In an era where technology connects us instantaneously, long-distance relationships have become increasingly prevalent. While physical distance may pose challenges, it also provides an opportunity for couples to strengthen their emotional bond through creative and meaningful activities. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a cheeky FaceTime? However, in the midst of all this technological connectivity, the importance of intentional and meaningful activities cannot be overstated. Long-distance relationships require more than just constant communication; they demand creativity, commitment, and a shared vision of the future. These 15 activities will explore beyond the routine exchanges of "How was your day?" and venture into the realm of shared experiences and creating a tapestry of memories that can withstand the test of time and distance.
1. LDR Virtual Movie Nights
Thanks to streaming services and video-sharing platforms, couples can enjoy movie nights together, even when miles apart! Streaming platforms such as Disney +, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV + have features on their websites/applications that can allow you and your partner to enjoy your favourite TV shows/Films together - Netflix and chill style! Choose a movie or series, sync up your screens, and use video chat to share your reactions and listen to your partner’s commentary. There are also browser extensions that allow you to sync playback, ensuring a seamless viewing experience. This activity not only provides a shared interest but also fosters a sense of togetherness - who wouldn't want to spend the night with your loved ones whilst watching great TV!
Cost: The price of this could range from between $3 - $14, depending on what streaming platform you are using or where you are buying or renting your film or TV show from.
Time: The time could range from anywhere between 30 minutes to at least a couple of hours, depending on what you watch - and how many films or TV episodes you want to watch!
2. Levelling up Long Distance Love Through Online Gaming
Gaming isn't just for solo players! Playing multiplayer games together virtually when you’re in different locations helps partners maintain connection through shared experiences and teamwork opportunities not always found in passive virtual activities like streaming shows or movies. Whether you prefer strategic games, role-playing adventures, or casual puzzles, there's a wide array of options. Having regular virtual gaming “dates” brings consistency, anticipation, and a dash of excitement to long distance dynamics! It also creates regular contact moments to catch up on life events big and small while you rally on quests or work to solve in-game puzzles. The easiest games to play together are classic ones, like crossword puzzles or solitaire, where you solve the same challenges, and can compare scores.
Cost: There are many free games that you could play with your partner! There are also games that you can pay for that can range from around $5 to $40.
Time: Now, I am sure many ladies are with me when I say that video games can take up A LOT of time. SO there is not a set amount of time that this activity can take up. So, I would suggest to game to your heart’s content!
3. Reading Together While Apart: Virtual Book Clubs for Long Distance Couples
For couples who share a love for literature, starting a virtual book club can be a delightful way to connect. Pick a book together, set a reading schedule, and then discuss your thoughts and feelings together! Sharing a reading experience, even when remote, allows you to embark on an emotional journey together! Much like an in-person book club, you get to bond over discussing themes, analyzing characters, trading perspectives, and reacting to plot twists. The story also then becomes a common ground to dig deeper into each other’s views, values and imagination. You can even treat yourselves to themed snacks and drinks to make it more festive!
Cost: If you are looking for free books, you can go to your local library and hire some. There are also free books available to download on devices such as Kindles, smartphones and tablets. However, if you are willing to spend money and keep your books forever, they can range from anywhere between $5 - $25.
Time: Once again, there is no time limit on reading! If you are a true bookworm, you could spend hours of your day reading. But if you are someone who is just starting out on the reading scene, maybe take out 30 minutes to an hour out of your day to sit back and delve into a nice novel!
4. Slowing Down to Connect: Snail Mail for Long Distance Love
This one could be for all those old fashioned couples who were ‘born in the wrong century’. In a fast-paced, tech-driven world, it’s all too easy for long distance couples to rely on quick digital messages to stay connected when apart. There’s something nostalgic, intimate and uniquely touching about receiving a personal letter or handwritten note from your partner through the post. Laying eyes on their distinctive scrawl immediately stimulates a sentimental response, even before reading a single word. It conjures their essence in a way texts and chat boxes can often fail to do. Carving out 20 minutes to write a heartfelt letter, then later anticipating its arrival with childlike wonder can rekindle an extra spark between couples struggling to mind the distance. So venture beyond the convenient and give snail mail a try the next time your longing hearts have to part ways for a season.
