Mix It Up: 46 Date Ideas That Aren’t Dinner and a Movie

When you think of date ideas, there are a few things that come to mind immediately – drinks, dinner, a movie, maybe a hike if you’re the outdoorsy kind. While those are all classics for a reason, it can be fun to think outside the box sometimes, whether you’re looking to make a good impression on a new flame or want to add some spice to a long-standing relationship.

In this article, you’ll find a bunch of different date ideas – casual, spontaneous, and memorable. Regardless of what point you’re at in your relationship, you’ll find cool and interesting date ideas to wow your partner with.

Looking for low-stress, low-key date ideas that don’t require much setup or commitment? We’ve got you covered. These casual, fun date ideas are great when you’re just starting to get to know someone, or when you don’t have much time or money. They’re also easy to cut short, if the vibe just isn’t there, and it’s not a big deal if your date can’t make it for whatever reason.

Go out for breakfast rather than dinner

Who said you can only have date night? Flip the tables and head out for breakfast instead. Not only is it a great weekday option – no sacrificing sleep or worrying about hangovers – it’s rare to find a person who doesn’t love breakfast food. Plus, you can keep it as light or heavy as you like – maybe you’re a coffee and pastry on the go type of person, maybe you’d rather feast on a hearty diner breakfast. Whatever your choice, starting the day with someone you like is never a bad idea.

Go on a photo scavenger hunt

Remember being sent on scavenger hunts at parties when you were a kid? All you need for this adult version are your smartphones and a list of things to find. You can pick and choose according to your interests, whether it’s the natural world, the zany things you might find at a flea market or antique mall, or even local landmarks. You can even create a personalized scavenger hunt of relationship milestones you have with your partner!

Go to a bookstore and pick out a book together

Yes, online bookstores are convenient… but there’s nothing like browsing the stacks. Head to a local bookstore together and take turns recommending things you think your partner will like. Or if it’s a first date, you can have fun discovering each others’ tastes. You could even take things a step further and pick out a book to read together.

Spend the day being a tourist in your town

Regardless of whether you live in a big city or a small town, there’s likely a local attraction as a great date idea you haven’t visited. Look it up online or even drop by the local tourist center for more information, then have fun exploring. You could also do a self-guided walking tour of your city or pick a specific neighborhood to wander around together.

Go out for something other than coffee or beer

Going out for drinks – whether it’s coffee or beers – is a classic for a reason… so why not try it with a twist? Bubble tea, milkshakes, or even fancy juices are all fun date ideas when you’re not in the mood for caffeine or booze. You could also put a snack-y spin on things and go out for waffles or cupcakes instead. If the weather is good, get tea or milkshakes to go and find a park to wander around in instead.

One step above casual dates, spontaneous date ideas don’t require much preparation but are a great way to pass a few hours. They tend to be activity-based, which means that it’s important to make sure you and your partner can spare the time. While spontaneous dates are great for shaking up your routine if you’re in a long-term relationship, spending time together doing something is a great way to get to know somebody. Some romantic date ideas for when you’re feeling spontaneous.

Cook dinner together

Cooking a meal together is an ideal date night for when things start to get a little more serious – you get to see how well you both work together, which will be especially important as your relationship progresses. Picking a recipe, heading to the grocery store, and actually cooking the meal are a great way to spend a few hours – and a bonus, at the end of it you (hopefully) have a delicious meal for the two of you.

Hit a karaoke bar

This is a great date night idea if you can sing… or even if you can’t. Not only does performing release endorphins, but karaoke is a great way to get to know your date’s taste in music. If you’re already in a relationship, singing duets (or cheering your partner on as they channel their inner Whitney Houston) is a great way to bond. Plus, music is the food of love… and who are we to argue with the Bard himself?

Volunteer together

Spend time together and make the world a better place – it’s a win-win situation. Signing up to help at a soup kitchen, planting trees on a sidewalk or at a park, socializing pets at the animal shelter, donating blood, building homes for people in need with Habitat for Humanity… no matter what your interests are, there are ways to help. Plus, research has shown that volunteering is good for your physical and mental health, which makes this an even better date idea. 

Attend an improv class together

Improv, or improvisation, is a form of theater where there are no scripts – everything happens on the spot, with performers building on what happened before. Taking an improv class with your significant other is a great way to introduce spontaneity and fun into your relationship – you never know where something might lead! 

Create something together

Painting, pottery, glass objects… more and more companies are offering events where you and a partner can spend an evening making something together, no art skills required. Making something together is a good way to bond… and as a bonus, you get a souvenir!

These are the Big Deal date ideas, the kind that take time and effort to plan, and sometimes come with a pretty decent price tag, too. They’re perfect for celebrating a relationship milestone or when you want to do something special for your partner. They’re also the worst kind of date to get stuck on, though, so be sure to take your partner’s personality and wishes into account while planning them.

