Whether you’re dating only for a short time, you’ve been dating for years, or you’re married, planning a date night is tough. All the experts tell you how important date nights are, but you have to carve out that period of time to dedicate to it, and that can be a challenge with busy schedules and no idea of what would be fun for both of you.
There’s also the issue of kids for many couples, so you have to be strategic when you plan your date nights and ensure you can either get a sitter or that you can do it at home after they’re in bed.
If you’re already feeling like you’re in a winter slump and you’re looking for some interesting date night ideas the following are some to consider.
Choosing An At-Home Movie
It’s tough to go wrong with spending the evening at home watching a movie. It’s fun, it’s cozy, and it’s inexpensive. That all sounds great until you actually start searching for the movie that both of you will enjoy.
Most couples end up scrolling through Netflix so long that they’re too tired for the actual movie once they agree on one.
If you’re looking for a creative way to solve the problem of what to watch, why not try a service called DateNightMovies.com.
It’s a really fun idea where you each pick a movie that you would ideally watch, and then you’ll receive suggestions that are somewhere in the middle. The service will even show you all the best ways you can stream them based on the services you use.
Cut the Phones Out
No matter what your actual activity is, think about making it phones-free. So often you plan the perfect date night, but then you might find that both of you are scrolling through your Instagram feeds instead of actually spending time together. If you can take the phones out of the equation, it can add an entirely different dynamic to your date night.
Add a Challenge
Think outside the box with your date night planning by adding a challenging twist to it. For example, think about making the challenge to spend no money. Your date could be entirely free, and each of you could take turns planning a free date every week.
If you don’t want to go the free route, you could always set a budget. For example, each of you is responsible for the planning of a date that costs no more than $20 every week.
Another way to do a challenge related to money would be to see who can spend the least amount while planning the most creative dates.
Don’t Underestimate the Day Date
While we often talk about date nights, what about the day date? Sometimes a day date can feel even more adventurous and engaging than date night and at least then you don’t have to worry about falling asleep halfway through a movie.
Good day date ideas can include anything that’s outdoors or adventurous, or you could think about a spa date. When you’re in a relaxing situation, as you are at a spa, it’s a good way to completely unwind and let go of distractions so that you can focus on the person you’re there with.
A workout class can also be a lot of fun during the day—for example, hot yoga or indoor cycling can both be good options. Boxing classes tend to work well for couples also.
Outdoor Campfire
If you can’t leave home, or you’d rather not, you can create a romantic setting outdoors. Create a fire or use a firepit and roast marshmallows or have a glass of wine while you sit by the fire. It’s a completely different ambience right in your backyard.
Mini Road Trip
If you can carve out a full day for your date on a weekend, think about going somewhere that you have to drive. A drive that’s anywhere from an hour to two hours is usually sustainable in a day, and it gives you the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company while you’re on the road and once you get there.
Where you go is up to you, but maybe consider visiting a quirky landmark that’s near your home, somewhere touristy that’s within a short drive or something like a farmer’s market or flea market. It’s a good way to get out and about, and depending on where you go, it might not end up costing a fortune either.
