It’s time to add a little fun back into date night—breaking free from the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine. There’s nothing wrong with the classics, but sometimes sitting in a dark theater or rushing through a meal just doesn’t cut it.
Gone are the days of squeezing in a night out between errands, grocery shopping, Home Depot runs, and the chaos of kids’ schedules. And sometimes, that’s all you really had the time or energy for—and that’s okay, because you still showed up for each other. But now, with a little more freedom, it’s the perfect chance to take your date nights up a notch.
I’m talking about more adventure, more excitement, and yes—a little more spark. For date night w are throwing kerosene on the embers of romance with 10 date night ideas that will bring the sizzle back.
This isn’t just about “going on a date.” It’s about shaking up the routine, stepping outside your comfort zone, and being willing to try something new. Too often we dismiss ideas, thinking, “They won’t go for it” or “That’s not our thing.” Forget that—it’s time to just go for it.
So grab your spouse, embrace the adventure, and get ready to ignite your date night. Let’s do this.
10 fun date night ideas
1- Art Night
I can already hear you saying, “Creativity isn’t my forte, and this sounds like a hard pass.” Allow me to make a compelling case for this idea. Picture this: channeling your inner Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in a romantic pottery-throwing session. However, if that doesn’t resonate with you, perhaps due to the lingering memories of disliking pottery class in your younger school days, fear not. There’s an alternative – consider a pottery-painting class.
In this class, you’ll discover a lot of pottery items, from mugs and plates to bowls and other household or kitchen essentials, awaiting your artistic touch. All you need to do is paint, and the rest is taken care of.
Still not convinced? Here’s another option: a painting class. Imagine heading to a painting studio where everything, from the painting supplies to the canvas and step-by-step instructions, is provided. It’s an opportunity to create a masterpiece alongside your partner with a guided teacher.
2- Get Outdoors
For couples who share a love for the great outdoors, get your hiking boots and venture onto the trails. Seek out a local hike with breathtaking views, pack a picnic, and immerse yourselves in the picturesque landscapes. This has evolved into one of our most cherished Saturday morning traditions – it’s more than just a date; it’s how we connect and talk about our week.
Our Saturday Morning hikes have led us to discover some hidden treasures in the hills of North Georgia. Whether a mere 10-minute drive away or an hour-long journey, each trail has brought us closer together. The proximity of some trails makes them perfect for spontaneous getaways, while others, requiring a bit more travel, prove to be worth every minute spent on the road.
Best Overall Hiking App: All Trails (iOS | Android)
3- Catch a Show
Going to a live performance is one of those date nights that feels extra thoughtful—it shows you planned ahead and wanted to share an experience, not just a meal. Whether it’s a concert, play, or comedy show, pick something that excites you both. It’s also a great way to support local artists, and let’s be honest—nothing beats seeing your favorite band on tour.
For us, concerts have become a favorite. We’ve seen John Mayer more times than we can count, and every show feels just as good as the last. But if concerts aren’t your thing, you can still find plenty of options. The symphony, a play, or even a comedy club can make for an amazing night out.
One of our most unforgettable date nights was in downtown Atlanta, where the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performed the soundtrack to The Holiday live while the movie played on screen. Hearing the music sync perfectly with the film gave the whole experience a new level of magic.
If you’re looking for something near you, check out SongKick.com to track your favorite artists, get concert alerts, and find tickets.
4- Game Night
Dust off those cherished board games. Now, I’ll be honest – Cards and game nights aren’t exactly my cup of tea. However, when friends gather or our kids come into town, we eagerly unearth the games. It might not be my natural go-to, but there’s something magical about the laughter and joy that fills the room during these gaming sessions.
Among our preferred choices are the card game Swoop, Rumicube, Scattergories, Phase 10, or Ticket to Ride. Even if games aren’t my personal favorite, the moments and connection that arise during these playful competitions make it all worthwhile. So, whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a reluctant participant like me, a game night date might just be the perfect recipe for a good time together.
Here are 4 of our favorite games from Amazon Rumicube, Scattergories, Phase 10 and Ticket to Ride. Swoop is just a card game and you need regular decks of playing cards. Here are the rules we found online for Swoop. This is by far our favorite game of them all.
