Backyard date ideas for couples who are looking to enjoy romantic date nights in the backyard.

Ideas for Backyard Date Nights

Dating in the backyard can be fun and romantic as long as you’re willing to be creative. In fact, it is a great spot for many at-home date nights. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure where to begin. Below are 27 date night ideas that will get you started with backyard dating.

1. BACKYARD BBQ

Enjoy delicious grilled food with your date in a backyard BBQ cookout. Perform as a team. Work hand in hand to gather fresh ingredients, for example, meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and s’mores. When you’re at the store, don’t forget to stock up on some aluminum foil. They’ll come in handy when grilling food that sticks to the grill, such as fish and s’mores. “Plain water would go really with grilled food,” said no one ever. So prepare some soft drinks, juices, or beer–in addition to water.

2. TANNING

In spring or summer when there’s ample sunlight, head out to the backyard for a couple’s tanning sesh.

Enjoy some quiet and relaxing time lying down next to your partner. Give your face and body that healthy golden glow by basking in the warm, revitalizing sunlight.

The Sun is also the best source of Vitamin D; a crucial nutrient about 40% of Americans don’t get enough of. Vitamin D plays an important role in keeping the muscle, teeth, and bones healthy.

When tanning, remember to keep yourself hydrated and apply tanning lotion with sun protection. Help each other with the application to improve couple intimacy.

3. OUTDOOR SPA

Capitalize on the perfect weather outside. Take turns in giving one another a massage. Help each other relax by applying force strategically on pressure points. Get yourself a healthy tan in the process.

4. BACKYARD MOVIE DATE IDEAS

The movie date is the default date night activity for many couples. Sure, it’s clichéd, but it also works well.

It’s a date idea that is tried and proven. Movies are enjoyable even when you’re feeling exhausted. At home, movie dates usually happen in the living room or bedroom. To break the monotony, grab your laptop or tablet and head outside to the backyard for an outdoor movie viewing experience.

For a more unique dating experience, get a projector and set up a projector screen to create your very own open-air backyard cinema. If you can move your car to the front of the screen, you have just created your area’s one-and-only drive-in movie theater.

Note that you might need to buy a radio frequency transmitter to broadcast the audio over the AM/FM frequency bands so that you can hear the audio in your car. I’ll write a more detailed guide on creating a drive-in theater at home one of these days.

5. POOL PARTY

Not everyone has a swimming pool at home. But if you do, it’s time for a summer pool party. Don’t worry if you don’t have a pool–most people don’t–just get yourself a portable pool. It doesn’t have to be big but it’d be nice if the two of you can at least sit down comfortably in the pool. Splash water at each other, play water gun fight, listen to music, sip on cocktails.

6. SETUP A HAMMOCK

The hammock PR team (if there were ever one) has done a terrific job, because the image of a hammock and the word itself make most people think of relaxation and leisure. For this date idea, you’re to hang out in a hammock on a lazy afternoon.

Sounds great? Well, there’s a catch, first, you’ll have to build it. Start by doing all the research you can on how to make a hammock. Unfortunately, using this article alone as a guide to building hammocks isn’t going to get you far!

Here’s a better hammock setup guide. That said you’ll need two sturdy support poles, e.g. trees or some pillars that are your house’s structure. You will also need a canvas or netting and two straps to suspend the canvas from the poles. Here’s a better hammock setup guide.

7. BUILD A SWING

Similar to the hammock idea, build a swing in the backyard. Spending time on the swings as a couple is always a cute thing to do. If you don’t have a swing in your backyard, pool together your efforts into building one.

A tree swing is fun for everyone in the family. And it’ll forever be a photo-perfect spot. However, it does require a big and strong tree to support the swing. Couples who are adept at carpentry can try their hands at building a two-seater wooden swing.

Others may find it more feasible to order a kit online and assemble it together. And finally, if you prefer, you can always order a pre-built swing set.

8. BACKYARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

For a productive date that encourages teamwork, work together to improve the backyard. If you’re finding your backyard a little bit boring, maybe it’s time to improve it. While it’s fun to get hands-on and build stuff, building and crafting are definitely not everyone’s cup of tea.

So it’s perfectly normal if you decide to shop for stuff that’ll make the backyard more fun. As a matter of fact, shopping for the best deals and hunting for coupon codes are activities many couples enjoy doing.

Below are some backyard ideas or stuff you can buy to make the backyard a better place for the family to hang out and for you couple to date:-

• Add wind spinners to liven things up.
• Build a small patio.
• Install solar-powered lights.
• Add some chairs and a table.
• Mow the lawn.
• Install a privacy fence.
• Get a jacuzzi.

9. PLANT A TREE

A backyard that is 100% lawn is boring. Not to mention that the lawn is not eco-friendly and require high maintenance. Planting a tree will liven up the backyard immediately. This is a great date idea for married couples. For committed couples, think of it as a way to invest in your shared future, for your offspring. And there’s something romantic about that.

A fully grown tree is nature’s best air filter. It provides shade in the summer and a shelter for the birds. When the wind blows, it sings the tune of Mother Nature by rustling its leaves. When the season changes, the tree decorates the backyard by changing its clothing accordingly. Depending on the species of the tree you’re planting, in spring it might don a floral dress. Years from now, the tree will have grown big enough to support a swing with its tree branch and ample shade for the family to picnic under it.

It will take time to grow before you can reap the benefits. But you know what people say about planting a tree, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

10. GARDENING

Planting a tree is a long-term investment. But it would be reaffirming to work on something that bears fruit in the near future. Gardening may not be the most romantic date idea ever but it is a fun way to spend some quiet time with your significant other. What to do on a gardening date? Plan the next crops to grow. Create a layout for the garden. Bring that layout to life. Shop for seeds and other gardening tools. Work in the garden together. Remove weeds. Water crops. Sow seeds. Trim off dead leaves. Tilt the soil. Harvest crops. The quiet and peaceful nature of gardening makes it an excellent date for introverted couples.

Earlier, I said that gardening is not the most romantic date ever. But any activity can be made romantic if you’re willing to be creative. Here are a few romantic ideas for your gardening date:-

• Hug your partner from behind when harvesting crops.
• Put your arm around your partner when you’re done for the day to appreciate the hard work you’ve done.
• Shoot your date a flirty glance when you’re working apart from each other. Smile at him suggestively for some giggles (or is it?).
• Kiss under the floral arch.

11. MAKE A MEADOW

For this date idea, you lovely couple will be collaborating in creating a small meadow in the backyard. Until a few weeks ago, I used to have some misconceptions about meadows–that they all occur naturally and a meadow means a vast grassland. Well, a meadow can be a natural and vast grassland, but apparently you can also create meadows on smaller plots of land. All you need is to create specific soil conditions, that couple with the right climate and you get a meadow. To do this in the backyard, first designate an area for the meadow. Next, measure and buy wildflower seeds online. When the seeds are ready, dig up the lawn from the designated area using a pitchfork, tilt the soil, then sow the wildflower seeds. The arguments for a wildflower meadow, as opposed to the lawn, are many but it boils down to aesthetics, bio-diversity, and eco-friendliness.

12. BACKYARD PICNIC

One reason why the backyard is the ideal picnic spot is its proximity to the food source–the kitchen. A backyard picnic is so convenient, there’s no excuse not to do it. However, just because it’s convenient doesn’t mean that you should grab a can of soda, drink it in the backyard in your pajamas and call it a picnic. As with most things, there’s a ritual involved and certain rules to follow before you can call eating outside “a picnic”.

