Keep Things Interesting
Whether it's the first, fifth, or 300th date, dinner and a movie doesn’t always cut it. There are countless ways to get to know someone or bring some excitement back to your weekly date nights, if you know where to look. Don’t spend hours scrolling TikTok for ideas, and pick something off this list instead.
1. Axe Throwing
If you’re both into being active or just like weapons, axe-throwing is the place to be. It’s a great way to ease the tension of a first date, and you can both laugh at how bad you are at throwing large metal axes. Alternatively, if your potential partner is really good at throwing axes, it’s a good opportunity to learn more about their secret and interesting past.
2. Escape Room
There’s nothing like being trapped in a room with someone, especially when you have to work together to find your way out. For first dates, you can gauge how well you communicate with one another, while in longer relationships can think of it as a metaphor for the highs and lows of marriage.
3. Laser Tag
What’s more fun than a little competition? A laser tag date can help you work up a sweat, and can make for a great conversation piece after the battle is over. For those of you in years-long relationships, it can also feel good to chase your partner around for a little bit.
4. Make-Your-Own Scavenger Hunt
This is a great date option because it's so pallitable. You can come up with a photo scavenger hunt for your city or even your local big box store, find clothes for the other person to wear on your next date, or try and find the weirdest things at a flea market. The world is your oyster!
5. Ice Skating / Rollerblading
These dates aren’t unconventional, but they can be quite humorous if neither of you has ever skated or bladed before. Plus, it provides opportunities for some prolonged hand-holding.
6. Rage Room
Maybe you’re mad at the world, or maybe you’re mad at each other; either way, this date idea will help you let off some steam. You can release any built-up tension you may have, and it is a great way to see your partner in a more emotionally vulnerable state.
7. Paint Each Other
Whether it’s funny or foreplay, this unique home date idea lets you have some intimate touchy time together. While the act itself is quite the tactile experience, don’t be surprised if your partner draws something vulgar on your back. It’s also probably not the best first date idea, but hey, we don’t control your life.
8. Rock Climbing
Who doesn’t want to strap into approximately 82 harnesses and scale a wall? This date is for our more active folks, but can also be a great new thing to try for more established couples. Bonus points if you do a traditional partner climb, as it makes for a great trust exercise.
9. Double Feature
This sounds like a boring date, but we promise it isn’t. Each of you brings a movie to the table and forces the other person to watch it. Maybe you pick a movie that the other person hates, or you both bring movies that are unequivocally bad. Either way, your standard movie date night can be jazzed up.
10. Pottery
Whether making or painting or both, pottery is a great time to get creative while still being able to chat with each other. You could also make something for each other, like a custom mug or plate, so your partner will always think of you while they’re eating.
11. Reading Date
If you’re both needing a little peace and quiet, there’s nothing wrong with spending quality time together sans the conversation. Alternatively, you could go to a bookstore and pick out a book you think the other person would like, or you could read your books to each other.
12. Hot Air Balloon Ride
It seems like nobody wants to go up in the air these days, although that’s likely due to the price. This costly date could be for a special occasion, or if you both need the adrenaline of being in an open basket a couple of hundred feet in the air.
Hassan Luxor Hot air balloon on Unsplash
13. Mini Roadtrip
Maybe you want to try a restaurant that’s over an hour away, or you simply want to drive around and chat for a few hours; either way, you can make an evening out of it. Bonus points if you get lost and end up at a random 24-hour diner at 11:30 pm.
14. Make Pretend
This is a great and relatively harmless way to have a little bit of fun. Pretend to propose at a restaurant, or schedule your reservation as an anniversary dinner, and you may just get a free dessert out of it. Alternatively, you could schedule an appointment with a marriage counsellor and make up a bunch of fake problems, or you could go stage an Oscar-worthy argument in the display section at IKEA.
15. A Long Walk
Let’s be clear: this walk is not cyclical. The point is to go as far as you can for as long as you can without turning around. You’ll have ample time to chat, as well as take in the sights of your city. Once you’re fully exhausted, grab a car or another form of transit back home.
16. Be A Little Rebellious
Carve your initials into a tree, graffiti something silly down an alley, sneak into a pool area, crash a wedding; truly, the options are endless. Engaging in a little mischief is not only a fun way to pass the time, but can also be an exploration of your wilder sides.
17. Dinner-Hop
We’re not talking about your regular dinner here. Start at one spot for drinks, go to another for appetizers, another for entrées, and another for desserts. You’ll be able to spend a few hours together and likely find your new favorite place or two in the process.
18. Karaoke / Dance Party
Karaoke isn’t unconventional, but you can make it a little more creative if you prefer to do so. Make your apartment look like a club or karaoke bar, and have a private little party for two.
fernandozhiminaicela on Pixabay
19. Visit A Fortune Teller
Why not bond over your fears of the future? You can ask those nagging questions about yourself, your life, and even the future of your relationship if you’re feeling particularly brave. Afterwards, you can discuss your potential future together, if all goes well.
20. Go To A Class
The scariest thing about trying something new is feeling like you’re not going to succeed, but it’s easier when there are two of you. Try a new sport or style of dance, go to a cooking class, or otherwise engage in a new creative endeavor. We promise it’ll be worth it.
