Date night is so much more than dinner and a movie. It's setting aside time to spend with your significant other. And if you want to switch things up from a night out on the town, at home date night ideas are the perfect option.Get creative with afoodie-themednight, a movie marathon, a game night, or a dance-off. Whatever you choose, this list of romantic ideas for a night in won't disappoint.
01of 35
Create a Mock Movie Theater
This date night idea is much more than your average dinner and movie night. If you have a whole day to waste, upgrade your next romantic Netflix and chill session with an old-school twist. Here's how:
- Pick a movie or series you both enjoy. It could be the entireHarry Pottersaga or the new season ofOzark.
- Create a snuggly environment with some comfy blankets and throw pillows.
- To establish the mood, set up a projector against a blank wall to create your own movie theater.
- Pop up some popcorn, cuddle up, and enjoy hours upon hours of uninterrupted movie time.
Light a candle or spritz the pillow and blanket with an aromatherapy mist to create a relaxing atmosphere.
02of 35
Make a Date Jar
Do you have so many date ideas pent up but not sure where to start? Write them down and stick them in a mason jar. When date night rolls around, take turns choosing an activity. The added touch not knowing what you're doing can even be a little romantic.
03of 35
Have Breakfast in Bed
Who says date night has to be in the evening? Morning and day dates are just as fun, if not more. Pop into the kitchen and whip up a delicious breakfast for the two of you to enjoy in bed. Pancakes anyone?
04of 35
Start a Game Night
Round up all thebest board gamesfor two in your house for a super epic couple's game night. If you're tired of the same old Monopoly and Uno iterations, spice things up by personalizing it and getting to know your partner on a whole new level.
Custom Game Idea
Create some truth-or-dare prompts and write one on each Jenga block. When you play, you must answer the question or take on the dare of whichever block you pull,
If both of you tend to get a nasty competitive streak, try looking for games where you have to work together, not against each other, to win, like Forbidden Island.
05of 35
Have a Spa Night
A spa night is a perfect excuse not to feel guilty about lounging around in a robe all day. Start by lighting a few candles and crank up the romance by giving each other a massage with some scented oils.
After that, slap on some DIY face masks to have an at home spa session worthy of the real deal. Finish it off by giving each other a relaxing foot massage (because two massages are better than one).
06of 35
Make Plans Together
Planning an event doesn't always have to be a daunting task. If you're both super into preparation of any kind when it comes to a big event, make a vision board of a future trip, home renovation, or goals you have for the year. It will be a fun activity in the moment and even more special when the time comes to enjoy it together.
07of 35
Cook Dinner Together
Choose afood delivery serviceto deliver all the goods or whip up aromantic dinner for twousing items you already have on hand. Either way, you'll appreciate the meal more, knowing you made it together.
For a fun twist, turn the cooking into a game by hosting your version of Chopped.
- Choose a random ingredient. Bonus points for incorporating ingredients that have a sentimental meaning (like maybe you had clams on your first date).
- See who can best incorporate it into a dish.
- When the dishes are ready, shut off all the lights (except for some candles).
- Enforce a fancy dress code to make it feel like a special occasion.
- Discuss who won the contest and why.
Final tip: No cell phones allowed!
08of 35
Have an Indoor Picnic
Munching on the same snacks can get boring, so change things up with a picnic indoors. You can have picnic-like snacks like sliced cheese, fresh fruit, chips, and dip.
To make it more realistic, do everything you'd typically do, like prepare a picnic basket with your favoritepicnic recipesand lay your checkered blanket on the floor. It's not exactly Central Park, but on the bright side, at least you won't have to worry about the weather.
09of 35
Camp Out in the Living Room
Our idea of a dream campout? One without the bugs and freezing temperatures. Solution: Create a pillow fort, or set up a tent and some sleeping bags in the living room to enact a campout with your beau.
Look up some scary stories, turn on the Netflix fireside stream (or fireplace, if you have one), and complete the experience with some indoor s'mores made in the oven or over a cast-iron skillet. It's a great way to get away without actually going anywhere.
10of 35
Make a Scrapbook
Craft time isn't just for the kids. Since your most recent memories together are probably things like hogging the bed sheets and not doing the dishes, taking a trip down memory lane is a great way to reconnect and rekindle some good memories. Invest in a good scrapbook or DIY a collage with a few of your favorite old photos.
11of 35
Start a Home Improvement Project
Turn what would have usually been a chore into a bonding date night activity by working with your partner to finish a home improvement project (you know, that one you've been meaning to get to when you have the time). From painting an accent wall toredecorating using items you already own, home projects become much more bearable when done together.
12of 35
Go on a Virtual Adventure
Many places offer free virtual tours that let you travel without physically visiting the locations. Not sure where to start?
- Catch a concert you've always dreamed of seeing on your couch.
- Gush over adorable animals at theNational Zoo.
- Attend avirtual wine tasting.
- Class things up by exploring an art museum (like theGuggenheimor theLouvre).
13of 35
Have a Karaoke Night
Singing out your favorite tunes is a great way to de-stress, let loose, and have a dance session with your partner. If you want to go all out, get a karaoke machine—try the Singing Machine Bluetooth Pedestal Karaoke System.
Alternatively, there are a bunch of apps on the app store, like Sing! Karaoke and Smule, so you can choose from a wide selection of hit songs.
