Spring is the season we have all been waiting for. It’s great to enjoy the cozy and cuddly time of winter, but spring is a much anticipated season with lots of date ideas to take advantage of. We are all itching for a bit of sunshine and fresh air.

It’s the perfect time to take your date outdoors and soak up the sun. Your date can be someone you’re just starting to see or a long-term partner. Either way, these date ideas will bring you closer.

Smell the flowers and try new things together. Get outside and enjoy the warm air on your skin without feeling too hot. Take advantage of the spring time energy to learn, grow, and get creative with your date. It will be sure to bring you improve your relationship.

Here are 54 spring date ideas you’ll absolutely adore.

1. Take a tour of a local bee sanctuary

Beekeeping is a rising trend all over the world. Look for a local bee sanctuary and find out if you can volunteer, take a tour, or buy some honey. Spend some time with the bees and your date. This is a great date idea for couples that want to support the planet and have a sweet tooth.

2. Stroll around botanical gardens

There is no better way to celebrate spring than smelling the flowers. Go on a day trip to the nearest botanical gardens at their peak. Learn a little more about the plants that grow and thrive in your area.

3. Volunteer at an animal shelter

Find a local animal shelter and see if you can volunteer for the day. Lots of shelters are open to one-time volunteers to walk dogs or play with their cats. There is growing research that spending time with “mans-best-friend” lowers stress and boosts our mood. This is an awesome idea for animal lovers that can’t commit to their own animal just yet.

4. Take a day trip to a lake

Head to the closest lake in your area for a day date. Bring some snacks and lunch to share, walk around the lake, hire a boat, or pay to take out a paddleboat of your own. Whatever idea suits your date most––make it a sun-filled lake adventure.

5. Scavenger hunt at the library

Go to the library and have a scavenger hunt. Pick a word, for example, “spring.” Set the timer for 10-15 minutes. See how many books you can find with that word in the title! Take pictures of the books instead of pulling them out (so you don’t upset the librarians). Have fun with this idea, maybe the loser has to buy the winner coffee at the library.

6. Go birdwatching

Bird watching might sound like a retiree hobby, but it’s actually a super fun date idea. Take a trip to your local visitor center and purchase a bird guide. If you don’t have one, Google your nearest national park; they will usually have information on the types of bird you can find in your area. Read these tips to get started and spend the day watching birds, who are especially active during the spring.

7. Enjoy a 5k together

There is almost always a 5k happening sometime in the spring. Find out the specific date and train with your significant other. Alternatively, you two can just walk it on the day. 5k’s are usually for a great cause, so the signup fee will benefit the community. If exercise isn’t your thing, go to the race instead and cheer people on.

8. Make a wildflower bouquet

What is the difference between a weed and a wildflower? Many people simply believe the difference is in the eye of the beholder. Go on a walk around your neighborhood or a nearby park and pick some wildflowers. Make a wildflower bouquet with your partner. This is a great idea for those on a budget. Before the flowers die, press a few of your favorites in a book to cherish the memories of the date.

9. Visit an elderly home

Take time to visit an elderly home, even just a day visit can brighten a residence’s day. It is recommended to reach out in advance of your visit, so they have time to prepare. It is a sweet idea for couples who like to make authentic connections with strangers. If you love the experience, become an ongoing visitor through the spring.

10. Go to the farmers’ market out of town

Going to the farmers’ market is a great date idea. It is also a way to buy local and seasonal produce. But farmers markets usually sell much more than just fruits and veggies. Most markets have food trucks, coffee, and artisanal goods. If you have yet to visit the farmers’ market closest to you, start there. But if you are a frequent visitor, take a road-trip to another farmers’ market to broaden your horizons.

11. Splash around in the rain

April showers bring May flowers. There is always a lot of rain in the springtime. One idea is to take advantage of this and spend some time dancing, running, or playing in the rain. It can feel like a child-like thing to do, but tapping a youthful date will bring you and your date closer together.

12. Watch movies in the park

Drive-in movies are a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh, spring air on an evening date. Find out if you have a drive-in movie nearby. Stop by a gas station along the way to fill up on movie snacks. Make sure to bring some popcorn from home so you can enjoy the classic movie theater smell.

13. Enjoy craft beer

Take a tour of a local craft brewery for a weekend date. Spend the afternoon or evening sampling different flights of beer and picking your favorite. Make some guesses as to what kind of flavors are in the beer, see if you are right. Make up your own beer ideas and pitch them to the owners.

14. Visit the local theater

Many local theaters do productions in the spring and this is a great time to dress up for a show, make a date of it, and support your local artists. Do some research, find out about the play or music, and get a background on the premise of the production. You will always get more out of a show if you have some idea of the context.

15. Bike to your favorite coffee shop

Take your bikes out for a coffee date. Now that the weather is nice, save on gas and bike to your favorite coffee shop. Enjoy the slower pace and feel the wind in your face. Since it’s not too hot in the spring, consider biking around some nice neighborhoods on your way home.

16. Spend time stargazing

Go out in the evening for a date of stargazing this spring. There are now great apps on your phone to tell you all about the constellations. I recommend the Star Walk (Play Store) app; it is really informative, fun, and has beautiful graphics. Find some constellations in the sky and learn about their rich history.

