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100 Cute Date

Ideas so You Never


Get Bored Again
Dinner and a movie who? These cute date ideas
have you covered.
These days, finding creative new date ideas is harder than
ever. Whether you're commuting to work or traveling 20
steps from your bed to your makeshift desk and back again,
most of us just don't have a lot of creative juices left over
when the day is all over. Some of us have probably watched
the entirety of our Netflix queues by now and if you're like
me, your couch has a you-shaped imprint in it from all of the
quality time you're spending together. And if you've kids
learning from home or in-person (or some mix of the two)
that's a whole other level of complication.

But if you're really lucky, you've got someone who loves you
and wants to hang out with you, even if that often means
staring at the same screen for the millionth day in a row. But
because we love love, we thought we'd come up with some
alternatives, in case you'd like to give the couch some alone
time too. Some of these are social isolation-approved, others
you may have to file away for when it's safer to go out and
about in crowded places again. Fortunately, we've got enough
options to last you a few year's worth of weekends. Here is a
somewhat comprehensive list of our favourite date ideas, for
every kind of couple.

1. Try a new restaurant.

If you've got the menu just about memorized at your


favourite feed bag, check out someplace new.
Pretend you're restaurant critics and pick apart the
food — not your partner, for a change.

2. Play tourist in your hometown.

When was the last time you took advantage of the


things everyone always wants to see when they visit?
Probably the last time you had out-of-town guests,
that's when. Take an afternoon or an evening and hit
up your local landmarks or must-see attractions and
fall in love with your locale all over again.
Want to know the secrets of making a
person fall in love with you?
3. Make a fun new recipe.

Even if you're not much of a cook, trying out a new


dish can result in lots of laughs. Not to mention, you
get to eat the fruits of your labour.

4. Go on a picnic.

If it's nice outside, there's nothing more romantic


than packing up some al fresco food and bev,
spreading it on a blanket, and enjoying the great
outdoors. If it's not, do the same in your living room.

5. Take a hike

. Something about getting your blood pumping while


exploring nature really gets the heart going in other
ways, if you know what we mean.

6. Hit the beach.

Sun, sand, surf, and lots of skin. Come up with a


better afternoon. We dare you.

7. Go skiing.

Not beach weather? Hit the slopes instead. If you


don't get hot cocoa afterward, it didn't count.

8. Play a board game

. Drag out the classics or try a brand new one, for a


healthy dose of competition.

9. Throw a casino night.


If they call you Lady Luck, see if your partner can
roll snake eyes and win your heart. That, or play
cards with that week's chore list on the line.

10. Build a campfire.

Ignite the flames of passion in a Smoky-approved way


by gathering around a campfire in your backyard. If
your municipality doesn't allow fires, huddle by the
fireplace instead or even make s'mores in the
microwave.

11. Have a spa night.

Hit up the drugstore for face masks, mani-pedi


supplies, and massage oil for a DIY pampering sash
that will improve your bond and your skin.

12. Take a day trip.

Hop in your car and see where a tank of gas can get
you. Even checking out the next town over can feel
like an adventure, especially when you're doing it
with your favourite person.

13. Go grocery shopping together

. Need eggs and bread? Turn a boring chore into a


fun couple activity. Split your list in half and race to
see who can finish it first, or just wander the aisles
hand-in-hand.

14. Learn a new skill.

You don't need to invest in a lot of fancy equipment


to try something new. Give origami, drawing, or
even card tricks a shot. You'll love bonding over how
bad you both are, at first.

15. Play hide 'n seek.


It's not just for kids anymore.

16. Look through old photos.

Pull out the photo albums and get ready for an aww-
fest. Share stories of your childhoods and your
awkward teen years to learn something new about
your sweetheart and grow to love them even more.

17. Go antique hunting.

You'll be amazed what kinds of gems you can find at


an antique store, not to mention the creepy AF
tchotchkes you'll run into.

18. Take a dance class.

Even (or especially!) if you have two left feet, taking


a dance class can make a unique date. You'll be the
talk of the dance floor at the next wedding or party
when you bust a move.

19. Volunteer together.

Sign up to serve at a soup kitchen, a book drive, or


other local initiative to make a difference in your
community and see how hot your honey looks when
helping others.

20. Visit the zoo or aquarium

. Come on, even fish are cute. Show your sensitive


side and squeak over some new fuzzy or finned
friends.

21. Read each other romance novels.

Grab some steamy reading from your local library or


used book store and take turns reading to each
other. You'll be in the mood before you can say "once
upon a time."
22. Arrange a scavenger hunt.

Bonus points if you create one that recreates your


first date and all of your special spots.

23. Explore a museum.

If you haven't been to your nearest museum since


your class field trip, it's time to make a trip.
Learning is sexy, don't you think?

24. Go out for dessert

. I don't know about you, but I'm always too full to


get dessert after a nice dinner. Skip right to the
sweets, and see what you've been missing.

25. Commandeer the jukebox at a bar

. Ensure you've got danceable tunes all night long by


taking control of the jukebox at a local watering
hole. Go ahead, sing along.

