We all do self-care for our individual lives but when do we do it for the relationship? Self care for the relationship is like putting oil in your car: it’s what makes it go and takes you to new places. By getting a little creative and playful, and with this stock of go-to date ideas, you can reinvigorate the romantic life with your love bubble. Relationship ruts don’t have to be a norm! So here’s a rundown of great date ideas to nurture that very important relationship in your life.
But first, what even makes a good date?
What Makes a Good Date?
A good date can shake the cobwebs out of your relationship. It restores the interest you have in your mate; that magnetic feeling like when you first met them. Jon and Julie Gottman, experts of what sinks or sails relationships, found that doing novel things together, that is, something new, is a key to having positive feelings in the partnership.
Additionally, dates that encourage doing something together physically, such as rock climbing, learning how to sail a boat, or making furniture (just random things!) increases the bond between people because it requires some reliance on each other to do the task. Things that get you into a childlike state of wonder, such as star gazing, helps remind you of all the good withing and makes the love chemicals bloom.
Having a stock of date ideas on hand will help you make good dates happen and preserve that special love. Here’s a list of ideas to get you started.
Date Ideas for Relationship Self-Care
I’ve broken these down into categories for easier reading. There’s seasonal dates, like what to do in winter, and dates for introverted couples. Print out a date checklist, keep it on the fridge or in your journal and cross them off as you go- make it a goal to do 12 of them in one year or season. Have fun- see who can plan the best or most dates in a season and the winner gets to pick a nice restaurant for one date.
Dates for Summer
- Outdoor movie night: Set up a cozy outdoor movie theater in your backyard or at a local park. Bring blankets, pillows, and snacks for a romantic movie under the stars.
- Sunset picnic: Pack a delicious picnic and head to a scenic spot to enjoy the beautiful sunset together. Don’t forget a blanket, some wine, and your favorite treats!
- Farmers market adventure: Explore a local farmers market and pick out fresh ingredients together. Then, head home and cook a meal using your finds.
- Mini road trip: Take a spontaneous day trip to a nearby town or city you’ve never visited before. Explore the local attractions, try new restaurants, and enjoy the journey together.
- Outdoor concert or festival: Look for outdoor concerts or festivals happening in your area. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and the vibrant atmosphere.
- Water sports day: Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or a boat and spend the day on the water. It’s a great opportunity for adventure and some friendly competition.
- Scavenger hunt: Create a personalized scavenger hunt for your partner. Hide clues around your neighborhood or a park leading to a surprise at the end.
- Beach bonfire: If you have access to a beach, organize a romantic bonfire. Toast marshmallows, share stories, and enjoy the sound of the waves. Otherwise, enjoy a lake or riverside fire.
- Outdoor painting session: Set up an easel and bring your art supplies to a picturesque location. Spend the day painting or drawing each other or the scenery.
- Outdoor yoga or fitness class: Find a local park or outdoor space that offers yoga or fitness classes. It’s a great way to stay active together and enjoy the sunshine.
- Stargazing night: Drive to a secluded spot away from city lights and spend the evening stargazing. Bring a telescope or use an app to identify constellations.
- Theme park adventure: Spend a day at a nearby theme park and enjoy the thrill of roller coasters, carnival games, and delicious fair food.
- Outdoor cooking class: Take a cooking class that focuses on grilling or outdoor cuisine. Learn new recipes and techniques together.
- Fruit picking: Find a nearby orchard or farm that allows visitors to pick their own fruits. Spend the day picking berries, apples, or peaches, and enjoy the fruits of your labor later.
- Volunteer for a pet shelter: Volunteer to walk dogs from a shelter or to bath and care for them.
- Outdoor photography excursion: Grab your cameras and explore a scenic area. Challenge each other to capture the most creative and beautiful shots.
- Go Creeking: Find a great creek in your area, put on some water sandals or go barefoot, and explore the creek like little kids. Surrender to the simple fun of it.
Dates for Fall
- Fall foliage hike: Take a scenic hike through a forest or park to admire the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves. It’s a great opportunity for beautiful views and quality time together.
- Cemetery visit: Head to a local old cemetery and spend the day looking at old names and stone craft and reflect on different times, names, and causes of death. Wonder about what life was like a hundred years ago.
