and reminisce about the good times you’ve shared together.
- Go on a breakfast date: Turn date night on its head and start the day with a breakfast date. Pair your breakfast with mimosas, and you are good to go.
- Plan a surprise date: Show up to their place with their favorite snacks and flowers and surprise them with a day of their favorite activities. This will show that you have been paying attention to the little details and highlight your love for them.
- Hop on a hot air balloon ride: Plan an adventurous ride in the floating hot air balloons above the ground. Hold hands and enjoy the picturesque view while feeling the romance build.
- Escape to nature: Rent a cabin in the woods at a cozy spot for a night surrounded by nature. Unplug, stargaze, and enjoy each other’s company.
Date Night Ideas For Married Couples
A date night gives the couple a break from their routine family life. So, amidst all the responsibilities, keep aside one night a week for yourselves. And if you are looking for ideas to make your date memorable, then here are a few to start with.
- Watch your wedding video: Do something special and personal for your next date. Instead of choosing a TV show, watch your wedding video and reminisce all those moments together.
- Give your spouse a sneak peek into your life: This is a spontaneous yet romantic idea for couples. Take your spouse to all the places you visited with your friends as a child by sneaking out of your house at night. Or narrate your childhood stories and secrets.
- Recreate your wedding night: This is a unique anniversary date idea. You can replicate your wedding day and for this, you need not go overboard. Just get into your wedding outfits, order the same flavored cake and a bottle of champagne to raise a toast to the successful journey together.
- Drive-in movie: This is an effortless romantic idea. All you need to do is book tickets for a romantic movie. Drive into the place, cuddle with your partner and get carried away with the romantic feeling.
- Cook together: Cooking is a great recreational activity for couples. Choose a dish, start with shopping at the local grocery shop and end with relishing the dish you prepared together.
- Go camping: This gives you plenty of alone time. Pick a safe spot for camping in the woods, set up a tent, and unwind. You can also set up an outdoor barbeque, and enjoy the self-made food in the wild.
- Go street shopping: Visit the local flea market or a night market, hop around the various stalls, spend time buying knick-knacks and eating street food. You wouldn’t even realize that you have been awake the whole night.
- Movie marathon: With this idea, both you and your partner can have a romantic date night in your PJs and in the comfort of your home. Sounds like heaven right? Yes! Choose your favorite TV show or a list of movies, cuddle up with your partner and watch all night.
Kathrine, a blogger, shares her date ideas with her fiance. She writes, “One of the commonalities my fiancé and I have is our taste in movies, we both like action and comedy types of movies. And watching movies or our favorite TV series is always our go-to date night idea. All you have to prepare is your favorite chips (or popcorn) and drinks! We personally like to try out different kinds of chips that we can find at the grocery (mostly the cheap ones) and we make our own dips at home. And we often opt for fruit juices for drinks like; pineapple juice or orange juices (i).’’
- Watch a sport live: If both of you love sports, then book tickets to watch a game of cricket, football or basketball. Cheer your favorite team, shout your lungs out when they score and have a gala time together.
- Hop on and ride away: Yet another romantic date idea is to just ride a bike at night. Cruise around the empty streets and visit famous monuments, which are otherwise filled with tourists during the day time. Riding on the empty roads with your partner gives you a high.
- Deck up your room for a memorable night: Plan an exclusive date night for just the both of you. Send flirty messages beforehand. Lit the candles, put rose petals on the bed, have a bubble bath with essential oils, and go by the mood.
- Organize a candlelight dinner at home: Nothing is more romantic than cooking your partner’s favorite food. Take it up a notch by arranging a candlelight dinner at your home. If you want to go outside, visit a dinner theater.
- Go skiing: If you live in a sunny place and yearn for the winter chills, jet off to Europe for skiing in the Alps or plan a trip to Aspen. Don’t forget the hot cocoa after your adventure.
- Go antique shopping: Be amazed at the hidden gems you will find at an antique store. Surprise your significant other with something special from the antique store, and look out for knick-knacks that would be perfect for your home.
- Make something together: Get your creative juices and indulge in a craft together. Make a chair or even something for your shelves. There’s beauty in imperfection. So don’t worry if you’re not a pro artist.
- Plan a mystery date night: Pick a restaurant neither of you went to before and let the server surprise you with dishes of their recommendations.
- Explore your neighborhood: Take a stroll or drive to a new area and discover what’s around for a unique and exciting date. Select your favorite spots and make up imaginative and funny tales about their history for a laughter-filled date.
- Visit your hometown: Take your spouse around your hometown and show them around. Share embarrassing childhood memories that are sure to elicit some mushy feelings.
- Train for a marathon: Get together on your fitness journey and train to run a marathon. Having something to work towards will keep you both motivated, and having each other will help you stay accountable.
