Date night is so important for keeping the romance alive and bonding. Yes, it’s great to have some good date ideas for a new relationship, but it’s also important for strengthening bonds.
They can be a wonderful way to reconnect and spice things up no matter how long you’ve been together.
Also, making time for regular dates is an amazing way to make your spouse or partner feel desired and like they’re a priority. Not an afterthought in your busy life.
These date night ideas for couples will definitely help you get a lot closer and give you some amazing shared experiences and memories.
So whether you’re looking for fun date night ideas, romantic outings, or budget-friendly date options, I’ve gathered some good ideas for you both to try.
Date Ideas in This Article:
- At-Home Date Night Ideas
- Fun Date Ideas
- Romantic Date Ideas
- Cute Date Ideas
- Friday Night Date Ideas
- Cheap or Free Date Night Ideas
- Surprise Date Ideas
- Late Night Date Ideas
- Date Night Ideas for Married Couples
- First Date Ideas
At-Home Date Night Ideas
If you’re looking for some good at-home date ideas, then here are a few that might make your evening pretty special (or fun).
1. Romance Basket
Find a cute basket or bag and fill it up with items like a bottle of sparkling cider or their favorite kind of chocolate (or anything sweet). You can also add in some candles, a romantic movie, or an invitation to a home cooked meal.
Have fun with this and think about the kind of things they really like.
2. Recreate a Fine Dining Restaurant Experience
Whether it’s for your husband or wife, here are a few steps for doing this:
- Figure out the courses and recipes you want to try: This doesn’t have to be super complicated either. There are creators, like SauccEats, who has an entire Youtube Shorts series called Fine Dining on a Budget. His ideas are easy but fancy. 👍
- Gather your materials: Find a nice table cover, candles, bring out the china, a vase with flowers, and anything else for setting the mood.
- Create a playlist: This can be a curated playlist of you and your significant other’s favorite songs, a playlist of fine dining music, or anything else you think would work.
- Dress up: Let your partner know that it’s gonna be a dress up experience. This’ll actually get you both in the head space of feeling like you’re at a nice restaurant.
3. Spontaneous Game of Nerf War
When your husband or wife comes home, have a note taped to the front door that welcomes them home, tells them that the gun full of ammo is their’s, you have one as well, and he or she is under attack.
If you want, you can be a bit more playful and tell them that the loser gives a back massage or cooks dinner that night.
4. Roof Date
Have a roof? Great! Have a great view? Even better! Set up a blanket or some lawn chairs on the roof, grab a few snacks and drinks, and invite them up to watch the sunset or stars. It’s a great way to just talk with no electronics, but make sure your roof is safe for doing this kind of date!
5. Create a Hideaway
Remember when you were a kid and you would make tents with blankets or forts with pillows and cushions? Try recreating those moments with your spouse. And the best part is, you’re an adult so you can make them bigger and better.
Just design it anyway you want, and then fill the inside with more blankets or some pillows. Light it up with a soft lit lamp, have some snacks, drinks, and just talk or watch a movie on your laptop.
6. At-Home Spa Date
If your significant other is up for being pampered at home, then doing an at-home spa date can be a fun option.
You can either choose to make it something you both plan out or a surprise for when they get home.
Just head to the pharmacy or grocery store, get some bath salts, tea light candles, nice teas and fruits, lotions, bath oils, and maybe some face masks.
7. Have a Picnic
Whether it’s in your yard or your living room, grab a blanket, maybe some Italian soda, your favorite snacks (charcuterie board?), string some lights, and have a great conversation.
8. Plan Out a Vacation
Sit down in a comfortable spot with some fun drinks and snacks (or maybe delivery), and plan out the next vacation.
It could be a trip to Europe or just a trip to a nearby city. Have fun looking up the different sites and eateries you’ll wanna visit and talk about what excites you most about the location. And even what would make you both feel romanced during that trip!
9. Breakfast In Bed Together
The night before, prep some cold brew or get the coffee maker ready for the morning. Also have your breakfast makings ready so you can quickly pop out of bed and easily make the meal. Then you can hop back into bed and share a fun morning together.