- Pumpkin carving contest: Get into the Halloween spirit by having a pumpkin carving contest. Pick out your pumpkins, gather carving tools, and see who can create the most impressive design.
- Cozy outdoor bonfire: Bundle up and have a cozy bonfire outdoors. Roast marshmallows, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy each other’s company while staying warm.
- Fall-themed cooking class: Take a cooking class that focuses on autumn-inspired dishes, such as pumpkin spice treats, hearty soups, or Thanksgiving favorites.
- Harvest festival: Attend a local harvest festival or fair. Enjoy seasonal activities like corn mazes, hayrides, and pumpkin patches, along with festive food and live entertainment.
- Wine tasting tour: Explore a nearby wine region and go on a wine tasting tour. Sample a variety of wines while taking in the beautiful vineyard views.
- Fall movie marathon: Choose a rainy autumn day and have a cozy movie marathon at home. Snuggle up with blankets, make popcorn, and watch your favorite fall-themed movies.
- Autumn picnic in the park: Pack a picnic with warm comfort foods like soup, sandwiches, and apple pie. Find a scenic park with colorful foliage and enjoy a relaxing meal outdoors.
- Outdoor architecture photography walk: Take a leisurely walk in an old part of town and capture the beauty of architecture with your cameras. Learn about different styles and what you each like or not. Experiment with different angles and perspectives.
- Corn maze adventure: Visit a local corn maze and navigate through the twists and turns together. It’s a fun and challenging activity that encourages teamwork and laughter.
- Costume shopping and DIY session: Prepare for Halloween by going costume shopping together. You can also get creative and design your own costumes or accessories.
- Haunted house visit: Test your bravery by visiting a haunted house attraction. Hold hands tightly as you navigate through spooky rooms and encounter surprises.
- Halloween movie night: Create a cozy Halloween movie night at home. Choose classic horror movies, make themed snacks, and enjoy a spooky evening together.
- Ghost tour: Take a guided ghost tour in your city or a nearby historic area. Learn about local legends, haunted places, and the eerie stories that surround them.
- Harvest-themed dinner party: Host a harvest-themed dinner party for friends or family. Decorate with autumnal accents, cook a delicious seasonal meal, and enjoy a festive gathering.
Winter Date Ideas
- Ice skating and hot chocolate: Visit a local ice skating rink and enjoy gliding on the ice hand in hand. Afterward, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or a cozy drink at a nearby café.
- Winter hike and snow picnic: Bundle up and embark on a scenic winter hike. Pack a picnic with warm soup, sandwiches, and winter treats to enjoy amidst the snowy surroundings.
- Christmas light scavenger hunt: Create a list of unique or extravagant Christmas light displays in your area. Take a drive or walk together and try to find as many as you can.
- Snowshoeing adventure: Find a nearby trail or park that offers snowshoeing and explore the winter wonderland together. It’s a fun and active way to enjoy the snowy landscapes.
- DIY holiday crafts: Spend a cozy evening at home creating handmade holiday crafts together. Make ornaments, wreaths, or personalized gifts for your loved ones.
- Winter movie marathon: Create a themed movie marathon night with classic winter or holiday films. Snuggle up with blankets, make popcorn, and enjoy a cozy evening indoors.
- Winter brewery or winery tour: Visit local breweries or wineries that offer winter-themed drinks and tours. Sample seasonal beverages and learn about the brewing or winemaking process.
- Ice sculpture workshop: Take a class or workshop on ice sculpting. Learn the basics of carving ice and create your own unique sculptures together.
- Christmas tree decorating: Choose a real or artificial Christmas tree and spend an evening decorating it together. Play festive music, sip on eggnog, and reminisce about past holidays.
- Romantic sleigh ride or carriage ride: If available in your area, book a romantic sleigh ride through a snow-covered landscape. Snuggle up under a warm blanket and enjoy the enchanting ride.
- Winter photography expedition: Grab your cameras and go on a winter photography expedition. Capture the beauty of snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, and icicles.
- Christmas market visit: Explore local Christmas markets or holiday bazaars. Browse unique gifts, taste seasonal treats, and immerse yourselves in the festive atmosphere.
- Snow tubing or tobogganing: Find a nearby snow tubing or tobogganing hill and enjoy some exhilarating downhill fun together. Laugh and race down the slopes.
