Anyone who’s ever been in a relationship knows that coming up with fun date ideas can be tough. Because let’s be honest, sometimes Netflix and chill just doesn’t cut it.
Spending time with your partner is a central component of maintaining a healthy relationship, but it doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming to be enjoyable. 1 And while day-to-day and familiar activities can provide temporary benefits to your relationship, it’s important to mix things up every once in a while to keep the spark alive. 2
Engaging in fun and novel activities together can increase self-expanding - or your ability to grow and learn new things - which can result in greater relationship satisfaction and closeness. 3 4 So if you’re looking for some fun things to do with your partner, look no further! This blog post will provide you with different and unique date ideas that are sure to bring the fun.
19 couple activities to bring you closer together
Positive close relationships are a fundamental human need. 5 And they can be the key to happiness and good health—in fact, research shows that strong social ties can decrease mortality rates, even among people with medical conditions!
For instance, in one study among individuals diagnosed with coronary artery disease, those who were socially isolated had a 2.4-fold increased risk of cardiac death compared to those with strong social relationships. 6
To maintain these close relationships and reap their benefits, putting in quality time is essential. 7 And while viewing shared leisure activities as “bonus activity,” there is growing evidence that recreation is important for relationship health and satisfaction. 8
So, if you’re looking to improve your relationship, consider adding some of these fun activities into your routine as relationship rituals.
1. Plan a drive-in movie night
Drive-in movie theaters are making a comeback, and they’re a perfect activity for couples! Viewing movies can be a fun and easy way to spend time together while stimulating creative brain activity, but it’s even better when you can do it from the comfort of your own car. 9
Make some popcorn, snuggle up in the backseat of your car, and enjoy a classic film together. You can even make it a regular event by planning to go every week or month.
2. Attend a dance class
Dance has long been touted as a great way to exercise and improve your well-being! 10 Moreover, it can be a fun and unique activity for couples. If you’re not the best dancer, don’t worry!
Most dance classes welcome all levels, and the goal is to have fun while learning something new together. This activity can help increase trust, communication, and physical closeness between you and your partner. 11
3. Try fruit picking
Fruit picking is a great activity for couples because it’s fun, outdoorsy, and can even be a little romantic. And if you’re lucky, you might even get to take home some fresh fruit at the end!
This activity is perfect for couples who enjoy being active and spending time outdoors. It’s also a great opportunity to try something new and explore different fruits and vegetables that you might not have tried before.
4. Go wine tasting
There is undoubtedly a large deal of psychology behind wine tasting. 12 A neurologist once said that drinking wine “engages more of our brain than any other human behavior.”13
Wine tasting can be a fun and educational experience for couples. It’s a great way to learn about different wines and explore the complexities of each one. Plus, it’s a perfect excuse to drink wine!
5. Take a cooking class
Cooking is another activity that can be both fun and educational for couples. It’s a great way to learn new recipes and cooking techniques while spending time together. Food also has the capacity to enhance positive emotions through associations of contexts, colors, tastes, and smells. 14
So not only will you get to enjoy a delicious meal at the end of the class, but you’ll also get to create positive memories and associations with the food that you cook.
And if you’re not the best cook, don’t worry! There are plenty of beginner-friendly classes available. Offering food to your significant other can also be seen as a gesture of love and care, so it’s a win-win! 15
6. Attend a trivia night
Trivia nights are a great way to test your knowledge, have some fun, and even win prizes! They’re also a perfect activity for couples because you can work together as a team to answer the questions.
Trivia nights are usually held at bars or restaurants, so you can also enjoy some food and drinks while you play. And if you’re not the competitive type, don’t worry – you can just sit back and enjoy the show. Either way
7. Go on a bike ride
We all know that cycling boasts a plethora of health benefits, but did you know it can also be a fun activity for couples? 16 Bike rides are a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while spending time together.
If you and your partner are competitive, you can make it a race. Or if you’re more into the leisurely side of things, you can take your time and enjoy the scenery. But just make sure you have a good map so you don’t get lost!
8. Take a pottery class
Pottery is another activity that can be both fun and relaxing. It’s been linked with enhanced self-worth and identity and focusing on positive life experiences, which makes it a great activity for couples. 17
In a pottery class, you’ll get to spend time working with your hands and creating something together. And at the end, you’ll have a beautiful piece of pottery to take home and cherish.
If you’ve ever watched that infamous pottery scene in Ghost, then you know that pottery can also be quite romantic. So if you’re looking for a unique and intimate activity, pottery might be the perfect choice.
9. Visit a farmers market
Farmers markets are a great place to find fresh, local, and seasonal produce. They’re also a great opportunity to support small businesses and farmers in your community.
And of course, visiting a farmers market is a great way to spend some quality time with your significant other. You can stroll through the market, sample some food, and chat with the vendors.
Plus, you’ll get the added bonus of knowing that you’re eating healthy and supporting your local community. What’s not to love?
10. Plan a scavenger hunt
Scavenger hunts are a great way to have some fun and explore your city. They’re also a perfect activity for couples because you can work together to solve the clues.
You can make the scavenger hunt as simple or complex as you want. You can hide clues around your house or neighborhood, or you can even make it a city-wide scavenger hunt.
Just make sure you include some fun prizes for the winner!
11. Book a dinner cruise
If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can always book a dinner cruise. This is a great way to get dressed up, enjoy some delicious food, and see your city from a new perspective.
