Cute Date Ideas: Camping, Ice Cream, And More

Updated November 26, 2024by Regain Editorial Team

When you and your partner got together, it may have felt like there were a million things to do together. Now that you've been together a while, it might feel like things have gotten a little stale, Perhaps you find yourselves doing the same things every time you spend time with each other—you see a movie, you have dinner, maybe you go for a long walk. No matter how long you've been together, it can be fun to try something new and fun date ideas. 

Hiking, ice cream, etc.: Cute date ideas to consider

Below are some date ideas for some new activities you and your partner can do together on your next date night. Who knows, these activities might even help you to learn more about each other—all while you're having a good time.

Cook a meal together, go out for dinner, or grab an ice cream

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Are you looking for a date idea that involves food? Are you a good cook? Are you a terrible cook who needs some help? Try cooking a meal together instead of going out to eat at a restaurant. Dinner dates are fun and may be your go-to idea for spending time together, so try something different—this time, plan the meal together, go shopping together, and then cook it together. Hopefully, one of you is a good cook so you can eat it together too. If not, feed it to the dog and go out to eat dinner and grab an ice cream instead.

Volunteer somewhere

Volunteering is a great way to spend some time together and help your local community at the same time. Call one of the local homeless shelters, soup kitchens, or even a humane society—wherever you feel you can help out. Go and serve food to the hungry or help clean cages at the animal shelter. Even better, bring something to donate, like old clothes, food, or toys for the pets. Spending the day helping others can bring you two closer together. As a bonus, volunteering simply feels good to do.

Try painting a portrait of each other

Grab some paper and paint (or crayons or markers) and try painting or drawing portraits of each other. You do not have to be artistic at all to take part. This can be so much fun and may help you see a side of your partner you didn't know they had. You can see how they think you look as opposed to how you think you look. You would be surprised by how different these two things can be. They might see you as completely different from how you see yourself. Give the portraits to each other to keep. Ten years from now, on your wedding anniversary or another special occasion, you can look at them and remember this awesome date.

Go camping

If you and your partner are nature lovers, you could consider going camping. Hike through the woods, pitch a tent, build a fire, and gaze at the stars together. Once you get out there far enough, you may even lose your cell phone signal, giving you a chance for some uninterrupted conversation. And when it gets cold out at night, it's the perfect opportunity for a cuddle.

Take a trip to the zoo

Going to the zoo was fun as a kid, and it can still be fun as an adult. Get to know which animals your partner is drawn to. Share your thoughts about the animals you observe. You'll get plenty of fresh air and exercise walking through all the exhibits.

Have a game night

Indulge in some nostalgia with your partner. Haul out some of the old board games you played as a child. If your mom tossed all your childhood games, they still sell many of the same games at the store, or you may find some at a thrift store or resale shop. Once you've located an old favorite board game, sit down with your significant other and play some Monopoly, Life, Clue, or whatever board game you picked out. Make sure you have fun, follow the rules, and play fair!

Play miniature golf

Miniature, or putt-putt, golf can be lots of fun too. You could go to an old-fashioned themed mini golf spot or try one of the newer glow-in-the-dark miniature golf courses, where everything is like a black light fantasy. One of the best parts about mini golf is that you don't even need to be particularly good at it. It's just fun to play. Keep score—but remember that you're just there for quality time with the person you love.

Go to the park

If you have a local park, this can be a fun place to go out on a date. Pack a picnic lunch and eat on a blanket in the shade of a tree. Bring some bread and walk around the lake and feed the ducks. Go to the playground and relive the fun you had there as a kid. Push each other on the swings, climb on the monkey bars, or play on the seesaw. Consider setting up a scavenger hunt for even more fun. Of course, finding a bench with a view and sitting down to talk can also be a great way to reconnect with your significant other.

Play laser tag or paintball

This is another fun date idea—especially if you like it active. Laser tag can be a great way to spend the day—and it's good exercise too. Laser tag may be the better choice for those who like to play indoors and are not as adventurous or physical. Paintball is challenging and fun, but keep in mind that it can be messy and even painful if you get hit enough. It will be up to you whether you play on the same team—or take on each other. If you’re looking for something that’s adventurous but a little less active or intense, doing an escape room together is another option.

Go on a hike

Another healthy option for a different kind of date is going for a hike. Hiking can be strenuous, so make sure you choose a hike that will be doable for you and your partner. There are trails you can hike that aren't very long, but can offer some exercise and beautiful scenery. If you and your partner are more athletic, you may want to plan a longer hike through more challenging terrain or incorporate some rock climbing. Don't forget to bring along plenty of water.

Have a water gun/balloon fight

This is another fun way to play together. This can be an especially refreshing activity when it is hot out. Grab a super soaker or any type of water gun and fill it up. Or you can use water balloons instead. Then get outside and play. (Make sure to take care not to injure your partner by spraying too close to their face.) The winner is the one who gets the wettest!

Have a snowball fight

If it's wintertime and you live somewhere where it snows, try a snowball fight instead of a water gunfight. This can be a little bit more challenging than water guns or balloons, and you have to make sure you're not being too aggressive—the aim is fun, not injury. Play until you get cold, and the loser has to serve the other one hot chocolate.

Go on a picnic

Pack a lunch or dinner into a basket or a small cooler and head to the park or lake. If you do not have one near you, go out to the backyard and lay down a blanket. Lie on the blanket and watch the clouds. Tell your partner what you see in the clouds and ask them what they see. If it's night time, try to find the constellations in the sky. After you eat your lunch or dinner, relax together or take a stroll. If you do not like the idea of sitting or lying on the ground, most parks have benches or picnic tables, or you can bring your own collapsible chairs.

Work out together

What better way to get to know each other better than to get all hot and sweaty with your partner—even if you have never worked out before? Head to the gym and walk on the treadmills or ride bikes. Walk around the track or lift some weights. Whatever gives you a good workout. When you get done, take a dip in the pool or hot tub. Relax and enjoy your time with your sweetheart getting healthier. Maybe you can make it a habit and work out together once or twice a week. 

Working out together has several benefits, such as increasing motivation, strengthening relationships, building intimacy, and strengthening the bond. 

Take some classes

Let your partner choose an activity or skill they want to take a class for, and you choose one too—something like a painting, photography, dancing, or cooking class. You do theirs with them, and do yours with you. That way, you will both learn something new. You never know, you may really enjoy what they like and vice versa. And it never hurts to learn something new together.

Getty/Vadym Pastukh
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Discover cute date ideas in online therapy

There are many ideas out there for new and fun things to do with your significant other on a date. These can offer chances to reconnect and learn more about each other. You might even learn something new about yourself.

If you and your partner are having trouble getting along or if you think you and your significant other need some advice to improve your relationship, you might consider talking to a therapist.

The benefits of online therapy

Online therapy has been a way for many couples to work through issues—or simply bolster their communication skills. Online therapy can be more convenient than in-person therapy—and more affordable too. 

Regain is an online therapy platform which caters to those in relationships. You can meet with a counselor together or separately. Once you are matched with the best therapist for your situation, you can schedule appointments at a time that works with everyone's schedule. You don't even have to leave home—all you need is an internet connection. Your therapist can help you find ways to reconnect with each other.

Takeaway

Spice up your relationship today. Skip the dinner and a movie and try something new. You may just have the time of your life!

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