17. Play tennis together

Spring is a great time to get active and moving. Take advantage of your recreational center to play some tennis together. If you don’t have a racket, one idea is to rent them, as recreational centers usually offer this service. If you enjoy it, buy your own rackets and keep up the hobby all spring.

18. Take a trip to your closest National Park

Consider taking a weekend trip to your closest National Park. Chances are, it’s the Great Smokey Mountains if you live in the United States of America. This is because so many people are within a day’s drive of these gorgeous mountains. If not though, there are many other great options around the country. Find yours here. Spring is a great time to spend all weekend in nature with your date..

19. Attend a baseball game

Baseball is back in full swing during the spring, so enjoy a game date. Do a search online for games that are happening from your local high schools or colleges. If you have a major league team in your area, go to one of their big rival games. Chant the home team cheers and have a hot-dog.

20. Fly kites

If you live in a windy city or town, a great date idea is to learn the art of kite flying together. The most important part of flying a kite is the wind, which is abundant in the spring. Wait for a windy day and test out your new kite. Follow these great tips for making sure your kite not only flies but soars.

21. Help build a house

It’s always a good idea to help others. Spend many dates building a house for a family in need with Habitat for Humanity. Take the opportunity to help others in the community, meet like-minded strangers, and learn some new skills. You and your date will feel amazing after the experience and grow together.

22. Enjoy an outside concert

Take a blanket and some chairs and enjoy an outside concert. Check out your local newspaper and website to find out about any free concerts. There are usually a ton during the spring. If not, look at your concert spaces for upcoming events and consider seeing a new band.

23. Have a candlelit dinner on the patio

Take advantage of the wonderful spring breeze and spend it outside. Make a romantic meal and have a date night on the patio. Gather some candles, tealights work great, and spread them around the table. Enjoy gazing at your date in the beautiful lighting.

24. Plant a tree

Spring is a great time to sew some love back into the planet. Take your date to a local hardware or gardening store and buy some seeds or a baby tree. Closely follow the instructions and plant your tree together. Give it a cute name and don’t forget to water it through the season.

25. Drink rooftop cocktails at sunset

Take your date to a rooftop bar at sunset. Challenge each other to order something you’ve never ordered before. Have no idea what to order? Try some of these fantastic cocktail drinks you’ve never heard of. Ask the bartender if there are any spring seasonal cocktails.

26. Pitch a tent in your backyard

Sometimes going camping can be too big of a commitment. Here’s an idea instead. Pitch a tent in one of your backyards for an overnight date. Buy smores supplies and make a fire (if that’s possible and legal). Enjoy sleeping under the stars for a night without having to go anywhere.

27. Go fruit picking

Lots of berry farms offer fruit picking during the spring. Typically, they charge for the day and give you a basket to fill up. You and your partner can enjoy a date, strolling amongst the fruit, leisurely picking the sweet berries. Take the yummy fruit home and snack on them all week.

28. Enjoy a nature walk

Take a long, relaxed stroll around a big nature reserve. Nature is so vibrant and beautiful in the spring. This is a great idea for a low-key date where you want to share with each other. You can talk about your hopes and dreams, be honest about your fears, or swap some good stories.

29. Learn to slackline

Slackline is an acrobatic skill that involves balancing on a small thin strap. The world’s greatest slackliners are pretty impressive, but you don’t have to be. Slacklining is mostly about balance and patience. All you need is to buy a slackline online and secure it between two trees to start your slacklining date. Keep the practice up all spring – learn and improve together.

30. Get up for sunrise

Waking up at sunrise can be a daunting idea, but it’s always worth it. Prepare the night before with an easy, on-the-go breakfast and then wake up, make some coffee and take it all to go. Go somewhere beautiful to watch the spring sunrise and enjoy the chirp of the morning birds.

31. Press flowers from the garden

Do you have a favorite flower or love to see a particular color bloom in the spring? Why not savor that memory by pressing some flowers for a sweet date. It is a great craft idea for you and your partner. Pull some of your favorite flowers from the garden, press them in a book. Find a good quote to accompany the flowers. In a few weeks, frame the flowers and the quote.

32. Plan a themed picnic

Going on a picnic is such a fun spring date. Decide to have an elaborate themed picnic date. Prepare days in advance. One theme idea would be to throw fancy picnic with artisanal crackers and cheeses. Another idea is a deserts-only picnic. Bring a big blanket and spend the whole date at the park.

33. Rent a convertible

If you love a joyride and enjoy adventurous dates, renting a jeep from a nearby car rental is a fun date. Take the top off and experience the wind in your hair. Take a joy ride on some back roads and take it easy. Stop at some local mom-and-pop shops along the way.

34. Clean up your park

Join the community in a park day clean-up. If you can’t find any community information on this, plan your own. Invite friends to join or go on a solo date. Give back to the community and planet by giving a helping hand. Making sure public parks stay clean can help local ecosystems thrive; it’s especially important in the spring.

35. Play golf

Here’s an idea, bypass mini-golf and go straight to golf. Make it a whole-day date. Start the day off by going to a golf course and renting some clubs. Get the swing of things and really put your back into it. When you are both feeling a bit more confident, do a half-round which is only 9 holes.

36. Visit a waterfall

Find a great day hike nearby that has a waterfall. Pack lunch and snacks and track your route. Waterfalls are usually strong during the spring because of “April showers.” Enjoy your lunch at the waterfall and take a dip in the water with your date to cool off.