Maybe watch a fun movie on your laptop?
10. Karaoke Session
If you’re both into singing and don’t care if you’re in tune or not, then this can be a fun way to laugh and just hang out for the evening.
11. Listen to a Podcast, Lecture, or Audiobook
This is something my husband and I love to do. We’ll listen to an audiobook or watch a Youtube video on something we care about.
Then we’ll stop and pause throughout and discuss our thoughts on what we’re listening to. It’s a great way to connect and hang out.
Fun Date Ideas
Plan a fun date that adds some excitement to your relationship. Just find something that’s makes you both happy and pulls you closer together. Here are some fun date night ideas you can try:
12. Restaurant Hopping
Whether it’s from a coffee shop to a trendy brunch spot to a sidewalk cafe, try restaurant hopping.
The idea is to plan out some of your favorite places (or new spots) that are nearby each other, grab something small at each place, and enjoy hanging out.
My husband and I have done this multiple times, and it is so much fun to grab a coffee and something sweet at one place and then head to the next place for something small but tasty.
13. Head to a Food Festival
If there’s a food festival happening right now, definitely make a date out of it! My husband and I had so much fun eating incredible food, trying refreshing drinks, and enjoying hot and fresh desserts at the one we visited. It’s a great place to explore and share tasty bites.
14. Go to the Arcade
Whether you have nostalgia from when you were a kid or teen or you just wanna have fun challenging each other, an arcade can be such a fun date!
15. Go Bowling & Grab Drive Through
I love bowling! It’s such a fun way to spend time together and maybe even compete. And a great way to end the evening is to grab some drive through at your favorite spot and hang out and talk in the car.
16. Laster Tag
My husband took me laser tagging for a date and while I did come last, it was such a fun experience! 😂 And whether you team up and take on other players or get anyone you can, I think it’s something you should try.
17. Quiz Night
We did quiz night a few weeks ago. It’s was a fun date night idea and we got to team up with other people at a table, have great conversations and food, and got super competitive with everyone else. I definitely recommend!
18. Go to the Drive-In
Another personal recommendation for a fun date night! Go see a double header and relax and cuddle in the front or back of your car while you watch some movies. It’s a great way to get out of the house and bond.
19. Race Each Other on Go-Karts
Head over to the race tracks and see who can beat each other at go-karting. Or just have fun going around the track, it’s up to you!
20. Take a Mini Road Trip
Head over to a nearby town or city and and look for some amazing restaurants, bakeries, shops, and fun landmarks for a mini adventure.
21. Head to a Nearby Amusement Park Or Carnival
If there’s a carnival in town or an amusement park nearby, get some tickets and head over to have a cute and romantic night out amongst the music and neon lights.
22. Picnic at the Botanical Gardens
If there’s a pretty botanical gardens near you and they allow it, take a blanket, snacks, and some fizzy drinks in for a relaxing date in the shade.
Romantic Date Ideas
If you’re trying to strengthen your connection or want your partner to feel special, these romantic date ideas are just what you need!
23. Stay at a Bed-And-Breakfast
Instead of heading out to a bed-and-breakfast, prep some fun recipes and ways to make the home even more inviting and cozy a few days before.
Then during the weekend, have a nice time enjoying each other over really good coffee, breakfast, and great conversations.
24. Create a New Date Night Tradition
Try creating new date night traditions that are unique to your both. So for instance, you might wanna have a Friday pizza night or try new board games once a month while you order delivery.
25. Go to An Old Movie Theater
If there’s a historic movie theater in your town or city, get dressed up and take in the romantic ambience while you hold hands and enjoy the show.
26. Have a Picnic at a Scenic Outlook
Find a scenic outlook near where you live, head to Trader Joe’s (or a different store) grab some fun food and drinks, don’t forget the blanket, and enjoy the view and company.
27. Try an Omakase Style Restaurant
Omakase is a Japanese restaurant where the chef selects your dishes. The word just means, “I’ll leave it up to you,” and it can be a fun experience being surprised with incredible flavors.