First, you’ll need to find a picnic blanket. Even though it isn’t very comfortable to sit on, a waterproof blanket is the ideal choice. Because then you can picnic on a wet lawn without getting wet butts–that doesn’t feel very romantic or comfortable. Next is the basket. Nothing feels more picnicky than a woven basket. But if you can’t find that, a plastic basket will do just fine. Bring tons of food and drinks, check out these picnic food ideas. We’ve also touched on the backyard picnic in our at-home date night idea article, so be sure to check that out also. And lastly, don’t wear your pajamas! No, I don’t mean going nekked–though that is an option for naturist couples. Anyway, change into something casual but presentable, it’s a date, so act like one. Remember to bring some games so you have some activities to do during the picnic.

13. CAMPING

Have you had a sleepover in your backyard? Most people haven’t. This backyard date night idea gives you and your partner an excuse to enjoy the backyard in a unique way. In it’s simplest form, pitch a tent and use it as your bed at night. Snuggle and cuddle with each other. Ask how the week went. Whisper sweet nothings in each other’s ears. And perhaps, you know, get naughty.

For a full experience, start early. Pack the stuff you need from the house because you won’t be going back inside (except perhaps for toilet breaks) once you set out for the backyard campsite. Start a campfire. Boil some water and use the boiling water to brew yourselves some bold, aromatic coffee. Prepare food ingredients outside and cook up something using the campfire. For example, soup, stew, baked fish, etc. At night, if the temperature gets chilly, drape a blanket over yourselves and snuggle next to the campfire for warmth. Talk, make jokes, tease each other, and flirt like a new couple–before retreating to the camp for some rest.

14. STARGAZING – METEOR SHOWER

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” ~ Marcus Aurelius.

For couples who live in areas without heavy light pollution, meet your date in the backyard to marvel at the stars. Find a spot in the backyard where there’s an unobstructed view of the night sky. Lie down, hold your hands, and appreciate the blanket of stars and other shiny heavenly bodies before your eyes.

Stargazing is an excellent late-night date idea. It can be done as a standalone activity or in combination with other date ideas on this list. For example, it’s a perfect addition to the backyard camping date night idea. Couples intrigued by stargazing might be interested in furthering their interest in astronomy. Save up some money and invest in a telescope. With a telescope, you’ll be able to fly to the moon with your date (visually, of course) and to visit other planets in the solar system such as Mars and Saturn.

15. BUG HUNTING

In the months when bugs and beetles are active, grab your nets and go hunt for some bugs. Hunt as a team and keep the bugs temporarily in a jar. Alternatively, fire up the competitive spirit by having a bug-hunting competition. Win by catching the most bugs. When you’re done with the hunt, inspect the bugs and find out what they are online. Take photos of them. Pay attention to their behaviors, patterns, and color before releasing them back to their natural habitat.

16. BACKYARD COFFEE DATE

Wake up early to prepare breakfast and some coffee. Change into an outfit you’d wear to a breakfast restaurant. Enjoy a delicious breakfast consisting of umami-packed omelet, hearty bacon, toasts, and refreshing salad. And let’s not forget a cup of coffee to wake you up for an exciting, fun-filled day ahead. Enjoy the soothing morning breeze and gentle tunes sung by the birds who have just woken from their slumber. And that’s one way to have your coffee date at home, right in your backyard.

Coffee connoisseurs might be interested in a different coffee date. One that involves tasting different coffee beans and different brewing methods. Make small servings of coffee using different beans and methods, then taste the coffees by taking small sips. Don’t forget to smell the coffees to pick up their olfactory notes. Finally, swap opinions. In winter, couples living in the snowy north can try a more rustic approach to their coffee date. First, make a fire pit in the backyard to provide warmth and a way to boil water. Next, make coffee using the boiling water. Lastly, enjoy the reinvigorating feeling brought by the coffee and take in the peaceful snowy vista offered by your backyard.

17. ICE CREAM DATE

“You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream and that is pretty much the same thing.” ~ Paige Lovelace.

Ice cream is one of the best inventions ever. Some inventions make life easier but ice cream has brought more happiness and satisfaction than most of them. Ice cream is flavorful, rich, and creamy. It keeps you cool in the summer, and it energizes you in the colder months. Ice cream is available in virtually any flavors you can imagine. Vanilla, Chocolate, Rum & Raisin, Cookies and Cream, Belgium Chocolate, Mocha, Strawberry. When you’re feeling meh, time for some ice cream. When you need a celebration, time for some ice cream. And for a fun backyard date, well, that calls for some ice cream.

Take out a pint of ice cream from the fridge, add toppings to your heart’s content. Stop your date from doing what he’s doing and skip happily to the backyard where you’ll enjoy some fresh outdoor air and some tasty and rich ice cream. As if sharing a pint of ice cream isn’t cute enough, try spoon feeding each other. That’ll give you some “new relationship energy“.

18. READING

Spend an hour or two in the backyard reading and discussing the books you’re reading. Get your partner a new book you think he’ll love. Read books from any genre you prefer–fiction and non-fiction. I’m partial to physical books, but e-books work too. Alternatively, magazines and online articles could also offer hours of quality entertainment and helpful information. Eat some snacks and sip on freshly brewed coffee while you read. Homemade baked goods go well with coffee and books.

19. WINE TASTING

Allocate a small budget for this exquisite experience. Don’t go in blind to the wine shop. Do some research online and look for wines that fit your budget and have good reviews. Depending on what you want to experience, you might want to buy a few bottles of wine produced by the same vineyard or different vineyards.

While the nearest vineyard may be miles away, your backyard is literally behind your house. For this date night idea, start by inviting your date to join you for a meal. Wine and empty stomachs are not a happy combination. Get out of your t-shirts and shorts. Dress yourselves in something a little bit more wine-tastingy. Nothing overly fancy. Perhaps a long-sleeve shirt for the gentleman, and an off-shoulder top for the lady. Accessorize with watches, earrings, and necklaces accordingly.

Wine tasting during the daytime allows you to see and distinguish the colors of the wine vividly. But an evening of wine tasting is one of the most romantic things you can do in the backyard. Just don’t turn on that 100-W daylight spotlight. Nothing kills the mood faster than a bright and blue-ish light. For a romantic date night in the backyard, a string of orange LED bulbs will do wonders at setting a the mood and provide adequate brightness for your activities. To complement, light some candles to enhance the mood. Let everything bask in that lovely, warm, and sensual orange hue.

To taste the wine, try to experience all aspects of the wine with your senses. Start by visually inspecting the wine. Then smell it and finally take a sip and gargle it a little in your mouth–during which you’ll taste it with your mouth and breath in and out to smell it once again. Try to detect the subtle notes in the wine and put that into words then compare your opinion with your partner.

20. OUTDOOR YOGA

You’ll need to wipe off your yoga mats after this date but it’ll be worth it. Lay out the mats side-by-side on the patio or directly on the backyard lawn. Do the whole yoga routine next to each other. You can do your own poses separately but it’d make you feel more connected as a couple if either one of you takes charge. Another option is to take turns in deciding the next pose. With every pose, pay attention to the tension in your muscles and the sore points in your body. Since you’re outdoor, don’t forget to enjoy the peacefulness offered by the comforting breeze, singing birds, and rustling trees. When the session is done, sit down for a quick, mindful chat with your partner.

21. TREASURE HUNT

Begin by hiding the treasure in a safe spot. Then plan the clues. The clues can be given directly or as a reward for completing a riddle, puzzle, or physical activity. The idea is to let the clues bring the participants from one location to another location with the treasure being the final destination. Clue making is when your creativity and imagination (and evil nature) shine! For the treasure, may I suggest booby-trapping it? A trap involving water seems harmless and fun–especially on a hot summer day.

A treasure hunt is vastly more fun and complex when it covers a larger area. So consider expanding the hunt to other areas of the house besides the backyard.

By design, a treasure hunt requires a planner and player. If this isn’t the kind of dynamics you’re looking for, you might want to try a scavenger hunt instead; a scavenger hunt is more collaborative in nature. First, compile a list of items that come to your mind. Then set out to search and take photos of the items.