- Gingerbread house competition: Purchase gingerbread house kits or bake your own gingerbread and have a friendly competition to see who can create the most impressive gingerbread house.
- Winter stargazing: Bundle up in warm blankets and head outside on a clear winter night. Find a spot away from city lights and admire the sparkling winter sky.
- Visit an art museum: Check out local or historical art at an art museum. Grab a fancy lunch and freshen up your knowledge of art history.
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Spring Dates
- Botanical garden visit: Explore a local botanical garden and admire the blooming flowers and vibrant colors of spring. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the fragrant scents.
- Outdoor picnic in the park: Pack a delicious picnic and head to a nearby park. Find a sunny spot, spread out a blanket, and enjoy the fresh spring air while indulging in your favorite treats.
- Bike ride adventure: Rent bicycles or grab your own and go on a scenic bike ride together. Discover new trails, parks, or explore your city while enjoying the pleasant weather.
- Springtime hike: Take advantage of the milder temperatures and go for a refreshing hike. Look for trails that showcase beautiful spring scenery, such as blossoming trees and flowing streams.
- Cherry blossom viewing: If cherry blossoms are in bloom in your area, plan a day to appreciate their beauty. Visit a local cherry blossom festival or find a park where you can witness the stunning pink blossoms.
- Outdoor yoga or fitness class: Look for outdoor yoga or fitness classes in your community. It’s a great way to get active, enjoy the spring weather, and rejuvenate your mind and body.
- Visit a local farm: Take a trip to a nearby farm and experience the joys of spring. Enjoy petting zoos, pick fresh produce, or participate in activities like strawberry or flower picking.
- Springtime cooking class: Enroll in a cooking class that focuses on seasonal ingredients and spring recipes. Learn to create light and fresh dishes that celebrate the flavors of the season.
- Rooftop or garden brunch: Find a restaurant or café with a rooftop or garden seating area. Enjoy a leisurely brunch while soaking up the springtime ambiance and savoring delicious food.
- Nature photography walk: Grab your cameras and embark on a nature photography walk. Capture the beauty of blooming flowers, budding trees, and colorful wildlife in your area.
- Outdoor concert or music festival: Look for outdoor concerts or music festivals happening in your region. Enjoy live performances, dance to your favorite tunes, and soak up the lively atmosphere.
- Plant a garden together: Start a small garden together, whether it’s a herb garden, flower bed, or vegetable patch. Spend time nurturing and watching your plants grow as you bond.
- Visit a local winery or vineyard: Take a trip to a nearby winery or vineyard and indulge in wine tastings. Learn about the winemaking process and enjoy the picturesque vineyard surroundings.
- Spring cleaning and decluttering: Turn spring cleaning into a fun activity by tackling it together. Help each other declutter, organize, and freshen up your living space.
- Outdoor art class: Look for outdoor art classes or workshops in your area. Try your hand at painting, pottery, or any other artistic endeavor while enjoying the spring scenery.
Date Ideas for Introverts
- Bookstore adventure: Explore a local bookstore together and take turns recommending books to each other. Enjoy the quiet atmosphere, browse different genres, and maybe even find a cozy reading corner to share excerpts from your favorite books.
- Puzzle night: Set up a dedicated puzzle station at home with various puzzles of different difficulty levels. Spend the evening working together to solve the puzzles while enjoying some soothing background music.
- DIY spa day: Create a relaxing spa experience at home. Set up a calming ambiance with scented candles, soft music, and soothing essential oils. Take turns giving each other massages or facials and unwind together.
- Board game marathon: Gather your favorite board games and have a board game marathon at home. Set up a comfortable play area, prepare snacks, and spend the day challenging each other to different games.
- Virtual museum tour: Explore famous museums from around the world through virtual tours. Share your thoughts on the artworks and artifacts you encounter, and discuss your favorite pieces together.
- Indoor picnic and movie night: Create a cozy indoor picnic by laying out blankets, cushions, and a basket of your favorite snacks. Enjoy a movie marathon or binge-watch a TV series together.
- Art and craft session: Engage in a creative activity such as painting, drawing, or crafting. Set up a designated art area with supplies, and work on individual projects or collaborate on a joint artwork.
