Months into quarantine, most of us are longing to get back out into the world again.
While a return to normal life may still be down the road, it is continually important to show those you love how much you care for them. There has never been a more crucial time to appreciate your loved ones!
If you’re feeling stuck on how to keep your relationship fresh after months of seemingly endless quarantine, look no further than this list of 20 unique at-home date ideas.
{See related: 8 Outside-the-Box Hobbies to Try at Home}
Hopefully these tips and tricks will help you both to fall in love all over again. (And if you want to know what to wear for your date, see our guide to our favorite date night outfit ideas.)
Table of Contents
1. Picnic!
Everyone loves a good picnic, and there’s no reason to keep yourself from having one. It’s as easy as putting your phone away, grabbing some finger foods, and spreading out a blanket.
Even if the weather isn’t cooperative, you can always throw yourself an indoor picnic by setting out a big blanket in your living room.
What you’ll need:
- Open space
- Blanket
- Finger foods/snacks
- Throw pillows
2. Build Your Dream Fort
If you thought that pillow forts were a thing of the past, think again! There is no age limit to this timeless activity.
The possibilities for creating your own dreamy fort are endless. Whether you are looking to create a cozy spot to cuddle or a fort fit for royalty, both are a great way to make your night just a little more memorable.
What you’ll need:
- Sheets
- Throw pillows
- Decorative lights
- Blankets
3. Throw a Painting Party
If you’re feeling out of at-home date ideas, create your own painting party! Find some empty canvases and paint, take some inspiration from photos online, and you’ve got yourself a very colorful activity!
You’ll end the night with more than just a memory, as you’ll have a token of artwork to show off too.
What you’ll need:
- Canvas
- Paint + brushes
- Plastic tablecloth to protect furniture
4. Movie Night
This is the perfect time to binge all of those old westerns or sappy rom-com that you’ve been dying to watch.
Dim the lights and pop some popcorn. You’ll feel like you’re at the theater again!
Also read: Outfits & Outings Under $100: Stargazing + Free Movie Night
5. Baking Together
If cooking isn’t your thing, perhaps it’s time to try out baking. A day filled with desserts is a wonderful way to test all of those Pinterest recipes you’ve been dying to try.
Bonus: if you like a little competition, you and your partner can bake the same thing separately and see whose dessert comes out best! The winner gets to pick the next Netflix show to watch.
6. Game Night
Playing some good old-fashioned board or card games is a fun way to spice up any dull evening.
Make each other laugh, show off your competitive side, and de-stress with any games, from Scrabble to Pictionary.
This at-home date night idea is also a great group Zoom activity. Ask some pals to join in on the fun!
7. DIY Couples Spa
When was the last time you treated yourself to a face mask or even a massage? Think about creating your very own spa night with some candles, relaxing music, and a glass of wine.
Throw on a fluffy robe and select your favorite self-care products and activities. You and your partner could give each other massages, take a bath, or throw some cucumbers over your eyes and listen to chill music. The choice is yours!
What you’ll need:
- Fuzzy robes
- Slippers
- Cucumbers
- Candles
- Face masks
8. Fancy Dinner Date
If you miss dressing up and enjoying a date night out on the town, then re-create this luxury at home.
Cook your favorite meal, dress up in your cutest attire and enjoy a candlelit dinner in your own kitchen. Spice it up by having your partner decide what they want you to wear to keep it exciting!
What you’ll need:
- Nice tablecloth
- Centerpiece
- Candles
- Takeout or groceries for cooking
Also read: Outfits Under $100: 4 Dinner Date Looks
9. Karaoke Night
This is one of our favorite at-home date ideas! Show off that beautiful voice of yours and enjoy singing along to your favorite songs.
You don’t need a special karaoke machine for this one; just create a playlist on Spotify and make a stage right in the middle of your living room.
Bonus points for the best-choreographed dance moves!
What you’ll need:
- Playlist of favorite songs
- Pretend (or real) microphone
10. Craft Your Own Wine (or Beer)
This idea requires special tools and planning but can be a spectacular twist on a date night activity.
