10 Easy Date Night Ideas

Relationships
Written By Raelynn Johnston, LMFTA

Dating is a natural starting point for connection when getting to know a new intimate partner.  However, dating throughout the entirety of a relationship can have a long-lasting impact. Date nights/days provides space for you and your partner to reconnect and rekindle that romantic spark, which increases intimacy, passion, and reduces stress.

Dating your long-term partner prioritizes quality time, increases connection, facilitates communication, and can help you more deeply understand your partner.  

However, as a couples counselor, I often hear partners stating a variety of reasons why dating in long-term relationships may be challenging, including the times it takes to plan the date, finances, finding a sitter to watch the kids, work stress, and COVID challenges, among others.

While these challenges are real, they don’t have to stop you from finding fun and meaningful ways to connect with your partner.  

In fact, keeping it simple is the best way to start, and even small romantic gestures can go a long way.  All it takes is commitment, curiosity, and intentionality.

You are probably familiar with the traditional date night ideas that usually require a bit of spending, such as dinner and drinks out, attending an event, or going to the movies or bowling.  

To keep quality time consistent and sustainable, try the following COVID safe and cost-effective dates below:  

  1. Cooking together: This is something most people do daily. Spice things up (literally) by making it a fun date night at home.  Set a beautiful table with candles and the fancy dishware, dress to impress in clothes that you feel great in, and writing love letters to each other. Try a new recipe and work together in the kitchen, sharing tasks, tasting food, and listening to music.

  2. Watch a movie together: After the kids go to sleep or on your weekend, find a movie you are both interested in, turn off your phones, pop some popcorn,  and cuddle up on the couch with some cozy blankets.

  3. Spa day at home: Sometimes nothing can feel more relaxing than a spa day and why not bring the spa to your home! Take a bath together, light some calming scented candles, play your favorite downtempo music, and turn off the light to create a relaxing (and sexy!) environment. Try a new face masks together or maybe even offer each other a massage.

  4. Try a dance tutorial on YouTube:   Maybe you and your partner have been wanting to take dance lessons together, but felt that your busy schedule has gotten in the way? Why not learn some new dance moves in the comfort of your own home. Move some furniture to provide space to get your groove on, wear comfy clothes or your favorite dance attire, and get moving.  This is a sure fire way to laugh together and have a great time melting away stress. Here are a few dance tutorial to try with your partner:

  5. Go for a walk or a hike: Walk around the neighborhood where you live or drive over to a neighborhood you have never been to before and go for a stroll.  Plan your favorite hike during sunset and take time to marvel at the sky.  Head over to the waterfront and spend some time watching the waves, listening to the seagulls, and observing nature.  

  6. Picnic at the park: Make or purchase a quick and easy meal and take it to the park.  Enjoy each other’s conversation, catching up about your week, or try reading a book together, taking turns reading aloud. 

  7. Try a couples activity: Cozy up in bed together and try one of these thoughtful and reflective couples activities, sure to open up communication and learn something new about your partner:

  8. Scavenger hunt at home: Take turns hiding small meaningful gifts, such as love notes, pictures, sweet memory from your relationship, and other clues around the house, allowing your partner time to find each romantic clue.  Spend time reminiscing about shared experiences and the reasons why you love your partner.

  9. Take a partner yoga class: This activity is a fun way to destress and practice mindful movement together.  Also, some of these partner yoga poses just feel incredible!  Try out these guided yoga tutorials: 

  10. Game night at home: Game nights as a couple or as a family can be an exciting date night! It can allow you to feel emotionally connected, be competitive, and practice team work. Find a board game, puzzle, or a video game, set up some snacks and drinks, turn off your phones, and let the games begin.

Written by Raelynn Johnston, LMFTA

Raelynn Johnston, LMFTA
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