Cost: All that is required here is some paper, a pen, and a stamp. Depending on how far away your partner is, posting a letter could range between $3 to $10.
Time: Writing a heartfelt letter can take anywhere between 20 minutes and an hour. But of course this could vary depending on how much you are planning to write! However long it takes, make sure to write from the heart!
5. Continue Your Education While Apart With Online Classes
Learning something new together can be a fulfilling way to grow as a couple. Just because you’re currently in different zip codes doesn’t mean you can’t continue learning side-by-side. Participating in remote courses allows you to nurture intimacy through shared experiences and engaging study sessions over video chat. Choose topics that fascinate you both or take turns picking courses aligned with each of your interests. Tackle material independently then come together virtually to discuss insights, quiz knowledge retention, dive deeper on fuzzy concepts, debate perspectives or help motivate one another as accountability buddies. You could even set yourselves goals and reward milestone completions with thoughtful long distance date ideas! Whether it's a language course, cooking class, or art workshop, the shared experience of acquiring new skills can be both rewarding and bonding.
Cost: Some online courses can be on the expensive side, however, there are also loads of free courses that you can find on the internet!
Time: This entirely depends on what course you are doing and how much time you have to fit everything in with your own personal schedule. But, as an example. You could put aside an hour a day to study your course and then end the week with a little debrief chat over FaceTime for a couple hours with your partner!
6. Sweating Together While Apart: Joint Fitness Classes for Long Distance Couples
This one is for the gym rats of the world! Just because you’re miles apart, doesn't mean you can’t still break a sweat side-by-side! Technology now allows you to mirror workout moves, rhythm your breath in synch and cheer each other on through joint video participation in everything from strength training to yoga. Of course, working out face-to-face allows for hands-on physical cues and adjustments by your partner, however, participative technology solutions like mirrored workout platforms and co-workout apps bring back elements of exercising side-by-side versus solo training - And isn’t getting through the grind together what relationship endurance is really all about? Promote each other's well-being by engaging in joint fitness challenges, set fitness goals, share your progress, and encourage each other to stay active. You can use fitness apps or simply share photos and updates to create a sense of accountability and motivation. This not only fosters a healthy lifestyle but also reinforces the idea of being each other's support system!
Cost: There are many applications that allow for free online fitness classes and fitness videos! If you are keen to get a proper program going, there are also options within these apps to pay for a more personalised experience.
Time: This activity is not too time consuming at all - and hey we are all encouraged to take time out of our busy lives to get active! Classes usually don’t go on for more than an hour at a time but this of course depends on your level and how active you want to be!
7. Exploring the World Together From Afar Through Virtual Tours
If you and your partner share a case of wanderlust, why not “travel” the globe together virtually? Modern technology now allows you to tour iconic landmarks, traverse nature wonders and even explore exotic locales in tandem without ever having to board a plane. Things such as live streams and 360° imagery are available on multiple online sites. Trek the Great Wall of China, dive the Great Barrier Reef, roam Egyptian ruins, hike Yosemite trails and much more without leaving your homes! Exchanging reactions and commentary in real time while treading new virtual ground can forge new memories to reference later and fuels your sense of partnership. While screen tours can never replace steps truly travelled side-by-side, reputable websites like Discovery and The Legacy Project do offer the next best thing for couples having to manage long distance. Embrace the gift of technology to see the world as one even while miles apart!
Cost: These experiences are very much on the expensive side, starting from around $300. But that could definitely be worth it when it comes to sharing valuable experiences with someone you love!
Time: Considering these virtual tours do not require you to leave your house, they are quite time effective. There is no need to travel to these places and actually spend time getting there and walking around. You can simply take some time out in the evening and take the tour together!
