Whether you’re just starting out in your relationship or, you’ve been together for a while, date night is important. It’s a time for you both to be together without the distractions of other people, work, or the other goings-on in your life.
While it’s sometimes nice to revisit the same places that you’ve been before, it can also be fun to try something new. Not only does it give you some variety in your life, but you might also discover a new favorite place or pick up a new hobby. If you’d like to find something new to do for your next date night, consider some of these date ideas.
1. Head to the Casino
Casinos are often a one-stop-shop of entertainment, offering more than just games. In larger casinos, you’ll find restaurants, bars, and live entertainment, giving you a variety of options under one roof.
If your date has a penchant for poker, then this could be a great option for you to bond. Most casinos have their own poker rooms and will usually cater to everyone from absolute beginners to high rollers. That said, if you’ve never played poker before, it may be useful to do a little bit of reading ahead of time to make sure you understand the values of each card combination and the mechanics of how the game is played.
Although most casinos have relatively relaxed dress codes, you won’t look out of place in a fancy frock or a sharp suit, so picking it as a place for date night gives you the opportunity to look your best without feeling overdressed. Casinos can be great for a first date too.
2. Cook Dinner
While it’s nice to go out to a fancy restaurant, sometimes cooking dinner for your date is more impressive. Cooking their favorite meal is something they’re bound to appreciate, especially if you can do it well.
You can find plenty of easy recipes and guides online. To add to the ambiance, set the table like you’d find it in a fancy restaurant, light a couple of candles and maybe even put on some romantic music in the background.
Related: Easy and Healthy Chicken Recipe Ideas for Two
3. Attend the Races
Horse racing is another place where you have an opportunity to place some bets, though there is much more to horse racing than simply having a flutter.
Most racecourses operate a strict dress code, helping to maintain the long tradition of people getting dressed up to spend a day at the races. In modern life, there aren’t many opportunities to dress up smartly, so heading to the track gives you both the chance to make an effort and enjoy your time together.
4. Go for a Hike
Dates don’t always need to be about visiting a leisure business. If you both enjoy the great outdoors, then why not go for a hike and spend some time in nature? Even if you live in a big city, you’ll find plenty of opportunities nearby with hills, mountains, and other natural areas just a short drive away.
Alternatively, bigger cities usually have large parks that you can spend hours walking around. For example, walking through and/or around London’s Hyde Park will easily take up 1-2 hours and you’ll feel quite far from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.
If you’re going away from the beginner routes on mountains, be sure you’re prepared; you don’t want to embarrass (or endanger) your date by wearing the wrong clothing and not having important hiking tools.
Related: Essential Hiking Gear for an Adventure
5. Take a Dance Class
If you and your date enjoy dancing, or like the idea of being able to throw some impressive shapes on the dance floor, then taking a class could be a great way for you to bond. Also, dance classes are a great ice-breaker for a first date.
There are dance classes for all abilities available in most towns and cities; just do a quick Google search and you’ll likely be surprised at how many options are available.
Of course, if one of you is more advanced than the other, this may be a bit problematic, so taking a dance class together will only work if you both have a similar skill level.
6. Go on a Drive
Taking a drive together can be great fun. You might set off with a particular destination in mind or you may just decide to drive and see where you end up. In many respects, the destination doesn’t matter, it’s the journey that counts. Driving gives you time to listen to music, talk, and explore the world together without other people butting in.
Any one of these date ideas is a great idea on its own or you can combine several together to make your next date night a big adventure.