28. Head to the Opera
I promise you, this really is a great date idea. Listening to the opera and going to see it performed live are completely different experiences.
Sitting in the opera house and taking in the amazing architecture while you listen to the incredible singers is like nothing else.
Pro Tip: Operas will have subtitles on a screen above, but I recommend quickly reading over the synopsis so you fully know what’s going on and what to expect.
29. Go to a Jazz Club
Sit together in a dimly lit intimate setting for some incredibly romantic vibes, and listen to some really good music.
30. Bookstore Date
If you both love to read, head to a local book store, grab a coffee, and have fun discussing the books you’re reading. Or just enjoy each other’s presence.
31. Horseback Riding
If your area provides it, try horseback riding. It’s a relaxing way to spend time together, talk, and see some views.
32. Dinner Cruise
If you’re looking for a really romantic night out, then maybe a candlelit dinner on a boat might do it for you.
Cute Date Ideas
Whether it’s a fun little surprise or a new way to connect, these cute date ideas are a wonderful way to make your significant other feel extra special on your night out!
33. Surprise Dinner
As soon as your significant other comes home from work or errands, have a surprise dinner with candles, music and their favorite dish ready.
Or just take them out to their favorite spot!
34. Try a Double Date
Reach out to some good friends you know you both love hanging out with, and head over to a fun location for a double date. It’s a great way to make memories!
35. Make and Enjoy a Fun New Recipe
Look up a fun recipe the night before, go grocery shopping, and have a fun date night in with a new recipe you made together.
36. Play Hide ‘n Seek
I don’t care if I’m an adult, I still love hide ‘n seek. So have a fun being a kid for the night and seeing who can hide best!
37. Dessert Date
Have dinner at home, but save enough room to go out to a great spot for something sweet. Also, try looking for a place that really specializes in incredible looking desserts and enjoy!
38. Thrift a Whole New Outfit
Head over to the thrift store, pick out clothing pieces for each other, put on a bit of a fashion show as you try them on at the fitting room, and walk out with a new look.
39. Head to the Roller Rink
Whether this is something you enjoyed doing when you were a kid or not, it’s a fun night out with music, lights, and laughter.
40. Try a Paddle Boating
If there’s a pretty park nearby that does paddle boats, have fun and do it together. Then maybe head over to a nearby eatery or have a picnic!
41. Bike Ride & Coffee
Find a fun bike trail you can do together and make a coffee stop to have some good conversations. Then continue on your way and enjoy the views!
Friday Night Date Ideas
If you only have one day a week you can go out together, then these Friday night date ideas have got you covered for a nice evening!
42. Themed Tasting Menu
Create a multi-course meal together with a theme like street food from around the world or French bistro night. Have fun with it!
43. Food Truck Hopping
If there are food trucks that show up to a specific spot, head over and start getting items from different menus, share, and enjoy!
44. Cheese Tasting
You can find a spot that does incredible cheese tastings, or DIY it.
My husband and I used to love going to a store with a good cheese selection, getting ones that caught our eye, and trying them at home. A very tasty date. 😉
45. Go See a Play
If there’s a play happening this Friday that sounds good, this can be a great date night idea for the both of you! Also, pair it with dinner beforehand, or a late meal afterwards.
46. Local Comedy Night
Keep things light on your date and go see a stand up comedy. It’s a great way to bond over laughs.
47. Head to an Art Gallery
If there’s a type of art you both like, then head over to an art gallery or a new art exhibit to appreciate the work and spend time together.
48. Murder Mystery Dinner
Enjoy a themed dinner experience together where you get to interact with actors, gather clues, and interrogate suspects. If both you like figuring out mysteries, then this could be a great night out!
49. Progressive Dinner Date
Have some drinks at one place, appetizers at another, dinner somewhere else, and top it all of with dessert at your favorite spot!
50. Nighttime Picnic in a Scenic Spot
If you both love looking at the city lights, find a good quiet scenic spot, pack a gourmet spread, and enjoy the moment with each other.
