date ideas

So, for those of you who feel stuck in the “dating rut” here are some ideas to get you thinking.

1. 1. Do a restaurant tour – Pick an area with a bunch of restaurants. Start with cocktails and appetizers at a restaurant with a bar or lounge, head somewhere different for the main course and finish up someplace else with fabulous desserts.
2. 2. Look for treasure – Browse antique stores, flea markets, second hand store or yard. You don’t have to buy; just looking is fun.
3. 3. Movies with a twist – Instead of haggling over drama vs. action and settling on a comedy flick to keep the peace, why not leave it up to chance. Close your eyes and pick. Whatever it is, both have to agree to honor the choice or it’s not fun.
4. 4. Explore the nearest state park – Pack a picnic. Go for a hike or hit a nature trail.
5. 5. Rent bikes – Go on a biking tour of your area. There are often organized bike tours or routes already mapped out for you.
6. 6. Rent a boat for the afternoon – If a sailboat is not your thing, rent a rowboat, paddle-boat, or kayak.
7. 7. Attend a festival in a neighboring city.
8. 8. Broaden your dinner horizons – Choose a new restaurant, someplace neither of you have ever tried. Bonus points if it’s a different ethnic cuisine than you normally eat.
9. 9. Do some stargazing – Get a book on constellations, aim your telescope at the stars see how many you can pick out. Prefer a more professional venue? Visit a planetarium.
10. 10. Ghost tour – If you’re into the supernatural craze that’s storming our country, go on a ghost tour. Many towns now have “haunted houses” open for guided tours
11. 11. Mini Golf – Old-fashioned fun, friendly competition and inexpensive, what’s not to love.
12. 12. Cooking night – Make your favorite dishes together—work as a team on a brand new recipe.
13. 13. Dinner Cruise – Whether you live by the ocean or near a lake, you can easily find dinner cruises. Brunch or moonlight cruises are also another good option.
14. 14. Have an indoor picnic – Serve dinner on a picnic blanket laid out in the living room. Open a bottle of wine with some favorite finger foods. An indoor picnic can be even more fun and romantic than a traditional outdoor one. It’s quieter and no interruptions!
15. 15. Visit a museum – Nearly everyone has a museum or several within driving distance. Plan an afternoon wandering around the exhibits. If art isn’t your thing, try a history, sport, or cultural museum.
16. 16. Learn a new activity together – Take a dance or photography class or learn how to play shuffleboard.
17. 17. Go to the theater – The Theater is a date favorite. It’s a little classier than a movie and you get to dress up and soak in some culture.
18. 18. Art gallery – A trip to the local art gallery is a wonderful date idea.
19. 19. Try new cuisine – Check out a new ethnic cuisine — something neither of you have tried before. The element of adventure will add some excitement to your date, and, who knows, maybe the two of you will find a new favorite.
20. 20. Be tourists for the day – Go sightseeing around your city. Stop inside places you often pass but never go into.
21. 21. Reawaken your inner child – Stop at the toy store to pick up a few goodies. Try a Frisbee or kite for some outdoor fun.
22. 22. Recreate a memorable date  – Think of a favorite past date, something that means something special to you as a couple; where you first met, your first date together, where you professed your love or popped the question.
23. 23. Take in amateur night – Visit a local bar, club, or coffeehouse and watch the amateurs display their talent. If you’re adventurous, get up there and try it yourself.
24. 24. Bowling – Bowling is an old-school date idea with a casual, relaxed feel. It not only makes a fun date, but also makes a great first date.
25. 25. Be daring – Go rock climbing, bungee jumping or sky diving.
26. 26. Outdoor theater – Think Shakespeare in the park. Theater is so much more fun and relaxed under the canopy of the sky than in a stuffy theater.
27. 27. Bingo – Playing bingo is actually more fun than you might think. Find a local community organization, buy your cards, and get ready to shout “Bingo!”
28. 28. Game night – You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a good time. Try a play date instead. Pick up a deck of cards and a board game for an indoor date.
29. 29. Go skating – Roller-skating is always fun, even if neither of you have ever done it. Ice skating is a great option as well in the chilly months.
30. 30. Mystery trip – Plan a day or an afternoon and take a trip to nowhere in particular. Just get into your car and drive. Stop when you want to eat or get a closer look at something of interest. Wing and have fun, but you might want to bring your smart-phone or GPS just in case you get hopelessly lost and can’t find your way home.