Dinner cruises usually include live music or entertainment, so you can also dance the night away with your significant other. And of course, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful views of your cityscape.
12. Go on a hot air balloon ride
For a truly unique experience, you can always go on a hot air balloon ride. This is a great way to see your city from above and enjoy some quality time with your partner.
Of course, because this is a bit of a thrill ride, it’s not for everyone. But if you and your partner are adventurous, this could be the perfect activity for you.
13. Visit a museum
Viewing art is a fantastic way to spend some quality time together, and it has also been proven to buffer stress levels. 18 So if you and your partner are feeling a bit overwhelmed, why not visit your local museum?
You can stroll through the galleries, discuss the artwork, and learn something new together. And if you get hungry, most museums have cafes where you can grab a bite.
14. See your favorite band live
Live music is one of the great joys in life, and music lovers often cite concerts as some of their most memorable experiences. 19 So if you and your partner are fans of a certain band, why not get tickets to see them live?
You can sing and dance along to your favorite songs, and you’ll also get to create some new memories together. Just make sure you get there early to snag a good spot!
15. Watch a romantic movie at home
Sometimes, the simplest activities are the best. If you’re looking for a low-key activity, you can always snuggle up on the couch and watch a romantic movie together.
This is a great way to relax and enjoy some quality time with your partner. And if you get hungry, you can always order some takeout.
16. Take a bubble bath together
There’s nothing quite as relaxing as a warm bubble bath. So if you and your partner are in need of some stress relief, why not take a bubble bath together?
You can add some soothing aromatherapy, light some candles, and listen to calm music. This is a great way to unwind and connect with your partner.
17. Plan an amusement park date
For a fun-filled activity, you can always go on an amusement park date. This is a great way to get your adrenaline pumping and have some laughs together.
Just make sure you go on the rides that your partner is comfortable with. And of course, don’t forget to eat some cotton candy!
18. Get a couples massage
One of the oldest forms of healthcare which is known to have many physical and mental health benefits is massage. 20 And couples massage isn’t only a great way to enjoy those benefits with your partner, it can also help you bond and feel closer to them. 21
You can relax and de-stress together, and you’ll also get to enjoy some quality time with your partner. You’ll definitely want to book a couples massage the next time you’re feeling stressed!
19. Have a picnic in the park
For a classic date activity, you can always have a picnic in the park. This is a great way to enjoy some quality time together while surrounded by nature.
Pack some sandwiches, some fruit, and a blanket, and you’re all set. Choose a park that’s close to your home so you can easily walk there.
There are so many fun activities that couples can do together. From dancing to amusement parks, there’s something for everyone. So get out there and start exploring with your partner!
Frequently asked questions about couple activities
1. What activities should couples do together?
Couples can do any number of activities together, depending on their interests. Some popular activities include going on a hot air balloon ride, visiting a museum, seeing a band live, or taking a bubble bath together.
Of course, you can also have fun while doing mundane, everyday activities like grocery shopping or cooking dinner together. It’s all about spending time with your partner and enjoying each other’s company.
Spending time together doesn’t have to be expensive, either. You can have a great time simply by walking in the park, picnicking in your backyard, or taking on some couple projects.
2. What can bored couples do?
There are endless possibilities for bored couples! Some fun ideas include taking a dance class together, going on a hike, playing tourist, and exploring your own city or town.
The mere fact that you’re trying out something new together will help to spice up your relationship and create some lasting memories. 22 You can try out a new restaurant, go ice skating, or even learn how to play golf.
The possibilities are endless! Just make sure you’re both on board with whatever activity you choose.
3. What is the most romantic activity?
The answer to this question can vary from person to person. Some people might find a candlelit dinner to be the most romantic, while others might prefer something more active, like going for a hike or exploring a new city.
A popular piece of advice you might often hear is to plan a date night, yet not all date nights are created equal. 23 If you want your date night to be truly romantic, it’s important to put some thought into it and plan something that will be special and memorable for both of you.
One romantic activity that is always a hit is taking a couples massage class together. This is a great way to relax and connect with your partner. 21 Plus, you’ll get to learn a new skill that you can use to pamper each other at home!
No matter what you consider to be romantic, the most important thing is that you’re doing something that you typically don’t do, and that you’re both enjoying yourselves. So get out there and have some fun! 24
4. What are cute things couples do?
There are many cute things couples can do together, such as taking a dance class, going on a picnic, or cooking dinner together. Of course, this can change from person to person, as some couples might prefer more active activities while others might prefer something more relaxed.
One of the cutest things you can do as a couple is simply spending time together. This can be done by taking walks, cuddling on the couch, or watching your favorite TV show together.
Regardless of what you consider to be cute, the most important thing is that you and your partner are having fun and trying out new things together. 25 So get out there and start exploring!
- Boundaries in Dating: How Healthy Choices Grow Healthy Relationships
- Love in Every Season: Understanding the Four Stages of Every Healthy Relationship
- Love More, Fight Less: Communication Skills Every Couple Needs: A Relationship Workbook for Couples
- Infidelity Recovery Workbook for Couples: Tools and Exercises to Rebuild Your Relationship
- Healthy Me, Healthy Us: Your Relationships Are Only as Strong as You Are
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David Hall
David Hall is a self-taught dating expert who works as a freelance writer to help people improve their love lives. He has always been interested in dating, physical attraction, and …
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