Favorite Date Night Ideas

We have all been there. In the dating slump, where Netflix and chill is just the easiest option that requires the least amount of effort. But, your relationship deserves so much more than to be put on the shelf that way. To keep a relationship alive, it takes effort. And as engaged couples, newlyweds, or married for decades couples go… We all need to set aside dedicated time for date nights. They are so important!  So, I asked around for all kinds of favorite date night ideas. And Ryan and I have added in our own too!

1. Hunt a Killer Subscription Boxes

We got hooked with the Hunt a Killer Mystery Boxes after trying out “Death at a Dive Bar” with my sister and her husband. We got a subscription and have brought justice to Viola at “The Cadence” and Beth at “Mallory Rock. These subscriptions are 6 boxes, all with different clues, context, ciphers, and objectives. Then by the last box, you can solve the murder mystery and bring justice to the victim’s families. It’s involved, cooperative, and overall a lot of fun. Use our referral code to receive 30% off of your first subscription box and start solving!

2. Listen to a Book or Podcast Together

Sometimes we need something other than music to help keep us attentive while driving. We have found that listening to a book or a podcast together can be a lot of fun. I tend to zone out easier with books, so we mostly listen to podcasts or music on our drive. One of our favorite podcasts is The Stronger Marriage Podcast with Trey and Lea. While this is a Christian based marriage podcast, I think it has great and helpful tools for staying connected with your partner. No matter what, finding a podcast or a book that resonates with you both and is interesting is the most important aspect. Then take time to discuss it together!

3. Paint or Art Night

For Valentines Day one year, Ryan surprised me with a watercolor paint night. A local artist taught us how to create the cutest cactus “I Love You” Card with watercolor paints. These types of date nights became pretty popular with little stores popping up all over. It’s a great way to support local stores and artists, and fun for you even if you don’t have a lot of talent. We thought we’d try this date at home, but turns out we do better with some instruction. Putting this on our list to try again!

4. Progressive Dinner

This is one of Ryan’s favorite date night ideas. Have you ever tried a progressive dinner? A few years ago, we went on our first progressive dinner nights. This date is best on a weekday when there is less traffic to compete with at restaurants. Choose a restaurant for: Appetizers, Main Dish, Drinks, and Desserts. Then go, order your first dish of the night. Enjoy, then move to the next restaurant.

5. Movie Night

Listen, I know I may have said that Netflix and chill is kind of lame. BUT an actual planned movie night for a date can still be great. Whether you go out, or stay in, a movie night is a simple way to spend time together. But make it a little extra special. Spend time together before your in home movie night by making your favorite dessert. Head to your local grocer and buy a snack to eat while watching the show together. If you’re headed out for a movie, Our local movie theater hosts $5 Movie Tuesdays which is a cheap night out!

6. Go to a Bookstore

This idea was submitted by one of my wedding couples! They like to go to the bookstore together, but they don’t books for themselves. They pick a book out for their significant other based on their likes and what they think they’d enjoy. The cozy up on the couch and read together!

7. Mini Golf

This one has become a family favorite in our household, but is also great for couples! In our area, only indoor mini golf is available, but that makes it a great winter activity to get out of the house. I grew up going to the mini golf on family date nights so this one is very reminiscent of those days for me.

8. Get a Local Activities Pass

Here in the west, we can buy a Get Out Pass. These are yearly subscriptions of sorts, that has tons of activities that are perfect for date night! With our pass we can visit our local museum, zoo, and aquarium once a year. We can do mini golf for free each week, and so many more options! It’s a small fee for all the amenities it has to offer, and has fantastic ideas for date nights!

9. Buy a Yearly Pass to a Local Museum, Zoo, or Aquarium

If you love seeing history, animals, or more, these are great ideas for date nights! Spend time together learning about the world and it’s inhabitants by visiting your zoo or aquarium.

10. Board Game Night

Have you seen the movie Game Night? Hopefully yours won’t be quite that dramatic! Game nights with our friends are another favorites. But we also love playing games with just the two of us. Some of our favorite two-player games include Wingspan, Terraforming Mars, Lost Cities, and Carcassonne.

11. Concerts and Plays

This has been harder to do lately, but we love attending concerts and plays together. In 2021 we were able to see Les Miserables and A Christmas Carol at the Hale Centre Theatre. This requires more of a commitment and a weekend away since it’s about 4 hours from where we live. But it’s worth making the effort to have a special weekend, seeing shows we love! My favorite concert was seeing The All-American Rejects in concert with Dashboard Confessional. Find a concert or play you’ll both love and buy the dang tickets!

12. Go on an Adventure

These are our favorite activities, and allow for a lot of quality time together. We love to hike, kayak, and paddleboard. Pick something you enjoy together and make a day of it. Or, choose something your partner enjoys and plan the day around doing their favorite things! Put the activity on the calendar and make it happen.

13. Take a Dance Class Together

In preparation for your wedding day, take a dance class together. This may test some of your communication skills but really allows you to practice working together! Have a little extra cash? Hire someone to teach you a choreographed dance to your wedding song, so your first dance is more than just stepping around in a circle. Already married? This is just what you need to spice it up a little!

14. Plan a Picnic

There’s just something so intimate about a picnic basket on a blanket in the wild. Enjoy some time outside together, talk about your future together, and make out a little! That’s my kind of picnic!

Why Date Night Matters

The average married couple spends 2.5 hours together daily. But much of that is spent during meal time, watching tv, or doing household chores. It’s really easy to get into the “grind” of every day living. This certainly doesn’t seem like “quality time” together. The average married couple spends only 4 minutes a day talking to each other face to face.  That is not nearly enough! Make a goal to do a dedicated date night once every week or two weeks, and at the least, every month.