Cheap or Free Date Night Ideas
You don’t always need to spend a ton of money on a date in order to make your spouse or partner feel special. And these cheap or free date ideas will give you some fun and romantic activities you can do together without stressing over finances.
51. Living Room Jazz Lounge
Dim the lights, light some candles, dress up, enjoy some good drinks, and play vinyl records for a relaxed, intimate night in together.
52. Themed Movie Night
Pick a movie you both like and then have snacks, drinks, and maybe a full meal that’s the theme of the movie!
53. Bookstore Date at Home
Buy each other books, make cafe-style drinks, and read aloud and talk about your favorite passages.
54. The $5 Takeout Challenge
Set a small budget (like $5 each), buy some random snacks or small bites, and turn it into a DIY tasting date night.
55. Cook-Off Challenge
For this challenge, you can only use ingredients you have at home and then you both compete to make the best dish. Winner gets a back and shoulder massage!
56. Trivia Night for Two
Download and use a free trivia app for this date, or you can just make up questions for each other and have fun.
57. Fruit Picking
Whether it’s apple picking in the fall or berry picking in the summer, make a fun date of it.
You can also come home and make dessert together using the fruit you just picked!
58. Sunset & Stargazing
Set up a spot either in your backyard or head up to the hills and watch the sunset, and then stay for some stargazing. Extra points if you brings some snacks and drinks.
59. Explore a New Part of Town
Hop on a bus or train line you never go on and see where it takes you. Or look on the map and head to a part of town you’ve been curious about.
Surprise Date Ideas
If your partner loves surprises, then these are some great ways to put a smile on their face. Try some of these surprise date ideas and just watch their reaction!
60. Unplanned Road Trip
Tell your partner to pack an overnight or weekend bag and drive to a surprise destination like a bed-and-breakfast in the town over.
61. Blindfolded Mystery Meal
This one is simple but fun. Cook a meal and have your partner guess each dish without being able to see it. It’s a great way to just enjoy good food while being entertained by your partner’s guesses.
62. Memory Lane Date
Try recreating your first date at home, down to the music and meal. It’s a wonderful way to connect and talk about your favorite memories from when you were a new couple.
63. Love Note Scavenger Hunt
Hide little love notes or small surprises around your home leading to a final big gift. It’s a great way to romance your spouse and make them feel extra special.
64. Surprise Train Ride
Buy tickets for a scenic train ride to a nearby town without letting them know the final destination. Then once you’ve arrived, head over to a restaurant you made reservations for and see the local sights.
65. Surprise “Kidnap” Date
Blindfold them, put on some fun music, and drive to a cute spot like an ice cream shop or a scenic overlook with packed meals.
66. DIY Love Song Playlist
Spend some time together making and listening to a custom playlist of songs that tells or speaks to the story of your relationship.
67. Plan Ahead Date Surprise
This one will take a few weeks to happen, but listen for anything your spouse might bring up that interests them. Then once they’re not thinking about it, spring it on them as a surprise. It’s a great way to show them that you were listening and care. ♥️
68. “Dress Up, But I Won’t Tell You Why” Date
Have them get all dressed up and reveal the plan only when you’ve both arrived. It’s a great way to make them fell special and seeing their reaction will be fun!
Late Night Date Ideas
If you’re both night owls and love spending the evenings together, then these late night date ideas are a fun way to bond and romance.
69. Try a 24-Hour Diner
My husband and I love doing this. Find a 24-hour diner with some good food, head in, and talk the night away as you relax in a booth.
70. Take a Moonlit Stroll
Find a safe location and just enjoy a nice evening stroll under the moonlight. You can take in each others company or talking about whatever comes to mind.
71. Movie Marathon Night
Choose from your greatest hits list and have a full on movie marathon night together. Don’t forget the popcorn, snacks, and drinks!
72. Bonfire at the Beach
Head to the beach with some fire wood, the makings for s’mores, and maybe a pizza. Then enjoy some great food and conversations with the sound the waves in the background.