8. Spicing up Long Distance Love Through Virtual Cooking Dates
Online cooking dates are definitely popular with foodie duos! Despite separate kitchens, you can still tap into cooking’s natural relationship glue by planning out synchronised meal prep over video chat. Choose recipes in advance so you can shop ingredients together then sign on screen-to-screen to walk through steps - just like side-by-side in person. You can chatter casually while chopping, seasoning and mixing and even pour each other a glass of wine to toast completed dishes then dine as a couple over candlelight hundreds of miles away. Taking turns in the kitchen leadership role also builds new appreciation and admiration. Not to mention virtual viewings means you’ll never miss each other's reaction biting into a thoughtfully crafted bite. While the absence of being able to hand feed one another or intertwine legs secretly under the dinner table cannot be replaced, cooking and bonding over video calls can redirect focus onto nourishing the ingredients of intimacy that stretch beyond the physical.
Cost: This activity isn't too expensive as buying fresh ingredients from the supermarket can be relatively cheap. Buying food to prepare a meal could range from around $10 - $25, depending on what you are planning on cooking.
Time: Cooking can be a quick activity but you might want to put aside a couple of hours in your evening to do this activity - the conversations at the table could take a bit of time! Maybe dedicating an evening a week to cook and dine with your partner is a good place to start.
9. Preserving Memories Digitally While Apart Through Shared Scrapbooks
Digital scrapbooking is for partners who want to actively commemorate their ongoing love story. Create a digital scrapbook to document your journey as a couple. You can create a joint account on scrapbook design apps or sites that allow you to upload images, memorabilia scans, texts, concert tickets, voicemails and more onto creative pages you piece together remotely, no matter the distance between you! Include inside jokes, affectionate text exchanges, photos from memorable vacations, little love notes and milestone occasion documentation. Make sure you share access so you can simultaneously update whenever inspiration strikes no matter where either might be. Watching your joint digital scrapbook swell with precious relationship memories fuel a sense of anticipation for the next time you’ll be reunited while also forging a nostalgic walk down memory lane perfect for bad days when distance feels unbearable. If absence makes your heart grow fonder, why not start documenting the journey?
Cost: This activity is really easy and cost effective! There are many free applications online that allow you to create a scrapbook and share it with others!
Time: With the help of the applications, adding memories to your scrapbook, whatever form the memory might be in, is quick and easy! You could maybe set aside some time every now and again to look through your scrapbook together and relive the memories!
10. Virtually Testing Your Compatibility From Afar With Online Personality Games
One playful activity idea for long distance relationships is tapping technology for insights by taking online personality quizzes and relationship games together over video chat. Sharing lighthearted tests can unlock revelations about conflict styles, love languages, emotional needs, priorities and other intel useful for fine tuning your connection both in person and remotely. Browse sites like Bustle and NYT to source engaging relationship and personality questionnaires covering everything from communication preferences and deal breakers to which TV couples you most emulate. You can then discuss what most surprised you in the other’s results or where alignments and contrasts emerged. Consider adding virtual personality quizzes to your long distance date night routine for fun and revealing conversation guaranteed to get you reminiscing fondly!
Cost: This is another cost friendly activity! There are many free websites on the internet that have fun questionnaires and quizzes that are designed to get to know your other half better!
Time: Online quizzes and games really don’t take up too much of your time, with some only taking around 5 minutes to complete. But you can merge this activity with other activities when organising a night with your long distance partner!
11. Crafting Soundtracks for Your Long Distance Love Story
This one is for the music buffs out there! Streaming platforms make it easy to collaborate on soundtracks packed with special meaning sure to soothe any pangs produced by distance. Build playlists commemorating important relationship milestones, like your first date or when one of you moved away from the other. Include throwback love songs from your early days or songs describing exactly how the other one makes you feel when together. You could even craft complementary morning and evening mixes to soundtrack daily routines spent apart. Another cool feature that most streaming platforms provide is leaving notes in playlist descriptions. This can be used to describe your playlist and what the songs remind you of! Let your playlist be the beat that keeps your story going even when apart!
