Let’s be honest. In the last year or so we weren’t really doing a “date night,” were we? So, we’re maybe a little out of practice! If you want to jump back into going on fun and exciting dates with your partner, I’m here for it (provided it’s safe to do so where you are, of course!).

I’ve come up with a few date night ideas I think would be super fun and offer a nice change of pace, especially if you’ve been stuck at home for a while. We’re talking daytime adventures, fun nights out and of course some nice and cozy nights in. They’ll all be way more fun than your basic Netflix n chill. I promise.

So, what are we waiting for?

Daytime Adventures

Okay, I’ll admit it! I’m a bit of a homebody. I don’t LOVE going outside, especially in recent time when “outside” and “with other people” are not exactly in fashion. But the reality is that getting out of the house and doing things together is actually FUN. And it helps you bond together as a couple. So here are some ideas for getting out of the house together during the day. (Yes, I use the term “date night” loosely.)

 

Date night idea — brunch!

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1. Go out for a nice breakfast/brunch

Is there a fancy breakfast place in your town you’ve wanted to try out? Maybe a brand new brunch spot? From diner to fine dining, there’s bound to be a place you can check out to get some delicious eggs and fluffy pancakes!

2. Volunteer together

Whether it’s serving at a local soup kitchen to joining in on a park clean-up day, giving back to your community together is a great way to bond and, of course, feel great about yourselves. Charities are often in need of a little help, so find one you’re both interested in (an animal shelter, perhaps?) and call them up!

3. Go berry/apple picking

Ooooh yes. One of my childhood favourites! Gathering a basket of apples or some juicy blueberries is a cute day-date you can enjoy together. Plus, you get to take home a basket full of fruit. Bonus points if you bake a pie together after!

 

Date night idea — visit ducks at a pond!

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4. Visit ducks at a pond

More of a casual daytime adventure – find a local pond that’s good for duck watching. Add an extra layer of joy if you pack a lunch (for yourselves, not the ducks!) and have a little picnic. Note: while it may seem fun to feed the birds, it’s usually not recommended by wildlife experts.

5. Rent a canoe or float down a lazy river

I mean, what sounds more fun and relaxing than letting the river take you on a little trip. This is one thing I’ve always wanted to do in my town but still haven’t gotten up the courage to go out and do it. But it just looks SO FUN!

6. Set up a double-date challenge with another couple

Get together with another couple and plan a scavenger hunt together or something fun you can compete on. There are a bunch of ideas floating around the internet, or you can make up your own!

7. Rent bikes in your nearest city

This is one of those things that is really geared toward tourists but can be super fun for a local as well. Find a tourist bike rental spot in your town or one nearby and go on a little adventure together.

8. Visit a thrift store and buy each other an outfit

Fun to do with friends, but even better with your partner on a date night (day)! Set a budget for the outfit and a time limit, then get shopping. You can do your fashion show in the changerooms at the store, or if that’s not available, you can do it at home. You can even do a photoshoot together, if that’s your kind of thing.

 

Date night idea — have a picnic at a lookout!

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9. Go to a lookout point for a picnic

Does your town have a beautiful lookout point you keep meaning to check out? Maybe you have a favourite spot to go together. Either way, pack yourselves a lunch and head out there. This is such a fun and relaxed little date when the weather is nice or the seasons are just changing.

10. Go to a tourist attraction in your home town (or a nearby city)

Acting like a tourist in your own town can be so much fun. You don’t have to act cool — get out your giant camera, put on some cargo shorts, pick up a city map and go check out all those cheesy tourist traps you’ve never bothered to visit before.

11. Organize a “triathlon.”

I love this idea — it’s fun if you’re a creative couple, especially if you’re competitive. Rather than the traditional swim-bike-run, set up your own three events to compete in. Things like a game of foosball, eating a pizza and hopscotch. Or shooting hoops, connect four and eating M&Ms. No matter what it is, think light-hearted and fun competition — and the winner buys lunch!

 

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12. Try an alternative fitness class

I’m sure you’ve seen some ridiculous things like goat yoga or competitive planking. And I’m sure you’ve never considered trying it out yourself, but there are some “alternative” fitness classes that you might find fun if you do it together — plus you might just discover a new craze or your go-to workout. You never know! Try something “different” like aerial yoga, trapeze or pole dancing!