26. Make a craft together.

Creativity feels even more satisfying when you do a


project with your sweetheart. Don't worry if you're
not a pro artist, there's beauty in imperfection.

27. See a comedy show.

Laughing gets endorphins flowing, and comedy


often comes cheaper than other forms of live
entertainment. And rally bad stand up can be fun, in
its own special way.

28. Go to an open house or estate sale

. Even if you have zero plans to buy a home, looking


inside someone else's casa is the best (and least
creepy) kind of voyeurism.
29. Declutter together.

OK, chores aren't fun and nobody pretends they are.


But getting your inner Marie Kondo on is more fun
with a buddy.

30. Go berry or apple-picking.

Depending on the time of year, there's probably


something edible growing out there. Pick apples,
berries, pumpkins, whatever. It's a seasonal, Insta-
friendly outing.

31. Hold a baking competition

. Make like a pro chef and challenge your beau to


a baking contest. Once you're eating the spoils,
everyone wins.

32. Wander a new neighbourhood.

Drive or walk to a new locale and see what's around,


for a free and unique date. Pick out your favourite
houses and make up tall tales about who lives inside.

33. Go horseback riding

. It's a better workout than you expect, and an


offbeat way to get a good dose of nature.

34. Try rock-climbing.

Thanks to its newfound trendiness, many cities have


at least one climbing gym. Don't belay, chalk up
those hands (sorry, not sorry).

35. Take a cooking class.

Level up your kitchen know-how and get to enjoy a


delicious meal, all in one.
36. Try a new fancy coffee.

If you're usually a black coffee 'Bucks drinker,


branch out! Hit up a local coffees shop and try the
most unique offering they've got.

37. Fly a kite

. This is one instance in which "go fly a kite" isn't an


insult. Really, try it.

38. Stay in a bed and breakfast.

Whether you go old-school or rent an AirBnB for the


night, bed and breakfasts feel like sneaking into
someone else's house, except you're totally allowed
to be there.

39. Go to a water park

. Make like a kid again and splash to your heart's


content. Water slides really are worth the hype.

40. Play trivia at a bar.

Look, I don't know anything about anything and I


love trivia. You will too.

41. Go to a farmer's market.

Supporting local merchants, eating delicious healthy


foods, and enjoying a stroll in the sunshine – yup,
sounds like date material.

42. Try a new workout.

If you're a Spin person, drop in on a kickboxing


class. If you're usually a free weights fan, step in on
some Zumba. Giving a new class a shot is less
intimidating with a buddy, and you can even use an
app if you don't want to shell out for one.
43. Tour a brewery

. You'll learn what goes into making your favourite


suds, and there are usually samples. Win, win!

44. Browse a record store.

If you don't have a record player, support your local


bookstore instead. Or what the heck, do both.

45. Do karaoke.

Everyone's a star at karaoke, especially if you can


find the kind with private rooms. The sappier
ballads you can belt out, the better.

46. Visit the botanical gardens.

Wandering the hot houses where they keep the


exotic flowers is even better when the Mercury dips,
but looking at pretty plants makes a romantic date
anytime.

47. Put together a puzzle.

There's something so satisfying about finally


clicking that last piece into place.

48. Go bowling.

This is one instance in which you actually want to


strike out.

49. See a drive-in movie.

Many drive-ins still play double features, so you get


twice the films for your buck. Besides, it's
delightfully retro.

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50. Strap on some skates.

Whether you go the ice or roller route, skating is just


as perfect a date night as it was when you were 12.

51. Take a wine tour.

If you live near wine country, enlist a designated


driver and get your grape on. If not, buy a few
bottles of varietals you've never tried, print out some
deets from the Internet, and DIY it at home. Don't
forget the cheese.

52. See a live show.

Even terrible cover bands make a fun night out,


especially if you dance like fools the whole time.

53. Go on a double date.

Grab a couple of friends and get ready for twice the


fun. Even the most humdrum dates feel fresh with
another duo.

54. Try a dinner cruise


. A candlelit dinner on the water? I'm sorry, did
somebody say "most romantic night ever?"

55. Rent a kayak or canoe.

Your arms may get tired and your lap will definitely
get soaked, but steering a double kayak or a canoe
will give you new insight into your cooperation
skills.

56. Make your own pizza.

Yes, including the dough. Top it with all of your favs,


or challenge each other to come up with the tastiest
new combo.

57. Take a dollar menu date

. Go to a fast food restaurant and order everything


on the dollar menu for a fresh take on the classic
dinner date.

58. Visit your hometown.

Showing your main squeeze where you grew up (or


went to college if you're from the same town) is
amazingly romantic and it's sure to elicit some
mushy feelings.

59. Challenge them at an arcade.

Go a few rounds at Ms Pacman and Big Deer Hunter


for a unique night out that will bring out your
competitive side.

60. Go camping.

Snuggling under the stars is a cliche for a reason.


Pitch a tent in the backyard if you don't have a
campground nearby.
61. Plan a future date.

If you're a little short on cashola right now, crack


open a bottle of wine and spend a cozy night in
planning an extravagant future date. Romantic,
whether you actually go on it or not.

