Our relationships bring so much meaning and joy to our days, but they can also be the first thing we neglect when life gets in the way.
20 Unconventional Date Ideas You and Your Partner Will Love
A dinner and a movie are typically what we all think of when we think of date night , but sometimes you need to spice things up. Especially among younger generations, there is a general interest in more excitement and cultural curiosity, so doing things like going to a unique art gallery , learning a new skill, or exploring nature on horseback are more appealing than going to a movie every Saturday night.
Whether you’re in need of first date ideas or are just looking for creative options to keep the fun times rolling, we’ve covered 20 unconventional date ideas below that you and your significant other will have a blast trying.
1) Have a Painting Night Together
Want to tap into creativity for your next date night ? Have a paint night with your significant other from the comfort of your own home with Painting to Gogh. You can order painting kits that include all the supplies needed for each of you to paint a beautiful work of art, as well as a video tutorial from a professional artist. A paint night can be perfect for a birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s day , or any night you want to make a bit more fun! Even more, Painting to Gogh has over 80 paintings to choose from, including Van Gogh’s famous Starry Night. Learn more about our date night paint kits.
If you and your special someone love scavenger hunts and challenging puzzles, you may want to go to an escape room for your next date. Not only is solving an interactive puzzle in an escape room fun, but it also pushes you and your partner to work as a team and build solid communication skills.
Another great thing about escape rooms is that there are usually many different types of challenges involved, like puzzles including text and numbers, physical puzzles, light- and sound-related puzzles, hidden objects, and logic games. There is truly something for everybody.
3) Show Off Your Climbing Skills at a Rock Climbing Wall
Looking for a fun date night that also includes a physical challenge? Going to your local rock climbing gym could be perfect — or if you’re in a mountainous area, you could even rock climb outdoors. Even if you are on one of your first dates, rock climbing can be a great way to keep busy for several hours, as well as avoid any awkward lulls in conversation (if it’s your first or second date ).
And don’t think this date idea is only for the experienced climbers. Rock climbing is accessible to anyone regardless of skill level, and most rock climbing facilities have sections for climbers of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
Creative date ideas:
Enjoy a film with added romance. Somerset House annually hosts classic film screenings in the courtyard in summertime, and Rooftop Cinema Club and Backyard Cinema are just a few of the outdoor screening events that have taken over UK cities in recent years. Take a picnic, enjoy the glistening sunshine and watch one of your old favourites on the big screen.
Wait, bear with us. Places like the Bloomsbury Bowl in London are where all the cool kids bowl these days, with a hip cocktail bar and retro diner inside, it’s the perfect spot for date night.
Luxe dinner in the city
Is there anything better than a fancy dinner in the city? Sparrow Italia, one Mayfair’s newest hot spots, is a must-try for delicious modern Italian cuisine. The Aqua Shard or Duck and Waffle offer some of the best views in London for an extra-special date night. Our guide to the best London restaurant vouchers has got you covered if you need gifting inspiration, too.
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Stargazing
Discover the endless beauty of our wonderful night sky and solar system with stargazing at one of the National Trust locations. The Emmett’s Gardens in Kent reveal an array of stars and meteor showers painting one of the most romantic settings for a date.
Whether it is Monopoly, Scrabble or Cluedo, spending the night trying to break out of jail or forming words better than Shakespeare generates an all round fun date night. If staying in is not appealing try Draughts: London’s first board game café in East London and let your inner geek side out. Or, head to Chance Encounters, in Bristol, Cardiff and Birmingham.
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Set up a romantic picnic.
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“Take your date someplace special for a picnic. This could be the park or on top of a building—anywhere with an amazing view,” suggests Christopher Ryan Jones, Psy.D., psychologist and sex therapist, member of the American Psychological Association (APA), and host of the podcast Sex Therapy. “Impress them even more by showing them the thought you put into the picnic details!” If you can’t find a babysitter, you can set up a romantic picnic in the backyard.
Have a stay-in date night.
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If you’re stuck at home with the kids, try getting creative after they go to bed. “Schedule for a late-night dinner where you order in from your favorite restaurant. Afterward, watch a movie or play a game together,” Jefferson says.
And go on a virtual date.
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Because travel may not be in your summer plans due to the coronavirus pandemic, bring the beach to you with a Zoom date. “Create Zoom virtual backgrounds and go on a virtual date,” says Marina Edelman, M.A., L.M.FT. “Through the magic of technology, you can have wine in Santorini or s’mores at the beach.” This date night idea works well for long-stance couples!
