If you’ve been dating a while, it’s a good bet you’ve probably already exhausted your backlog of date night ideas. Coffee bar? Check. State Fair? You’ve been to everyone in a three-state radius. Wine bar? No thanks. But you needn’t get discouraged. Remember: Going on dates should be fresh and exciting, not cookie-cutter and trite. Here are fun date night ideas for you and your man.
- Learn How To Cook
If you’re looking for a way to bond, sign up for cooking lessons, and learn how to make your favorite dishes for each other for future date nights. “I usually suggest a cooking class because it’s hands-on,” says Sunny Rogers, a clinical sexologist and certified sex coach. “It’s a safe place and offers a shared experience that allows for lots of topics to discuss. It’s also usually a short time period, so the dater can decide if they wish to extend the date or make plans for a second date. With something like a pasta-making class, you could suggest a second date at an Italian restaurant known for their fresh pasta.”
- Go Bowling
If you think bowling is only for youngsters, think again. Getting competitive can be fun and offer up an opportunity for some flirtatious smack talk. And ordering a few pitchers of beer—or even inviting another couple along for the game—might make the night even more fun.
- Sip and Paint
Wine-and-paint spots are popping up all over the country, so take advantage of a location near you. Bring your favorite bottle of vino, and see how well you can paint a predetermined piece. Make it a competition with your date to see which one of you is a better artist. “This activity can spark your creativity and will also allow for conversation and connection,” notes Susan Ruth Freedman, a couples therapist, and certified clinical sexologist.
- Escape to a winter wonderland
Lace up your skates and hit the rink. An ice skating date will allow you to show off your skills unless you aren’t so blessed in the skating department, in which case you and your date can laugh about how bad you both are and hold hands to keep each other from falling. “Ice skating or roller skating was a dating staple back in high school for many,” notes Safran.
- Tour a brewery
And if you prefer beer over wine, opt for visiting a brewery. These tours can be fun and educational, and always include tasting a flavorful spectrum of different beers.
- Host a Game Night
Fact: everyone loves games. Invite your friends over and break out the board games for a night full of laughs. This date idea is the perfect way to let your new romantic interest get to know your friends and get a feel for how they interact with other people. According to Patty Newbold, author of the award-winning blog Assume Love, knowing how your date interacts with others is important because it can tell you a lot about their values. Bonus: If you’re looking for a game sure to entertain any adult crowd, give an old classic, Truth or Dare, a try.