Who says your date night ideas have to be the same old thing? Sure, it’s exciting to try the hot new spot on a Saturday night with everyone else, but after a while dinner dates become rather ho-hum. Sometimes you just need to break the mold and reinvent date night.
To the rescue, try these 27 great date night ideas that will get you ready for the weekend:
1) Take a Sunset Walk
The beach is less crowded in the evening and the sand feels good on bare feet.
2) Have Breakfast for Dinner
Don’t let anyone tell you a stack of pancakes isn’t sexy. Find a breakfast-served-all-day diner.
3) Learn Something
Have you always wanted to learn how to make sushi or pasta from scratch? Sign up for a class and learn a new skill.
4) Shoot Paint
Get messy, don your oldest clothes and take aim with some paint balls. Get other couples involved so you and your partner can be on the same team.
5) Ride a Train
Or the bus. Hop on the commuter rail, ride a few stops and then get off and explore a new town or neighborhood.
6) Hit the Books
Pick a theme (dogs, Canada, fly-fishing) and find all the books that even tangentially relate to it. And hey, getting lost in those messy stacks is sort of fun, too.
7) Visit an Arcade
Search the couch cushions for quarters and then play your old favs, like Ms. Pac-Man and Skee-Ball.
8) Dress up to Eat Out
That’s right. Tell your honey to don his old tux and you can pull out that gown from your sister’s wedding. Getting dolled up for a date — It doesn’t matter what kind of restaurant you choose.
9) Visit a Photo Booth
Make memories on your next date night. Seek out a photo booth (try a local mall) and take a bunch of shots. Then you can embarrass the kids and post them all around the house.
10) Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Put together your own crazy fun by creating a list of clues around town for each of you to find.
11) Watch Some Hoops
Check the schedule for your local college and start planning your trash talk.
12) Work Out
Play tennis or check out a yoga class. Getting some exercise together kills two birds with one stone.
13) Try a Corn Maze
Stick together as you navigate this super-creepy field in the dark. Remember, two heads are better than one — don’t get lost!
14) Sing
Karaoke, that is. Let your freak flag fly and belt out a few oldies.
15) Climb Walls
Literally scale new heights and challenge yourself at the same time. A rock wall at the gym is a great workout.
16) Visit a Fair at Night
Riding the Ferris wheel, eating cotton candy and popping balloons with darts is good old-fashioned fun. Just fib to the kids when they ask where you’re going, so they don’t feel left out.
17) Have a Progressive Dinner
Yes, it’s dinner out, but this time with a twist. Have appetizers in one spot, entrees in another and then pick up dessert at a third place.
18) Go Dancing
Your choice: ballroom, disco, hip-hop, flamenco or the tango.
19) Play Trivia
Find a sports bar in town and sign up. You can finally put your obscure tennis or geography knowledge to good use.
20) Find a Happy Hour
You’re not too old for hot wings and a pitcher of beer. Join the college kids and check out the deals at the downtown bars.
21) Crash an Event
Whether it’s a gallery opening or a book reception, just stroll in and act as if you belong.
22) Visit a Spa
You both deserve a little TLC. A massage, facial or even a pedicure is perfect.
23) Plan an Evening Picnic
Collect all your favorite things: a pretty blanket, some wine and cheese and your special squeeze.
24) Camp at Home
Pitch that old tent in the backyard, unroll your sleeping bags and get cozy in the night air. At least until after the sitter puts the kids down.
25) Try a Ropes Course
If you’re not too afraid of heights, put on your sneaks and try your hand at balancing.
26) Go to the Driving Range
An evening of whacking golf balls can be oddly satisfying.
27) Have Your Palm Read
Don’t you want to know your future? Find a psychic and see if she can figure out your aura.
Jennifer Kelly Geddes is a New York-based writer and editor who specializes in parenting, health and child development. She’s a frequent contributor to Care.com and the mom of two teen girls.
Do you have any fun date night ideas? Leave your tips in the comments below!
