120 Date Night Ideas That Keep Things Exciting

Dating should be fun. But sometimes, trying to decide what to plan as a date that isn’t yet another movie night or dinner out can be, well, less than thrilling. Trying new things together is an important part of any relationship. It shows you are both open to learning and growing together — not to mention that working through new things helps boost your communication and team problem solving skills. So creative date night ideas aren’t just fun, they have very real benefits!

Take the stress out of planning them with these great date ideas sure to wow your partner. Play a game for couples or go to a local aquarium, and you’ll find yourself laughing and connecting in new ways. Whether you’re looking for first date ideas or you’ve been together for years, these ideas are fun and unique for any date night.

• Get your fortune told. Go to a fortune teller and have your tarot cards read. Whether or not your fortune actually comes true, it’s a fun way to think about your future together.
• Use a coloring book. Coloring isn’t just for kids! Put on some relaxing music and split a box of crayons, markers, or pencils to go to town.
  
• Scrapbook. Move your favorite photos off your phone and into your hands. You can save ticket stubs and love notes alongside pictures of your favorite times together.
• Learn to bartend. Pick a gourmet drink and practice your mixology skills to end the night with a delicious beverage you can serve at your next gathering or dinner party.
• Build a pillow fort. Grab your coziest blankets and pillows and fill your fort with twinkle lights, snacks, and a romantic playlist to have your own secret place to snuggle.
• Play a video game. Download something slow and low stakes like Animal Crossing or The Sims to play collaboratively, a logic game like Professor Layton or Ace Attorney to test your wits, or competitive games like Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros to battle it out. You’ll be laughing in no time.
• Play with clay. Embrace nostalgia and buy some colorful clay. It’s a hands-on way to embrace your creativity, with lots of potential to get silly. At the end of the night, bake your creations or let them air dry to preserve them forever.
• Build a craft kit. You can try Lego, model replicas, or any other kind of kit that includes all the materials and instructions. It’s great practice for that Ikea furniture.
  
• Learn a new language. Learning is sexy—and so is flirting in another language. Whether you take proper lessons or fire up a free program online, you can plan a trip to put your new language skills to the test!
• Redecorate. Do you have new artwork to hang on the wall or a beautiful vintage rug you scored at the flea market? Put on some upbeat tunes and redecorate together with your new digs.

• Restaurant hop. If you've got your favorite spot's menu just about memorized, check out a few new places instead. Visit a food hall if you've got one nearby or head to an area with a few different restaurants and try one place for appetizers, another for dinner and a third for dessert.
• Tour an art gallery. Get acquainted with up-and-coming artists' work, or pick an opening night of one of your favorites.
• See a play. Theatre kids will appreciate an evening or midday show whether it's on or off Broadway.
• Try an escape room. Put your logic to the test and try to solve the puzzle before time runs out.
• Make a fun new recipe. Even if you're not much of a cook, trying out a new dish can result in lots of laughs. And when you're done, you get to eat the results.
• Play a board game. Drag out the classics or try a brand new one for a healthy dose of competition. Toss in a friendly wager to spice things up a little.
• Throw a casino night. If they call you Lady Luck, see if your partner can roll snake eyes and win your heart. That, or play cards with that week's chore list on the line.
• Play hide 'n seek. It's not just for kids anymore.
• Look through old photos. Pull out the albums and get ready for an awwww-fest. Share stories of your childhoods and your awkward teen years to learn something new about your sweetheart and grow to love them even more.
• Go antique hunting. You'll be amazed what kinds of gems you can find at an antique store, not to mention the creepy AF tchotchkes you'll run into.
• Make a craft together. Creativity feels even more satisfying when you do a project with your sweetheart. Don't worry if you're not a pro artist; there's beauty in imperfection.
• See a comedy show. Laughing gets endorphins flowing, and comedy often comes cheaper than other forms of live entertainment. Even really bad standup can be fun, in its own way.
• Go to an open house or estate sale. Even if you have zero plans to buy a home, looking inside someone else's is the best (and least creepy) kind of voyeurism.
• Tackle a home improvement project. If you've been meaning to hang some shelves or finally cleaning out your closet, enlist the help of your main squeeze. Doing it together will make the task go by faster.
• Do karaoke. Everyone's a star at karaoke, especially if you can find the kind with private rooms. The sappier ballads you belt out, the better.
• Go ax-throwing. As soon as you let the first one fly, you'll understand why ax-throwing is so popular. It's also a great way to unload some stress.
• Put together a puzzle. There's something so satisfying about finally clicking that last piece into place, plus it's good for the ol' noodle.
• Go bowling. This is one instance in which you actually want to strike out.
• Stay at a bed and breakfast. Whether you go old-school or rent an Airbnb for the night, bed and breakfasts, feel like sneaking into someone else's house, except you're totally allowed to be there.
• Challenge them at an arcade. Go a few rounds at Ms. Pacman and Big Deer Hunter for a unique night out that will bring out your competitive side.
• Try a new fancy coffee or tea. If you usually take it black or with just sugar or cream, branch out! Hit up a local coffee shop and try the most offbeat offering they've got.
• Explore a museum. If you haven't been to your nearest museum since your class field trip, it's time to make a trip. Learning is sexy, don't you think?
• Go out for dessert. I don't know about you, but I'm always too full to get dessert after a nice dinner. Skip right to the sweets and see what you've been missing.
• Commandeer the jukebox at a bar. Ensure you've got danceable tunes all night long by taking control of the jukebox at a local watering hole. Don't forget to sing along.
• Go low-tech. Pretend the power went out and have a no-tech evening. Yes, that includes your phones.
• Relive a past vacation. Put on your swimsuits, shake up some margaritas and look at photos of your last beach getaway. You'll almost feel the sand between your toes.
• Play a role-playing game. Former theater kids, this is your moment. Try a classic like Dungeons and Dragons or an online game to step outside yourselves for a while.

