A new couple is like a fire. It's exciting, warm, and fun while it lasts, but it can easily burn out if you don't take care of it. Whether you're just starting to date or have been together for years, there are still plenty of ways to keep your relationship fresh and exciting! Here are eight ideas that I've personally tried with my husband, and they worked very well in keeping our date nights fun and exciting:
1. Take a cooking class
Cooking is a great way to spend time together. You can try new recipes and foods, and you might even learn something about each other in the process! After all, couples who cook together stay together. You’ll also get to eat the food you make, which is always a bonus.
2. Plan a game night for the two of you
-
Make a list of games you both like
-
Find new games to play together
-
Spice up your game night by adding food and drinks
-
If one person is better at games than the other, don't sweat it! Be encouraging when they win, and try to use your winning strategies in future games (if possible)
-
If one person doesn't like board games or video games, maybe suggest other activities such as painting or making music together.
3. Explore a new neighborhood together
-
Explore a new neighborhood together
-
Get to know your partner better by exploring their favorite part of town. They might have been there for years, but you’ll want to see them with fresh eyes. They’ll appreciate having someone who enjoys their home and culture as much as they do, and you get to learn more about them in the process!
This can be done anywhere—in the city or the suburbs, on vacation in Europe, or somewhere closer to home. It doesn't matter where you go; all that matters is that you're experiencing something new together.
4. Stay in and enjoy each other's company
One of the best ways to spend time with your significant other is to sit and enjoy each other's company.
This doesn't mean you have to do something fancy or expensive, though it could be. You might decide that Netflix and chill are in order, but if so, try finding a movie that neither of you has seen yet and make a night out of it! Maybe play cards or board games together instead—there are lots of fun options like Cards Against Humanity or Scattergories that would work well for this evening.
Or maybe there's an upcoming sporting event on TV that both of you want to watch (or one person wants to watch while the other wants them to turn off the TV). Feel free to stay home! It's still date night if it's just the two of you hanging out together without distractions from social media or television.
5. Visit a street festival or carnival
You can also take advantage of one of these events to spend time with your partner. The street fairs are always great, and it's fun to come together with the community to celebrate its culture. You can get out there and dance, eat food, ride rides, and win prizes for your partner! It's also a great way to meet new people who will be interested in hearing about your relationship.
6. Go dancing
This is an important date for couples who love to dance. Whether you’re into salsa or swing, or want to get your groove on at a club, dancing will help you learn about each other in a way that might otherwise be impossible. It’s also an opportunity for you and your partner to exercise (who doesn’t love that?) while having fun together—and all in one place!
7. See a play at a local theater
We’ve all seen a movie where two characters exchange funny lines and sing a musical number, but have you ever been to a live performance of one? It's not just for tourists, either. There are plenty of theaters near you that offer discount tickets and matinees on weekdays. You can see comedies, dramas, or musicals that will make you laugh loud (or cry). Plus: if your date isn't into the theater that much but wants to try something new anyway—why not bring along some friends or family members as an excuse to see something together?
8. Take a workout class together
If you're both the kind of people who like to work out and exercise, this is a great way to spend time together. It's fun and gives you something to do while staying active (which is suitable for any relationship). Plus, if you take a class together, chances are that you'll be working out alongside other couples as well—and it can be beneficial to make friends with other teams.
-
What type of workout class should we take?
There are tons of different types of workout classes out there! Your city has everything from regular gym-style classes like aerobics or yoga to specialized classes like kickboxing or Pilates. You could also check out dance studios in town if dancing is your thing. Or even if it isn't: nothing helps build trust by being able to trust each other's ability to stay on beat while trying something new.*
These ideas will help get you, and your new special someone started on great date nights!
-
Make your date night. One of the best ways to make sure you're having fun is by making a date about what you want rather than trying to recreate something someone else did years ago.
-
Don't worry about details like “What should we do?” or “How long should it last?” You can always decide that later! For now, go with whatever sounds good, and have fun together!
So, there you have it! A list of date night ideas for new couples. Hopefully, you can use these ideas to get started on a particular date night with your partner, but even if not, you know where to start. Date nights are essential because they help keep your relationship fresh and exciting, but they won't happen unless you put in the effort. So go ahead - start planning out those fun dates now!