Sometimes the most overlooked part of being a couple is coming up with relationship building date ideas that will deepen your connection without sacrificing the fun. There are ways to have both all while enjoying one another’s company and keeping the romance alive!
This is the time to open up on life, and a life together.
If it’s already a challenge to do that, or your spouse has a difficult time letting go and opening up – it’s time to address it, and realize that more quality time needs to be spent strengthening your relationship on an emotional level. Whether these date ideas are not your picking for fun, that isn’t necessarily the goal here. That’s why I am giving you over 15 relationship building date ideas specifically for deepening the connection between you and your SO.
25 Relationship building date ideas for couples
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1 | Take a long hike
On a nature trail, in a park, or just around the neighborhood. Not only is it a good excuse for exercise, but you can do it together. Make a habit of it, do it often or make a point to do this when you’re developing certain feelings that require attention – such as an argument. Often times, people generally like to keep moving during moments of frustration – some even use the phrase, ‘I need to take a walk’, so get the blood flowing and to clear the head. Do it together at a much needed time.
2 | Read a book together (aloud, to each other, taking turns)
A very different idea, yet has many positive benefits. It doesn’t have to be taken seriously all the time, but it also can be. Get a book that is specifically for or pertaining to your relationship/marriage. It can help you grow as a couple, like The Five Love Languages (a great read!)
Read it together, chapter to chapter. You don’t have to finish the book in one night, but much like a television series – take a chapter each day at a specific time (like after putting the kids down for the night, or when you wake up in the morning and haven’t gotten out of bed). If your spouse isn’t open to the idea (much reflecting on the fact they may feel it can be intrusive to the relationship, or implying that they are in need of ‘fixing’), calmly explain to them the learning benefits and created intimacy. Let them know this would make them feel closer to you, and closer connected.
Books to consider for deepening your relationship:
The Five Love Languages: How To Express Heartfelt Commitment To Your Mate (highly recommend!)
13 Happy Secrets To A Happy, Loving Relationship That Lasts
How To Revive & Strengthen Your Marriage
47 Little Love Boosters For A Happy Marriage/Relationship
3 | Rent a canoe or kayak
Sometimes there’s nothing better than enjoying each other’s company with the surroundings of nature. And you get to enjoy it from a different perspective – a very low key activity, which allows you both to engage in each other as well.
4 | Take a road trip
Make the plans for a few stops along the way, but also make this about time to get closer. Ignore the phone calls, the emails, and the text messages. Make this about the two of you, enjoying the open road – the limitless possibilities.
5 | Do something out of your comfort zone
Couples tend to get into routine – and that’s completely normal, and healthy to some extent. But every now and then, as a couple, it’s nice to have the switch in the routine (even for just temporarily). So whatever that be: finding a new restaurant to try (or cuisine), or working out together once a week. Doesn’t have to be crazy, but it does have to be out of the norm.
6 | Paint something together
Not only will you have a masterpiece to hang up in your place, but also a reminder of the memory from that day. All you simply need are a couple artist canvases, an acrylic paint set and brushes – get your paint on together!
Really twist it up by taking a drive somewhere with a view – bring your paint supplies and a bottle of wine! Paint night!
7 | Find a place to watch the sunset
And it doesn’t have to be an immaculate spot like the beach or mountain top (unless you can make that happen) – just a nice, quiet, meaningful spot you can always come back to. That spot on the lake, or along the river, that park bench, or outside a cafe where you can sit, talk and reflect.
8 | Start a garden
This is so easy my head hurts. You don’t need to go all out and create a garden bed in your backyard (I mean unless you want to) – not everyone has one of those. Go shop for some cute pots, find some herbs from your local gardening store – and create a space together for ‘growing’ your relationship. No pun intended.
9 | Have a private picnic
And by private, I am talking somewhere else other than the measly busy playground you take the kids. If that is your only option, then make sure your children are encouraged to spend the time playing. Or go all out, in a secluded place – with wine and finger foods, or your favorite junk food necessities. The point is like having a sit down meal together, only somewhere out of the norm. And don’t rush it like you would at the dinner table at home.
10 | Try out a brewery or wine tasting
It’s always exciting trying new things together, especially when you can have it both ways – new and exciting, yet intimate. Again, not something to be rushed. And though it shouldn’t require alcohol to open up to one another – it can help open the playing field for some. Utilize the time for something you both enjoy, and for each other.
11 | Meet at a coffee shop
If you have a favorite cafe, coffee shop or eatery. The idea literally is what is says – meet there. I know that sounds silly, but sometimes this tiny change up in your ways can create a different atmosphere when you come together. Make it a weekly thing, or time it at its convenience when you both have separate vehicles. Even if it’s only your hour for lunch, but refrain from talking about work.