22. BACKYARD PHOTO SHOOT

Dust off your DSLR or mirrorless camera for an exciting photography session in the backyard. The phone camera would work fine too! While there’s a noticeable quality gap between the photos taken by a standalone camera and a phone camera, the phone is much more convenient to use. There are many ways for couples to enjoy a private photoshoot in their backyard and here are some examples:-

• Capture little moments in the backyard. E.g. ladybug resting on a leaf, birds perching on a tree branch.
• Take portraits of each other. Take turns in playing the roles of photographer and model.
• Take wefies! Invest in a Bluetooth-enabled selfie stick that allows you to take photos of yourselves remotely without involving another person.

23. WATCH SUNSET / SUNRISE

Naturally, watching the sun rising and setting is a relaxing thing to do with your partner on the weekends. But doing it on a weekday, especially on a working day, breaks the dull routine of everyday life and that’s gratifying. Depending on your location, that may mean that you need to get off work earlier or wake up earlier to spend time with your significant other. At its core, there’s nothing complicated about this date. All you need is a spot for you to sit down comfortably in the backyard. In a perfect setting, the spot should offer a view of the sun and the horizon but for most backyards that is an indulgence. So don’t worry about that. There are many nuances to appreciate and enjoy during twilight. For instance, the transition of the colors of the sky, clouds, and everything around you; including living things–trees, birds, and your partner– and inanimate objects. The winds might be changing and the temperature definitely does. It’s a lot to take in if you pay close attention. For details that catch your attention, be sure to share with your partner.

24. LATE-NIGHT EXPLORATION

The backyard can be full of surprises at night. Its hidden secrets are waiting to be discovered by you and your date. For this late-night date idea, put on your explorer hat, grab a torchlight, and go for a late-night adventure in your backyard. Go around the yard to hunt for fireflies. Listen to various sounds and speculate what they are–perhaps you’d even chance upon an owl. Switch off the torchlight and enjoy the beautiful, glowing painting that is the starry night sky. This idea isn’t without its flaws. One, if your neighbor can see your backyard, they might call 911 thinking that there’re thieves on your lot. Two, many backyards aren’t romantic and exciting at night–to overcome this dullness, create your own hidden treasures in the backyard and go for a couple’s treasure hunt at night. Three, for some areas, this date night idea may be outright dangerous. I’m talking about areas that have an active wildlife population, nosy bears, active wolves, etc. So use your judgment!

25. PLAY PRETEND!

Do some roleplay. Pretend that you’re someone else. It can feel a little bit childish but there’s a child in everyone. Also, being childish with your partner is so cute! This activity can be done with both physical actions and conversation or just conversation alone. Create certain roles for yourselves, establish some kind of backstory, and put yourselves in a make-believe situation. Below are some play pretend ideas for couples:-

• You’re meeting each other for the first time.
• You’ve swapped your bodies. Now you’re your partner and your partner is you.
• You’re poets who are trying to find their muse in the backyard. Try to look at every little thing in the backyard and develop a sense of gratitude for them.
• You’re really old.
• You’re two 10-year-olds.

26. FONDUE

You don’t have to travel to Switzerland to enjoy their national dish–fondue. With some preparation, you and your date will be able to enjoy the cheesy goodness of fondue in your backyard. Couple’s fondue in the backyard, doesn’t that sound intimate and romantic? You’ll need a portable fondue pot or a double boiler that keeps the cheese warm and melty without burning. The melted dipping cheese is made from various kinds of cheese, wine, garlic, and herbs. The actual recipe is beyond the scope of this article, so I’ll put some links below instead. Some of the more popular fondue dippers are bread, apple, strawberry, cooked potatoes, and bacon. For non-chess lovers (e.g. people with lactose intolerance), there are other variations of fondue you can try, such as broth fondue, chocolate fondue, salted caramel fondue, and oil fondue. Fondue is best enjoyed in fall, winter, and spring. Because it’s satisfying to enjoy a hot meal on a cold day. But don’t let anyone stop you from eating fondue in the middle of summer. Personally, I find that having cheese fondue in fall surrounded by colorful fall foliage paints a beautiful picture.

• Cheese fondue recipe – Well Plated
• Chocolate fondue – Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
• Salted caramel fondue – Dinner, then Dessert

27. CHESS MATCH

Challenge your date to an outdoor chess match in the backyard. Choose a spot on the patio or under a tree’s cooling shade. Snacks are off-limits because they’ll make the chess set sticky. But feel free to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea as the two armies engage in battles. If you want to make the games more exciting, put something on the line. For example, the loser has to buy the winner lunch or the loser has to decide what to do for their next date night.

Wrapping Up…

And that is the last date idea we have for you on this particular list. Looking back, many of these are free date ideas or cheap date ideas that don’t cost much to enjoy. Well I guess that’s just another argument for having your date nights at home!

Our list ends here but the actual list of backyard date ideas goes on and on. That said, I hope you’ve found something useful from these ideas.

The post 27 Backyard Date Night Ideas appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

When it comes to a movie date, there is so much you can do besides just sitting and watching. Below is a list of movie date ideas for you to try at home. The list is long because I was trying to pack as much information as I could. So feel free to scroll past ideas that don’t interest you. Let’s get into it.

1. SURPRISE YOUR DATE WITH AN INVITATION

An invitation is expected for events like weddings and gallery openings. But not for a date night, especially not a date night that happens right at home. That is precisely why you should be doing it, to break the monotony of everyday life and to surprise your partner. The least you can do is to buy an invitation card from the store. But for those of you who are willing to invest a little bit more time and effort, here are some date night invitation ideas.

• Print and fold – Find a unique design online, print it out, then fold it into a card.
• 100% handmade – Start with a blank piece of regular paper or card stock. Decorate with using your whimsy and creativity. Don’t forget to fill in the message.
• Mini treasure hunt – Start acting suspicious. Leave clues that lead to the invitation or the final clue that implies a certain event at a certain date and time.

2. DECORATE THE LIVING ROOM

Imagine this. Regular you wearing regular clothing in your regular living room watching television. Not exactly anybody’s idea of “romantic.” To feel romantic, something needs to be done differently. That means to introduce some irregularities. One way to do that is by decorating the living room specially for the date night. Unless you’re Kim Kardashian, you probably don’t want to spend a fortune on decoration and you won’t be hiring a professional party planner to help decorate the room. Under these assumptions, below are some living room decoration ideas that are simple, romantic, and budget-friendly.

• Get rid of the mess – Clutter, dust, and odor repel romance. So do some basic clean up. Pro-tip: just get the clutter out of sight because “out of sight, out of mind” is actually true.
• Tablecloth – Dress up the coffee table to make it look fancy.
• Couch cover – Breath new air into your living room couches (and cover up the dirty spots) with a brand new couch cover. Couch covers are an affordable way to make the couches look and feel different. If you can, try to match the designs of the couch cover and the coffee tablecloth.
• Shuffle furniture – Make things feel fresh by moving the furniture around.
• Balloons connote festivity, excitement, happiness. Have you seen a balloon at a funeral? Neither have I. Balloons are used as decoration at birthday events, baby showers, weddings–celebratory events that even the most introverted of us associate with positive emotions. Take advantage of that association. Use balloons to liven up the living room. Not all color balloons are equal. For a romantic night, shades of red are the only right options: burgundy, maroon, and even pink.
• Ribbons – Use ribbons sparingly in conjunction with balloons, otherwise it may really start to feel like a gender review party. Tie some ribbons around the living room strategically.
• Scented candles – While you’re preparing the visual cues for romance, don’t forget the olfactory–or the sense of smell. In this area, a scented candle is what you need. The aroma that the candle releases help relax your mind and has a stress-relief effect. A relaxed mind is more susceptible to romance.
• Dim the lights – You don’t have to turn off the lights but dimming it will definitely make the space feel more cozy and romantic.
• Prepare blankets – As the movie plays, hide under the blanket to snuggle.

