Give These Good Date Ideas for Couples a Go
Short on good date ideas? Look no further than this list for inspiration.
By now, we all know date nights help relationships survive and thrive. Per licensed relationship expert Jaime Bronstein, couples shouldn’t stop dating each other. But coming up with good date ideas is easier said than done.
There’s nothing wrong with going to dinner or the movies. They’re classics for a reason. However, they can get stale, especially for long-term couples. Dates should be fun, so why settle for boring when better options exist?
However, some are short on time to form ideas, while others have budget constraints. And sometimes, people are simply strapped for concepts.
Whatever your issue, we see and hear you! To that end, we have some enjoyable suggestions.
Good Date Suggestions for Couples Everywhere
No two couples are alike, so we’ve tried to diversify this list as much as possible. We’ve also sorted them into categories for easier navigation. Whatever your dating preference is, you’ll always find something to do.
Without further ado, here are our recommendations:
Fun Dates
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or friendly competition, these ideas add much-needed entertainment and amusement:
#1: Carnival trips
Do you see the picture above? That’s just a snippet of a carnival experience. Take a spin on a cute carousel or ride a thrilling roller coaster with your partner to satisfy your thrill-seeking selves.
#2: Arcade visits
Unleash your inner gamer through a visit to your favorite arcade. Machines are countless, so you have loads of options to choose from.
You can work as a team in foosball or compete against each other in air hockey. If you’re not much of a gamer, you can always play a few rounds and cheer on your partner as they enjoy themselves.
#3: Trivia contests
Get your brains working and put your knowledge to the test by joining trivia contests. These events usually happen in local bars and can vary in themes, from Halloween movies to Hamilton. With that, watch out for one near you.
#4: Game nights
If you don’t mind a little friendly competition, hold a game night. Pick your favorite board game, or go for a video game you’ve both been eyeing for a while. The best part of this idea is that it doesn’t cost much to get it rolling.
Do you enjoy hosting? Make it extra fun with friends by inviting them over. Your night will be anything but uneventful.
Game nights make for fun dates. Who doesn’t like a little competition?
Creative Dates
Good date ideas are ones that align with your interests. So, whether you’re an artist or an admirer, these creative suggestions can make for an enjoyable time together:
#1: Paint and sip
Let your creativity flow (no pun intended) over a glass of good wine (or two). Bust out your canvases and learn to paint while enjoying good drinks.
You don’t need to be Picasso to sign up for a class. Novices are very much welcome to join a session.
#2: Pottery-making
If you don’t mind making a literal mess here and there, try pottery. You don’t have to reenact Ghost (although you’re free to do that) to enjoy this activity.
The best masterpieces come from human hands. Even if your piece doesn’t turn out how you hoped, at least you had a fun time while making it. After the class, you and your partner can exchange your creations as a remembrance.
#3: Wine class
No, this isn’t just a vineyard tour (which is, make no mistake, fun). Participants will learn to differentiate one wine type from another and properly taste them. Not only do you get a wealth of knowledge, but you drink a lot of good wine, too.
#4: Museum visits
If you or your partner (or both) aren’t artistically skilled, no problem! Everybody’s welcome to appreciate art in museums. Go to your local one or visit an exhibit you’ve been curious about and feast your eyes on visual masterpieces.
Active Dates
Getting your body moving isn’t the most romantic date idea out there, but it’s a fun twist. Work up a sweat through these recommendations:
#1: Skating
Put your hand-eye coordination to work by hitting your nearest roller or ice rink. While skating can be intimidating, it’s more fun than the typical wine-and-dine date. Don’t let the falls and possible bruises stop you and your partner from having a ball.
#2: Running
If dumbbells and barbells aren’t your cup of tea, running is a great alternative. You can even weave this into your couple’s routine. This exercise hits two birds with one stone. Aside from getting a workout in, you have something else to bond over.
#3: Hiking
Is running too fast for you? Go slow and opt for hikes instead. You don’t have to walk extreme, faraway trails. Even a hilly portion of your neighborhood is a good spot.
#4: Bowling
Anybody—beginner or experienced—can enjoy a game of bowling. What’s not to like about knocking things down? You’re free to go as easy or as hard as you want, depending on your mood and skill set. You and your partner can even turn this into a friendly competition (or a learning session if one of you is a beginner).
Budget-Friendly Dates
Let’s be honest; dates can have hefty price tags nowadays. But here’s a silver lining: affordable doesn’t mean boring. Save money and spend quality time with these budget-friendly ideas:
#1: Cooking contest at home
Are you a fan of cooking competition shows? Live out your favorite one at home and have a fun culinary showdown with your partner. The mechanics and criteria are up to you. Be careful and try not to burn anything!
#2: Running errands
You read that right. Errands aren’t the first option when you ask someone for their suggestions for romantic date ideas for your boyfriend or girlfriend. But hear us out: you’ll be surprised at how much you’ll enjoy carrying them out together.
#3: Thrift shopping
Do you have something to buy or simply want to kill time without splurging much? Head down to your favorite thrift shop. You’ll have fun flying through shelves while looking for good bargains. You can even add a twist to your typical shopping experience by challenging yourselves to look for a perfect outfit for each other.
#4: Sunrise viewings
We’ve all heard about how watching sunsets is one of the most romantic things to do on a date. While that’s correct, we offer you an alternative: catching sunrises. They’re just as beautiful. How’s that for starting your day right?
The next time you’re stuck in a rut, this list of good date ideas should help you. Feel free to use this as your drawing board. Good luck!
Reference
Bellesi Zito, Barbara, and Sarah Lemire. 2022. “85 Fun Date Ideas to Level up Your Romance.” Today. https://www.today.com/life/relationships/fun-date-ideas-rcna36719.