Keeping the romance alive is key to a thriving long-term relationship. While you can't always recreate the excitement of the first few dates, you can bring back that spark in creative ways. Why not endeavor to go on 100 unique, memorable dates with your partner?
Having a date bucket list gives you fun objectives to work towards together. It provides built-in opportunities to bond while making new memories.
Here are 100 date night ideas to inspire your own bucket list:
Romantic Ideas
1. Recreate your first date at the original location
Relive the magic of your first date by returning to that same spot and doing the activities you did when you first fell for each other.
2. Have a candlelit dinner picnic in the park
Pack a romantic picnic dinner, lay out a blanket on the grass, and dine under the stars by candlelight for an atmospheric outdoor date.
3. Slow dance in your living room by candlelight
Clear space in your living room, light some candles to set the mood, put on sentimental music, and slow dance in your PJs at home.
4. Exchange love letters sealed with a kiss
Write old-fashioned love letters professing your feelings, seal them with a lipstick kiss, and secretly tuck them where the other will find them.
5. Watch the sunset cuddled up together
Hike to a viewpoint, lay a blanket down, cuddle up close, and watch a gorgeous sunset paint the sky in stunning colors.
6. Take romantic walks in nature, holding hands
Get out in nature, walk beautiful trails hand-in-hand, stop to appreciate pretty views, and connect away from technology and stress.
7. Exchange sweet love notes hidden around the house
Leave random sticky note love letters in cute spots for your partner to find - on the bathroom mirror, tucked in their wallet, under their pillow, etc.
8. Cozy up by the fireplace with hot chocolate
Snuggle together under a blanket next to a toasty fire, sip hot chocolate or cider, and bask in the warmth and simple joy of being together.
9. Dress fancy and eat at a fast food restaurant
Get dressed up in formal attire and dine at a lowbrow fast food place - be silly, take photos, and make an ordinary meal into something fun and memorable.
10. Kiss at the top of a Ferris wheel
Ride a Ferris wheel at night, steal a romantic kiss at the top with the city lit up behind you, and create a storybook moment.
Fun Adventures
11. Go on a hot-air balloon ride
Soar above the landscape cuddled close in a hot-air balloon at sunrise, take in gorgeous vistas, and enjoy an unforgettable early morning adventure.
12. Hike to a waterfall or scenic viewpoint
Trek to a beautiful waterfall or panoramic lookout spot, take in stunning natural scenery together, and feel refreshed away from it all.
13. Go horseback riding through the countryside
Clomp through picturesque countryside on horseback, bond over learning to ride together, and admire lush rural scenery along the trails.
14. Take a pottery or art class together
Get creative together in a ceramics workshop or painting class, make artistic mementos to cherish, and admire each other’s handiwork.
15. Do an escape room just the two of you
Put your heads together to solve puzzles and escape from an immersive themed room, working closely as a team.
16. Go rollerblading or ice skating hand-in-hand
Glide along holding hands at an outdoor rink or rollerblading track, help each other keep balance, and enjoy leisurely fun.
17. Take a flight or road trip to somewhere new
Embark on a new adventure together to a destination you’ve both been eager to explore.
18. Go skydiving or bungee jumping if you dare
Get your adrenaline pumping by experiencing a thrilling activity like skydiving or cliff jumping - feel the exhilaration together!
19. Try surfing, snorkeling or scuba diving
Learn an exciting new watersport, see incredible oceanic sights, and make unforgettable memories.
20. Dance the night away at a music concert
Attend a concert of an artist you both love, sing and dance along together, and bond over shared musical passion.
Game Nights
21. Have a Monopoly or Scrabble tournament
Get competitive playing classic board games, keep score, and enjoy quality time together over some friendly competition.
22. Mix up cocktails and play drinking games
Learn how to make creative cocktails together, then play fun drinking games like Tipsy Trivia or Never Have I Ever.
23. Cuddle up and play two-player video games
Get comfy on the couch, play immersive video games co-op mode, and geek out together all night.
24. Have a silly karaoke or lip sync battle
Sing karaoke duets or face-off lip syncing to favorite tunes, being goofy and not taking yourselves too seriously.
25. Play one-on-one basketball, tennis or racquetball
Play lively sports together one-on-one, get those endorphins pumping, and revel in healthy competition.
26. Bowl against each other and make bets
Hit the bowling alley, challenge each other, and make silly wagers on who will win each round.