3. ROMANTIC CANDLE-LIT DINNER

Romance doesn’t happen on an empty stomach. As such, treat yourselves to a romantic dinner before the movie starts. If you don’t want to leave home, that’s perfectly fine. You can totally enjoy a private and cozy dinner at home with just the two of you. All you need is the right setup. Here’s how.

• Choose romantic music – love songs, slow songs, ballads, etc. Some may find it pretentious and personally I’ve really enjoyed listening to old French songs.
• Candles – scented or regular candles. For scented candles make sure that it isn’t overpowering your food.
• Dim the lights as much as you can without affecting the ability to see and eat the food.
• Wine glasses or champagne flutes – drink wine, champagne, whiskey, soft drinks, juices, or even just plain water. Alcoholic beverages contain alcohol (duh), a depressant which is a chemical that helps calm the nerves and relaxes you. Don’t worry if you choose not to drink liquor, but make sure you use a wine glasses or champagne flute for drinking. Why? Because it feels more romantic than holding a Dumbo mug.
• Food – cook dinner together or, as I like to recommend, just order food delivery. Why? While there are many benefits of cooking your own dinner in terms of health, relationship, and personal finance, it is also quite tiring and it will take away a lot of fun from the activities that follow. Just order some food from the local diner and re-plate it in a fancy, Michelin-starred-restaurant kind of way and enjoy.

A variant of this idea is the dinner-and-movie. As opposed to the dinner-then-movie described above, a dinner-and-movie is when you’re having dinner and watching movie at the same time. While it sounds fun and exciting, it does take away some quality conversation time you have during dinner with your date. To add on, it also splits your attention among food, movie, and bae. Not to mention that it takes away some cozy snuggling time on the couch.

Enough with dinner and food. Let’s move on to the movies. Watching a single movie is what most couples do and there’s nothing wrong with that. A more unique idea that cranks up the fun factor of your date night is to do a movie marathon. The following ideas are related to choosing the movies for your date night.

4. COMPLETE MOVIE FRANCHISE

Come up with a list of 5-10 movie series. Some popular examples are Harry Potter, Fast & Furious, The Princess Diaries, Scary Movies, Lord of the Rings, etc. If you’re getting the recommendations online, I suggest that you cross-check the your streaming service’s catalog before the date to avoid disappointment. Once you have the list of movie titles ready, it’s time to vote on it. Everyone gets 2 votes and can only vote for the same franchise once. Also, you aren’t allowed to influence one another’s vote.

5. FILMS ÉTRANGERS

If you’re reading this article right now, most of the movies that you watch are probably in English. It’s just an assumption, so don’t get mad at me if that doesn’t apply to you. In the cases where it’s true, for this upcoming date night, try something new by watching only foreign films. Mexican, French, Italian, Japanese, German, Chinese–there are so many different foreign films waiting to be experienced. Personally, I’ve really enjoyed European movies. Admittedly some of the famous European movies feel different and strange even, but I’ve never had a boring time watching these films. It’s always a new and unique experience; you can feel the “soul” in them, unlike (ahem) certain Hollywood blockbusters.

6. HORROR MOVIES

Coming from a biological point of view, the feeling of romance is the result of a cocktail of different chemicals. One such chemical is adrenaline–a hormone that makes your heart beats fast and your breathing become intense. Two movie genres, in particular, are proven to get your adrenaline pumping–horror and action movies. For a scary movie night, turn out the lights completely and watch the movies in the dark. This theme is especially apt for October AKA the Halloween month.

7. ZOMBIE NIGHT

Zombie movies are a movie genre loved by many. Within the genre, there are countless films that explore various phases of zombie-human interaction such as the virus outbreak, zombie apocalypse, and post-apocalyptic world. Zombie movies are usually closer to action/disaster films than horror films. The movies from this genre are romantic in the sense that it makes you like the world is ending and the two of you have to stick together to survive. And there’s romance and love to be found in having each other’s backs.

8. ACTION MOVIE NIGHT

Action movies are fast-paced, no-nonsense films that aim to impress and entertain. You probably won’t be having a eureka moment after watching an action film but it sure is fun letting your mind go free during the film.

9. ROMANCE MOVIE NIGHT

My opinion is that you don’t necessarily have to watch a romance movie in order to feel romantic. But it is definitely one good option.

10. NICHOLAS CAGE NIGHT

For a Cage night, pick and watch 2-3 movies that feature Nicholas Cage. Not a Nic Cage fan? Neither am I. Simply replace him with an actor or actress of your choice. For example, it could be a Johnny Depp night or an Anne Hathaway night.

11. RANDOM MOVIES

Embark on a movie adventure with your date. Explore new, unchartered territory by picking a random movie to watch. Like most people, you probably unknowingly watch the same genres. Well, this is your chance to break that mold and explore new interests. Experience a unique and risky movie night that may land you anywhere from risqué movies to cartoons for children. In any case, you’ll share a fun and quirky evening with your date.

Use one of the movie randomizers online or use the built-in Netflix shuffle feature. No cheating! You have to watch the first movie that comes up. Alternatively, if you would like some flexibility, give yourselves two passes. That means you can pass on two movies if they seem boring to you. However, it’s a one-way pass and you can’t return to the previous movie once you’ve given it up. Once the two passes are used, you’ll have to watch the third movie.

12. EARTH HOUR

Turn off the lights for the entirety of the movie. Help the environment (though admittedly not by much) and reduce your utility bill at the same time. Feel like you’re in an actual cinema. Hold hands and snuggle in the dark for a cozy, romantic time with your date.

13. PIZZA PARTY

Saying that pizza is a popular food is an understatement. Research shows that at least one in ten Americans consume pizza once a week. To be honest, that number sounds kind of low. There are the good reasons why pizza is loved by so many people. First, it’s so convenient. Hot, fresh-from-the-oven pizzas are just one call or a few taps on the phone away. As long as you eat it with your hands, there are no dishes to do afterward. Just throw away the pizza boxes. Second, pizza is so delicious. Crunchy crust, hearty cheese, and just about any toppings you can think of–it’s so awesome! Anyway, getting some pizza and snacks will kick your movie night experience to the next level. Spice up your boring movie night by turning it into a pizza & movie party night.

14. BATH & MOVIE

Before we proceed, let me warn you. This is a dangerous date idea! Using electronics inside the bathroom can be hazardous to both you and your device. That said, movie and bath is a unique experience not many people have tried. It’s not very practical, but if you manage to pull it off it will very romantic. For this idea, you will need to designate a dry spot for the laptop or tablet. The smartphone may work when you’re bathing alone, but it’s just too small in a mixed bath kind of situation. Anyway, the spot should keep your device dry and should be visible from the bathtub. For the bath itself, just do a regular hot water bath. No bubble or bath bombs with coloring because that will get messy. Add a few drops of essential oils into the bath for some aroma. Alternatively, light up some scented candles.

Another way to do bath-and-movie, is to enjoy a long, relaxing bath before the movie. It is less unique but definitely safer and more friendly in terms of the logistics.

15. RENT A PROJECTOR

With a projector, you can watch movies on your very own big screen. Not many households own a projector and buying a good projector may not fit into your budget. So try and see if there’s a way to rent one for a day. There is so much fun you can have with a projector. You can play games, view photos, read, and–no we haven’t forgotten–watch movies! Make it feel like you’re in a real movie theater, pop some corns, microwave some hot dogs, and pour yourself some soft drinks. Turn off your phones before the movie starts, turn out the lights, and project the movie onto the wall. After a while, you might even forget that you are at home.