Do some research and look into brewing your own beer or fermenting your own wine. Whether you’re looking to learn more about the craft or want to hone your skills, this date is sure to bring you both together.
11. Go Exploring
While this date night activity might sound a little ordinary, taking a walk with your significant other is a great way for both of you to clear your minds and find new spots around your neighborhood.
By getting out of a vehicle and exploring on foot, you’re bound to discover a bunch about your neighborhood that you’ve never noticed before.
It may even lead to an unanticipated adventure, so make sure to go outside prepared for anything!
12. Drive Around Like Tourists
Tired of the same old sight from your window? Does it feel like the walls are caving in? Going for a drive might be a great answer to your troubles.
Scour Yelp for some interesting sightseeing spots in or around your town. Scout out all the historical markers nearby and go visit them! Sometimes, feeling like a tourist in your own city can be refreshing.
Of course, take all the necessary precautions when going out and about.
13. Take A MasterClass Together
If you haven’t heard of MasterClass before, now is the perfect time to learn more about it.
It is an online service taught by a vast number of instructors teaching a wide range of topics. From cooking to photography to music, you can find the world’s greatest, each in their respective fields, walking you step-by-step through all of their secret tricks.
14. Stargaze
If you love staring up at the night sky as much as I do, this is a great way for you and your partner to enjoy each other’s company and the beauty of the outdoors.
For this at-home date idea, you’ll simply need to set out a blanket (either on your balcony or in the backyard) and lay down. It doesn’t get easier than that.
Be sure to check out the StarWalk app, which helps you understand which constellations you’re looking at!
What you’ll need:
- Big blanket
- Throw pillows
- Binoculars
- Notebook to jot down cool sights
15. Teach or Learn a New Skill
If you’re in a long-term relationship, surely each of you has shown off your own personal skill sets to one another. Have you tried taking the time to teach them to your partner?
This date idea is perfect for those looking to learn something new this quarantine and grow closer to your person in the process.
Related reading: Cute Girlfriend Outfits: What to Wear on Dates in Every Season
16. Fancy Takeout Dinner
This dinner date is for that not-so-experienced in the kitchen who also do not enjoy cooking, which most of us have been doing relentlessly since quarantine began.
Set out your fanciest tablecloth, light some candles, dim the lights and music, and order in! Check out menus online and pick it up to go.
17. Photograph Each Other
This is one of those at-home date ideas that would also be great to do with roommates or friends.
Snapping some shots of your significant other might already be a habit, but what about dressing up, using a sheet as a backdrop, and taking some “professional” photographs of each other?
Transform your living space into your very own studio. You can play around with makeshift props and tap into your creative sides. You’ll get some beautiful pictures out of it and some memories you’re sure never to forget.
What you’ll need:
- DSLR or your iPhone
- Camera stand
- Drapes/sheets for backdrop
- Props
18. Indoor Bonfire
Break open a bag of marshmallows, open that box of graham crackers, and indulge all the yumminess.
Suppose you don’t have a balcony or backyard, no fear! Marshmallows roasted over a candle are sure to do the trick; just be safe about it.
What you’ll need:
- Ingredients for s’mores
- Candles
- Bonus points for a fort!
19. Fashion Show
For this date activity, let your styles shine in your very own at-home runway.
Sport your favorite outfits, mix and match, style each other, and dress up! The opportunities are endless for this one.
What you’ll need:
- All your favorite outfits
- Sheets spread out like runway strip
- Lights
Also read: Top 5 Most Epic Fashion Show Themes of the 21st Century
20. Talent Show
This idea is great for any setting, but wouldn’t it be fun to show off all of your secret hidden talents to your admirer?
These could be talents your partner already knew about but never thought they’d see live, so don’t be afraid to let your individuality sparkle!
Which at-home date idea are you looking forward to the most?
Do you have any other fun at-home date ideas? Let us know in the comments below!
If you love these at-home date ideas, you might also want our related posts below —
This list is actually 🔥
Thanks so much Rachel! Let me know if you end up trying any of these out 🙂