In the era of Tinder dating, going on as many as 300 dates per year isn’t unheard of. Of course, the classic Tinder date of casual drinks (with a pre-planned excuse to leave after an hour) isn’t exactly conducive to finding true love.
However, if you’ve found that special someone, you might be in need of some creative date ideas to switch things up a bit. Because, while going for dinner and drinks is nice, it’s always fun to try something new as a couple.
Here’s a selection of great date night ideas you and your partner are sure to love.
1. Different Courses at Different Restaurants
Fun date night ideas don’t have to be crazy, and sometimes a romantic meal for two is just what you need. But there’s no law that says you have to have every course at the same restaurant.
Instead of just heading to one place, choose a few different restaurants to enjoy various courses. Not only does it switch up the evening a little, you can taste a range of cuisines from around the world if you want. After all, you might love the unique appetizers at that French bistro, but maybe you feel like a spicy Thai curry for your main dish.
2. Take a Hike
Outdoor adventures always make great date ideas. Not only will you share some incredible views, exercising together can increase attraction. Plus, a hike to your favorite nature reserve or along a local trail won’t cost you anything.
To make a day of it, bring a picnic with you. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just some cheese, bread and a bottle of red wine should do the trick. But don’t forget to pack some water too as all that hiking is sure to be thirsty work.
3. Go Ice Skating
Starting to date someone new in the run-up to the holidays can be tricky. First, there’s the whole debate about whether to buy gifts or not. Then if you do buy a gift, it can be hard knowing what they might like after just a month or two of dating. If this dilemma sounds familiar, check out these tips for guidance.
That said, the holiday season can also be a romantic and exciting time for a new relationship. Cold weather is a great excuse to cozy up together, and you can try fun activities like ice skating. You don’t have to be good to have fun on the ice, and you can go for a warming hot chocolate afterward!
4. Have a Games Night
If you’ve got children, venturing out on dates might not be as easy as it once was. For date night ideas you can do at home, challenging each other to a few rounds of your favorite board games can be lots of fun.
Blokus and Jenga work well as two-player games. Or you might try Scrabble or chess if you feel like something more intellectual. And, even if you can only rustle up a pack of cards, two-player card games like Slam are great.
You could even try adding a ‘strip’ element to your games night for some added excitement!
5. Watch the Sunrise Together
There’s something about being in love that makes you do crazy things, like waking up at the crack of dawn together to watch the sunrise.
Joking aside, sharing a beautiful sunrise together is one of the simplest and best date ideas around, plus it’s super romantic. Take a flask of coffee with you and head to a picturesque spot where you can curl up together and share the start of a new day. And then you can always go for a tasty breakfast once the sun’s up.
6. Shop for Each Other
For a fun way to spend an afternoon with your partner, head to a thrift store with a budget in mind and pick out outfits for each other.
The best way to play it is to mix serious picks with crazy retro items. The only rule is you both have to try on all the choices. Emerging from the changing rooms in fits of laughter is almost guaranteed.
7. Break the Rules
Good date ideas can sometimes involve being bad! We’re not suggesting anything criminal, of course. We’re thinking more along the lines of skinny dipping or driving to a scenic spot and getting it on in the car.
Doing something that’s a little risqué can actually bring you closer together as a couple. And, whatever you get up to, it’s sure to make a great story to tell the grandchildren!
8. Go Camping
Dust off your camping equipment or borrow some from a friend if you don’t have any. Once you’re all packed, head into the great outdoors with your loved one for a night under the stars.
Even if you don’t get farther than your own backyard, cozying up together in a tent is a romantic way to spend an evening. Just remember to pack the marshmallows for toasting on the fire.
9. Make Personalized Scavenger Hunts
A personalized scavenger hunt takes a little more work than the others on the list. But it would be perfect for a birthday or anniversary surprise.
The idea is to send your partner searching for clues scattered around the town or city you live in. The clues could be based on your history together. So, you could direct them to the bar you went for your first date or the park where you shared your first kiss.
Not only is it romantic and a lot of fun, it’s a great way to remember all the special times you’ve shared.
Try out These Creative Date Ideas Today
As this list of creative date ideas shows, there’s no shortage of unique ways to spend quality time with your partner.
And, many of these fun activities are cheaper and way more inventive than your classic ‘dinner and a movie’ date. Not that there’s anything wrong with dinner and a movie. But switching things up occasionally can help to keep that passion alive.
After all, there are lots of health benefits to an active sex life-not that you needed another excuse of course!
