Couples can get into a rut and need some help coming up with ideas for a romantic date night. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there. You have to know where to look! Here are ten solid options that will help add some spice back into your relationship:
1. Watch the sunrise.
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Go somewhere with a clear, unobstructed view of the horizon.
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Pack a picnic basket, blanket, and maybe even your own picnic table if you have one!
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Get up early to watch the sunrise together.
2. Visit a museum or art gallery.
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Visit a museum or art gallery.
There’s something about the serene atmosphere of a museum that makes it one of the most romantic places to spend time with your partner, especially if it’s been a while since you went out on an actual date. Whether you are both interested in art or not, there is always something to appreciate at museums and galleries, and they can be great places for couples who have different tastes in things like music, movies, and food. Take turns listening to each other’s favorite pieces of music as you admire paintings together or watch a movie on mute while pretending not to know what’s going on (it's okay; no one will notice)
3. Go for a hike in the woods or by a lake.
Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and spend time together. It also doesn’t have to be a scary, strenuous activity like marathon running. Going for a leisurely hike in the woods or by the lake is an activity most people enjoy, regardless of age or fitness level. You could go hiking on your own or with others—either way, it’s guaranteed fun! You can do this outside of the city, too; there are plenty of places all over North America where you can enjoy a scenic hike, no matter what time of year it is (or what time of day).
4. Plan a ski trip, a staycation, or a quick getaway to a nearby city.
Whether going on a trip or staying in town, get your adrenaline pumping by doing something new. If you manage to get out of town, go somewhere you haven't been before and try something unfamiliar! If not, stay at home with each other and try something new together! The point is to have fun together, whatever works for your relationship.
5. Hire a photographer to snap some photos of the two of you.
Whether you have a friend with a camera or are looking to hire someone, hiring a photographer can be an excellent way to capture your date night. A good photographer will know how to capture the best moments, including when you and your partner are just being yourselves. They'll also take photos at various locations around town so that when you look back on them later, you won't forget where all of this started!
If you're looking for some more ideas for how to make this day memorable, check out these tips from our friends at The Date Night Box:
6. Rent a cabin upstate together
Renting a cabin upstate together on one of those popular home-sharing sites and trying your hand at some new recipes over the stove. The experience is bound to be romantic and fun, but ensure you have all the ingredients needed before starting (especially if it's been a while since you have cooked together).
7. Try karaoke (or sing along to your favorite tunes).
If you're not shy and want to sing with your partner, Karaoke is a great way to bond. If you don't know the words, use an app to help you learn them or sing along to their melody. If it's too much pressure for one person to be in the spotlight all night long, start with a song that both of you know well.
8. Play video games together (Mario Kart, anyone?).
What could be better than playing video games with your partner? You can play together or against each other, and it's as much fun to have a Mario Kart party with friends as it is to play on your own. You can even play at home or in an arcade! This game offers endless entertainment value regardless of where you choose to play. And since Nintendo just came out with a new game version that lets players race their Mii characters, there's never been a better time to get involved!
9. Hit an amusement park and be kids for a day, riding roller coasters and eating cotton candy.
Amusement parks are a great place to enjoy a date. They're fun, not too expensive, and you can ride roller coasters and eat cotton candy! You can also ride bumper cars, go on a merry-go-round, and play games. It's so much fun to be a kid again!
10. Have dinner and see a Broadway show (or something else cultural).
If you're lucky to be near a big city, you can plan a date night that involves seeing a Broadway show and then enjoying dinner. The experience will be more enjoyable if everyone in your company likes the same kind of music and theater. If not, pick something appropriate for all ages—and don't forget about a toddler or babysitter's needs (are their childcare options?).
Since shows are often available on Netflix, it may be tempting to watch them at home. But we would encourage you to consider going out and seeing them live! You'll get an even better experience with all the sights and sounds surrounding you in person—plus, it's always nice to share these special experiences as a couple. And how romantic is it when two people sit side by side watching something together?
You can also watch live performances online, giving even more flexibility when planning this date night. You can choose from genres: comedy acts, singers, ballet dancers, cabarets, etc. Some productions even allow patrons into their theaters before they start performing, so they feel like they're part of something bigger than themselves because they've contributed directly through ticket sales or donations beforehand.
No worries if live streaming isn't possible due to technical issues (WiFi signal strength might falter)! There are still ways around this problem, too--you could call ahead before purchasing tickets just so there wouldn't be any surprises later down the line."
11. Find a book you're both interested in reading and take turns reading it aloud to one another (ideally snuggled up on the couch).
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Find a book you're both interested in reading and take turns reading it aloud to one another (ideally snuggled up on the couch).
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If you don't agree with the book, try reading it out loud to each other!
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Make sure there's food involved. You can share snacks, cook together using ingredients from the book's setting, or eat pizza while watching a rom-com!
You can find inspiration wherever you look!
Romantic date nights don't have to be expensive or elaborate. The best romantic date ideas are often those that come from your everyday life:
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Look at the things you like to do together in your free time and ask why they're so enjoyable. Is it because of a shared interest or hobby? How can you continue to enjoy these things together? For example, maybe you both love watching movies and eating popcorn. If so, find a theater that has cheap tickets and make a date night out of seeing a new release!
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Think about what makes your partner special—the qualities that attracted you when you first got together. Acknowledge them in some way during your romantic night together, maybe by writing notes on napkins or leaving little gifts behind for each other after dinner (or breakfast).
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When was the last time someone said something nice about how amazing those jeans look on me? Or complimented my smile? I bet it wasn't yesterday! Make it today's mission—and then go for round two tomorrow morning before work starts again.
We hope you found at least one of these ideas helpful. Don't be afraid to try something new, and remember that romance can be as simple as doing something with your significant other that you both enjoy. If all else fails, remember: whatever you choose to do, always stay positive and have fun!