You know that distinct feeling of satisfaction when something hits just right? It could be a meal you’ve been craving for weeks or that first sip of your favorite ice cold beverage on a scorching day. Maybe it’s a song that resonates deeply at a specific moment, or time spent with a friend that soothes your soul. Or maybe it’s the perfect date with your spouse – one that matches your vibe or mood perfectly and leaves you feeling energized, happy, and connected. It’s not always easy figuring out exactly what kind of date is going to check all those boxes. It’s especially difficult if you tend to stick to your usual date night routine. With that in mind, we’ve put together the ultimate list of date ideas, categorized by vibe/mood, to help you and your spouse enjoy a date that hits just right every time.
High energy, adventurous, or up for a challenge
Whether you’re always up for anything or you’re craving some novelty and fun, trying something new together is a great way to get the endorphins flowing – similar to the rush you felt in your early days of dating. Consider physically energetic activities as well as ones that are mentally stimulating or that are new to both of you.
1. Try an escape room.
2. Attend a fitness or martial arts class.
3. Take turns planning a surprise date for each other. (Keep it a secret until the last minute!)
4. Try a coin flip date. Use a coin toss to make all your date decisions – where you’ll go, what you’ll do, etc.
5. Hit up a trivia night.
6. Go to a batting cage or a driving range.
7. Have some fun at an arcade.
8. Go dancing – or have a dance party in your living room.
9. Take a hike or a jog together if that’s your thing – or any other physical activity you both enjoy.
10. Go bowling, head to the amusement park, or race go-karts.
Chill and Low-key
Sometimes, you just want to relax – while also spending quality time with your spouse. Of course, there’s always the option of sinking into the couch and zoning out to a show, but there are other options that allow you to lay low while spending intentional time together.
11. Play board games or cards at home or venture out to a local brewery.
12. Cook a special meal or bake a sweet treat at home. Try a new recipe and really savor the experience.
13. Listen to a podcast together – in the car, your backyard, or cuddling in bed. Discuss it afterwards.
14. Have a movie night at home, but make it special with your own movie theater snacks.
15. Watch a sunrise, sunset, or go stargazing.
16. Get a couples’ massage.
17. Have a picnic – whether it’s in your backyard, at a park, or in your bedroom.
18. Do a puzzle – you’d be surprised at how the conversation flows as you’re hunched over the pieces.
19. Enjoy a beach day. Bring a picnic or your favorite portable board game.
20. Explore a new town or neighborhood. Take a short drive or road trip to find some hidden gems for future dates.
Romantic or sentimental
When this mood strikes, take advantage of it. It’s a great opportunity to create some meaningful moments with each other and deepen your connection. Shoot for activities that allow you to focus on each other and your relationship.
21. Enjoy a leisurely dinner, and savor each other’s company. This one is a classic for a reason.
22. Dig out the old photos or your wedding album, and take a walk down memory lane.
23. Use a tool like the Discussion Guide for Couples to frame meaningful conversations about areas of your relationship.
24. Recreate your first date. Go to the same location or somewhere similar, and reminisce about the details.
25. Make a nostalgic meal from your childhood and talk about the memories it stirs up.
26. Leading up to a date, write down your favorite things about each other, then swap notebooks and share your thoughts.
Social, chatty, or festive
Maybe you were cooped up all day working solo, you have lots to share with your spouse after a hectic day apart, or you’re in the mood to get out and socialize. Seek out lively options that allow ample time for the conversation to flow.
27. Call up your couple friends for a double or group date.
28. Hit up a festival – whether it’s cultural, musical, food, historical, or even the quirky type only celebrated in your town.
29. Check out your state or county fair – ride the ferris wheel and enjoy your favorite treats.
30. Attend a baseball game. Get outside while enjoying ballgame snacks and each other’s company.
31. Go to a concert – plan ahead and treat yourselves to tickets to a favorite band, or be spontaneous and check out smaller acts.
32. Celebrate with a seasonal holiday party or activity – a costume party for Halloween or check out the lights around the holidays.
33. Organize a neighborhood progressive dinner – walk to a different house for each course of the meal and enjoy socializing with your neighbors.
Productive, curious, or inquisitive
Feeling a surge of motivation, in the mood to learn, or want to experience something new? Look for ways to learn together or complete a task as a team.
34. Give an in-depth lesson. Take turns teaching each other about one of your favorite subjects or hobbies.
35. Do a project together, such as a small DIY or home improvement project.
36. Go shopping. Pick the type of shopping you enjoy, whether it’s window shopping, combing the racks at the thrift store, drooling over sweet treats at a bakery, or browsing a bookstore. You can treat yourselves or not even spend a dime.
37. Tackle an item on your to-do list. Run those errands that are spread out all across town, declutter the storage room, or detail the car. Even the most mundane of chores can be fun if it means hanging out with your spouse.
38. Take a class – whether it’s cooking, dancing, wine tasting, or photography.
39. Visit a museum, gallery, or even the zoo!
40. Volunteer together. Giving your time and talent to a cause you both believe in can bring you closer and help you find gratitude in your day to day lives.
What is/was your favorite date that hits just right? Let us know in the comments!
This s a wonderful list. Please consider making it printable so we and other may use as a check list.