14of 35
Take a Trip Down Memory Lane
Love letters, old photos, and text message exchanges are all key parts of the physical building blocks of a relationship. Reminisce about the beginning of your relationship and admire how far it has come. If you are married, it might be fun to watch your wedding video and relive that magical day.
15of 35
Wine and Dine
Turn on a romantic tune, light up some candles, and get ready to bond over an Aphrodite-approved charcuterie board. Pretend you are in Europe and curate a themed board with Spanish, Italian, or French meats, cheeses, and their delicious accompaniments.
Not into traditional charcuterie? Try creating a dessert or snack board with all of your favorite treats instead.
16of 35
Do a Puzzle
Puzzles are fun activities to do when you want a break from technology. If you're up for some friendly competition, see who can finish the edges first or who completes a section faster. Several hundred piece puzzles usually take some time to complete, so enjoy this extended date night idea.
17of 35
Cozy Up Outside
Grab a blanket, two chairs, and a cozy beverage (hot cocoa or cider for chilly weather and a mixed drink or smoothie for warmer weather) and head outdoors. Stargaze, enjoy the sounds of nature at night, or bask in the peace and quiet that comes when the sun goes down.
18of 35
Make Ice Cream Sundaes
Remember when you were a kid and played ice cream shoppe? Now you can have some sweet fun as an adult. Head to the store and stock up on ice cream (or make your own), whipped cream, fruit, and your favorite sundae toppings and get scooping. Have even more fun by making a sundae for the other person.
19of 35
Plan a Scavenger Hunt
Get creative and plan a scavenger hunt for each other. It can lead to a fun activity, dinner of their choice, or something special like a "just because" gift to show them how much you appreciate them. If you both want to join in on the fun, ask a friend to plan the hunt for you.
20of 35
Learn Something New
Whether it's sewing, using a power tool, a new cooking technique, or learning a new language, doing it together is much more fun. Try an online class to educate yourselves, or spend some time researching your next lesson.
21of 35
Play Video Games
Bring out the kid in you and play some video games. Throw it back to the days of SEGA and Gameboy, or play some newer, more thought-provoking games with or against each other.
22of 35
Start a Book Club
A book club is a great way to bond over a love of reading. Each of you come up with a list of books you want to read, switching off with your partner's choice every other time. After you have read the book, plan a time to discuss it with some tea and treats.
23of 35
Create a Staycation
Whether it's buying new home décor, upgrading your bedsheets, or treating yourself to a new pair of cozy pjs, create a getaway within your home to escape to. A staycation date night it a great way to play with themes, and it's something you both can do often with a different activity each time.
24of 35
Plant a Garden
If you're itching for warmer weather and are ready to welcome spring, start by planting your garden. Grab some cups, trays, soil, and seeds and get your garden going indoors. When your plants sprout and it's ready to move them outdoors, you can both take care of the garden together.
25of 35
Write a Love Letter
Don your writer's hat and tell your significant other how you feel about them in prose. Poetry or a simple greeting card are also ways to convey your feelings. It's a beautiful sentiment that they can keep tucked away in a wallet or book wherever they go.
26of 35
Host a Casino Night
This one might require a double date as most card games require multiple people, but hosting a casino night is a fun way to switch things up. You can even dress up and make fun co*cktails as you play poker or craps.
27of 35
Completely Unplug for the Evening
Taking a break from technology is refreshing but can also be challenging if you commit to the task. Have a completely unplugged romantic night in sans electricity. Have fun with the challenge of figuring out meals and activities without the allure of technology.
28of 35
Set up a Drive-in Movie at Home
All you need is a projector screen, a laptop, some snacks, and you have just created your very own drive-in movie theater. If you don't have a projector screen, find a good spot to show the movie (the side of your house or garage door). Hop in the car and pretend you're at the drive-in. Roller skates optional.
29of 35
Do a Craft
Get in touch with your artistic side and have fun with a little DIY craft. Drawing, painting, candle-making, pottery, friendship bracelets, the list is endless with creative possibilities.
30of 35
Relax
Yes, doing absolutely nothing can be the perfect romantic night in. Life gets so busy that sometimes all you need is a little conversation and time with each other on the couch to connect and relax.
31of 35
Clean Out The Closet
Turn a spring cleaning chore into something fun. Going through each others clothes together can bring back memories of outfits worn on first dates or other memorable occasions. Make it more enjoyable by having your partner pick out your outfit for your next special night out—or in.
32of 35
Player's Choice
This activity can be as long or short as you wish. One partner plans out a date day or night for the other by listing options on two different index cards. The other partner gets to blindly choose how to spend the day together. Will they choose Mexican or Italian for dinner? Coffee or hot cocoa? A comedy or drama? It's the perfect mix of a planned yet surprise date night.
33of 35
Have a Fight
Hear us out. Fighting can be a good thing when it involves some good old fashion competition. Pillow fights, water gun fights, Nerf gun fights, or even arm wrestling will increase your adrenaline and amp you up for the next activity.
34of 35
Have a Bake Off
Take inspiration from television shows like The Great British Bake Off and challenge your partner to a baking challenge. You'll have to give advanced notice on what to make so the two of you can go shopping together for ingredients, but then it's into the kitchen to see whose treat reigns supreme.
35of 35
Discover Your Personalities
Do you know your partner'sMyers-Briggs personality type? How about theirHogwarts house? These fun questionnaires are sure to turn up the heat and have you both blurting out some juicy confessions. You can also pull out your phone and quiz each other through online personality tests.