- Listen to podcasts: Browse and find a podcast you would like. It could be about any topic under the sun. This shared experience could liven the conversations you engage with each other.
- Engage in couples’ yoga: Engage the body and mind by doing couples’ yoga. Additionally, getting bendy together can heat things.
- Write each other love letters: Yes, you are married. But that doesn’t mean you stop romancing each other. Write the most exquisite love letter for your partner and tell them how much you love them.
- Enroll for an art class: Sign up for a fun and romantic day by joining an art class together and learning to express your emotions through symbols while enjoying each other’s company.
- Ask each other intimacy questions: Elevate your relationship with your spouse by curating a set of questions designed to enhance intimacy. You may uncover unknown aspects of each other’s lives, thus deepening your bond.
- Go on a mini golf date: Go mini-golfing for a simple afternoon date, followed by lunch at your favorite restaurant. Make it more interesting by placing fun and spicy bets.
- Stay in bed: Spend the weekend in the comfort of your bed, relaxing, sleeping in late, having breakfast in bed, watching a movie, and maybe some intimate time with each other. This date night idea will surely refresh your mind.
- Go on a GPS adventure: Hop in your car or rent a bike and let your GPS surprise you. This can be an old-school treasure hunt with a modern twist where you discover and explore new places.
- Take a pottery class: Make your favorite mug or make something for your spouse during your pottery class. Take a pottery class in your area and learn a new skill.
- Blanket fort: Bring out your inner child by setting up a blanket fort in your living room with this stay-at-home date night idea. Eat your favorite snacks, read, and listen to music.
- Paint each other: Spend the evening painting portraits of each other and reveal them together at the same time. This will surely leave you in hysterics and overwhelming emotions of love and admiration.
- See a play or musical: Take your spouse out on a date to their favorite play or musical at your local theater and have fun watching an incredible performance.
- Appoint a private chef at home: Hire a private chef for a night and organize a fancy dinner in the comfort of your home. Dress up in your Sunday best and have a wonderful time with each other while having good food and wine.
- Learn a new language: If you’re interested in learning a new language, practice together and help each other improve. This can be a wholesome and creative experience for both you and your spouse.
- Write a story together: Sit down in your cozy space with a cup of hot chocolate and pen down a story for each other to read. Try personalizing it to your relationship to make it even more romantic and thoughtful.
Fun Date Ideas For Couples
“Couples that play together stay together.”
Dates need not always be romantic or at night. You can laugh, play and have fun like children on your date. These fun-filled outings help in increasing the intimacy and building a long-lasting friendship between the partners.
- Visit an amusement park: This will wake up the child in you. Plan and spend a day in a water park or an amusement park. Go on roller coaster rides, share cotton candy, and try various fun activities.
- Attend a live concert: Book tickets to a live concert and have fun along with your partner. Live concerts are filled with energy — you get to scream, sing and dance.
- Go bowling: This is an idea which works if you want to go just the two of you or in a group. Hit the nearest bowling alley; you can team up against each other and or work as a team to score points.
- Exercise together: If you have been thinking of starting an exercise regime, then this is the time. Go for a run or a jog together or participate in a marathon. This will serve two purposes — it will give you guys some time together as well as keep you fit.
- Strike off items on your bucket list: These could be desires stashed in the corner of your heart. If you are saving up for an adventure, then wait no longer; put your plan into action on your next date.
- Plan a game night: Nothing is more relaxing and stress-busting than sitting in the comfort of your home, ordering pizza and playing childhood games like Scrabble, twister or chess with your partner. If the idea of a movie night doesn’t appeal to you, have a game night.
- Visit a local shelter for animals: If you two are animal lovers, then head out to a local shelter and volunteer to help them. And if you are looking to adopt an animal, then this volunteering helps you know whether you are ready for that.
- Take a surprise trip: If you are sure your partner is ok with surprises, then plan a trip to the beach or a romantic destination and keep it a secret from your partner. Pack their bags or ask them to pack to visit your friends, and then take them to their favorite destination.
- People gazing: This is a fun activity when you and your partner are on the same page. All you need to do is visit a mall or a busy street, look for a comfortable spot, settle down with your partner, observe people around and make up some funny and ridiculous backstories.
- Plan a day at the beach: If you are lucky to live in a coastal area, there is no perfect spot than the beach to have a fun outing with your spouse. You can head out early and catch the sunrise or stay late to witness the sunset. You can also play in the water or just lie on the sand and talk about the things you both like.
- Relive your first date: It could be a coffee shop or your favorite pub or your college cafeteria, revisit the place where you first met or had your first kiss or proposed. To make things better, you can wear the same outfits, behave like strangers and meet just like how it happened the first time.