Fun Date Nights Out

If you’re going out but you’re tired of the same old dinner-and-a-movie nights, let’s widen those horizons and try something a little out of the ordinary for a date night. These are such fun ways to spice up your life [obligatory 90’s girl group reference] and add a little more fun to your nights out with your partner.

13. Dance lessons

This is one I’ve ALWAYS wanted to do, but convincing my husband he wants to as well has been… unfruitful. If you’re one of the lucky ones with a partner who’s game for anything, learning a little salsa, tango, hip-hop or swing would be a blast!

 

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14. Go to an alternative sports game

We all know having a fun night out at basketball game can be fun. Hockey, baseball, etc… they are all good but can be expensive to see at the highest professional levels. Instead, for your date night you could try visiting a local college to watch a game or check out a sport you’ve never seen live. I mean, have you been to a roller derby?

15. Rent a nice car and go for a drive

Owning a fancy car might not be in the cards for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have one for an evening. Treat yourselves to a fun experience and rent your dream car for the evening and go for a drive. The nice thing about this date night idea is how much you get to connect and chat while you’re doing it!

16. Do a taste test

Create an ultimate taste test for your favourite food by choosing three (or more!) places around town and ordering the same thing at each one. The ultimate pizza showdown? The best ever ice cream parlour? Whatever you’re feeling like right now. Then compare notes — which one is your all-time fave? This is really fun to do if you’ve just moved to a new neighbourhood or if you’re just bored of going to the same place all the time.

17. Go to a drive-in

Change up your movie date and head to a drive-in. It’s so much more exciting with the old-school feel — plus there’s something so romantic about watching a movie under the stars. And yeah I know it’s not technically allowed, but it’s also fun to sneak in your own snacks from home! Hopefully your Grease moment will end better than Sandy and Danny’s!

 

Date night idea — visit an arcade!

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18. Visit an arcade

Visiting an arcade always makes me feel like a kid — and honestly, what’s better than a skee ball face-off with the one you love? Bonus points if you can find one where you trade in tickets for cheap toys and gum!

19. Try out a trampoline park

Looking for a fun but active date night? Try a trampoline park. Seriously. If you’ve never been, just try it — it might be your new Friday night tradition. So fun and a great little bit of exercise!

20. Trivia night!

If you’re anything like me and you love Jeopardy! this will be a good time. I love a good pub trivia night and it’s such a fun thing to do with your partner. Team up with another couple on a double-date and grab a few drinks!

21. Go to an observation tower at night and see the city lights

Live your rom-com dreams by visiting an observation tower or skyscraper at night to see all the beautiful city lights. This is one of the classics, but often forgotten when you’re planning a date night out. Perfectly paired with a dinner at a nice restaurant nearby.

22. Find a pool hall

Nothing’s better than a little friendly competition, so why not book a pool table and challenge your partner? Winner buys drinks! Bonus points if they have a snooker table and you learn to play!

 

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23. Take a brewery or winery tour

Love beer or wine? This one’s for you! Find a local place to do a tour — get a little education while enjoying your adult beverages. You might even discover a new favourite!

24. Have a hotel slumber party

Even if you’re not travelling, booking a nice hotel room and staying the night can feel like such a treat! It’s a good opportunity to pamper yourselves and spend some good quality time together. Oh, and don’t forget room service!

25. Do a food truck tour

Food trucks are taking over, so it’s a great time to go out for a taste test! Track down a few popular ones and do the rounds and joy a date night, some fun food and support your local community businesses.

 

Date night idea — food truck feast!

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26. Relive your first date

Now that you’re getting married, it’s sweet to think about how your first met and what you were both like back then! Get reminiscing by recreating your very first date. Bonus points if you wear the same (or similar) outfits too!

Cozy Date Nights In

I might have mentioned (once or twice, ha!) that I like to stay at home. And honestly, there are a lot of times when that’s just the safer and easier option (especially during the plague times). But that’s no reason to give up your date nights and spend some time with your partner! So, here are my favourite ideas for spending a cozy date night at home:

27. Listen to throwback music and mixed CDs

Collect some old memories and share them with each other. Whether that’s an actual mixed CD from your childhood or a throwback Spotify playlist doesn’t matter. What does is sharing the memories, reminiscing and spending the time together.