16. AT-HOME DRIVE-IN THEATER

This idea is more involved but it will be the experience of a lifetime. That is if you manage to pull it off, as you will see, it takes quite a bit of effort. To create a drive-in movie theater at home, you’ll need a big parking space and a vertical flat surface, for example, a wall or a projector screen. With these requirements, you’ll most probably need a garage, driveway/front yard, or backyard. If you have a sizeable backyard and it’s accessible by car, that would be the best spot to set it up. The outdoor environment will make you feel like you’re at an actual drive-in theater. The front yard and driveway is open-air but it doesn’t feel as cozy as the backyard, and their lack of privacy means your neighbors might join your movie from across the street. As an indoor spot, the garage offers privacy, convenience, and shelter from the elements. If your area is having bad weather, the garage is your only option. Also, it’s likely to have electrical outlets so you don’t have to use an extension cord. To add on top of that, you can blast the audio without having to worry about getting complaints from the neighbors. Lastly, for this idea to work, you’ll also need a decent projector, a laptop or media player, and a power supply for the devices.

17. BACKYARD CAMPING MOVIE NIGHT

Pitch a tent in the backyard. Pack for a night in the tent. Prepare cooked food ahead of time or raw ingredients for the grill. Start a campfire and do all the things that you do during camping. Singing, dancing, swapping stories, and even starting a water gun fight. At night, retreat to the tent to watch a movie. Make sure that the device is fully charged. When the movie is over, head outside the tent for some fresh air. Feel the serenity falls upon you as the night breeze touches your face. Nearby, fireflies are out and about, dancing and flaunting their blinking taillights. One firefly briefly lost its way and flew toward you. Not expecting your presence, the firefly is startled and immediately surged toward the sky. Intrigued by its movement, your head tilts up to follow. That brings you face to face with the night sky. The firefly can longer be seen, lost among the hundreds of stars in the dark sky.

Read also:

• 5 Rainy-Day Date Ideas
• 8 Late-Night Date Ideas
• 23 Fun Group Date Ideas
• 37 Double Date Ideas

18. ICE CREAM

For those of you who don’t have any health problem, grab a pint of your favorite ice cream and finish it in one sitting. Needless to say but you’ll be sharing with your partner. Remember, sharing is caring. It’s so cute if you share the same favorite flavor ice cream, but if you don’t, just get two flavors! As simple as that. Ice cream tastes awesome by itself, but if you want to elevate this ice cream movie night experience, invest in some ice cream toppings such as chocolate chips, chocolate rice, syrup, peanuts, etc. Using these toppings, design your unique ice cream dessert before gobbling it down in front of the TV screen.

Read next

• Can’t get enough of ice cream and dating? Here are some useful ice cream date ideas.
• Coffee Date Ideas

19. GET TIPSY

Pour yourselves a glass of your favorite liquor. Try out that cocktail recipe you saw in a random Facebook video. Just chill and enjoy the movie with your date.

20. DRINKING GAME

Since you’re drinking and you’re at home–that means no need to worry about who’s driving–how about a little game with your date? In particular, a movie drinking game that calls for a sip (or a shot) whenever certain phrases or certain movie clichés come up. There are plenty of pre-made rules online and I’ll put some links at the bottom of this section, but you can totally make up your own rules with your date. And I imagine it’ll be a funny thing to do that will be filled with giggles and laughter. A crude example would be something like this. Say you’re re-watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy… (spoilers ahead)

Take a sip when:-

• Frodo’s sword glows blue.
• Frodo turns invisible.
• Gollum says my precious.

Down a shot when:-

• Aragon says, “One does not simply walk into Mordor.”
• Gandalf the gray falls into the abyss.
• Gandalf returns after getting his dirty laundry washed and bleached.
• “I’m no man.”

Movie Drinking Games

• Vanity Fair – The 8 Best Movie Drinking Games
• Games Radar – 25 best movie drinking games to play responsibly
• The Manual – 10 Best Movie Drinking Games to Play on Netflix

21. DRESS UP

Going out feel exciting because we set ourselves up to feel that way. To make staying home feel excited and romantic, try to dress yourselves up in different clothing–perhaps in clothes that you’d wear when you go out to see a theatrical play.

22. WEAR A COSTUME

Here’s another way to enjoy the movie night to the fullest. Try dressing up in costumes that are related to the movies that you’re watching. For example, if you’re watching Pirates of the Caribbean, dress up as pirates, try to speak like one, and get a bottle of rum for the drinking game.

23. GET YOUR PET TO PARTICIPATE

Your beloved cat or dog (and other kinds of pets) don’t usually get to participate in your dates. How about inviting and letting it join you this one time for a fun pet and movie evening? Admittedly it will take away some attention from the movies, but that’s OK because time spent with your pet is never wasted. As a cat owner, I sometimes play with my cat when watching a movie. He also enjoys that I pat his butts, what a little weirdo.

24. YOGA AND MOVIE

Like many other forms of entertainment, movie is a passive activity. For most of the movie, except when it’s paused for bathroom breaks, you just sit. Well, here’s an idea that will turn your passive date night into an active evening. Push the coffee table to the side, lay out some yoga mats, and do some stretching while you watch the movie. Some yoga poses require you to turn your face away from the direction of the screen. You can still practice these poses but you might want to shorten the time or just wait for the fillers in the movie. Another idea is to adjust your mats from pose to pose so you can always get a good viewing angle.

More ideas:-

• 30 Free Date Ideas
• 80 Cheap Date Ideas
• 15 Quiet Hobbies
• 36 Date Ideas for Introverts

25. WATCH MOVIE USING VHS

The rise of Netflix and other streaming services changed the way we watch movies at home. Before Netflix, physical rentals used to be the standard way to watch movie on demand. I’m talking about Blu-ray, DVDs, VCDs–and before the discs became mainstream–a little something called VHS. VHS refers to Video Home System and it is the video tape standard. For this date idea, you and your date are to hunt for a functional VHS tape player and a movie tape. Figure out a way to hook up that antiquated tape player to your smart TV. The video quality will carry a retro vibe and it’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time. This date idea requires days if not weeks of preparation. And the preparation itself is part of the fun.

Who Are These Date Ideas for?

These ideas at home are mainly designed for married couples and couples who are living together. Newer couples who have survived the first few dates and are now comfortable with the idea of hanging out at each other’s places might find inspiration from this list too. These are definitely not ideal for a first date unless you’re dating your best friend. For first dates, check out these awesome first date ideas instead.

Wrapping Up…

And that wraps up our at-home movie date night guide. Some of these ideas are pretty wild (at least I hope they are). But sometimes you need to do things differently in order to break the dull routine of everyday life. With that said, I hope you’ve managed to get something out of this list. Talk to you again soon.

The post 25 Movie Date Night Ideas to Try at Home appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

1. MOVIE MARATHON

Pick some movies and watch it like there’s no tomorrow. Most people go for popular franchises like Harry Potter, Shrek, Fast & Furious, etc. Others select their movies based on actor/actress, director, or genre. Complete your movie night experience by preparing some snacks and drinks. Some ideas include popcorn, hot dog, pizza, beer, and soda.

2. CHECK OUT YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Jump down the rabbit hole that is YouTube. Start by searching for a particular topic that interests both of you. For example, cat videos, funny clips, or 4K 60fps walk in Kyoto. Let the site’s recommendation engine takes you from one video to another.

3. CREATE A TO-WATCH LIST

There are so many shows to watch on Netflix. But as you have experienced before, sometimes it’s difficult to decide which movie to watch. Well, how about doing some research and creating a “to-watch” list of the movies, TV shows, and anime that you’re interested in watching?