37. Make homemade ice cream

Now that it is finally warm outside, we can all enjoy some sweet treats – better if they are cold! Making ice cream at home is super easy and a sweet date idea. Head to the grocery store together to gather your ingredient;, get creative on flavors. At home, make your very unique creation together.

38. Go on a horse ride

Riding a horse with your date is a very adventurous way to spend an afternoon. Lots of stables offer day rides for a fee. You can even dress up for the occasion if you’ve always wanted to wear a cowboy hat. Saddle up and enjoy a stroll around the farm or through the woods at a nearby stable.

39. Take a trip to hot springs

Even though the weather is heating up, it can still get chilly at night. See if you have any hot springs within reach for a nature date. If you do, make a day trip to the natural spa. Hot springs are a great way to detox the body and relax your mind. Enjoy spending the day in nature, letting go of stress with your partner.

40. Browse a secondhand bookstore

There are always hidden gems in a local bookstore. Take your time to browse through all the books and see how they were previously loved. A romantic idea would be to buy each other’s favorite books of the day. Read them throughout spring. Discuss your favorite parts. Reading together can even help improve your relationship!

41. Throw around a frisbee

Frisbees are a cheap and easy idea for staying active in the spring. Purchase one online or go to any nearby department store; they will usually have one. Have a frisbee date at the park or to the backyard. Throw the frisbee back and forth. If you are both pretty good, you can try to hit specific targets – like your shoes (if you are willing to take them off).

42. Make tie-dye shirts

Tie-dying is coming back into fashion, so jump on the trend and make your own matching shirts as a crafty date idea. If you don’t want to go out and buy a tie-dye kit, you can make really beautiful reverse dye shirts with bleach; they are simple and look fantastic.

43. Dress up and visit a flower farm

Lots of flower farms are starting to advertise their peak blooming days during the spring. Search for the bloom days of your closest flower farm. A great idea is to hire a photographer, dress up for the date, and go and take professional pictures together. Or if you don’t want to hire a professional, read our guide to the ultimate couple photoshoot date.

44. Go to an outdoor art museum

Take your date to visit some art this spring. There are lots of outdoor art installations, often featuring weather-resistant sculptures in a beautiful garden setting with blooming spring flowers. For example, Chuihuly has many outdoor exhibits that would be perfect to visit.

45. Check out the student center

Take a look at the spring events going on at your local student center for date ideas. There are usually tons of classes to pick from. You could take a watercolor class together or join an improv class. You never know what cool date you could go on.

46. Go to a winery

Spend a beautiful date at a winery. Take a tour of the vineyard and then sample the different tastings and pairings. If there is a clear favorite, buy your favorite bottle. Enjoy drinking wine while you watch the sunset over the vineyard.

47. Try roller skating

Roller skating is coming back into pop culture, so it is a great time to buy some fresh new rollerblades and take your date for a spin this spring. Pick out a groovy pair for you both (along with some safety pads). Go to your local park and learn how to rollerblade. If you don’t know where to start, read this article.

48. Attend a poetry reading

What is a more romantic idea than attending a poetry reading for a date. Check out your local library and bookshop for this kind of information. They might just have a poetry reading night to dazzle your partner. Once you are more comfortable with it, you could even try writing your date a poem. For inspiration, check out our list of romantic words.

49. Plan a weekend getaway

There is no better date than one that doesn’t end. Spring is the perfect season to go somewhere new. Pack a small bag and go for a weekend getaway. Visit a cute town nearby or spend the weekend amongst the trees or by the beach. Whatever you go, you’ll enjoy spending the whole weekend with your date.

50. Go to a go-cart course

For the young-at-heart, one idea is to go to a go-cart course and take your date for a ride. Enjoy some playful banter and get into the spirit of the go-cart race. This will be a great date for laughing and enjoying yourself.

51. Make homemade bread and jam

Who says spending the day in the kitchen isn’t a great date idea? Make something unique together, like bread and jam. Start with the bread, as it will take some time. Jam is pretty easy to make if you have enough fruit, which is abundant in the spring. You can even pick the fruit yourself; see idea 27. Enjoy the fruits of your labor at the park or in the backyard to continue the date.

52. Take a tour of your dream home

Spend a day taking a tour of your dream home. Look for open house listings and pick a few to look at. Imagine spending your life in each house, which one is your dream? The best part about this date is that open houses typically have a few free treats and beverages to enjoy too.

53. Take a hot air balloon ride

Fly high in a hot air balloon. It is a pretty extravagant date idea, but I think riding in a hot air balloon is something everyone should do once in their life. The once in a lifetime experience will be even better in the spring, as the air is still cool and the world is in bloom.

54. Write a spring bucket list

With so many wonderful ideas to do this spring, you couldn’t possibly do them all. Make a spring bucket list with your partner to pick your top date ideas. Save the list and knock out more of them next year!

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However you spend your spring, we know you’ll love these date ideas. Do you think it’s possible to try them all? Let us know in the comments below how many of these you have done.

No matter what spring date ideas you choose, they are sure to bring you and your date closer together. Whether you are in a long-term or a blooming relationship, spring is a great time to deepen your connection.

Let us know your favorite spring date idea in the comments below, and if you enjoyed this article, please share on social media using the buttons below and sign-up for our newsletter to receive advice straight in your inbox.