5- Cooking Class
Embarking on a culinary adventure together in a cooking class is a great way to strengthen your bond. Picture this: chopping veggies, stirring sauces, and mastering new culinary techniques side by side. The best part? You’ll enjoy the delicious results of your shared efforts at the end of the night.
Reflecting on our own experiences, one date night that stands out is our culinary escapade in the heart of Rome, Italy. Here, amidst the romantic ambiance, we crafted pasta from scratch. The joy of stirring flour and egg to form the perfect noodle dough, and then transforming it into fresh pasta, still is one of our favorite memories.
We still find ourselves reminiscing about the best homemade pasta we have ever had. It’s moments like these that create lasting memories and bring couples closer together, one delicious dish at a time.
Book a cooking class at Get Your Guide. If you are in Georgia, Click HERE for a great wood fire pizza making class
6- Dancing
Consider taking a dance class together, whether it’s a Latin dance class, a classic ballroom waltz, or something more contemporary like hip-hop. These classes not only provide an opportunity to learn new moves but also offer a time to bond. Beyond the physical benefits, dancing is a powerful means of connecting on a more intimate level.
We have enjoyed going swing dancing. Not country swing dancing, but the popular swing dancing from the 1930s and 1940s. I did struggle with my two left feet and stiff as a board.
So dust off those dancing shoes and get out on the dance floor.
7- Scavenger Hunt
Embark on a thrilling Scavenger Hunt Date, where you will turn your ordinary evening into an adventure. Whether you plan a personalized hunt for your partner or opt for one organized online, this is one you will talk about forever.
Let me explain how this works. On a special Valentine’s night, I orchestrated a scavenger hunt for my wife, enlisting the help of family. The adventure unfolded across Salt Lake City, as my wife and her team embarked on a four-hour quest to uncover hidden treasures and surprises. Each clue led them to a different location, adding an extra layer of gifts along the journey.
The scavenger hunt wasn’t just about finding physical items; it was about taking photos with strangers, quirky clues at the local kitchen store that lead to an ice cream machine as a gift, to charming boutiques with hidden notes, the hunt unfolded like a love story across familiar places for the two of us.
The scavenger hunt culminated at our favorite restaurant, where my wife and her team met up with the rest of us that were staying ahead of them doing all the drops and leaving the notes. We turned a simple date night into a cherished memory.
Incorporating a scavenger hunt into your date night not only adds an element of surprise but it is a lot of fun.
8- Candle Making
Get creative and romantic with a candle making class. Imagine creating your very own candles, tailored to your preferences and infused with your favorite scents. One of the best parts of candle making is the ability to handpick your favorite scents, allowing you to curate a fragrance that resonates with both you and your partner.
Whether it’s the calming notes of lavender, the warm embrace of vanilla, or the refreshing scent of citrus, the choices are endless. This helps the candle-making process feel unique and a personalized adventure.
9- Axe Throwing
If you’re looking for something unique and a little different, axe-throwing makes for an awesome date night. It’s the kind of activity that lets you loosen up, let off steam, and add a little friendly competition to the mix.
We gave it a try one night, and while I was all in from the start, my wife found it a bit tricky at first. But once she got the hang of it, the night turned into nothing but fun—especially since we had friends along with us. It’s not the cheapest date night out there, but the experience is worth it being together.
10– Take a Road Trip
One of my favorite date ideas is a good old-fashioned road trip. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a quick trip to a nearby town, getting out on the road together is a fantastic way to make memories and discover new places.
We usually dedicate an entire Saturday to these trips. Early in the morning, we set our sights on a city between 1–3 hours away and see where the day takes us. One of our most memorable trips was to Dahlonega, Georgia—a charming Christmas town featured in a few Hallmark movies and consistently ranked among the top Christmas destinations in the country. We spent the day enjoying lunch, shopping along the town square, and soaking up the holiday atmosphere.
No matter where your road takes you, don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks and a playlist of your favorite tunes. Stop along the way if something catches your eye—the journey is just as important as the destination.
If you’re looking for help planning your trip, I’ve been using Roadtrippers for over five years. It’s perfect for finding hidden gems along your route, and you can get $5 off your subscription with the promo code: BTR5QTP.
I hope these tips help you plan your next date night!
Remember, the most important thing is to choose an activity that you and your partner will both enjoy. So get creative, have fun, and make some lasting memories together!