- Coffee or tea tasting at home: Set up a mini coffee or tea tasting session at home. Purchase different types of coffees or teas, brew them, and take turns trying and discussing the flavors.
- Stargazing in the backyard: Set up a comfortable outdoor seating area in your backyard and spend a peaceful evening stargazing. Use a star chart or a stargazing app to identify constellations together.
- Movie night under the stars: If you have access to a backyard or a balcony, create a cozy outdoor movie night. Set up a projector, grab some blankets, and enjoy a movie under the night sky.
- Writing or journaling session: Set aside dedicated time for writing or journaling together. Reflect on your thoughts, dreams, or aspirations, and share your writing with each other if you feel comfortable.
- Cooking or baking challenge: Pick a unique recipe or a challenging dish and embark on a cooking or baking adventure together. Enjoy the process of preparing the meal and savor the delicious results.
- Meditation or yoga session: Create a serene and calm environment at home for a joint meditation or yoga session. Follow along with guided meditation or yoga videos and focus on relaxation and mindfulness.
- Virtual language lesson: Learn a new language together through online language courses or apps. Take turns practicing vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversational skills while supporting each other’s progress.
- Outdoor nature sketching: Find a peaceful outdoor spot, such as a park or a botanical garden, and bring sketchbooks and art supplies. Spend time sketching the natural surroundings and appreciating the beauty of nature.
- Plant care and gardening: Spend time together caring for plants or creating an indoor garden. Research different plants, tend to their needs, and enjoy the calming and nurturing experience of gardening.
Dates for Extroverts
- Karaoke night: Hit up a local karaoke bar or organize a karaoke session at home. Take turns belting out your favorite tunes and enjoy a lively and entertaining evening.
- Dance class: Take a dance class together, such as salsa, ballroom, or hip-hop. Learn new moves, embrace the rhythm, and have fun dancing with each other.
- Comedy show: Attend a live comedy show or improv performance. Laugh together and enjoy the energy of the performers as you share hilarious moments.
- Theme park adventure: Plan a day at a nearby theme park or amusement park. Enjoy thrilling rides, play games, and indulge in tasty treats together.
- Trivia night at a bar: Find a local bar or pub that hosts trivia nights. Team up and put your knowledge to the test while enjoying some friendly competition.
- Group game night: Organize a game night with a group of friends. Play interactive and engaging party games that allow for lots of laughter and socializing.
- Sports event or sports bar outing: Attend a live sports event to cheer for your favorite team or visit a sports bar to watch a big game. Immerse yourselves in the energetic atmosphere and bond over your shared love for sports.
- Concert or music festival: Purchase tickets to see your favorite band or artist perform live, or attend a music festival to experience multiple performances and genres in one place.
- Wine and painting class: Take a wine and painting class together. Follow along with a professional artist as you create your own artwork while enjoying a glass of wine.
- Outdoor adventure: Plan an outdoor adventure like hiking, kayaking, or rock climbing. Embrace the thrill and excitement of exploring nature and challenging yourselves physically.
- Group cooking or potluck party: Host a cooking party where everyone contributes a dish or organize a potluck party where each guest brings a favorite dish. Enjoy the culinary creations and the lively atmosphere.
- Live theater or musical performance: Attend a live theater production or musical. Immerse yourselves in the captivating performances and appreciate the talent and artistry on stage.
- Bar hopping or pub crawl: Explore different bars and pubs in your area, hopping from one to another to experience various atmospheres, drinks, and live music.
- Bowling league: Join a bowling league with other couples and grab dinner afterwards.
- Dance party at home: Turn your living room into a dance floor and have a dance party at home. Create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs and dance the night away together.
- Volunteer together: Find a local charity or community organization and volunteer together. Participate in events or activities that align with your interests and values, and enjoy the sense of fulfillment that comes from giving back.
Kiss Boring Relationship Dynamics Goodbye
We all face downtimes in our romantic relationships. The more familiar we become with one another, the easier it is to cave to our routines and the comfort zones of each other’s personality. But stepping out of your patterns, your daily lives, by planning great dates, will show you there’s always more to learn about your partner and the world. So, don’t sweat the planning part- choose from one of these date ideas and rekindle those tender vibes for one another.