It’s your turn to plan a date, and you want it to be unique AND spectacular. You know you want to take your partner downtown and experience a bit of the city. You look for a good restaurant, but nothing is catching your eye. You check the local theaters for a concert, play, or event you could possibly go to, but all the tickets are sold out or just simply out of your budget. The art museum is open, but you’ve already been there for a few dates.

How about this. Instead of going downtown with a perfect plan in place, you go downtown with the purpose of exploring and finding your own entertainment?! Cities can be a hotspot of some of the greatest artists, musicians, and entertainers. They’re set up on street corners or in a pedestrian alley or courtyard. They’re performing for simply one reason – because they LOVE to perform for you! How great is that?! You can enjoy an evening out together, walk around your city, explore new places, and be captivated by some of the most passionate entertainers in your area.

Tips to Search Out Street Performers in Your City

Obviously, you don’t want to let down your partner by promising a unique date night and underdelivering when street performers are nowhere to be found! This is definitely a date to think through beforehand, even though part of the fun of the date is the spontaneous aspect! Here’s a list of tips for finding the best street performers in your city.

1. Go to a popular pedestrian area in your city – outdoor malls are usually a hot spot
2. Check out the nightlife area – restaurants, bars, and theaters
3. Search around local tourist attractions or big city buildings
4. Many performers can be found around large greenspace areas in your city
5. Check boardwalks and piers if you’re by a beach
6. Check around sports arenas if there’s an event that night
7. More performers come out on the weekends
8. Street performers can be found during the day sometimes, but nighttime is when there are more performers
9. Warm weather and street performances go hand in hand – this is definitely a date for warmer weather!
10. Scope out locations the weekend before if possible

The Date

Make sure you plan and provide your partner with the necessary details to set up your date for success. Ensure you have the right clothes to be outside, and bring a jacket if necessary. If you are planning on going and checking out some green space areas, bring a blanket to sit on, too! You could even pack a little picnic if you know you’ll be sitting down for a while.

You can choose what to do during your date in addition to enjoying street performers. Maybe you want to stop for dinner first. Maybe you’re going to go to the outdoor mall with the intention of doing shopping and stopping to enjoy the performers in-between stores. Perhaps you’re looking for the performers first, and then planning to end the night with a night-cap at your favorite downtown lounge. You get to choose what sounds best to your partner and you!

Enjoying the Performances

Once again, there is no right or wrong way to do this! Here are a few suggestions for ways to enjoy the street performers you find.

1. Get in close! Don’t be afraid to be up close for your enjoyment. Performers feed off the energy of the crowd, and so can you!
2. Dance! We all know we don’t get many opportunities to slow dance with our partner. If the right song comes up, hold each other and move with the music. Who cares who is watching?! It’s all about the intentional moments between the two of you. Plus, other people will probably be dancing too. Or even better, because you start dancing, others join in!
3. Stay a while! Don’t feel like you can only enjoy a song or two. Even if the performer is taking a break, they will be back! If you’re enjoying it, wait for the return. Think of it more like a whole concert or show instead of just “catching a glimpse.”
4. Get involved! If the performer needs a volunteer, go on up! Being a part of the performance is sure to add entertainment to your date. And you’re more likely to remember details of the night long-term. Street magicians are great for needing volunteers if you are seeking out audience engagement opportunities.
5. Show appreciation! We all love to be acknowledged for a job well done. Performers are the same! While performers are out there first and foremost for the enjoyment of performing, a little tip may get you a more personal experience. Maybe they will take a song request. Or maybe you’ll get a piece of art just for you. Either way, leave a tip if you’re enjoying your experience and show that bit of appreciation for their art!

When We Experienced Our Own Private Concert

My boyfriend and I were walking back to our hotel after enjoying dinner on Santa Monica Boulevard. We walked the long way back so we could enjoy the ocean air and the warm night. Music piercing through the streets grabbed my attention. We walked around trying to find where it was coming from. We eventually came upon a young man wearing sweatpants, a hat, and a tank top and performing with a violin, a phone, and a speaker.

The music exuding from this violin was breathtaking. It was fast, engaging, current, and mesmerizing. I could feel the vibrations in my body. It was an experience I’ll never forget because of how utterly wondrous the music was.

My partner and I talked about how we wanted to talk to the performer. We wanted to know his story. We wanted to know where this passion he played with came from. We wanted to know why he was playing his violin on the streets of Santa Monica and not on a concert hall stage that required $200 tickets for admittance. I would pay that much or more to experience his talent again.

People stopped and listened for a minute. There was a drunk man dancing around the performer. Cars honked as they passed by. I barely noticed it all. We stood there for around half an hour just experiencing this hidden gift on the street in Santa Monica. It was a date night I’ll never forget.

Did you try out this date? How did it go? Do you have any tips for our readers? Leave a comment below to share your experience! And sign-up for our newsletter to receive advice straight in your inbox.

Pairs that embrace mental challenges together stay stimulated by their relationship. They learn from one another and develop respect for each other’s abilities and ideas. They report greater intellectual compatibility, which leads to greater relationship satisfaction, individual confidence, and cooperation.

Long term, there is no substitute for wide-ranging, frequent, and deep conversation to cultivate this aspect of your relationship. Ask one another wild “what-if” questions. Make an effort to research a topic that fascinates them and then engage them about it.