73. Mystery Drive
Flip a coin at each intersection to decide which direction you’ll both go and see where you end up. It’s a great way to explore and find something new to try!
74. Hotel Night with Room Service
If you’re feeling a bit fancy, book a last-minute hotel stay in town or in the city over, and order some room service. Then hang out, watch movies, and talk the night away!
75. Watch the Sunrise Together
Drink some strong coffee, stay up and marathon a series, have some midnight snacks, and then watch the sunrise together!
76. Make a Playlist of ‘Your Songs’ and Listen Under the Stars
Very simple, but sweet and meaningful. Create a playlist of songs that are special to your relationship, and listen to them as you stargaze.
77. Do a Drive-Thru Date
Pick some of your favorite fast-food chains, do a drive through at each of them, and get some of your favorite drinks, mains, and desserts. Then find a nice spot to park and enjoy together!
78. Camp Out on Your Balcony or Backyard
Set up sleeping bags and maybe a tent, and have fun telling ghost stories and fun memories together!
Date Night Ideas for Married Couples
Whether you’ve been married for 6 months or 12 years, there is always gonna be a date night idea that will help you romance each other and fall even more in love!
79. Write Each Other Love Letters
Take some time to write each other love letters (and maybe add some classic love poems in there) and then read them aloud to each other. It’s a sweet way to reconnect.
80. Go for a Scenic Drive with No Destination
Play your favorite music and enjoy the ride and maybe make a spontaneous stop at a nice looking eatery.
81. Relive Your First Date
Go the spot where you both had your first date, and order the same dishes and/or drinks. It’s a wonderful way to bond and grow closer.
82. Be a Tourist in Your Own City
Visit some landmarks, museums, botanical gardens, or famous restaurants you’ve never seen before. Or maybe ones you kept hearing about, but never got the chance to visit.
83. Late Night Drive-Thru & Scenic Spot
Order some burgers (or whatever you’re craving) and park somewhere with a view. Then enjoy each other’s company!
84. Set Up a Midnight Dinner at Home
Lay out candles, cozy blankets, create an amazing meal, wear your pajamas, and enjoy the midnight dinner date together.
85. Order Fancy Desserts & Eat Them in Bed
– Just like a luxury hotel experience!
86. Couples Massage
If you both love massages, then this is a great way to unwind and relax together. And maybe do brunch afterwards!
87. Have a ‘Yes’ Night
For one night, say ‘yes’ to everything the other person suggests (within reason of course!).
88. Hunt for the Best [Pizza/Tacos/Burgers/etc.] in Town
Whether you’r craving pizza or tacos, make it a tradition to explore and rank your favorites.
First Date Ideas
If it’s your first date and you’re stressing, then don’t worry about it! These first date ideas have got you covered and will help you create some amazing memories!
89. Coffee in the Park
Great for a morning date, but it’s definitely doable in the early evening too. Grab some good coffee, maybe some croissants, and head to a pretty park to reconnect.
90. Dinner With a View
Just make sure it’s a quiet spot. The first date is a time for getting to know the other person, so you don’t want them getting drowned out by the music.
91. Ice Cream Taste Test
This is a very cute first date idea! Try visiting multiple ice cream shops and rank the best flavors.
92. Try a Unique Tea House
Whether it’s Japanese matcha, Turkish tea, or Moroccan mint tea, find a place that serves these unique and delicious drinks and enjoy together!
93. Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf
Have some fun and mix in a bit of competition with some glow-in-the-dark mini golf! Then maybe drive-through afterwards?
94. Beach or Lake Stroll with a Picnic
A very simple and romantic first date that allows for a good conversation flow with a beautiful view.
95. Board Game Café
If your town or city has a board game cafe, head on over, get some drinks, and find a game that gives you both some friendly competition and fun.
96. Try a Worst Rated Restaurant Challenge
If you both have a good sense of humor, it’s an adventurous (and really funny) risk!
Find the worst rated restaurant in your area and just see what happens!
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.