• Play tourist in your hometown. When was the last time you took advantage of the things everyone asks to see when they visit? Probably the last time you had out-of-town guests, that's when. Take an afternoon or an evening and hit up your local landmarks or must-see attractions like you're seeing them with fresh eyes.
• Take a ride in a hot air balloon. It's one of those bucket list items that you just have to check off. Plus, viewing a city from the sky is super romantic.
• Go on an ice cream crawl. This may work best during the summer months, but what's better than trying several new flavors of creamy goodness?
• Take a floral arrangement class. Learn to make stunning bouquets and keep the flowers after. A win, win.
• Make pottery together. If you're both into art, try your hands at a new medium and watch the creativity unfold.
• Listen to a lecture. Many local colleges, libraries and community centers have evening events that are open to the public. Plus, you'll get all sorts of tidbits for future cocktail party conversations.
• Take an improv class. Embracing the concept of saying "yes, and" is a lesson that also works well in your offstage life.
• Thrift new outfits. Visit a secondhand store and dress each other in the zaniest clothes you can find. Goofy photos mandatory.
• Go on a picnic. If it's nice outside, there's nothing more romantic than packing up some al fresco food and favorite beverages, spreading it on a blanket and enjoying the great outdoors. If the weather outside is frightful, move the party to your living room.
• Take a hike. Something about exploring nature with your main squeeze really gets the heart going in other ways, if you know what we mean.
• Hit the beach. Sun, sand, surf and lots of skin. Come up with a better afternoon. We dare you.
• Go skiing. Not beach weather? Hit the slopes instead. If you don't get hot cocoa afterward, it didn't count.
• Build a campfire. Ignite the flames of passion in a Smokey-approved way by gathering around a campfire in your backyard. If your municipality doesn't allow fires, huddle by the fireplace instead or even make s'mores in the microwave.
• Have a spa night. Hit up the drugstore for face masks, mani-pedi supplies and massage oil for a DIY pampering sesh that will improve your bond and your skin.
• Take a day trip. Hop in your car and see where a tank of gas can take you. Even checking out the next town over can feel like an adventure, especially when you're doing it with your favorite person.
• Take a dance class. Even (or especially!) if you have two left feet, taking a dance class can make a unique date. You'll be the talk of the dance floor at the next wedding or party when you bust a move.
• Visit the zoo or aquarium. Come on, even fish are cute. Show your sensitive side and bond over some new fuzzy or finned friends.
• Arrange a scavenger hunt. Bonus points if you craft one that recreates your first date and features all of your special spots.

