Dates are fun, but the usual movie and a dinner can get pretty old. If you’re just like me, or you’re trying to impress a girl whose idea of a great date involves an adventure and trying something new, then I’m sure getting wined and dined wouldn’t cut it. This piece is for those unconventional lovers. The ones who would rather get (literally) dirty than get dolled up for an evening out. I present to you a list of 28 date ideas guaranteed to get to know each other even more without being too predictable.
1.) Go beach camping.
If camping in the woods is too mainstream for you, take your tent to the beach instead. What’s more romantic than star gazing while listening to the sound of the waves by the ocean? Pack some dinner and a bottle of wine, smore’s ingredients, a good playlist and a speaker, and some comfortable blankets for a night of storytelling and long make out sesh (and skinny dipping)! (Click here for a list of islands to camp at near Manila)
2.) Explore the town/city in a bicycle.
Save money on gas by renting bicycles. Go on a tour around your area, or a nearby town that you’ve been meaning to explore. Take breaks at cozy coffee shops you find a long the way, check out art galleries you come across, and find hidden spots that are Instagram worthy.
3.) Chase waterfalls.
Although some waterfalls require some serious hiking, there are some that are easily accessible. It’s always a great idea to get to know someone while you’re out with the nature. Just make sure to pick a good spot away from bugs that might ruin the mood. (Click here for a waterfall inspiration)
4.) Go on a “food tour”.
Do you remember that show in Food Network called $40 a Day? To put a twist to the typical dining and wining experience, my husband and I would come up with a budget for a day and hit up a few different restaurants and only ordering one single item from the menu. That way, we get to try out different restaurants, and let’s face it, it’s quite an adventure.
5.) Take a hike
Whether it’s your first date or your 100th, hiking is a great way to spend time with your boo thang. It’s not only a great form of workout but you’re also rewarded with a great view after you reach your destination. Bring a bottle of champagne for a celebratory toast. (Check this out or this one for hiking inspiration)
6.) Rent a motorbike and explore further.
If a bicycle ride wouldn’t do it, take a motorbike instead. Go on an expedition to your neighboring towns and make new discoveries. Find hidden beaches and any unknown little gems as you cruise around under the sun. Just don’t forget to load up on sunscreen.
7.) Play tourists.
Get to know your city by playing tourists. Go to the most popular spots, eat at the highest rated restaurants and cafes, drink at the most crowded bars, and don’t forget to stop at the local museums to learn about the history. Go on a walking tour and admire the sites and architecture. If you’re willing to take it further, purchase a souvenir t-shirt and wear it the entire time.
8.) Watch a local game.
Not every city is fortunate enough to have their own professional teams. If that’s the case, support your local university or high school and sit down for a game. Grab some hotdogs and hide some beer in a water bottle to add some authenticity. Do drink at your own discretion, however.
9.) Go people watching.
It’s a great way to witness and learn about culture just by simply watching people walk by. Go to the center of the city where it’s the busiest, find a great spot to sit, and just…watch people. Make observations and let it work its therapeutic magic. It’s fun and I guarantee a lot of things will come up that you’ll both enjoy talking (or laughing) about.
10.) Go on a dessert expedition.
Scavenge your city’s best desserts by trying out the best sellers of the best spots. What’s a more romantic expedition than the ones that involves sweets?!
11.) Take a cooking lesson together.
Culinary skills is a turn on, so go the extra mile and learn a new recipe or two together at a cooking class.
12.) Make your own drive-in movie.
Take your laptop with a movie, find a good location of your choice (a hill overlooking the city? the park?), and watch at the comfort (or right outside) of your own car. Bring fruits and other snacks to munch on. Movies under the stars? Yes please.
19.) Go iceskating.
And then treat yourselves to ice cream afterwards.
14.) Visit haunted buildings.
Look up the most haunted abandoned buildings and houses in your area and go on a ghost hunt. Take pictures and look for evidence.
15.) Play a sport together.
