Date night ideas

Date Night Ideas for Couples + Free Date Night Planner Printable

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You’re busy. He’s busy. Even the kids have full social calendars! How do you have time to think of date night ideas, much less go on regular dates with your spouse? And how do you keep the intimacy and connection with your spouse, even after years of marriage?

Date night ideas for couples. Free and cheap date night ideas.

For the ultimate date night planner and relationship journal, check out Our Love Story Journal because research by the Gottman Institute shows that many marriages end due to loss of intimacy and connection.

Regular date nights can also help maintain the intimacy and connection that every marriage requires.

With a busy schedule and a budget, many couples assume that date nights will be too costly, time-consuming, or too exhausting to even bother.

But planning (and going on) a date night doesn’t have to be complicated. These monthly date night ideas are simple, budget-friendly or free, and don’t take much time. Best of all? They’ll help you feel closer and more connected to your spouse.

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Monthly Date Ideas

Eat dessert first

Instead of going out for an expensive dinner and a movie, visit a local ice cream shop, bakery, or candy maker and split a dessert. Many ice cream shops let you sample flavors before you buy, so try a few to find the best combination.

Try DIY tapas

If you have a tapas bar near you, order a couple appetizers to split for an inexpensive meal.

If you’d rather stay home (or didn’t plan ahead), have a DIY tapas bar after the kids go to bed. If you have Amazon Now available in your area, order a bottle of wine and a variety of appetizers. Then light some candles and plan a relaxing evening!

Roam around Home Depot

Window shop for your home and dream! One of my friends is remodeling her house and goes on regular “Home Depot dates” with her husband.

But even if you’re not working on a project around your house, take some time to window shop. If you live in a cold or rainy region, visit a large box store.

Do a team-building activity

Ever wonder why the couples on The Bachelor seem to fall in love so quickly? Studies show that new or strenuous activity can bring couples closer together. Try an escape room (this would make a great date night idea with a few other couples) or another challenging activity to make you feel closer to your spouse.

Plan a day date

While the kids are in practice (or school) plan a “day date” and escape the house for an hour. Take advantage of cheaper lunch prices and matinee movie tickets if you want a budget-friendly version of the traditional “dinner and movie” date.

Free Date Night Ideas

Go stargazing

Put the kids to bed and step outside for a romantic evening under the stars. If it’s cold or bad weather, check out a local planetarium. Many college campuses have reasonable prices or even free events.

Have a picnic

Pack a lunch of small dinner and head to a park, local beach, or nature preserve. Before you go, check your town’s event calendar for free events.

Go for a walk

Get outside and get active! Walking is a great way to get exercise while still being able to carry a conversation.

Have a fancy dinner at home

Similar to the DIY tapas, plan a romantic dinner at home. Add candles and soft music to set the mood! Make your spouse’s favorite dish, or check out this simple fettuccine alfredo recipe.

More Date Night Ideas

  1. Have a picnic at the beach or on a lake
  2. Watch the sunset together
  3. Make dessert together
  4. Have a movie marathon at home
  5. Take a scenic drive
  6. Visit a museum or art gallery
  7. Have a game night
  8. Go for a hike
  9. Have a DIY spa night at home
  10. Sit on the porch and imagine your future together
  11. Have a karaoke night
  12. Visit a local farmer’s market
  13. Take a dance class together
  14. Explore a new neighborhood
  15. Have a photo scavenger hunt
  16. Visit a botanical garden
  17. Volunteer together
  18. Have a bonfire and make s’mores
  19. Visit a local brewery or winery
  20. Go to a free community event or concert
  21. Have a themed dinner night
  22. Visit a nearby beach or lake
  23. Do a DIY home improvement project together
  24. Take a bike ride
  25. Explore a nearby town or city

Date Night Bucket List

The only way to guarantee regular date nights and actually stick to it is to plan ahead.

Download this free printable date night planner to plan monthly date nights and create your own date night bucket list of activities to do with your spouse.

PIN IT FOR LATER:

Free and cheap date night ideas for couples

 

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One Comment

  1. Thanks for the date night ideas. My cousin has been struggling with planning outings with her boyfriend. Maybe they can look online to find out the upcoming events in their area to see if there are any they are interested in.

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