And try some of these daring date ideas. They will spark curiosity, exercise intelligence, and generate conversation. They will help you foster an established relationship or evaluate intellectual compatibility with someone new.

So get ready to challenge your brains!

High-Culture Date Ideas

Most of us fail to take advantage of the incredible cultural resources that our cities or hometowns offer. Do a little research. Many cities have cultural directories you can check out, and others at least maintain tourism websites that include local attractions.

From live performances to art galleries to nights hosted by a nearby coffee shop, you have a wealth of resources just outside your door. Or even at your fingertips. An increasing number of programs have taken their offerings online, making them available in times of closure and to wider audiences.

Explore your intellectual sides with these dates:

1. Visit an art gallery or museum. If heading to an art museum, seize the opportunities presented by its special programming and exhibits. Or establish beforehand which one or two collections you want to focus on in a larger institution. Don’t try to take in so much that you’re just overwhelmed.

2. Go to the theater, opera, or a concert. You may not live in a place (or time!) where these are readily available, but have no fear. Radio stations have been streaming live concerts since the beginning. These days, you can also see the best Broadway and the Metropolitan Opera have to offer right from your living room. Or venture across the Atlantic for the absolute best in Shakespeare productions.

These services are often free or offer free trials, so there’s no need to break the bank to get your dose of culture. You can still make a night of it, too. Dress up and plan a nice meal to be enjoyed at home.

3. Explore Google Arts & Culture. Google now brings you an unbelievable array of interactive cultural experiences. You can visit landmarks and museums or take interactive world tours connected through a common theme. Or do something really crazy like crafting your own opera with machine learning.

4. Watch a film rather than a movie. You know the difference! Many local theaters stream old classics, or you could always take in a foreign film at home.

5. Attend the reading of a local writer or a poetry night. You can discover one another’s literary tastes and maybe even give yourself new talent to follow. Plus you can support independent bookstores, which is always a worthwhile endeavor.

Puzzling Date Ideas

Work together to solve a riddle or head out for some bar trivia. Games aren’t just fun. They can help you bond over a common problem or against a common enemy – um, I mean, rival team.

Some of these activities also make great ice-breakers when you’re dating someone new. But they’re just as much fun with spouses or significant others. Do enough of them, and you’ll find yourselves naturally assigning certain questions to your partner, increasing your respect for their areas of expertise.

Think while you play with these dates:

6. Do an escape room, scavenger hunt, or riddle quest. These group challenges will invigorate you, getting your bodies moving while those mental gears turn. When it’s over, you’ll find yourself rehashing your moves in detail over drinks or dessert.

You can also buy games or mysteries that aim to bring these experiences home. If you really like them, you can hunt a killer every month or subscribe to a different mystery or puzzle subscription box.

7. Attend a trivia night at your local bar. You don’t have to be a pop-culture expert to contribute. The odds are that you have some specialty or jumble of random facts that will help bring your team to victory. Learn about the other person’s knowledge hodge-podge in a fast-paced and energetic environment.

8. Make an event out of the Saturday or Sunday crossword. Set yourselves up with coffee or mimosas and some breakfast. Then tackle the harder Saturday or longer Sunday puzzle together. If you’re a crossword newbie, the New York Times has some tips to help you get started.

Curious-Cat Date Ideas

Explore new worlds and ideas together. Maybe there’s a subject that intrigues you, or you’re just someone who likes to learn. Either way, these date ideas will give you new things to talk about and ways to engage.

Stoke and satisfy your curiosity with these dates:

9. Watch a documentary, listen to a TED talk, or attend a lecture at your local university. You can pick a subject that interests you both or one that relates to individual passions. Either way, you’ll gain new ideas and information with which to engage.

If you play into one person’s expertise, make sure that it’s still approachable for the other. Taking on the roles of teacher and student can be healthy, but try to keep things balanced by switching things up for next time.

10. Go to a science museum. If you were lucky enough to visit these attractions as a kid, it’s easy to forget how much you used to enjoy them. Let your naturally curious inner child out to play with the dynamic and interactive exhibits they present. Unlike a massive art museum, you don’t necessarily need a plan. It can be fun just to run – I mean, walk sedately – around.

The Used-Bookstore Date

Yep. Number eleven gets its own category:

11. Head to a big used bookstore. First, put ten crisp dollar bills in each of your pockets. Once you get there, wander the aisles together, pointing out books you’ve loved, topics that interest you, things that remind you of funny events from your past, and even books that have bored you to tears. Walk around this incredible space, using it as a reference library for your personal histories.

Before you leave, separate and go shopping for one another, based on the conversations you just had. Pick out a book they seemed intrigued by, wanted to revisit, or that relates to something you learned about them.

Have lunch or dinner somewhere close. After you’ve ordered, exchange gifts and let the conversation continue to flow.

Don’t Stop There

Think of intellectual maintenance as part of the work you should put into your relationship. Revisit these date ideas. You can also look ahead for future lectures, events, performances, or exhibitions. Put these on the calendar, so the two of you can look forward to them together.

Creativity and adventure are important to relationships. Try new things together – whether it’s a photoshoot date or awesomeness that won’t break the budget.

Share your experiences with these date ideas or your own favorite ways to challenge your minds together!

While there’s always a time for going out for dinner and catching a movie after, there’s also a time for doing something completely different from all the other dates you’ve planned. And who doesn’t love a date when the entire purpose is to be close and cuddly?! So here’s an idea for a whimsical and romantic free date. Grab your cell phone or camera and a tripod. Don’t forget to grab your partner, too!

