Spice It Up: Exciting Date Night Ideas Beyond Dinner and a Movie

What are the worst possible date night ideas? Meeting the family on a first date would be a nightmare. I need at least a few months to prep. Likewise, I’m also not a fan of hiking or being a plus-one at a wedding. But these are dream dates for a lot of people.

My point? Planning dates is tough. There are many date night ideas to explore, yet many people settle for dinner and a movie—because planning a date is hard!

If this is a favorite, I don’t blame you. I like dinner and a movie—the movie comes first, so we have something to talk about during dinner. Or dinner and a movie so we spend time together without having to talk as much.

It’s simple and fun. But it can get a little boring if you do this every single time.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a long-term partner or someone you meet for the first time. The same date setup is how you bore yourself out of a relationship or the dating scene.

You want you and your partner to have a good time. It’s time to add a little spice. Post-COVID, in the age of AI, and with the world smaller than ever, the ideas are endless! Keep reading to see how a Zoom call could be one of the most memorable dates of your life. 

Top 10 Date Night Ideas

Explore a Food Festival

The idea is not to avoid food; it’s to make your date a little more interesting. Admittedly, this is one of those date night ideas you’re going to have to wait a while to do. But you could always look up nearby food festivals and visit.

It’s nothing like sitting in your usual restaurant. There’s no sitting, just a long street of potential. You get to explore new flavors and may even discover your new favorite restaurant. 

Bar Crawl

Committing to hanging out in one bar can be too much pressure. I’ve had nights cut short and ruined because the music was not my vibe. But when you decide to do a crawl, there’s a lot more potential for enjoying yourself.

You can sample various drinks along the way, experience different themes, and have one of those unforgettable nights that you barely remember. If you have been together long, this would be perfect for reliving your younger days. 

Rooftop Chill

Sometimes, you need to hang out at home without being in the house. If this is the kind of night you want, take a pack of beers, rechargeable lights, and foldable chairs and head up to the rooftop. If not, use your balcony, backyard, porch, or any other space near your house.

Set it up with some music and watch the stars. There is something peaceful about the setup that allows you to have deep conversations with your loved one. 

Kayaking

If you are feeling adventurous, consider kayaking. You have to be an adventurous spirit because kayaking is a great way to get an adrenaline rush.

Besides the rushing waters and the opportunity to scream your lungs out, you can also learn how to team up and get through the rapids. It’s one of the best summer date night ideas for people who love the outdoors. 

AI Mystery Generator

Now, this has been one of my favorite things to do ever since I got access to AI. I type up a prompt asking AI to generate a mystery for me to solve with a few clues.

If the two of you can’t get enough of murder mystery movies, then this could keep you busy all night. The best part is that you don’t have to be in the same room. Get on an online call and crack the case together! 

Books and Bites

Books are a great way to bond on a date without the pressure of deciding what to talk about. My favorite concept is breakfast at a quiet cafe with a book. Then spend the last half hour of the date talking about your books.

No pressure, just nerding out about your favorite book with your favorite person. And it doesn’t have to be over breakfast; you could be in bed with some snacks or at a restaurant. 

Go To A Winery or Brewery

If you are looking for a vintage vibe with the potential to be tipsy, consider visiting a local or nearby winery for wine tasting and/or making. Or, if you love beers, switch it up to visit a craft brewery. It could be a fun learning experience for the two of you. And if it’s not, at least you can access great wine or brews! 

VR Gaming or Exploration

When you are in a long-distance relationship, finding creative ways to spend time with your partner can be even more difficult. The best I ever experienced was video calling all day while we worked. It was fun, but there are many more fun things to do now.

Take the VR experience. You could do just about anything, from a virtual escape room to exploring themed places. Just plan ahead to ensure you both have access to the equipment. 

Karaoke Night

Even if you can’t carry a tune, there’s something peaceful about singing your heart out. And there is no better way to embarrass yourself while having the most fun than with duets!

You can sing the classics, make a few people laugh, and experience your favorite love songs together. Even better, turn it into a karaoke crawl– be a hit in every bar willing to play that one song you can sing by heart. 

Day Trip

Finally, consider taking a little adventure out of the city to somewhere you’ve never been before. Planning a trip does not have to be complicated, especially a day trip.

Don’t wait for the right time; just take a scenic evening drive to the next city, find somewhere to sit or drink, and enjoy not being local for once. Take pictures, then come back home with memories. 

Be Daring with Your Date Night Ideas

In conclusion, I love the classic dinner and movie date, but trying new ideas is way more fun. The dinner and movie aren’t going anywhere, so consider trying something new to breathe fresh life into your romantic life.

Embrace the adventure and creativity in planning your dates. If you try something that doesn’t work out, just try again. Whether with a long-term partner or a new acquaintance, date night ideas should be unique and enjoyable.

So, step out of your comfort zone, try something new, and make your date nights unforgettable.