Play mini golf (or big kids golf), hit some baseball, challenge each other to a game of a pool…there are endless 2 people sports and games that would be enjoyable as a date. A little competition ain’t neva hurt nobody!
16.) Go to a shooting range.
Guns, bullets, shooting…. why the hell not?!
17.) Bring out your inner child and spend the day at the arcade.
Pick a price you want and make it a goal to win it by the end of the day. If that doesn’t seem feasible, then win as many vending machine stuffed animals as you can.
18.) Go fishing.
Find a nearby lake and test each other’s patience by going fishing. If you get bored, rent a kayak and explore! It’s a win-win situation.
19.) Go to the local zoo.
Pet a snake, feed some monkeys, annoy a tiger..the zoo always promises a good time. However, if you have strong feelings against keeping animals as captives, head to the aquarium instead. Or better yet, go to a dog/cat cafe. You’re guaranteed to leave your worries out the door. Seriously, who doesn’t love animals?!
20.) Sing your hearts out at a karaoke bar.
Drinks, munchies, and karaoke. But if you’re not a very good singer and you want to impress your date, then do reconsider.
21.) Volunteer.
It doesn’t have to be big. A small act of kindness to the local community will not only be a great day for both of you, but it will be a memory that will last a lifetime (even if your relationship doesn’t). So ask around if there’s any volunteering activities available in your city that you can join. There’s gotta be at least one that would fit your personal skills!
22.) Go to the park and fly a kite.
You can start off with a picnic and then spend the rest of the day flying (or learning how to) a kite. You can buy cheap ones at the store, while some parks rent out pretty cool kites.
23.) Go to a casino.
You don’t necessarily need to gamble your life away. Stick to the slot machines and test your luck. Go for the nicer casinos for free drinks!
24.) Play dress up at a costume store.
Pretend you’re really interested and try out the wackiest costumes and take pictures of each other. You can check out thrift stores for some quirky vintage finds. Compete who comes up with the best costume.
25.) Go to a local high school and observe how different today’s generation is.
Without being a creep, watch how today’s culture differs from your generation. Make comparison with the fashion, the crowds, and the school itself. Even better if you visit your own alma mater!
26.) Try exotic food.
Find a restaurant that offers exotic delicacies that you both haven’t tried before and give it a go. Start off with something a little less extreme like, frog legs or chicken feet at a Chinese restaurant.
27.) Have a picnic at a cemetery.
Because the park is too common.
28.) Live like a local.
What’s more romantic than going away for a weekend and renting out an entire home for you and your boo? Vacation rental companies are making it really easy to experience places by helping you get a glimpse of living like a local by simply… living at a local’s home. By renting out an entire home or apartment, you not only get a great amount of privacy, but it will also allow you to get a better feel of the area in a more authentic way than you would if you were staying in a hotel. It’s an entirely different experience!
29.) Check out street art and graffitis.
It’s another great way to explore a city. Search for hidden alleys for amazing finds.
Is there any thing else I should add to this? Let me know down below. Better yet, let’s chat on Facebook! Click here 🙂
it looks like a bible on dating ideas!! Good read.
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Hah, glad you like it!
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To me, much of traveling w/ a partner is like a constant date! We get to eat out, walk on beaches and relax! It’s perfect! In fact, here’s my thoughts on how traveling brings couples closer http://www.economicalexcursionists.com/travel-makes-couples-closer/
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That is true!!
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Wow! Quite the list! Lots of great ideas in here. Funny enough I used to work in a high school for years and everyday was amazed at how quickly our culture changes! At any rate, back to the date ideas… lots of these sounds so fun. Of course, I like all of the ideas involving food! Beach campfire sounds nice and romantic, as well!
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I feel like I looked nothing like how the girls in high school do now. Wearing bright red lipstick was such a rarity back then!
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Love this list! (Is that Khaosan road I spot in picture 19!) I love exploring and me and my fiancé always do this! Geocaching is another to add to the list 😁. Thanks for sharing!