If you haven’t figured it out already, you’re going to be rocking a photoshoot for this date. We’ll walk you through every step, so don’t fear! Please do not shy away from trying this date because you don’t think you can be a professional photographer. As usual with our date suggestions, the connection really happens during the EXPERIENCE. The pictures at the end are definitely the added bonus!

Getting Ready for Your Photoshoot Date

This is where some magic and creativity can really set the tone for your photoshoot date! The best part about this shoot is not having expectations for the outcome. This isn’t intended to be a family photoshoot with everyone looking at the camera. Remember, we’re focusing on the time, experience, and CONNECTION during the shoot. So decide what you want to feel like.

Do you want to go glam and get really dressed up? This could mean paying for professional hair and makeup, getting a manicure, visiting the barber for a clean and fresh look, or doing a little shopping for the perfect outfits. Going more glam will evoke more sophisticated and elegant poses during your shoot. It can be adventurous to get dressed to the nines, especially if it’s not something you usually do. You’ll be able to find elaborate backdrops like a government building with pillars or a downtown highrise for your shoot. You could go really edgy and modern for a high fashion look, too!

Your other option is on the complete opposite end of the photoshoot spectrum. Do you want an at home lifestyle look in Saturday morning comfy clothes and plush blankets instead? That will work, too! These pictures are centered more around being playful, cozy, flirtatious, and vulnerable. You can do these in your own home, and you’re going to really focus on closeness and capturing real moments between the two of you.

Other Preparation Pointers

1. If you’re on a budget, reach out to family or friends to borrow the perfect outfit.
2. Add a little more makeup than usual. Makeup doesn’t show up in pictures as much as it does in real life, so a little extra will really “pop.”
3. If you’re not wearing makeup, put on some chapstick for extra soft lips.
4. Make sure your devices are fully charged with plenty of space for pictures.
5. Any time of the day will work for your date, but you’ll get the gorgeous golden light on a good night an hour before sunset! Shoot with the sun behind you for most of the shots, but turn around and catch that last light on your faces right before the sun goes down.

Location Ideas for Your Photoshoot Date

1. In your home (couch, kitchen, patio, and your bedroom)
2. Fancy city or state government building
3. Downtown building with lots of glass and modern looks and angles
4. At a park with a blanket laid out (don’t go to a park with lots of trees or you’ll just end up looking like you have trees coming out of your heads)
5. A beach or lake on the sand
6. An open field
7. Somewhere that describes the two of you and your hobbies and interests together – a baseball field, the library, your old school, etc.
8. A location that is sentimental to the two of you such as where you got engaged

Taking Your Own Pictures

While you can definitely get creative by setting your camera on or against something to prop it up, it’s definitely easier to use a tripod. Polaroid cameras could also be really fun to incorporate for this date, too!

Your first task before starting your session is to figure out how to use your timer. A Google search should be able to help you with whatever device you have. Just type in the model of your device and “how to set the camera timer.” If your camera allows multiple shots with a second or two in between, set it for that.

For example: a camera set to 10 frames will allow you about 10 seconds to set the timer and get in the shot. Then 10 different images will be taken with about one second in between each frame.

Once you’ve played with the timer and figured it out a bit, you’re ready to get started! The absolute best part of this date is the physical closeness between the two of you for all of these pictures. The second best part is the laughter from all of the “missed shots” because you’re using a timer. There are bound to be some “good ones” in there! Embrace it – it’s part of the fun!

You’re free to take these pictures in whatever way you both desire. Use your creativity together. Try something out, even if you’re unsure if it will work or not. There’s always a “delete” button on every camera, so nothing is lost if a pose looks off. If you’re running short on ideas, here are a few that are sure to work well!

10 Go-To Couples Poses for Connection and Closeness

Each couples pose has a great reference image to help you get an idea of what the photoshoot entails. Adapt them to yourselves and most importantly, have fun!

• 1. Arms wrapped around each other – person behind kisses the shoulder of the person in front.

• 2. Play “airplane.” Hold each other’s hands out while walking. Photo Tip: To make sure to keep your picture in focus, try walking side to side with your heads turned towards the camera instead of walking towards the camera. Your picture will stay in focus better if you stay in the same horizontal plane. Walk slow, too

• 3. Stand belly button to belly button. The taller person puts their hands on their partner’s neck and kisses their forehead. Variations: actually kiss or touch foreheads to each other. Almost kissing shots are great, too! Get your lips super close to each other’s, but don’t touch them. No need to pucker. Natural lips look best! Eyes closed are *usually* better for this shot.

• 4. Piggy back rides! This will always bring out great and natural smiles. Take it a step further and try to shake your partner off your back. That creates extra genuine smiles!

• 5. One person turns and looks over their shoulder towards the camera while the other kisses their partner’s temple or cheek. Make sure to snuggle in extra close on this one!

• 6. Lay down facing each other, touching shoulders. Change this pose up during the timer! Take turns kissing foreheads or cheeks. Run a hand on a cheek. Kiss!

• 7. Dance!! Give your partner a twirl. A dip is great, too – especially when you bring your partner up and naturally hug each other.

• 8. Utilize a fun prop like your motorcycle or car. If you don’t have something, that’s ok! This pose is still great. Sit on the ground and one partner straddle the other. This can be a giggly or saucy pic. You decide! Neck kisses are always great, too!