See your partner’s favorite musical artist in concert

Make your partner’s day (or week, or month, or even year) by arranging for tickets to a concert by one of their favorite artists. You could even, assuming finances allow, splurge for the VIP experience and surprise your partner with the good news once you’re at the venue. Surprising them with merchandise (or the opportunity to purchase some) is another way of making this date extra special.

Get away for the weekend

Sometimes, you just need to get away from it all. It doesn’t even have to be far – you could even reserve a two-day stay at a rented house or book a hotel in your own city. What’s important is the break from your regular routine and the chance to spend some uninterrupted time with your partner. Add to the romance by arranging for champagne and roses, or having their favorite meal delivered for an impromptu picnic in bed.

Build a campfire and make s’mores 

Is there anything more romantic than sitting in front of a blazing fire with the person you like? Not unless there are s’mores involved. Scout out a suitable location ahead of time – some cities have designated fire pits in parks or beaches – bring a blanket and a thermos of cocoa or a bottle of wine, and some music, and enjoy. Not a guitar person? Put together a romantic playlist on Spotify instead.

Have a spa day together 

Combine self-care and romance with a spa date for the two of you. A couples’ massage is a great way to let go of the various stresses in your lives and prepare you for a romantic evening. No room in the budget? An at-home spa date is an easy way to add some self-care into your lives without breaking the bank.

Try a tasting menu somewhere special                              

Dinner is one of the classic date ideas for a reason. Take it up a notch by picking a restaurant that makes dinner an event – the kind of place that does tasting menus rather than letting you order items a la carte. It’s a fantastic way to explore the nuances of a cuisine or just spend time with each other in an elevated atmosphere.

Sure, you could go the traditional route with dinner and a movie, but it’s among the most cliché date ideas for a reason. Do something different with these cute date ideas.

Go to a trampoline park

If you and your partner are the active type or if you simply want to recreate a childhood memory, an afternoon at a trampoline park is a great way to have fun. You’ll even get a bit of a workout in!

Explore your city’s history

Some cities are thousands of years old, others have only been around for a couple of centuries. Regardless of your city’s age, odds are there are at least a few interesting things about its history – so spend a date finding out more!

Check out the zoo

A day at the zoo was considered one of the best ever as a kid, and there’s no reason it can’t be magical as an adult, too. Take turns reading each other animal facts or just wander around watching the antics of the residents.

Do a good deed together

Want to feel a little better about the world? Whether you participate in an organized volunteer activity, or simply perform a random act of kindness together – doing something nice is a great way to spend date night.

Visit a museum together

Depending on your tastes, you could go for something classic and traditional, or the quirkiest museum you can find. Not only is wandering the exhibits great exercise, you’ll find no shortage of things to talk about.

Play board games with each other

A board – or card – game night makes for a great, screen-free date night. Don’t have any games at home? More and more cities have board game cafes with all kinds of games to explore.

Just because money’s tight doesn’t mean you have to skip date night. Here are five cheap date ideas for when you want a little romance without a big bill at the end:

Pick out books for each other at the library

Just like a bookstore date, but without the price tag. As a bonus, seeing what your date likes – and what they think you’ll like – is a great way to see how compatible you are when it comes to dating.

Hit up a food truck

Many food trucks sell restaurant-quality food at far more affordable prices. A food truck date is a great way to indulge your tastebuds – or maybe even a cuisine you haven’t tried before – without hurting your wallet. Take turns picking for even more fun.

Go stargazing

This might mean driving out to somewhere rural so you can actually see the night sky, but if you’re somewhere with little or no light pollution, this is one of the best outdoor date ideas there is. All you need is a picnic blanket, a constellation map and snacks for a unique and fun date.

Have an at-home movie night

Scroll through your various streaming services to find something both of you will enjoy. Then hit the grocery store for fun-size packs of your favorite movie candy, pop some homemade popcorn, and you’re all set! For added realism, dim the lights or use a projector screen.

Take a free class at your local library or community college

You’re never too old to stop learning. Look up what’s on offer at your local library, community center, or university and have fun being students again. Depending on the class, you might walk away with a new skill – or even something you’ve made together as a memento.

If you don’t fancy going out we’ve got some great suggestions for date ideas at home. Sometimes, though, you want a night on the town. Here are five fun date ideas for when you want to get out of the house:

Opening night at an art gallery

Especially if you’re in a larger or slightly artsy city, there’s likely to be a showing of some kind going on. It’s a great excuse to dress up and pretend to be cultured. Who knows, you might find you love their art!

Live music shows

Eras Tour tickets not in your budget? There are plenty of up-and-coming musicians whose shows will make for a great date night, whether it’s rock, pop or country. Depending on the act, tickets are often cheap enough to take a chance on someone completely new to you.