 

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28. Cook your fave meal

It’s easier and easier to just order in from your regular place — and that can be a nice special evening together. But an alternative is to choose a complicated but delicious meal you love but that you rarely (if ever) make. Figure it out together and they enjoy the fruits of your labour. Bonus points if you set up a floor picnic for your date night!

29. Have a board game night

Even if it’s not your regular thing, picking up and playing a board game can be a blast! We’re talking modern board games like Agricola (the cute little wooden animals!!), Patchwork, Grand Austria Hotel, Stone Age, or if you really want to make it complicated, try Terra Mystica. Honestly, there are SO MANY great options. Plus, if you’ve never played before, you can always find videos to explain them to you!

30. Do a DIY paint night

Set up your easels, paints and canvases and follow along with a YouTube tutorial or try out some Bob Ross throwbacks. Call it a paint night date night. Do it however you like, but don’t forget the wine!

31. Write each other a poem

If you want to go the romantic route, sit down together and write each other a poem. It can be short and sweet or long and detailed. It can be funny or romantic. Whatever you like! Bonus points if you perform them for each other — and extra if you do it as a rap!

 

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32. Bake & decorate cookies

This is super fun around the holidays, but you don’t have to limit yourself! Try the classic messy buttercream just for fun, or you can learn the royal icing flood method that’s big on Instagram and get seriously impressive with them. Either way, don’t forget to snack along the way — it wouldn’t be a date night without dessert, right?

33. Plan a classic video game tournament

If you’re even slightly as nerdy as my husband and I are, you’ll enjoy this one. Pick out a game you played as a kid and set up a tournament for yourselves. Some good ones are Mortal Kombat, Mario Kart and Blades of Steel. There is something so wonderful about their simplicity and nostalgia!

34. Have a movie marathon

The best movie marathons have a theme. Whether that’s binging all of the Lord of the Rings movies, your favourite Hallmark Christmas flicks or a bunch of favourites from childhood, choose a theme, grab some snacks, and get watching!

 

Date night idea — wine tasting!

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35. Set up a wine and cheese pairing/tasting (or chocolate and beer)

If you’re looking for a more formal evening or looking to try something new, set yourselves up with a wine and cheese pairing even or chocolate and beer if that’s more your style. There are plenty of online resources and even meal kits you can get that will get your started!

36. Read a book together (or listen to an audiobook)

I absolutely LOVE listening to audiobooks and it’s so relaxing to turn off the TV, get comfy on the couch and just enjoy listening to a soothing voice read a beautiful story. Sharing that with your partner is such a joy! If you don’t have an audiobook, just read aloud. Take turns with each chapter and enjoy spending some quality time together.

37. Make some TikToks

Feeling silly? Why not spend the evening learning the latest TikTok craze together? You’ll have a great time and surely laugh way too much. Bonus points if you actually record and upload it!

 

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38. Have a spa night

Book a night off together to treat yourselves to an at-home spa night. Give each other massages, do face masks, and take a bubble bath. Not only is it a relaxing, self-care dream, but it’s fun to keep each other company and do it together!

39. Have a snack taste test

Have you ever seen an international snack taste test on YouTube? Why not try doing one yourself! The best way, IMHO, is to choose a country or specific region and only order from there. Go through your options and pick the craziest or most interesting options and get them shipped to you. Then, plan out a special evening of snacking. At the very least, you’ll get a few laughs out of it and who knows, you might even find a new favourite!

40. Ask and answer couples’ questions

There are about a million “couples’ questions” lists out there. These are basically a set of questions that become conversation starters and help you learn more about each other, how they think, what they want in life, etc. If you’re both game for answering anything, it can be a really sweet way to bond and a night full of good chats.

 

Date night idea — dance party!

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41. Have a dance party

And when all the deep chats are finished for the night, top it off with a dance party! Get dressed up in crazy outfits, put on some 80s dance classics and bust a move.

 

Whether you’re trying to cheer yourselves up after postponing your wedding, simply enjoying each other’s company, or trying to de-stress from planning an upcoming wedding, these date night ideas will add a bit more joy to your life together.

If you try out some of these ideas, I’d love to see and hear about it! Connect with me over on Instagram and don’t forget to tag me in your photos and stories.

Oh, and if you’re looking for invitations for that wedding you’re planning, let me help you out!

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I’m Gillian, the designer behind Copper+Blush! Here you’ll find resources for wading through a sea of stationery options, getting your wedding invitations just right and keeping yourself sane while planning a wedding.

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