Alexander Gray
2024-12-13
6 min read
We all love hitting up our favorite restaurants or grabbing a couple of drinks at a bustling bar with our significant other, but sometimes, it's nice to mix things up! Rather than doing the same thing each time date night rolls around, try surprising your partner with a new and exciting activity. It's not always easy to think outside of the box when it comes to planning the perfect date, so we've put together this list of ideas to give you some inspiration. From adventurous outings to budget-friendly nights in, we've got a little something for everyone.
Provided you have the weather on your side, tucking into a picnic is a pretty fantastic way to spend an afternoon. It might seem like it requires quite a lot of preparation, but it can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Pick a quiet spot and load up on your and your partner's favorite snacks. If you're feeling more ambitious, you can even whip up some sandwiches or baked treats. Once you've taken care of the food and drinks, all you'll need is to source a bag or basket, a soft blanket, napkins, and any cutlery you might need.
Perhaps you're a budding sommelier, or your other half is a craft beer connoisseur. Whatever your drinks of choice are, there are some fantastic activities out there to suit your preferences. You don't need to live close to an active winery or brewery to enjoy these experiences either, as you'll find that many wine bars and craft beer spots have tasting menus. Many of these bars tend to have dim lighting and a romantic ambiance, making them an ideal location for an intimate date night. It's worth doing some research about the specific menu items in advance if there's a particular style of wine or beer either of you is fond of.
In any relationship, it's important to have hobbies of your own, but that doesn't mean you can try something totally new with your partner, too. Check out what classes are available in your area and decide which ones appeal most to your interests as a couple. Sharing new experiences together isn't just a lot of fun, but it can also strengthen your relationship. If you need help figuring out where to begin, keep an eye out for cooking, yoga, pottery, painting, or photography classes, to name just a few.
Jazz up a traditional movie date by opting for a drive-in theater. Admittedly, these aren't always easy to find, depending on where you live, but some cities often host pop-up or seasonal movie theaters from time to time. The beauty of this type of date is that you'll have the privacy of a car, which, unlike in most theaters, allows you to talk freely! Movie buffs may not be as fond of this option, as you don't usually have much or any choice about the film, but it remains a quirky and super fun way to spend an evening.
Romantic get-togethers don't always require putting on your finest attire and dining in fancy establishments. For outdoorsy types, swapping a sophisticated restaurant for a hiking trail may be their idea of a perfect date. If you're a little hesitant, but your partner is an avid hiker, keep in mind that trekking doesn't always mean ascending steep, rocky mountain tops. Many paths are relatively flat or have gentle inclines, so you don't need to be a seasoned climber to enjoy a relaxed hike and soak up the scenery. Be sure to look into the different routes nearby and choose one that's suitable for you both.
Maybe you've both been stressed out with various professional or personal commitments, or you're simply in need of some long-overdue downtime. Either way, there's never a bad time for a trip to the spa, and many wellness centers offer specific packages for couples. Spas don't tend to come cheap these days, but that doesn't mean you have to scratch this option entirely. Lots of supermarkets and pharmacies have stocks of face masks, body scrubs, bath bombs, candles, and anything else you might need for an at-home spa night. Throw on some soothing music, and you've got yourself a DIY spa!
Is there anything dreamier than stargazing with your significant other for the night? Much like hiking, camping can sometimes sound like something that's best reserved for outdoor enthusiasts, but it doesn't have to be as rough and ready as it sounds. Once you've got a secure tent, a decent mattress, a toasty fire, and some good food, it's among the most romantic ways to spend your date night. Of course, not everyone lives close to parks or forests that are open to campers, so this may be a better option if you have a whole weekend free.
Cooking as a couple can feel like much less of a chore than when you're doing it alone. If you're craving a cozy night in with your companion, ditch the upscale restaurant, put on your most comfortable clothes, and find a tasty recipe that you both love. Divide up the duties, pour yourselves a glass of wine, and enjoy spending quality time in each other's company without interruption. Preparing a dish together is often much more memorable than dining out, though this unfortunately means you guys will also need to take care of the clean-up!
Treat your better half to a date they won't forget with this list of out-of-the-ordinary activities for couples. Whether you're hoping to impress a new love interest or keep your long-time partner on their toes, you're bound to find something to your liking here.