Go to a movie… at the drive-in.

They’re an endangered species these days, but if there’s one near you, date night at a drive-in theater makes for a great, nostalgia-filled date experience. Be sure to check the weather forecast first, though!

Go dancing

Sure, you could go to a club… but why not try another kind of dancing? Several dance studios offer one-off events or regular classes where you and a partner can hit the dance floor, whether it’s to salsa, waltz, foxtrot, or even square dance.

Go skating

Whether it’s ice or roller, skating’s a classic date night option. As a bonus, it’s a great excuse to hold hands, especially if you’re a little unsteady on your feet. Add in the opportunity to sip on hot cocoa or hit the snack bar during breaks and you’ll see why this is one of our favorite date ideas.

Just because you aren’t in the same place doesn’t mean you can’t have a great date. For couples who are physically apart, here are five fun virtual date ideas so you can work on being closer, no matter the distance.

Take a virtual class together

Ever since the pandemic forced all of us to move our lives online, there have been a plethora of virtual classes on virtually any topic, from cooking to crafts and even perfume-making. They’re the perfect date idea for couples who want to spend time together actually doing things.

Take a virtual museum tour

World-class museums like the Met now have the option of taking a stroll through their incredible collections from the comfort of your own home. Put out a plate of fancy nibbles and spend an evening adding a little more culture to your lives without getting off the couch.

Facetime each other while you have dinner together

Just because you’re not in the same space doesn’t mean you can’t have a romantic dinner. Either cook the same dish or order in your favorites, fire up your device, and get closer even while miles apart.

Play a game together

No matter what level of gamer you and your significant other are, from hardcore to casual, there’s likely something you can play together online. If you don’t like the idea of going head-to-head, cooperative games like Terraria or Stardew Valley are also great date ideas.

Watch a movie together

Apps like Teleparty mean you can sync the movie or show you’re watching, and chat with each other while you do. Get your favorite snacks, get comfortable, and Netflix (or other streaming service) and chill on your separate couches.

Sure, virtual dates are great, but they’re not the only option for anyone in a long-distance relationship. Some date ideas for anyone in an LDR:

Start a two-person book club

Date ideas that come with homework don’t sound like much fun, but we promise this one is. Take turns picking a book to read together – a novels, relationship book, anything you like – and discuss it over video chat once you’re done.

Take advantage of advances in technology

And we don’t mean Zoom or Skype, either. More and more companies are coming out with sex toys that are designed to be used long-distance, letting you and your partner get frisky with each other whether you’re a room, a city, or even a continent away.

Create a shared playlist… then have a dance party

Spotify’s Jam feature lets you create a shared playlist together. Create your own dance mix for the type of evening you want – elegant and sexy? Down and dirty in the club? Prom night revisited? The choice is yours – then let yourselves cut loose over Zoom.

Make care packages for each other

There’s little nicer than getting mail from a loved one. A personalized care package is a great way to show your partner how well you know them and how much you care. As a bonus, you can extend the fun by opening the package on Zoom together!

Plan a trip together

The best part of a long-distance relationship are the times when you can see each other in person. Up the anticipation for those visits by planning a trip somewhere you’ve both wanted to go – then start saving!

Anniversary date ideas are a great way to celebrate milestones, and a wonderful way to show your partner you’re still as much in love with them now as you were during the honeymoon phase of your relationship. Here are some anniversary date ideas to help you commemorate your special day:

Recreate your first date

Every love story starts somewhere and retracing yours back to where it all began – your first date – is a great way to remember how far you’ve come. If your first date was a disaster, a re-do might be fun, or you could pick another special date to recreate.

Make a couples’ bucket list together

Sure, you might have your individual bucket lists… but part of the fun of being with each other is doing things together. Sitting down to come up with a couples’ bucket list is not only a lot of fun, it’s a great way to reaffirm your commitment.

Book a couples massage

Go traditional or check out one of the many different styles available, from hot stone to Korean to aromatherapy. Leaving behind the stress of everyday life is a great start to an anniversary celebration.[A1] 

Do something adventurous

What better way is there to rekindle the spark in a years- or decades-long relationship than doing something that gets your blood pumping? Tandem skydiving is a definite rush, or if you’re looking for something a little less hair-raising, you could try riding a rollercoaster or going ziplining.

Renew your vows

It doesn’t have to be a big ceremony (although those are fun, too!) Taking a few minutes to state your vows to each other (with additions, or even changing them around completely) is a beautiful way to reaffirm your commitment to each other.

Take your relationship to the next level with creative dates

While there are some great date ideas on this list, remember: they’re all just starting points. What matters is you and the person you like; with a little creativity and forethought, you’ll be able to find something that works for both of you. That said, the specifics of a given date aren’t important; spending time with the other person is. How you (or they) act on said date is way more important than what you do.

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