27. Play mini-golf and go to the arcade after
Enjoy a cute mini-golf course, then get nostalgic playing old school arcade games late into the night.
28. Host your own private casino or game night
Turn your home into a casino for the night, dress up fancy, and try your luck at personalized games and activities.
29. Compete in carnival games at a fair or theme park
Play games like ring toss, water pistol races, and balloon darts at a funfair or amusement park.
30. Play laser tag or paintball out in the wilderness
Run around a natural setting playing an active shoot-'em-up game, working as a team.
Outdoor Activities
31. Go fruit-picking
Wander through fragrant orchards, pick ripe fruit side-by-side, and enjoy natural sweetness fresh from the source.
32. Fly a kite
Pick out fun kites, head to a windy field or beach, and soar them high together on a breezy day.
33. Rent a boat and spend time on the lake
Cruise a scenic lake in your own private boat, relax in the middle of the water, and take in idyllic surroundings.
34. Visit the zoo or aquarium
Marvel at exotic creatures, revisit beloved animals from childhood, and learn fascinating new facts.
35. Have a beach day
Frolic in ocean waves, sunbathe, build epic sandcastles, and enjoy laidback shoreside fun.
36. Camp under the stars and roast marshmallows
Pitch a tent, cozy up next to a campfire under the night sky, and bond over gooey toasted marshmallows.
37. Take a helicopter tour
See your hometown from an exhilarating new vantage point aboard a helicopter ride.
38. Rent bikes
Cycle along gorgeous coastal routes, feel the sea breeze, and stop for refreshing snacks.
39. Train for and run a 5k or 10k together
Choose a local 5k or 10k race, stick to a training plan, then run the race together as a team - feel accomplished crossing the finish line hand-in-hand!
40. Stop at scenic lookout points
Take the scenic route along ocean roads, pausing to admire gorgeous seaside views at vista points.
Foodie Fun
41. Take a chocolate-making or wine-tasting class
Learn about flavors and get hands-on making gourmet chocolate or blending wines.
42. Visit the farmers' market and cook dinner together
Shop local produce stands, pick what looks freshest, then craft a farm-to-table meal at home.
43. Try a new hole-in-the-wall restaurant in your city
Have an adventure discovering a hidden gem restaurant you've never noticed before.
44. Split giant shareable desserts at your favorite café
Indulge your sweet tooth with over-the-top treats like 20-inch cookies or banana splits.
45. Do a fun themed dinner like Thai, Italian or Mexican
Immerse yourselves in different cuisine and décor - dine by candlelight and say "Buon appetito!"
46. Go to a new food festival and sample unique treats
Graze through booths at a food fest showcasing creative culinary delights and artisanal goodies.
47. Have breakfast in bed, complete with mimosas
Surprise your partner with a homemade breakfast tray delivered to bed, topped off with fresh-squeezed OJ and bubbly.
48. Prepare a romantic candlelit dinner at home
Create an intimate dining experience right in your own kitchen with soft lighting, music, and gourmet dishes.
49. Go ice cream or frozen yogurt hopping and get multiple flavors
Satisfy cravings by hitting up several different shops and sampling a wide variety.
50. Pack a picnic lunch and head to a botanical garden
Spread out a hamper blanket amidst gorgeous gardens and enjoy sandwiches, fruit, and rosé.
Classes and Workshops
51. Take a dance lesson like salsa or ballroom
Learn sexy new moves together, get close embracing new dances, and show off your new skills afterward.
52. Make homemade pasta together
Make dough from scratch, fill fun shapes like hearts, and boil up your handmade noodles for a hearty homemade dinner.
53. Brew your own beer or cider at a DIY workshop
Get a hands-on tutorial crafting tasty handmade brews you can proudly enjoy together.
54. Learn how to make cheese or chocolate bonbons
Develop new gourmet skills crafting silky bonbons or homemade cheese you can really take pride in.
55. Take a cocktail mixology
Level up your mixology know-how shaking up and stirring creative concoctions under pro guidance.
56. Try glass blowing
Use 2,100°F furnaces to shape beautiful art glass pieces like decorative ornaments.
57. Learn how to cook authentic cuisines
Learn the secrets behind richly complex dishes and favorite takeout menus.
58. Take a barista class
Master latte art and become an espresso expert together.
