10 At-Home Date Ideas

After so many "dinner & movie" dates, a couple can reach a point of "What else is there to do?" I am very aware, that there are a handful of fun date-night ideas, but we are amidst a pandemic and with limitations and closings it leaves us to get creative with our dates.

I have come up with a few examples of what Chris and I have found to do while staying home. They are fun, creative and all great ways to date your spouse, even when we are all stuck at home.

1. Fancy 3 Course Meal

I know, I know... "A Fancy Meal??? Kaitlyn you are off your rocker!?" But hear me out! When was the last time the two of you got dressed to the nines and ate a three course meal?

I'm not saying it has to be expensive, in fact you can start with a nice salad, have a roast cooking in the crockpot and have chocolate pudding for dessert. Ladies get all dolled up and guys put on a nice sweater and that cologne your partner likes and have a nice quiet and romantic evening in!

Chris and I like to pour a glass of wine, light candles and enjoy our homemade cheese board while listening to some soft music play. Another idea is to make the 3 courses together. Bond over helping one another in the kitchen and if one of you is typically master chef, it will be a nice experience to have some help, even if that just means your partner is adding some salt to the pot.

2. Board Games

Many times, we don't think back to what made us happy as kids. Try cracking out the old games you each used to play as a kid, heck build a fun pillow or blanket fort. You'll find the nostalgia and fun of a simple evening together.

I am always amazed at myself, for feeling bored when we have so many games piled up in the closet! I think we have all become so obsessed with our technology that we forget how great it is to leave your phone in the other room and spend quality time with our loved ones.

You can get the whole family in on this one if you'd like, or if you want it to be just the two of you that is perfectly acceptable as well. (Just a warning, that Twister should be played carefully now that you've aged!)

3. Baking

It is not everyone's forte, however, with many cookbooks and the internet at your fingertips, "Anyone can cook." - Ratatouille

With a lot of time in our schedule and binge watching Great British Baking Show, Chris and I jumped on the experimental baking band wagon last year.

This activity is one that requires a bit of science, but the end result is (usually) tasty! We took it one step further and made an apple pie from scratch, all while I was blindfolded and Chris was my guide. 😯

4. Projects

This might sound like a strange one, but working on home projects can really help a couple bond.

Yes, it can also be stressful, but even through our stressful projects, Chris and I manage to grow closer through each one.

We've mostly focused on the small feats: IKEA furniture assembly, making our at-home theater and moving sleeper couches from floor to floor. We have a couple of bigger projects in mind for the future and are having a blast, just planning them out together!

5. Dance Party

At the start of quarantine last year, Chris and I found it so fun to turn our basement into "Club Field" (haha) we have Hue lighting down there so we could make our lights turn different colors and set them to the beat of a song! It was a lot of fun.

However you don't need fancy lighting to make this date possible. Throw some music on your phone or make a playlist with yours and your partners favorites (fast and slow) dance in the kitchen, bedroom or living room.

Maybe your partner is more of a dancer than you, dancing at home together ensures you won't look like a fool in front of total strangers, like you might at a wedding reception or club scene. Plus your partner loves you, REGARDLESS and will enjoy the fun and rhythmic time together.

6. Movie Theater

We made it a project to turn our basement living area into a home theater. Including red drapes, movie posters and a popcorn machine. But again none of this is required in order for this to be a successful date.

With theaters just now opening and with having many stipulations along with it, most of us are still more comfortable staying home. A few movies have been released through services like HBO Max and Disney+, but dimming the lights, eating popcorn and watching the same movie you've seen a million times before is just as good.

Another fun family idea is to take turns every Friday, on who picks the movie for the evening (kids AND parents). Everyone wins and there's a nice variety from week to week!

7. Outside Play

Chris and I are not the outdoorsy type. Despite that, it is a fun way to shake things up by going outside for a great adventure.

Go for a walk or hike together, drive to the beach, play in the snow, rake and jump into a leaf pile, go to a local orchard and pick pumpkins or apples together. Even drinking your coffee together on the front porch during a gorgeous Summer morning is considered an outdoor activity in my book!

8. Intimacy Cards

I got these cards as a stocking stuffer for Chris. They are a great way to talk about topics you would maybe never think to talk about. And gives you ways to touch your partner in loving, romantic and even funny ways.

Some of them are silly like "Tell your partner about your favorite holiday memory, while they squish your face anyway they want."

We have been enjoying ending our days with this game, but it would also be great to have a whole date night devoted to it as well.

9. Go for a Drive

In every family, it seems, there is always one person who just needs to be in motion. Get in the car and go for a drive with no plan. See where your drive takes you.

Chris and I have ended up at the place we became husband and wife. ice cream shops, coffee houses and no where at all.

It's a good idea to "get out," change up the scenery. Chances are you've both been looking at the same 4 rooms ALL WEEK. Roll the windows down and listen to music or just chat with one another, whatever you do... have fun!

10. His/Her Interests

I don't mind watching others play a video game, but on a regular basis I'd rather not play myself. Chris is a video game guy, he loves them. Recently I learned that he would actually like me to play with him from time to time. I never knew that!

It's good to ask your partner what they want to do! You also know each other pretty well, ask him how to play a certain videogame or ask her how to play the SIMS (these are both examples specific to our life).

Get creative, even if theirs isn't a hobby you want to make your own, indulge in their interests, it will be a fun learning experience and they'll appreciate your inquiry!

There you have it! 10 At Home Date Ideas, all at your disposal. If you have a fun and different date activity to try, please comment below, we'd love to hear from you!