12 | Go window shopping
You don’t have to buy anything, necessarily, but it’s just a way of opening up the line of communication. Especially for young couples. Get to know each other’s styles and tastes. Have fun with this one – money isn’t on the line here. It gets you moving, while also enjoying going somewhere without high expectations.
13 | Cook a meal together
Often many fail to see the intimacy beyond simply cooking a meal at home together. It’s usually very rushed (out of hunger), not well thought out or just in routine.
Make something unique neither of you have made (knowing it could come out tasting horrible) – just have the pizza guy on speed dial. Or make it easier on yourselves, and do something out of the norm – have a fondue night! All you need is cheese, chocolate and wine.
14 | Pull an all-nighter
Sometimes it’s not about actually staying up for the sun to rise, but the excitement might be coming up with as many ways to keep one another awake. Late at night – you have to get pretty creative.
My husband works nights half the year, so we find people watching in the 24-hour Walmart at 1am to be quite “entertaining“.
If that isn’t your thing, I thought of a few other ways to spice up an all-night shin-dig: build a living room fort, binge on a genre of movies, create something only using kitchen scraps, skinny dip (even if that means in the community pool – live a little), create a luxury massage palace and devote hour long massages to each other, or map out any 24-hour joints and go check out the true ‘night life’ in your area (as long as it’s safe, of course).
15 | Plan a mini all day getaway
It can be a staycation, or a day planned full of places to go and see. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Visit a new town together – just to go shopping, venturing, out to eat and exploring. But an all day event is bound to have planned moments in time to open up about the things beyond your normal routines.
16 | Go primitive camping
Sometimes it’s all about the unknown, and the thought of having to solely rely on one another. Now, don’t go and make a point by not bring a tent, water and a cellphone. But, you know, try being primitive. Attempt to make a fire, maybe even ‘pretend’ to build a shelter like you would if stranded in the wild.
Yeah, that may seem like over the top. But like I said – bring the necessities just in case.
[Related Read: 20+ Fun date night IN ideas that don’t suck]
17 | Create a scavenger hunt/game
These are always a thrill. Especially when creating them yourselves ahead of time, and then actually doing them together. Use specific and memorable places between the two of you to get you started. It’ll get you laughing, reflecting and letting loose your creative sides. Have fun with this one!
18 | Go stargazing
Something a little different, but again, the sole purpose isn’t to just stare up into the sky. You can do that anywhere, anytime. It’s the closeness of laying side by side together, close, and opening up the line of communication on a much deeper level.
19 | Build something together
A piece of furniture for your apartment, or maybe you’ve been wanting to remodel that kitchen for some time. Do it together – voice your opinions and wants. And make sure to compromise! Work as a team to get the job done, take notice to one another’s hard work and dedication. You will really see one another in another light.
20 | Go a day using zero technology; Make it a game!
No phones. No television. No computers.
Make the day simply about the two of you. Because honestly, if you can’t do that without taking a peek at your Facebook timeline for hours at a time – there might be a bigger problem than needing to strengthen the relationship. It’s time to put that to the test, lay it to rest and start making each other a sole focus and main priority once in a while.
For some, it’s far more difficult than you think.
21 | Have a bonfire
What better way to relax – and different, too. If you can’t do one of those – get a patio fire bowl, and do s’mores together. Who says you have to have wood for a bonfire?
22 | Lay by the pool
This is always a go to. My husband and I must lay by our pool at least once every weekend. Make it interesting – grab a few crazy pool floats like this cow, a pizza float or this 2-person island cabana. Seriously, all you need is a pina colada!
23 | Go to an art gallery or museum
Whether it’s a mutual enjoyment, or only one. There’s something about art that can get two people talking and expressing – even if it isn’t about the art itself. So even if none of it is taken seriously, walking around and viewing the works together can help you spark conversation.
24 | Stay in bed all day together
Who says you can’t stay in bed all day? Chores – what are those? Skip adulting for one day – just lay in bed, chow down on your favorite snacks and watch your favorite shows or movies. Read a book together, play a game or just simply talk.
Just don’t forget to let the dog out!
25 | Make a scrapbook
Use old pictures, even if it’s baby photos of each of you. Swipe a few, start creating a crafty album from scratch. Make a point to photograph special moments, fun times and travel destinations throughout your journey. If you’re active enough, make a point every quarter of the year to sit down and scrap it in your scrapbook – reflecting on those memories together.
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