- Food cart hopping: Ditch the regular dinners, and go on a street food extravaganza, hopping from one cart to another savoring the uniqueness of the street food.
- Attend a stand-up comedy show: If your favorite stand-up comedian is having a show, then book tickets and have good laughs together.
- Explore your city as a tourist: When was the most recent occasion you made the most of the attractions that draw visitors to your beautiful city? It’s likely it was when you had guests from out of town. Set aside an afternoon or evening to visit local landmarks or must-see spots as if you’re experiencing them for the first time.
- Create a fun new recipe: Even if your culinary skills are limited, attempting to create your own dish that you can name after something you like can be a memorable and fun moment. Plus, you’ll have the bonus of savoring the end product.
- Do karaoke: Experience the joy of karaoke that turns everyone into a star. The more heartfelt ballads you can confidently sing, the more enjoyable the experience becomes.
- Go on an arcade date: Challenge your partner in an arcade showdown and bring out your competitive spirit.
- Go to the thrift store: Visit your nearby thrift store and thrift new outfits. Organize your ramp walk and top it off by taking pictures of your goofy fits.
- Go skydiving: Although on the pricier side, experience skydiving and set yourself up for a memorable date that you will cherish forever. This activity can give a whole new perspective on life.
- Take a ghost tour: Muster up the courage for a night of screams and laughter as you take a spooky time around a supposedly haunted place around the city or your neighborhood.
- Order each other’s meal: Challenge your partner to order the meal you would love at your favorite restaurant and see how well you know your loved one’s taste.
- Meet up for coffee: Ask your partner to meet you at a coffee shop and pretend you’re meeting for the first time. They will be surprised, but don’t worry; they will quickly play along.
- Go rock climbing: Plan your weekend date with your spouse and book a slot at a rock climbing site. Going on a new adventure together with your partner can be thrilling and will spice up your relationship.
- Go clubbing: Deck up in your finest clothes, take your partner out to the club and dance the night away.
- Curate a scrapbook: Make a scrapbook filled with pictures and memories of your time together. This will surely be used to reflect on your relationship as you grow older.
- Attend a silent disco: Attend a silent disco event where everyone wears headphones and dances to their music, creating a unique and energetic atmosphere.
Inexpensive Date Ideas for Couples
You need not always burn a hole in your pocket to spend time with your partner. While you can save them for some special occasions, on most other occasions, you can have a good time without splurging. Here are a few inexpensive date ideas for couples.
- Bonfires: Try this romantic and intimate idea during winters. All you need is a fireplace, a warm blanket, and your partner with you. Cuddle all night long, have romantic conversations, have a drink together while listening to soft music and gazing at the starry sky.
- Pamper each other: Recreate a spa at home and pamper each other. Give a massage to each other and feel relaxed.
- Organize a themed dinner night: Organize a themed dinner night at home for a unique, inexpensive date idea. Choose a theme—Italian, retro, or even a movie-inspired meal—and cook together. Set the ambiance with music, decorations, and costumes to match the theme.
- Go on a farm visit: You can either volunteer to work on the farm or just run along playing hide and seek. If you can go fruit picking, then nothing is more romantic than that.
- Bike rides: This idea doesn’t cost much, is healthy and fun at the same time. Rent bicycles and go on a leisurely lap around the park or on the streets.
- Bake together: It could be a cake or a batch of your favorite cookies, pick up a simple recipe and cook together.
- Declutter: Have you been thinking of clearing the basement or painting the fence? Fix a date and do it together. Mundane tasks also seem fun when you have company, agree?
- Try digital detox: Turn off your mobile phone, stop browsing the internet or social media and just relax in each other’s company. You may feel the urge to use your phone, but resist it and turn your attention towards your partner.
- Get a home project done: Be it building a tree house or a dog house, dates can also be used to complete a long pending project. This way, you can spend time with each other as well as get a job done.
- Order a takeaway and laze around: This would probably be the best date idea for a couple who have been working the whole week. Relax in your PJs all day, order your favorite food and spend the day in bed.
- Play a sport: Be it basketball or badminton, play your favorite game with utmost passion. Sweat out for half a day, then visit a local cafe and have brunch together.
- Plan your next vacation: You have decided to spend some time with your spouse. Then why not utilize this time to plan your next holiday? Planning together will make you feel that you are almost on that holiday.
- Video game competition: Do you both love video games? Then why not challenge each other? This way you can also experience the competitive spirit between you.
- Invite couples: You can invite a couple among your friends for lunch/ dinner or together plan an outing in the woods.
- Have a fondue night: Fondue nights have become the in-thing for couples. They are fun and intimate. Set up a fondue party at your home and enjoy it together. Choose simple ingredients such as cheese or chocolate; you can use a saucepan in the place of an expensive fondue pot.