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Okay I might have to google what geocaching is! And as for the picture, very close! It’s Pattaya Walking Street!
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Great ideas! Even though I’ve been married for a few years I still love planning dates. Not sure about a picnic in the cemetery, but I have to give it to you on creativity!
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I’ve still yet to convince my husband to actually go have a picnic at a cemetery haha!
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Great ideas! These are the types of things we usually do on vacation, but why not do them at home?
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Exactly!
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If I´ll have a date sometime in the near future I will definitely try some things you mentioned 😉
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Yay! Have fun!
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Great ideas. I have done a good amount of these. I especially like just going around eating dessert lol
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Desserts are always the winner!
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Oh that’s why this guy was asking me about a shoot of sunset and sunrise at the beach, see the 7 falls, go in the festival, watch dog shows and most of all my favorite, the star gazing part but none of those really happened coz I simply say no. 😦
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Maybe next time when a better guy comes along then huh 🙂
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Love these ideas! The normal wining and dining just doesn’t cut it for me anymore either so these are some fantastic ideas for us adventurers 🙂
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Thanks, I’m glad you like them. I feel the same way and honestly haven’t even put on a nice dress to eat out for months now. Feels good to go on a date without makeup on.
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These are all great ideas! My husband & I have been married for almost 7 years and always go on the same date (dinner, MAYBE a minor league baseball game if we’re lucky). I especially love the dessert expedition, hiking and beach camping.
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Always a good idea to spice things up a little 😉
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Fantastic! I love uncommon date ideas! It helps with the “what do you wanna do? I don’t know what do you wanna do?” days! pinned it!
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Oh yay perfect for those days indeed!
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Thanks for the fun tips- some of these are hard to do with littles, but I am totally always up for a dessert expedition! 😉 My hubby and I like to take long drives in the country and see if we can get lost…always an adventure with your love by your side! ❤
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I’m so glad you like them! I’m sure the little ones would enjoy a little dessert expedition too…but that’s a looot of sugar of them haha.
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These are some great ideas. We don’t get to go out much which makes going to the movies even more boring. I want our night out to count. Great ideas!
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Thank Nikki! Glad you like it.
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Great ideas! We don’t get out much so having new ideas makes our time out more enjoyable.
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This is great! We’re always looking for date night ideas. Camping on the beach is definitely something I have to try. Also, I can totally concur with the fishing idea. I never thought I’d like it, but since my boyfriend introduced me to it, I love it! I had no idea how fun fishing could be. I think more people should get out there and try things out the box.
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I completely agree. You’ll never know what you’re missing out until you try.
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This is such a great list! My husband and I are definitely going to try out some of these. I love the idea of being a tourist in your own city. How fun!
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It’s the only way to get to know your city all over again! Or discover unknown spots 🙂
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Love this list! You are living life to the fullest and I love that! I’m definitely going put some of these on my list for the future.
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Thank you!! Might as well do it now before my bones can’t handle it anymore haha!
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So many wonderful ideas for couples! I love waterfalls and I’d definitely visit a haunted building – to name only two activities I’d definitely try. Or did try, to be more exact 😉
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Haunted buildings are so fun. Oddly enough, I think they’re beautiful too.
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These activities are very unique and different from the usual dinner date. I’d like to go out of town at least once in a quarter to discover something new with my bf.
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Exploring something new every now and then is non-negotiable to me. It’s such a great way to bond.
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You two are adorable! I love the ideas, they are indeed romantic. Nothing beats quality time than learning a skill or experiencing something new together. It makes a couple’s bond stronger!
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Thank you so much 😚 And I completely agree, learning something together gives you a stronger bond and let’s be real…it makes it even more fun.
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I’d do some of this when I get married. 😀 Thanks for sharing.
http://www.lilpink.info/
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You don’t have to be married to do these 😉
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So many great ideas! I love dates with y husband that get us out and being active. Biking, museum visiting, and hiking are some of my favorites.
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Same here. Beats the typical Netflix nights…although we love that as well.