• Go horseback riding. It's a better workout than you expect, not to mention an offbeat way to get a good dose of nature.
• Try rock-climbing. Thanks to its newfound trendiness, many cities have at least one climbing gym. Don't belay, chalk up those hands (sorry, not sorry).
• Take a cooking class. Level up your kitchen know-how and get to enjoy a delicious meal, all in one.
• Go to a water park. Make like a kid again and splish splash to your heart's content. Water slides really are worth the hype.
• Tour a brewery. You'll learn what goes into making your favorite beverage, and there are usually samples. Win-win!
• Go skating. Whether you go the ice or roller route, skating is just as perfect a date night as it was when you were 12.
• Take a wine tour. If you live near wine country, enlist a designated driver and get your grape on. If not, buy a few bottles of varietals you've never tried, print out some deets from the Internet and DIY it at home. Don't forget the cheese.
• See a concert. Even terrible cover bands make a fun night out, especially if you dance like fools the whole time.
• Try a dinner cruise. A candlelit dinner on the water? I'm sorry, did somebody say "most romantic night ever?"
• Rent a kayak or canoe. Your arms may get tired and your lap will definitely get soaked, but steering a double kayak or a canoe will give you new insight into your cooperation skills.
• Taste some cheese. Some cheese shops hold tasting events but if you don't have any near you, buy a few new-to-you varieties and DIY it.
• Play laser tag. Recreate your 10th birthday party, except now you can have a beer with your pizza afterward.
• Go skydiving. Yes, it's a little pricey and not for the faint of heart. But this is one of those special occasion dates you'll never forget. Try it for an anniversary or other big event.
• Drive go-karts. Mario Kart experts and those who drive anything other than the carpool minivan can both rock a go-kart arena.
• Train for a 5k. Having something to work toward will motivate you both, and you can keep each other accountable as you lay down those miles.
• Go to a burlesque or drag show. Raucous, rowdy and a little bit risque, both drag and burlesque shows make super-fun dates.
• Visit a dog park. You don't have to have a dog to watch the pooches play. Just don't interact with any strange pups without asking their owners if it's OK first.

• Make your own ice cream. Nothing tastes as good as a cone on a hot day. Make a sweet treat from scratch and up a sundae bar for a real treat.
• Stroll a street fair. Chow down on some fried dough, bask in the midway lights and win each other a stuffed toy – if you've got the skills.
• Have a photo shoot. Make like influencers and take photos of each other around town. You may even come up with your next holiday card.

• Go grocery shopping together. Need eggs and bread? Turn a boring chore into a fun couple activity. Split your list in half and race to see who can finish it first, or just wander the aisles hand-in-hand.
• Stroll through the park. Taking a walk is both calming and a great way to get to know each other. Don't knock it until you try it.
• Go window shopping. You may not have the coin to buy everything you want right now, but it's still fun to look.
• Learn a new skill. You don't need to invest in a lot of fancy equipment to try something new. Give origami, drawing or even card tricks a shot. You'll have a blast laughing over how bad you both are at first.
• Volunteer together. Sign up to serve at a soup kitchen, a clothing drive or other local initiative to make a difference in your community and see how hot your honey looks when helping others.
• Read to each other. Grab some steamy reading from your local library or used book store and take turns reading to each other. You'll be in the mood before you can say "once upon a time."
• Go berry or apple-picking. Depending on the time of year, there's probably something edible growing out there. Pick apples, berries, pumpkins, whatever. It's a seasonal, Insta-friendly outing that ends with yummy snacks.
• Hold a baking competition. Make like Paul Hollywood and challenge your beau to a baking contest. Once you're chowing down on the spoils, everyone wins.
• Wander a new neighborhood. Drive or walk to a new locale and see what's around, for a free and unique date. Pick out your favorite houses and make up tall tales about who lives inside, or choose the one you'd want to live in.
• Fly a kite. This is one instance in which "Go fly a kite" isn't an insult. Really, try it.
• Play trivia at a bar. Look, I don't know anything about anything and I love trivia. You will too.