Cost: Most music streaming platforms cost between $4 -$15 a month, depending on what plan you choose. This is definitely worth it as it allows you to listen to as many songs as you want!
Time: Music is endless! There is no set limit of time that it takes to curate a perfect playlist. Just add songs as you go and next thing you know you will have a brilliant soundtrack to your love story!
12. Outwit the Distance Through Virtual Escape Rooms
This one is for couples craving shared thrills and mental sparring! Escaping digitally side-by-side allows you to flex your mental muscles as a team, put heads together to crack codes, and celebrate victories in tandem when time expires. You can choose a themed room that excites you both then coordinate schedules so you can login simultaneously to the browser-based game. Both of you will work collaboratively through a series of puzzling levels, overcoming obstacles virtually despite occupying separate spaces in reality. Just because you’re apart doesn’t mean you can’t still be great adventure partners! While connection can never be replaced by a screen, making use of technology to engage in shared problem solving promotes relationship glue sure to reinforce bonds strained by distance. It also sets you up to become an unstoppable IRL duo once reunited!
Cost: Although there are some online escape rooms that are free of charge, there are also some more advanced ones that can range anywhere between $5 - $30.
Time: Escape rooms can take anywhere from minutes to hours! Make sure you leave plenty of time to fully engage in this activity.
13. Encore Performances: Virtual Concert Dates for Long Distance Duos
For music-loving couples struggling with separation, I suggest scheduling a virtual concert “dates” to sing and sway in tandem despite the distance! streaming platforms provide access to live shows, pay-per-view specials and archived footage you can enjoy simultaneously from anywhere wifi connects you. You can both choose artists you adore or introduce each other to new discoveries and guilty pleasures. Lean into nostalgia by pulling up older tours from early dating days or milestone moments woven into your relationship timeline. Belt out lyrics that capture exactly how your heart feels missing that favourite face singing right alongside you and mimic dance moves you’d normally break out together at venues!
Cost: There are many YouTube videos of previous concerts from so many artists that are completely free of charge. There are also options for you to pay for a more premium experience on platforms like Spotify.
Time: Usually a concert or live performance can take anywhere between an hour and three! But with it being online, you can skip to your favourite parts and even rewatch them, so the amount of time you spend on this activity is completely up to you!
14. Chronicling Your Love Story in Real Time Through Shared Journals
Journal through services like Journey.Cloud which allows you to keep connected journals and record your days apart as well share reflections in one place viewable by you both. Use your joint journal to pen love letters, pose thoughtful questions, voice worries or milestones, post inspiring quotes, paste in photos or ticket stubs from dating adventures, sketch inside jokes or simply relay minute details chronicling daily rhythms and routines. Whenever sentimental pangs strike, you can scroll back reliving fonder moments of connection together! For partners struggling with finding activities to do with distance between them,, journaling keeps the flame burning one entry at a time.
Cost: There are some free journaling applications or sites that you can use for this activity, however, for a more full experience, there are applications and sites that you can subscribe to for around $5 a month.
15. LDR Takeaway Swap
One delicious suggestion for separated foodie couples? Coordinating takeaway swaps! Order your partner a takeout of your choice and have them do the same for you. Make sure to schedule the takeout for the same time so you can both eat your meals together! While virtually exchanged meals could never replace the tangible togetherness of an in-person dinner date, creativity exchanged across the miles goes a long way. The absence of physically breaking bread side-by-side cannot compete with imagination’s power to momentarily overwrite reality with the right words. Sometimes, distance is only a story we tell ourselves. Bon appetit!
Cost: Depending on what takeout you purchase, a meal for one could be anywhere between $15 - $30. Make sure to check for discount codes online as there is always one out there!
Time: Similarly to some of the other suggested activities, this one is completely time fluid. You can’t really put time on a delicious meal so eat up and enjoy! - time is no object here.