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It must be so amazing experiencing these things with a special someone! Love the photos again! 😀
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You’re too sweet, Jason! Thanks so much 🙂
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Pretty good tips on spending time together and I can make out from your photos that you had a brilliant time.
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Thank you. Always a great time with my best friend 🙂
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I think a trek or a hike can be great bonding moments plus you get good views and wonderful experience. You’ll really get to know each other better through this.
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Very true. Plus it’s always great to lose some calories, heh.
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I so love your list! 4, 16, 26 for sure! My husband and I go for those most of the time when we go on dates. 🙂
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You guys are no ordinary couple then!
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This is quite the comprehensive list! I love all of them. We always try to have our dates include something active and something delicious to eat. I love walking around a market, buying some food and taking it somewhere to eat with a good view!
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Ooh that’s a really good one too!
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This is quite a list of ideas to liven up the husband-wife date. Of course, the couple will have to agree. As much I’d like to go on a haunted tour or try exotic food, I know my wife will never agree. Hehe. Food and dessert trips are the safest bet for us. – Fred
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Haha oh no! But luckily food and dessert is always a wonderful idea!
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Oh mine those are really interesting and adventurous. I had tried some but the visit haunted buildings and picnic at the cemetery is something thrilling to do. I have not try it yet.
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I haven’t tried the picnic at the cemetery yet! My husband doesn’t want to and he thinks I’m weird!
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Picnic at the cemetery is definitely not something I will try. Not just because it’s weird, I think it’s not really respectful to the dead too. Unless, of course, we are doing that in front of deceased ancestors or relatives
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It’s definitely not for everyone. I haven’t convinced my husband to do this yet because he think it’s weird…and he thinks I’m weird for even thinking it! But I don’t think it’s disrespectful to the dead at all. Not unless of course you bust out some speakers and start putting on loud tunes, or doing obscene things that should be done in private. If done with enough courtesy, I think it should be harmless. However, our cultures may have different beliefs when it comes to this, and in that case, I respect your opinion 🙂
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Love your list! 🙂 Thanks for sharing, It’s gonna come in handy!
My fav are: 4.) Go on a “food tour” and 7.) Play tourists.
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lovely photos with your partner! its nice to play tourist in y our home country
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Thank you, and yes love playing tourist.
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Thank you for sharing this great list. I think I need to nudge my hubby and get us dating again, now that my girl is older… heheh 😀
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You should!! Moms could always use a little break, I’m sure.
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I should have read this post 3 decades ago. The ideas are just fantastic. Chasing waterfalls and strolling a street on a bike, that I have done before with my ex.
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You can still do these! Hehe
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There’s so much to do as an alternative to the usual movie/dinner date nights. These are actually great tips! However, there are some guys (or girls) who are into as adventurous and wouldn’t agree to doing some of the listed suggestions. But it would really be fun if they’d try all of them. These activities would lead them to know each other more.
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Thanks Louise! In my case, adventure is non-negotiable. My poor husband is always trying to keep up with me, hehe.
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Nice tips for couples who like to go beyond the usual wine-and-dine type of dates.
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Thanks!
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Great list for youngsters but not for me. Many young readers should take a pick for your list because it’s great.
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Thank you!
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I would love 2, 3 and 9. Definitely not 14 though, haha.
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Lol! Do it do it 😉
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Great List! I have done everything on that list with my partner of 18 years, except visiting a haunted building. That, I think we will never do!
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Lol that’s a valid thing to skip 🙂
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Great dating ideas! I can totally imagine myself doing this with my hubby. Unfortunately, a lot of these ideas would be hard to plan if you’re from the metro and want to date on a weekend.
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Some can be done in the metro too 🙂
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Sign me up for a food tour!
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Great choice!
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Chasing waterfall is my favorite!!!
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Always so fun!
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The desert expedition sounds like my kind of fun I can’t wait to try some of these ideas out thank you for sharing!
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You’re welcome, glad you like it!
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What a wonderfully fun list of adventures! I’d love to do most of these ideas!!
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