- Watch a horror film together: If you want to stay at home as well as do something thrilling, then play a horror movie, grab the popcorn and watch together.
- Organize a yard sale: If you are looking to get rid of some unwanted stuff at home, then get together and organize a yard sale. This is another inexpensive way to spend time with each other. In fact, it will help you earn some money.
- Spend an afternoon in the park: You can walk hand-in-hand to the nearby park, stroll through the greenery, feed the ducks at the pond and have some quiet time together, away from the crowd.
- Play a fun board game: Bring out the classics or try out a new board game for a healthy dose of good old-school competition. Add a touch of excitement and spice things up by introducing a friendly wager.
- Go on a dessert date: Skip out on dinner and head straight for dessert. Visit cute dessert bars in matching outfits and wait for the sugar rush.
- Watch the sunrise/sunset: Sip on a cup of tea and watch the sunrise or sunset with your loved one. Hold her in your arms and enjoy the magic unveiling in front of your eyes.
- Play ‘Never Have I Ever’: Unveil every aspect of your partner’s life by asking them the most intimate questions possible. Playing ‘Never Have I Ever’ will also help you get along better with your spouse and deepen your relationship.
- Visit a dog park: Mind you, you don’t need a dog to visit a dog park. After getting their owners ‘ permission, walk around and pet and snuggle as many puppies and dogs as possible.
- Go out for ice cream: It’s as simple as that. Go out on a surprise ice cream date and share a bucket full of memories with each other.
- Organize a dance party: Show off your favorite moves and challenge each other to a dance party with exciting rewards for the winner.
- Astronomy Night: Attend a local astronomy club’s event to learn about constellation planets, and even try out a telescope.
- Take a photography walk: Gather your smartphone or polaroid camera and click exquisite and memorable photos of the scenes along the way. Watching them back together can be a cozy and special evening.
- Virtual Tour: Take a virtual tour of a destination and discuss your favorite spots while planning a trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What to do on a date to make it special?
Consider your partner’s likes and dislikes to plan a date for them. Prioritize spending time with them on the date. If they prefer romantic ideas, you could plan a candle-light dinner with a home-cooked meal. For more adventurous activities for couples, choose something like their favorite sport, camping, an RV tour, or biking around the city. Don’t forget to pair the date with their favorite meal.
2. How do I spice up a romantic date?
Candles and songs could not go wrong when trying to spice up a date. Pair this combination with something else. You could play romantic music, sing, and dance along to it. Pair the karaoke with wine, cheese, or chocolate tasting session. You may also try to spice things up by cooking a meal together. Engage in some romantic games such as Truth or Dare or Never Have I Ever. Stay cozy through any plan you choose to spice things up.
3. How often should couples go on dates?
A couple should ideally go on a date at least twice a month. The date does not have to be fancy or expensive. Focus on spending quality time together and listening to each other. Plan a date night considering each other’s schedules and engage in activities you love.
4. How long should a date last?
A typical first date usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour or longer. However, it can be shorter if you fit it into your busy schedule or simply catch up for a quick meeting.
Dating may arouse mixed feelings in couples; some may feel thrilled about the idea, while others may be anxious about putting their best foot forward. No matter how you feel about dating, it always helps create a strong bond between couples. Moreover, planning impromptu meetings with your partner may slowly ease you up and make you more comfortable and confident on your dates. However, if you are unsure of what to do on a date, explore the list together. The numerous date ideas for couples provided here will help you plan a perfect date every time you meet. Also, try spending as much quality time as you can on your date because the ultimate aim of dating should be to know each other better.
Infographic: Pocket-Friendly Date Ideas For Couples
While discussing dates, it is essential to state that planning for a date does not always mean you have to spend extravagantly. The main motive for having a date is to spend time with each other and do something you love. So why not plan for an inexpensive one that will not burn a hole in your pocket while ensuring you have a good time? Check out the following infographic as we list a few ideas for you to have a pocket-friendly date.
Key Pointers
- A couple’s massage can be a relaxing activity to try with each other.
- Encouraging each other to push their limits and going on a scenic hike can help couples make memories for a lifetime.
- If you are a married couple, you can watch your wedding video together to relive the moments when you vowed to be each other’s forever.
- Watching a live sporting event together in a big stadium can help you both cheer for your favorite team together.
Illustration: Unique And Romantic Date Ideas For Couples To Try
Take your relationship to new heights with these memorable romantic date ideas. This video prepares you to make everlasting romantic memories by adding some excitement to your date nights.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. #tipidtips: top 5 budget-friendly couple date ideas;https://kthrnrsevlsqz.wordpress.com/2017/03/29/tipidtips-top-5-budget-friendly-couple-date-ideas/Community Experiences
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