20 Date Night Ideas For You and Your Partner
It would be a surprise to no one for me to say that most married couples, especially with kids, struggle to find time for each other. My husband and I are no different. Between parenthood and our demanding jobs, we’re lucky to have 1-2 hours a day to relax. Oftentimes, we end up staying up unreasonably late just to get extra time together.
Even on weekends, me and my husband can barely utter a word to each other without being interrupted by our loud toddler. It often feels like life is a bit too demanding and fast-paced at times. A lot is expected of us all the time.
That’s why I like to take a step back sometimes and think about all the things and people I’m lucky to have, including my spouse. We usually get 1-2 opportunties each month to have a date night, and I like to make the most of it every time.
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of fun and creative things to do with your spouse, some of which I’ve tried with my husband, or plan to:
The no-phone dinner challenge. Put your phones in another room and have dinner together without interruptions. It doesn’t matter if you order takeout, cook, or go out. Just have a whole meal where you focus on each other and not all of your other responsibilies.
Have a movie night. Buy snacks, drinks, and cozy up on the couch with all the blankets you’ll need, while watching a movie you both agreed on.
Go for a drive with no particular destination. Hop in the car, take turns picking songs on Spotify, and just drive. Landing somewhere new and unfamiliar can be so refreshing.
Cook something new together. I like the idea of picking a random country and picking a meal that would be considered commonplace in that country. An example would be poutine if the country of choice is Canada, or fairy bread if you choose Australia.
Get competitive with a board or card game. My husband and I love murder mysteries, so I have bought Hunt a Killer a couple of times.
Recreate your first date. My husband and I had our first date at an Ale House in Kissimmee back in 2013. We promptly got drunk and went back to his place… 12 years later, here we are. That would be easy enough to recreate.
Late-night dessert run. It’s impossible not to bond over Crumbl or Coldstone, or better yet, a local dessert place.
Make a joint bucket list. What do you and your spouse want to accomplish together? Travel more? Perhaps buy a house? Or get healthy and fit together? Whatever it might be, sharing your hearts and ultimately making those dreams come true is a beautiful way to share your life with your partner.
At-home spa night. Set the mood with candles, music, and essential oils. Take turns giving massages, do facemasks (if your spouse is into it), or soak your feet. You’ll both feel relaxed and connected.
Go star-gazing. Drive to a dark, quiet spot or lay out in the backyard with blankets. Look up at the stars and just be together.
Be in nature together. Being in nature, smelling the outdoorsy smells, and hearing outdoorsy sounds can be so centering. Go find a hiking trail, or just find a safe, wooded area to spend time in.
Play “Would You Rather?” Would you rather live in a treehouse or a tiny cabin? Have unlimited pizza or pasta? Ask each other funny or thought-provoking questions—it’s simple, but it sparks connection.
Have a “yes” night. One of you is in charge and the other has to say “yes” to everything—within reason. It’s a great way to surprise each other and break the routine. However, maybe don’t use this game to coerce your spouse into doing something you know they won’t feel comfortable with.
Do a progressive dinner date. Go to one place for drinks, another for appetizers, and a third for dessert, etc. It turns dinner into a little adventure—even in your own city/town.
Take a class together. From salsa dancing to painting to mixology, learning something new together builds fun memories and keeps the brain sharp. Look for local events or take a virtual class from home.
Volunteer together. Serve meals, clean up a park, or help at an animal shelter. Doing something meaningful as a couple deepens your bond in a unique and beautiful way.
Sunset picnic. Pack a few snacks, a blanket, and head to a park nearby (or far away). Watch the sunset and just enjoy the stillness. No agenda, no distractions—just the two of you.
Create a relationship playlist. My toxic trait is sending my husband Taylor Swift songs that remind me of him in some way. A way to expand on this would be to make a joint playlist that you both add songs to.
Work on a home project together. Redo a room, build furniture, or just rearrange your space. Teamwork toward a shared goal can be satisfying.
Make up stories about random people you come across when you go out. Sit at a restaurant or park, watch people go by, and make up backstories. “That guy’s on a first date.” “She’s secretly married.” Get creative and think outside the box.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter so much what you and your spouse decide to do together, it just matters that you do it. Marriage isn’t about grandiosity, but rather making the most of each moment you have together.
XOXO, Alexis.