62. Throw a dinner party together.

Put your cooperation skills to the test by inviting a


few other couples over and making a soup-to-nuts
meal. Place cards and centrepieces optional, but if
you're gonna do the thing, you might as well do it
right.

63. Choose library books for each other.

For a free and quirky date, head to your local library


and choose books for the other to read. Hand your
sweetheart your most embarrassing childhood
favorited, or introduce them to a current literary
obsession.

64. Thrift new outfits.

Visit a thrift store and dress each other in the


craziest clothes you can find. Goofy photos
mandatory.

65. Watch a movie.

But make it a theme. Choose a flick and make


snacks to match. Think The Godfather and cannoli
or Ratatouille and, well, you know.

66. Make cheesy playlists.

Remember when you used to exchange mix tapes in


high school? Today, it's easier than ever to create a
musical journey through your relationship.
67. "Shop" for adoptable pets online.

Cooing over cute pups and kitties will bring out your
softer side, even if you can't have a pet where you
live.

68. Paint and sip.

If you've got a paint nite program nearby, it's a fun


and easy date. If not, get some canvasses (or
colouring books), some bevvies, and throw your
own.

69. Play outside.

Grab some buddies and put together a game of kick


ball, softball, or even tag. Running around is fun for
kids-at-heart too!

70. Watch a sports game.

Even high school sports can get your adrenaline


going if you get really, really into it.

71. Have a breakfast date.

Turn date night on its head and start your


day with some you time. Mimosas highly
encouraged.

72. Taste some cheese.

Some cheese shops hold tasting events but if you


don't have any near you, buy a few new-to-you
varieties and DIY it.

73. Play laser tag

. Recreate your 10th birthday party, except now you


can have a beer with your pizza afterward.
74. Ride a hot air balloon.

Yes, it's a little pricey. But this is one of those special


occasion dates you'll never forget.

75. Drive some go-karts.

Mario Kart experts and those who drive anything


other than the carpool minivan can both rock a go-
kart arena.

76. Train for a 5k.

Having something to work toward will motivate you


both, and you can keep each other accountable.

77. Hit up an open mic.

Most of the acts will probably be less-than-stellar,


but even a cringe worthy show makes a unique way
to pass an evening.

78. Swap houses with a friend.

Enjoy a staycation for free by exchanging houses


with a friend. Living in someone else's shoes for the
night or weekend feels fresh, even if you just bunk
down next door.

79. Build a snowman (or a sand castle)

. Make the most of the weather by creating a new


friend.

80. Shop for charity.

Food pantries, homeless shelters, and community


organizations need supplies all year round. Spread
the love while spending quality time.

81. Watch the sunset


. There's a reason so many romantic movies end this
way.

82. Take public transit somewhere new

. Ride the subway to the end of the line or take the


bus to a new part of town for an adventure that's
easy on the wallet.

83. Order each other's meal.

See how well you know each other's tastes by


ordering for the other one at dinner. No swapping
back when the food arrives!

84. Listen to podcasts.

For a twist on the usual movie night, cuddle up


and turn on a podcast instead.

85. Do couples' yoga.

Getting bendy together can really heat things up,


plus you're doing something good for your
body and mind.

86. Play 20 questions.

Asking each other to get deep can reveal some new


things about your loved one.

87. Make a video together.

The only thing more fun than watching reality TV is


making your own. Use your phone to shoot a
cooking video, do a tutorial, or even give each other
makeovers.

88. Turn out the lights.


Pretend the power went out and have a no-tech
evening. Yes, that includes your phones.

89. Relive a past vacation.

Put on your swimsuits, shake up some marls, and


look at photos of your last beach getaway. You'll
almost feel the sand between your toes.

90. Play a role-playing game.

Former theatre kids, this is your wheelhouse. Try a


classic like Dungeons and Dragons or an online
game to step outside yourselves for awhile.

91. Visit a dog park.

You don't have to have a dog to watch the pooches


play. Just don't interact with any strange pups
without asking their owners.

92. Write each other love letters.

Getting your feelings down on paper can ignite some


real sparks.

93. Climb your family tree.

Sit down with Ancestry.com and learn about your


backgrounds. Or even better, interview an elderly
family member to get personal stories about where
you came from.

94. Go for ice cream.

Nothing tastes as good as a cone on a hot day, but we


scream for ice cream on chilly afternoons, too. Share
a sundae for a real treat.

95. Stroll a street fair.


Chow down on some fried dough, bask in the
midway lights, and win each other a stuffed toy – if
you've got the skills.

96. Have a photo shoot.

Make like influencers and take photos of each other


around town. You may even come up with your next
holiday card.

97. Listen to a lecture.

Many local colleges, libraries, and community


centres have evening events that are open to the
public. Learning is sexy!

98. Take an improve class.

Embracing the concept of saying "yes, and" is a


lesson that can work well in your offstage life, too.

99. Cultivate a garden

. Even if you live in an apartment, try your hand at


growing a window garden. Plants make any dwelling
feel like a home.

100.Build a bucket list.

Sit down together and think big: No item is too out-


there or mundane to plan ahead for the rest of your
life as a couple.

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