• 9. Kiss their neck from behind. The person behind wraps their arms around the other’s shoulders. Then kiss their neck! This works great on a set of stairs with the front person sitting lower.

• 10. Stand right next to each other and bump hips over and over. It’s ok to go a little overboard on this one! It’s all about creating the sweet smiles.

Once you’ve had fun taking pictures together, grab the camera from the tripod and take pictures of one another. The purpose of this is to appreciate the details of your partner. Get as artistic as you want with these!

Must Have Close Ups of Your Partner

1. Lips
2. Eyes
3. Hands touching
4. Hands on each others cheeks
5. Collar bones

The Finishing Touches

The final part of this date is to have fun editing or adding filters to your images. Go through your camera roll together and notice what your partner likes! What we don’t want is for this to be a time for you to notice your “flaws.” Look at the picture as a whole. Notice how you feel when you see the pictures of the two of you together. Focus on you as a couple in the images.

Pro Tip: Blur is great! If one of your pictures isn’t in focus, take a second look and see if the blur maybe adds to the feeling in the picture!

A Keepsake of Your Photoshoot Date

The bonus to this date is to display your images! Design a photo book, frame some prints, hang a canvas or make one of the images the wallpaper on your phone. These would even make great gifts for holidays. Every time you see your pictures, you’ll be reminded of your unique and entertaining date together!

Did you try this date? What did you love? What would you do differently next time? Leave a comment below to let us know!

Featured image at the top of this post by Dani Corbett www.danichristensen.com

Preparation for your Airbnb Date

As with any date, preparation is key! Here’s a list of how to prepare your home for your Airbnb experience.

1. Clean the house! This is the not so fun part of the preparation, but this is key to a successful date. One of the best parts of walking into a vacation rental or hotel room is that it’s so clean. If you’re short on time, hire a service to come tidy up. Put fresh sheets on the bed, make sure there are clean towels, and keep your special occasion dishes handy.
2. Hire a sitter. If you still have young kids at home that require supervision, this is a great time to call in one of those babysitting favors. Ask family to take them overnight for you. You can also check into a service like Care.com. Childcare is often the number one reason couples don’t do getaways, but staying put in your home may make it a little easier to find a solution!
3. Pack your clothes. We’re going all in here, so pack as if you’re going out of town. This will add a little fun and playful element to your date for the weekend. Don’t forget your slippers and robe!
4. Grab some flowers! Flowers add such a special touch to your home and really make it have that fancy feel we’re going for this weekend.

The Exclusive Airbnb Experience

This is where the fun starts! The house is clean and quiet, and it’s just the two of you for the next night or two. Get ready to kick back, relax and, most importantly, RECONNECT! The goal for this time together is to be INTENTIONAL with how you use it. Be intentional with your words. Be intentional with your actions. Be intentional with your time together. Notice the small things about each other again. It’s all the small things that made you fall in love in the first place!

Set a time to start your date so you both can get into the right mindset to foster connection. Once you’re there, get ready for a little adventure. This experience is all about doing what you would do if you were actually in a vacation rental. You’re just using your own home instead!

The first part of your date is going to be exciting. Do you know that big soaker tub in your master bath that you rarely use? Well, you’re going to use it for this date! But first, you need to go shopping for bath essentials! (Any size bathtub will really do for tonight! If you don’t have a tub, opt for a romantic shower together instead!)

Romantic Bath Shopping Experience

The experience of shopping together is what you’re going to focus on here. Take time to notice what your partner is drawn to. Make sure to put your arms around each other while you’re in the store. Hold hands! Head to your favorite specialty store that carries bath bombs, bubbles, massage oils and more.

Make sure you’re dressed and ready for a night out! Lush is a worldwide store with great products, but a store like Ulta or even your local grocery store will do. This is a great opportunity to check on Google for local bath and body stores that may provide locally made items. Shopping local and getting to know your town more can definitely be a more personal experience!

Here’s an idea of what to look for while you’re shopping. These are products that are great for your romantic bath or shower experience. And you might as well pick up a few more things for the weekend while you’re there! Make sure to shop together. Remember, it’s all about the two of you and your shared experiences.

1. Bath bombs – Have fun here! There are so many different fragrances and variations to choose from. Why choose one when you can choose two? Both of you pick your favorite for double the baths together this weekend.
2. Massage bars or massage oil – What’s a getaway without a massage?! Taking time to engage in physical touch this weekend, even if it’s a simple hand or foot massage, is one way to definitely reconnect.
3. Bubble bars – If you like bubbles, these are definitely worth exploring!
4. Shower oil bar – Great for an indulgent shower!
5. Candles – floating or standard candles to set around the bathroom will definitely create that ambience for you!

Enjoy Your Romantic Evening in your Exclusive Airbnb

Once dinner is over, it’s time to head back to your home Airbnb for your romantic bath experience. This is where you get to choose how the night goes. Use your new bath goodies and put your soaker tub or shower to use. Make sure you’re staying off your electronic devices and intentionally focusing on connecting with each other. This experience is all about what you put into it! Touch, eye contact, conversation, and intention. Those are the focus words for this experience.