59. Try your hand at pottery
Get messy forming lumps of clay into polished ceramic mugs or dishes on a pottery wheel.
60. Take a nature photography or landscape painting class
Hone creative talents capturing inspiring natural vistas on canvas or camera.
Entertainment and Shows
61. See a concert of your favorite musician
Sing along and dance together, seeing your favorite artist live, feeling the energy of the crowd.
62. Go to a stand-up comedy show
Crack up enjoying a night of comedy performed live by talented comics.
63. Watch a play at the local theater
Lose yourselves in an engrossing theatrical production at an intimate venue.
64. Tour an interesting or quirky museum exhibit
Explore peculiar themed exhibits like the history of peanut butter or old-school arcade games.
65. See an opera, ballet or symphony performance
Soak in a night of culture together at a refined arts venue.
66. Attend a murder mystery dinner theater
Dress up fancy, interact with colorful suspects and detectives, and try to solve a thrilling crime over dinner at an interactive theater.
67. Attend open mic night at a café or bar
Discover talented performers trying out stand-up, music, or poetry onstage.
68. See a live taping of a TV show
Score seats at a sitcom, late night or game show taping and get a peek into how television gets made with a studio tour.
69. Watch street performers
Be entertained by captivating public shows from musicians, dancers, magicians, and more.
70. Catch a magic show
Gawk at mystifying sleight-of-hand and grand illusions up close at a magic theater.
Learning and Creativity
71. Tour a historic mansion and view the architecture
Marvel at the ornate craftsmanship and details of a majestic historical estate.
72. Take a woodworking, metal or jewelry making workshop
Gain hands-on skills sawing wood or soldering metal to make treasured items.
73. Make homemade candles or soaps together
Blend wax, oils and scents to create aromatic candles or natural soaps.
74. Learn palm reading and read each other's futures
Decode heart and head lines to reveal destinies for fun with this mystical art.
75. Research your ancestry online and build a family tree
Discover your roots and ancestors' stories through genealogy databases.
76. Learn how to paint with watercolors
Take a class to handle washes and brushstrokes and create colorful art.
77. Volunteer together at an animal shelter or food bank
Bond while helping others in need and making a positive community impact.
78. Take free online courses
Geek out expanding your knowledge of shared interests.
79. Learn how to identify constellations and stargaze
Spot star patterns in the night sky armed with new astronomy know-how.
80. Play tourist in your own city and visit iconic landmarks
Be awestruck by attractions and view your hometown through fresh eyes.
At Home Date Nights
81. Give each other massages by candlelight
Relaxing and romantic way to pamper each other.
82. Play your favorite childhood games
Relive nostalgic memories by playing childhood games like Twister or Trouble.
83. Finish a large puzzle
Work together on an epic 1000+ piece puzzle.
84. Mix fancy cocktails and have an appetizer night
Get your mixologist on and have a tasty at-home date night.
85. Cuddle up in a blanket fort
Be playful and cozy while watching movies and snacking.
86. Bury a time capsule
Fill a container with mementos and bury it to unearth years later.
87. Set up an outdoor theater
Have an outdoor movie night under the stars.
88. Learn a dance routine
Take a couples' dance class and learn a choreographed routine.
89. Have a sex marathon
Spend the an entire day making love. Read these: 23 Ways to Have a Mind-Blowing Sex Marathon and 27 Tips and Tricks To Have A Sex Marathon All Day and All Night
90. Create vision boards for the future
Visualize your shared goals for the years ahead.
Outdoorsy Adventures
91. Throw a dart on a map and travel there
Let fate choose your next adventure.
92. Dress up for a Renaissance fair
Embrace your inner princess or knight for a day.
93. Try skydiving
Take the adrenaline-pumping plunge together.
94. Go on a cruise
Sail away to tropical destinations together.
95. Try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing
Explore the outdoors in winter side-by-side.
96. Go rock climbing
Challenge yourselves on thrilling climbs at an indoor climbing gym.
97. Kayak or stand-up paddle board
Paddle through scenic waterways together.
98. Rent a cabin for a weekend
Unplug and immerse yourselves in nature.
99. Go island-hopping
Adventure across multiple dreamy islands.
100. Visit all continents
See the world by visiting each continent.
The possibilities for creative dates are endless. Aim to complete all 100 over the course of your relationship. Keep the list handy and cross off each one you do. Not only will you make wonderful memories, you'll deepen your connection and bond in the process!