4. AT-HOME TREASURE HUNT

Provide clues that bring your date from one location to another in search of the final “treasure.” Prepare and hide the treasure before the game. The treasure could be anything from a chocolate bar, a wrapped-up gift, to a piece of paper that says “the journey is the treasure after all.” Organize a hunt for one another so everyone gets to play treasure hunter. Alternatively, just organize it for your partner. Follow along and take photos of his (mis)adventures and giggle like a maniac when he’s stuck at a certain seemingly nonsensical clue.

5. EARTH HOUR

After dark, turn out the lights for an hour. Only aromatic candles are allowed. A dimly-lit room that smells like vanilla spell romance. Use this opportunity to enjoy a romantic dinner or get on the couch for some intense snuggling. Switch off your phones. Nothing ruins a romantic moment like a ringing phone.

6. PRETEND YOU’VE JUST MET

It happens to the best of us. All couples get used to each other eventually and everything becomes routine. This dating activity will help break the monotony. For this idea, pretend that the two of you are meeting for the first time ever. Establish some kind of backstory. Have you been chatting on Tinder? Perhaps you’re at a coffee house and your partner caught your attention. Or just relive the actual moment you were meeting for the first time. Wear the same clothes, makeup, perfume, and see how it turns out this time.

7. ROLE REVERSAL

It goes without saying, you’re usually you. But for this unique date idea, how about becoming your partner? At the same time, your partner will become you–behaving and talking like you. Hilarity ensues but it also helps you to see the way you’re treating each other from an objective angle. In addition to being entertaining, perhaps you and your partner will also learn some relationship lessons from this activity.

8. DESIGN YOUR DREAM HOUSE

What does your mutual dream house look like? Will it have a minimalist theme or feature rustic design? Do you prefer a mansion or long to live in a self-sufficient tiny house? Discuss and negotiate with your partner. As an option, add in more realistic constraints such as a budget. Create a Pinterest board to curate and save your ideas. Use an interior design software to create the layout. The Sims is a fun game and an easy-to-use tool to build your ideal house.

9. PLAN A FUTURE TRIP

At home, there are various virtual tours you can participate online. But even if virtual-reality (VR) tech becomes prevalent someday, you’re not going to be able to experience the food, weather, and the local culture. So start planning for a real trip now. Making plans together and having something exciting to look forward to keep a couple close.

10. CREATE YOUR OWN MUSIC PLAYLIST

Create a song list that is unique to the two of you. It’ll be a private playlist accessible only by you and your partner. Add in songs that are significant to the relationship. Some ideas are as followed.

• Hit songs when you started dating.
• The song that the jukebox was belting out on your first date.
• A song that you’ve slow-danced to.
• For married couples, Songs that were on your wedding playlist

11. LISTEN TO MUSIC

Music is one of the best ways to set the mood. YouTube and Spotify are convenient and have virtually all sorts of music available. But there’s certain elegance to be found in a turntable and the vinyl records that it plays.

12. SING

Sing along to your favorite songs. Do a Karaoke session at home with your partner. You will need lyrics and ideally music with the original singer’s voice removed. Take turns to become each other’s audience. But don’t forget to sing some duets! Get childish and sing the theme song of a cartoon you grew up watching. Can’t carry a tune? Neither can I! It doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’re having fun.

13. DANCE

Put on some music based on your mood. Immerse yourself in the said music and let the rhythm moves your body. Similar to the singing idea, enjoy doing what you do, and be proud of it. Don’t worry about the little things like being off the beat. Since you’re on a date, dancing with each other is a requirement.

14. LEARN NEW DANCE

Another idea related to dancing is to learn new choreography or new dance moves on YouTube. Both of you should participate. It’d be a unique experience, a fun workout session, and a great opportunity to giggle at each other’s clunky movements.

15. GIVE EACH OTHER “PRIVATE DANCE”

The third and last dance idea will get you on Santa’s naughty list. When the sun is down, dim the lights and put on some spicy music. Love songs, ballads, pop, hip hop, R&B, etc. Invite your partner to sit down and give him/her a private show of your best dance moves, done intimately.

16. PAINT AT HOME

Chances are you have some painting supplies sitting around that are yearning for attention. Put them to work. Play some music and crack open a bottle of wine for some sip & paint action with your partner.

17. PAINT OUTSIDE

On a beautiful day, leave your house for some fresh air and an en plein air painting sesh. Think balcony, backyard, front lawn, or your garden. As for the painting subject, it’d be more interesting if it’s from the surroundings. For example, scenery, flower, plant, insect, pets, your partner, etc.

18. DRAW

For this creative date night, set up the mood and draw something. Follow a tutorial or let your instinct guide you. Draw an impression of your partner–but no peeking ’til it’s done.

19. PRACTICE CALLIGRAPHY

Not everybody is into calligraphy but it can be a fun activity for couples to explore new interests together. Maybe you’ll both find it intriguing and decide to turn it in a shared hobby.

20. TAKE PHOTOS OF EACH OTHER

Take turns to play the roles of a photographer and model. Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera for better quality images. But your phone camera will work just fine. The photographer gets to decide the theme. Depending on the theme, change into different outfits, wear thematic accessories, and put on a different style of makeup. Feel free to move the furniture around to achieve the vibe you’re looking for, turn your living room or bedroom, or kitchen into a home photo studio. Like many date ideas on this list, it’s fun only if you put in the effort!

21. CRAFT JEWELRY

Gather your materials online or go green by upcycling what you can find around the house. Make matching couple jewelry for yourselves. For example, rings, necklaces, and bracelets.

The following date ideas are dedicated to pet owners: dog owners, cat owners, and the others.

22. TAKE PHOTOS OF YOUR PET

Be a pet paparazzi. Stalk your pet. Follow it around and record its daily life with photography (and videos). Your real purpose, of course, is to capture its various shenanigans and funny moments on film.

23. START AN INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT FOR YOUR PET

If you’re pet parents, your phones are probably brimming with photos and videos of your pet. Put them to good use, start an Instagram account to capture some fans for your pet and to interact with other pet owners. Ignoring the social aspect, Instagram is also a great way to preserve your pet’s photos.

24. A DAY WITH YOUR PET

Spend some time with your pet. Think of it as an at-home group date. Play with your pet, spoil it with treats and massages. And of course, teach it some new tricks. Contrary to popular beliefs, pets other than dogs, like cats and rabbits can also be trained to do tricks. Personally, I’ve taught my cat to give me his paw and come to me when I call out his name. Other activities include playing frisbee with your dog, letting your indoor cat out (on a leash) to explore the surroundings.

25. MEDITATION

In our ever-connected world, our mind is flooded with information. Meditation is a mindfulness practice that can help train our mind to process information better or block irrelevant information altogether. When you’re meditating with your partner, you’re sharing a moment of tranquility that makes you feel more connected as a couple on a higher plane.

26. WORKOUT

Some people say “people who sweat together stay together,” find out if that’s true by sweating it out on a home workout routine.

27. YOGA

Meditative stretching is what yoga is. Improve your physical flexibility together as a couple by doing some yoga at home. Follow these yoga videos on YouTube.

28. PLAY WRESTLING

No one is fighting for the WWE champion title, so go easy on each other. You’re “playing” wrestling, not participating in a wrestling deathmatch. Choose a spot for the fight; on the bed or lay out some exercise mats in the living room. The carpeted floor may work too.

29. MASSAGE

Most people, yours truly included, are spending way too much time on their phones. The thing about using the phone for a prolonged period of time is everyone gives in to bad posture after a while. And bad postures cause muscle strain and pain. For this intimate idea, exchange massages with your partner. Take turns to provide an at-home spa experience to each other. Light up some scented candles or better yet–use some aromatherapy massage oil as part of the massage.

30. GIVE EACH OTHER MAKEOVERS

Chances are you’ve been wearing the same outfits again and again. For this fashion-related date night, get into each other’s wardrobes and plan new outfits for various occasions. This is also a great opportunity to rediscover your favorite clothing from the depths of the closet.