Day Two – Breakfast and Preparation for the Day

Sleep in! Once you’re both awake and you’ve taken some extra morning cuddling time, you get to plan your day. Find a recipe online that looks a little challenging to prepare but also looks amazing to eat for dinner. Make a shopping list to take out with you.

For brunch, do the same thing as last night – head to Google to find a new place that catches your eye. Go out and enjoy a morning together. Take your time. Refill your coffee or drink a few times while you keep the conversation going.

After breakfast, head to your local grocery store to gather your ingredients for your meal tonight. Grab some snacks for yourselves, too. And don’t forget the wine or sparkling cider! Once that’s done, it’s time to head home or out on your adventure.

Puzzles, Games and Netflix and Chill

One of the best parts of a relaxing getaway is the actual relaxing part. While exploring, sight seeing, and being “out” is refreshing, sometimes you just need to chill. Give your body a break. Put on some comfy clothes and choose an activity to do together. If you’re doing a puzzle, make sure to take opportunities for small touches. Sit next to each other. Be close. If you’re playing a game, remember it’s about sharing the experience together. If you’re just wanting to find a good movie, share a blanket and cuddle. Enjoy the afternoon doing whatever you both feel you need to be rejuvenated!

Get Out

If you’re both more in the mood for an experience together, head out for an adventure! Any of your typical date ideas work here. Go for a hike, go enjoy a museum, play a sport together, be a tourist – anything works! Just remember your intentions for this time together. Connect. Connect. Connect!

Dinner and Dancing

Dinner tonight is all about the process and experience (and hopefully you have some good food at the end, too!). Make your time in the kitchen intentional too. Help each other, be close to each other, and enjoy cooking together.

Set the table with candles, flowers, and your nice dishes. Put on some music you both like. Take your time with your meal. When it’s done, dance. Be the couple from the movies. Notice and enjoy every little touch. Look into each other’s eyes. Be present in the moment. Embrace it!

You Choose What’s Next

This is where you take over. Are you going to use those massage bars? How about a trip into town for desert and the scenic route home? At this point, you’re really connecting with each other. Talk together and come up with a plan for the rest of your getaway. And make sure part of that plan is scheduling out your next getaway. Whether it’s at home again or you actually leave town, make it a priority to get in on the calendar!

Did you try this date idea? What did you love? What are you going to do differently next time? Leave a comment below to share with our community!

Explore State or National Parks

No matter where you live, you are a short day trip away from some kind of nature preserve or national park. The entry fees for these places are minimal, and you can bring enough food for a picnic. You can discover beautiful land formations and bodies of water. Standing with your spouse, holding hands while staring out at a wondrous view can be such a special moment. During moments like this, all I can think about is how lucky I am to be able to spend the rest of my life and experience beautiful sights like this with the love of my life.

Geocaching

It is very important that married couples continue to have fun together, especially when life is trying to get in the way. Geocaching is a fun, worldwide game of hidden treasure and community. The way it works is pretty simple. A person hides a container anywhere in the world. Inside the container is a paper log for finders to sign. You download the Geocaching app, and head out into the world to go find treasure. If you are exploring parks or hiking trails, you can bet there are geocaches nearby, adding an extra layer of adventure to your day.

While geocaching does offer a premium subscription, the free version is so generous that you never have to pay a dime to geocache on a date with your spouse.

Cook Together

There was a time in our marriage when we had no money for a babysitter, much less an expensive restaurant. We love watching cooking shows, so we would pick a recipe that looked delicious and challenging. We would buy the ingredients, put the kids to bed, and get to cooking. Put on soft music like Frank Sinatra and take time to dance around the kitchen. Steal a kiss. It will be a meal you will never forget.

Take a Class

From “How-to” courses at your local hardware store to ivy league university courses available to audit for free on-line, there are many free or low-cost options for you and your spouse to learn a new skill together. My spouse and I learned how to do some of our own home repairs and ended up saving a lot of money down the road. Others may want to learn a new language together to plan for that second honeymoon. The important part is that you’re doing this together, out of a desire to spend quality time with one another.

Make a Movie Bucket List

One night, we were watching the Oscar ceremony on television. I am not sure where this date idea came from, but we decided we were going to watch every single Best Picture winner from the first to the last – in order. We were able to do this almost for free, because we have a public library with a really good DVD collection. Between finding movies on our current streaming subscriptions and checking out movies from the library, we ended up spending less than $50 on the first fifty years of O2scar winners.

We even created rules! Really, creating the silly rules and enforcing them is part of the fun, so if you and yours decide to do something like this, sit down and decide what the rules will be. Here are ours:

• We had to watch each movie, in order. That means we can NOT watch any best picture winner until we’ve watched all of the winners that came before it. Even though I am dying to see some recent winners, we can not watch them until it is their turn.
• No phones or devices allowed during movie time.
• If someone (me) falls asleep during the movie, we have to start it over.

This is an ongoing project for us and is always a great story to tell at social gatherings. We started with the first Best Picture winner in 1928 and are now into the early 1980s. In addition to creating fun, ongoing jokes and the benefits to our relationship, we learned a lot about American history and the American people by observing the types of movies that they made and decorated with awards as decades passed.

These are just a few budget date ideas for you and your spouse. All marriages have their ups and downs, but if both partners are willing to take the time to come together and try some new experiences together, it will make the relationship stronger. Day to day life will try to get in the way, but people in strong marriages will make their spouse a priority. Take time to enjoy each other. You will never regret it.