• Go to a farmer's market. Supporting local merchants, eating delicious healthy foods and enjoying a stroll in the sunshine – yup, that's definitely date material.
• Try a new workout. If you're a Spin person, drop in on a kickboxing class. If you're usually a free weights fan, step it up with some Zumba. Giving a new class a shot is less intimidating with a pal, and you can even use an app if you don't want to shell out for a live one.
• Stargaze together. There's just something inherently romantic about staring up at the night sky. Bring a blanket to the backyard or a local park and see how many constellations you can find.
• See a drive-in movie. Many drive-ins still play double features, so you get twice the films for your buck. Besides, it's delightfully retro.
• Cowork together. This is for the busy bees: If you and your sweetie work remotely, try out a cozy new coworking space together. Don't forget to build in breaks to grab snacks and lunch together.
• Take a dollar menu date. Go to a fast food restaurant and order everything on the dollar menu for a fresh take on the traditional dinner outing.
• Visit your hometown. Showing your main squeeze where you grew up (or went to college if you're from the same town) is surprisingly romantic and it's sure to elicit some mushy feelings. Go ahead, share those embarrassing childhood stories.
• Plan a future date. If your wallet's a little light right now, crack open a bottle of wine and spend a cozy night planning an extravagant future date. Romantic, whether you actually go through with it or not.
• Choose library books for each other. For a free and quirky date, head to your local library and choose books for the other to read. Hand your sweetheart your most aw-worthy childhood favorite, or introduce them to a current literary obsession.
• "Shop" for adoptable pets online. Cooing over cute puppies and kitties will bring out your softer side, even if you can't have a pet where you live.
• Take public transit somewhere new. Ride the subway to the end of the line or take the bus to a different part of town for an adventure that's easy on the wallet.
• Watch the sunset. There's a reason so many romantic movies end this way.
• Order each other's meal. See how well you know your loved one's tastes by ordering for the other at dinner. No swapping back when the food arrives!

• Make your own pizza. Yes, including the dough. Top it with all of the classics, or go with personal pies and challenge each other to come up with the tastiest new combo.
• Start a book club. Select a new book to read and make a habit of discussing it every week. Follow up with new books for a standing date night routine.
• Go camping. Snuggling under the stars is a cliché for a reason. Pitch a tent in the backyard if you don't have a campground nearby.

• Throw a dinner party together. Invite a few other couples over and go all out making an apps-to-dessert meal. Placing cards and centerpieces are optional, but if you're gonna do the thing, you might as well do it right.
• Have a themed movie night. But make it a theme. Choose a flick and add snacks to match. Think The Godfather and cannoli or Ratatouille and, well, you know.
• Make a romantic playlist. Remember when you used to exchange mix tapes with your crush back in the day? Thanks to streaming services, it's easier than ever to create a musical journey through your relationship, no sitting by the radio for hours required.
• Paint and sip. If you've got a paint nite program nearby, it's a fun and easy date. If not, get some canvasses (or coloring books), pour some bevies, and throw your own.
• Try tie-dye. You may have noticed that all kinds of things are tie-dyed lately. Get in on the trend by making your own. Even if it doesn't come out perfectly, you'll have a fun memory.
• Watch a sports game. Even high school sports can get your adrenaline going if you get really, really into it. And, in most cases, you can watch from your couch.
• Have a breakfast date. Turn date night on its head and start your day with some couple time. Mimosas highly encouraged, if you partake.

• Swap houses with a friend. Enjoy a staycation for free by exchanging houses with a nearby pal. Living in someone else's shoes for the night or weekend feels like stepping into someone else's life, even if you just bunk down next door.
• Build a snowman (or a sand sculpture). Make the most of the weather by creating a new friend.
• Shop for charity. Food pantries, homeless shelters and community organizations need supplies all year round. Spread the love while spending quality time with your partner.
• Listen to podcasts. For a twist on the usual movie night, cuddle up and turn on a podcast instead.
• Do couples' yoga. Getting bendy together can really heat things up, plus you're doing something good for your body and mind.
• Play "never have I ever." Asking each other to get deep can reveal some new things about your loved one.
• Make a video together. The only thing more fun than watching reality TV is making your own. Use your phone to shoot a cooking video, do a tutorial or even give each other makeovers.
• Write each other love letters. Getting your feelings down on paper can ignite some real sparks, plus create a keepsake for years to come.
• Climb your family tree. Sit down with Ancestry.com and learn about your backgrounds. Or even better, interview an elderly family member to get personal stories about where you came from.
• Cultivate a garden. Even if you live in an apartment, try your hand at growing a window garden. Plants make any dwelling feel like a home.
• Build a bucket list. Sit down together and think big: No item is too out-there or mundane to plan ahead for the rest of your life as a couple.

Lizz Schumer

Senior Editor

Lizz (she/her) is a senior editor at Good Housekeeping, where she runs the GH Book Club, edits essays and long-form features and writes about pets, books and lifestyle topics. A journalist for almost two decades, she is the author of Biography of a Body and Buffalo Steel. She also teaches journalism as an adjunct professor at New York University's School of Professional Studies and creative nonfiction at the Muse Writing Center, and coaches with the New York Writing Room.