31. PEDICURE / MANICURE

Provide care for your partner’s fingernails and toenails. Do each other’s nails. Use your creativity to create unique nail arts. For a more sensual experience, pamper your date by providing full services: cleaning, clipping off dead skin, exfoliating, trimming the nails, moisturizing, followed by applying nail polish.

32. GIVE EACH OTHER HAIRCUTS

One way to grow closer as a couple is by taking care of one another. One intimate idea is to give your partner a haircut. Another idea if is to dye each other’s hair–bonus point if you’re sharing the same color dye.

33. TRY OUT EACH OTHER’S PERFUME

Do things you won’t normally do–just for fun and some laughs. Swap perfume collection for a day. Try them out, wear them on. Smelling different is a sure way to stimulate the olfactory sense.

34. IT’S HALLOWEEN!

Dress up as a ghoul, vampire, or cute nurse even if it isn’t Oct 31. Don’t just dress up, get candies, and bring out some Halloween décor. Watch horror films on Netflix and listen to autumnal songs. To feel childish, eat too many candies than your stomach can handle.

35. ORIGAMI

Bring cranes, lions, frogs, etc. to life by folding paper. The art of paper folding, origami, is a hobby enjoyed by many around the world. For this dating idea, find some tutorials online and some paper and start folding away with your partner. Many couples will find it interesting, but origami intrigues introverted couples the most. Spending some quiet time in origami turns out to be a serene experience that introverts appreciate.

36. TAKE A SHOWER TOGETHER

This could be a steamy sesh or a cute little thing to do in which you help wash each other’s backs.

37. MIXED BATH

Wind down and relax in a couple’s bubble bath. Light up some scented candles. Play some soft music. Crack open a bottle of wine. Just enjoy the intimate moment you’re sharing and whisper sweet nothings into each other’s ears.

38. BAKE

Participate in the alchemy of baked goods. Turn flour, eggs, sugar, butter, and other raw ingredients into delicious cakes, cookies, scones, and more. Baking together promotes teamwork in a relationship.

39. IRON CHEF – COMPETITIVE COOKING

Stir things up with a cooking competition. You’re your own judges and the chef with the most delicious dish win. Set a theme for the competition. For instance, pasta, curry, salad, or burger.

40. OVERCOOKED – COLLABORATIVE COOKING

Have you played Overcooked before? If you haven’t you should! It’s a collaborative-cooking video game and it’s fun to play with your partner. For this idea, you’ll be doing it in real life. In contrast to the previous date idea, this activity is about collaboration. Find a recipe online or try to come up with a new one yourselves. Work as a team in the kitchen to cook up an exquisite dinner.

41. PLAY BARISTA

Enjoy the art of making coffee. Try your best to brew the best cup of joe. Research and study coffee online. Decide the brewing method: French press, AeroPress, drip, Espresso, etc. Grind the coffee beans to the right coarseness based on the brewing method. Then let it brew and taste the coffee together. For coffee lovers, brew different types of coffee beans using different methods and do a blind taste test. Try to detect the subtle notes of aroma and taste in each coffee then compare findings with your date.

Another way to play barista is to handcraft your unique drinks that may or may not has coffee in them. For example, you could make a pumpkin spice latte, Belgian chocolate milkshake, and Boba Earl Grey milk tea.

42. BARTENDER

Unless you’re planning to pull an all-nighter, for a date night that happens in the evening (or late night), you would probably prefer beverages that don’t cause insomnia. Instead of playing barista, go for her after-dark cousin–the bartender. Create and name a unique cocktail that belongs to you and your partner. Try different combinations of liquors, juice, syrups, and herbs.

43. WINE MAKING

Learn the steps to brewing wine and make your own wine at home.

44. GET TIPSY

Once in a while, it’d be fun to enjoy some beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages with your partner. Wind down, relax, and just hang out.

45. FONDUE

Indulge yourself in the cheesy richness of fondue. Dip veggies, fruits, biscuits, and other foods in thick, melted cheese packed in flavors. Not a big fan of cheese? Go for a chocolate fondue or a salted caramel fondue instead. https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a51660/salted-caramel-fondue-recipe/

46. PIZZA PARTY

Organize a house party where you’re the organizers, attendees, DJs, bartenders, and the cleaning crew! Come up with a theme for the party. Make up some excuse that calls for a celebration. For instance, Friday is worth celebrating. Throw a party because the weather is awesome today. Celebrate the beginning of August. You get the idea. Put up some simple decoration, nothing complicated–you don’t want it to feel like a drag. Prepare some soft drinks and let’s not forget some unhealthy amount of pizza! And you invite another couple over, this could be a fun, stress-free double date idea.

47. HOUSEWORK-FREE DAY

Nothing kills the mood like an overwhelming amount of housework. Plan a special date with your partner where none of you is allowed to do any housework for one whole day. Feel like someone needs to do the dishes after dinner? Stop! No housework today.

Below are some date ideas that you can enjoy in your living room.

48. LIVING ROOM CAMPING

Make space for a tent. Push the coffee table aside for extra space, but keep it around so you have a reliable surface to use. Pitch the tent in the middle of the living room. Prepare food and snacks: sandwiches, candy bar, etc. Since you can’t make a campfire without burning the house down completely, watch TV instead. Some variants of this idea are pillow fort and blanket fort.

49. LIVING ROOM COFFEE HOUSE

Get some coffee brewing. Play some café music–just search these words on YouTube or Spotify if you aren’t sure. Believe it or not, you can also find café noise on YouTube. Set up tables and chairs. If you have a chalkboard, write something interesting on it like “welcome” or “specialty of the day”. If you’re in your pajamas, get changed into a casual outfit that you’d wear to a café. This date idea is great for any time of the year but is particularly ideal for a rainy day or a snow day.

50. LIVING ROOM PICNIC

To actually feel like a real picnic instead of just regular you eating in the living room on the couch, there are a few things you need to prepare. First is a picnic blanket that makes your mind think of picnicking on sight. For example, checkered blankets with red-and-white or blue-and-white squares. Naturally, you and your partner will be sitting on the blanket that is laid on the floor. Second, a picnic basket. Woven baskets are the traditional choice and they look exceptionally picturesque. But feel free to use other baskets or containers if you don’t have one. Prepare food and perhaps some wine. Bring some entertainment, like a card game or maybe a portable vinyl record player.

51. LIVING ROOM FINE DINING

This date is serious business. No giggling around because you’re about to dine at one of the most exclusive restaurants in the world–a pop-up fine-dining spot in the middle of your living room. Push couches away or cover them up with solid-colored fabric. Temporarily store the coffee table elsewhere. Replace it with a dining table for two. Be creative if you don’t have a table of this size. For instance, you can stack up cardboard boxes and drape it over with a gorgeous velvety tablecloth–just make sure that it’s stable! Set the table according to fine-dining standards. Crack a bottle of wine or champagne. Needless to say, coffee mugs have no place here–wine glasses and champagne flutes only. For the food, cook it yourselves or order delivery. What matters is the food presentation and romantic settings. For that matter, don’t forget to dim the lights, light some candles, and play some romantic love songs.

Now that we’re done with the living room, let’s head outside. Don’t worry, we’re still within the confines of your residence.

52. BACKYARD BBQ

Stock up on your favorite cuts of meats, veggies, fruits, and drinks for a fun backyard cookout. Get that grill fired up and prepare some ridiculously delicious barbecue food for each other.

53. BACKYARD CAMPING

When the weather is right, bring your camping equipment and set off for your backyard. Pitch a tent and stay for a night. Start a campfire if you’re comfortable with the idea. The crackling sound of a campfire is soothing and makes camping feels like camping. Cook your dinner at the campsite. If that feels like a lot of work, at least treat yourselves to some s’mores.

54. BACKYARD PICNIC

On a beautiful day, prepare some picnic food and go picnicking in your backyard. For those of you who have a balcony, you may enjoy your own cozy picnic date on the balcony instead. Similar to the living room picnic idea, it feels a lot more picnicky when there’s a picnic blanket for to sit on when enjoying the food. Don’t forget to take some beautiful photos of this unique date.

55. BACKYARD POOL PARTY

Don’t have a swimming pool at home? No worries. Most of us don’t either. Buy a large inflatable pool and organize a private pool date for yourselves. Since you’re getting wet anyway, you may as well get childish and have a water gun fight. If the yard gets an ample amount of sunlight, you might be able to get some tanning going.

56. GARDENING

Tend to the garden as a team. Don’t have a garden? Collaborate with your partner to start one. Grow flowers, vegetables, fruits, spices, and herbs in your own backyard on the balcony.

57. STARGAZING

For those of you who are lucky to live in an area with little light pollution, look up and check out the stars at night. Lay out a blanket or a sleeping mat and lay down side by side under the romantic starry night sky.

58. ONLINE SHOPPING

Shop ’til you drop without stepping out of your house. In the old days, catalog shopping was all the rage but nowadays online shopping is much more convenient and offers endless things for you to buy. Start by making a shopping list then task everyone to look for the best deals. On a tight budget? Just do online window shopping and keep in the bookmark things that interest you–you can always come back another day.

59. LOOK AT OLD PHOTOS

Dig out really old photos from some forgotten external hard drives. Try to ply open the Flickr account or Myspace account that hasn’t been logged in for years for some aged photos. Look at the photos from various stages of your relationship. Another idea is to look at your partner’s childhood photos. That’s always a cute and fun thing to do.

60. CHOOSE PHOTOS FOR PRINT

While you’re going through the digital photos, play the role of a curator, and select important photos for printing. Since you’re likely to have way too many photos, set a realistic limit so that you’re more selective.

61. START A COUPLE’S JOURNAL

Start by locating a good notebook, one that will last a long time. It should also look attractive, otherwise you might not want to come back to it. Personalize it by decorating the cover based on your taste. When starting a new journal, take turns to add some structure to it, divide the journal into various sections. For example, important dates, our favorites, bucket list/couple’s goals, relationship quotes, and message board. On the other hand, you may prefer a digital journal because you’ll be able to add different media to it and you can work on it from any locations. The latter is important for couples in long-distance relationships.

62. SPRING CLEANING

Get rid of things that you no longer use from the house. Gather them around, donate to charity, sell them off, or have them recycled. Since this is part of a date, make sure that it’s fun and everyone is involved. Overworking will stress anybody out so focus on just one manageable area. For instance, the storeroom or your closets. Be sure to share with your partner when you find an item that brings back memories. Put on the dress you’ve kept from your edgy phase.

Honestly, writing about housework stresses me out. Let’s move on to some fun ways for couples to pass time.

63. BOARD GAMES

Many board games are fun to play with two players. For instance, Monopoly, Catan, Exploding Kittens, and Splendor.

64. CARD GAMES

Play card-based games such as poker, Uno, and Monopoly Deals.

65. 2-PLAYER TABLETOP ROLEPLAYING GAMES (RPGs)

Tabletop RPGs are typically thought of as a group game. But there are many RPGs you can play with just two players. Even the famous Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) can be played with just 2 people (called a duet). Look up games like The Fox in the Forest, Patchwork, Codenames, etc.

66. CHESS

Play a game of chess against your partner. The winner does the dishes.

67. STRIP POKER

Spice up the night with some exciting poker and stripping.

68. JIGSAW PUZZLE

This is an activity that you can do over many evenings. Treat yourselves to a 1000-piece jigsaw challenge. Work together as a couple to get it solved. No pressure though. It’s all about keeping your mind occupied and spending time with your partner.

69. VIDEO GAMES

There are so many fun multiplayer games to play on a gaming console or on the PC. Many couples love Stardew Valley–a cute and colorful farming game with pixel graphics. I’ve personally tried it and loved it. In this game, you can cultivate crops, take care of livestock, go fishing, mining, and even get married.

70. MOBILE GAMES

Sometimes the best way to relax is to just play with your phones. While you’re at it, how about a couple’s game night on mobile? There are so many fun multiplayer games you can play on Android or iPhone. Stardew Valley, which was mentioned above, can also be played on mobile devices. Other games to check out include Among Us, Draw Something, chess, Risk, etc.

71. PLAY 21 QUESTIONS

21 Questions is a conversation game. In it, the participants ask questions in order to learn more about each other. There isn’t a strict format for this game. But here’s one way to do it. Gather a list of questions–21 questions in total if you want to stick to the namesake. Then take turns to pick and ask a question from the list.

72. PLAY WOULD YOU RATHER

Another popular conversation game is Would You Rather. It’s like 21 Questions except that the questions have to begin with “Would you rather…” Here are some sample questions:

• Would you rather be at the beginning of time or the end of time?
• Would you rather time-travel to the past or the future?
• Would you rather get a tattoo on your forehead or your butt?
• Would you rather be cooking or doing the dishes?

73. SHOW AND TELL

Kids do Show and Tell all the time. There are no reasons why you shouldn’t do it. In fact, Show and Tell is a great way to get to know someone better.

74. MINI GOLF

Turn your house into a mini golf course. If that sounds like too much work, just the living room will do! Instead of hazards like sandpits and water in a real golf game, you’re faced with different challenges instead. Challenges such as the golf ball might roll under the couch (couch hazard!) or get stolen by a cat (feline hazard!).

75. LASER TAG

Paintball and water gun fights are fun but they are messy when doing them at home. Laser tag is just as fun but without the mess.

76. DEBATE

Stimulate your brain cells and practice critical thinking by engaging in a healthy debate with your partner. Set some ground rules, no personal topics, no personal attack–neither of you wants an otherwise intellectual date night to turn into a gloves-off fight. Choose a topic then choose a side. Your choice doesn’t necessarily have to reflect your actual opinion.

77. READ

When is the last time the two of you have read a book? An actual, physical book? Spend a quiet evening at home with your partner by reading some books. Stay away from your phones for an hour or two. No TV, no music either. Think of it as digital detoxing.

78. COUPLE’S GOALS

Come up with a list of goals you’re hoping to achieve as a couple. Break them down into short-term and long-term goals.

79. PILLOW FIGHT

Play fighting on the bed or in the living room with the pillows.

80. CREATE YOUR OWN DATE IDEA LIST

Because everyone is unique, date ideas that are interesting to one couple may be boring to another. For that reason, sit down with your partner and brainstorm for activities that you’d want to do together. Remember to write it down.

And that wraps up the list of date night activities you can do at home. It’s a big list, so I’m positive that you would find at least some helpful ideas from it. Have fun dating!

The post 80 At-Home Date Night Ideas appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.

List of Quiet Hobbies

So are there any fun hobbies that aren’t noisy? The answer is yes! Below is a list of 15 hobbies that you can indulge in quietly at home without anyone realizing it. People who are nocturnal due to insomnia or work will also find that these hobbies cross all their checks of an ideal nighttime hobby–except perhaps the first hobby.

1. GARDENING

First up on the list is gardening, i.e. spending time with the plants. Grow herbs, veggies, and flowers–any living plants that you’re interested in. A visual person might find satisfaction in being surrounded by blooming flowers. If you cook, you might enjoy getting fresh herbs and spices from the garden that you’ve cultivated. Veggies and other edible crops can be sometimes challenging to grow but it brings a ton of satisfaction when you’re harvesting and eating what you grow.

Of course, if you have enough space, you can grow plants from every category–including fruit trees. In terms of noise level, gardening can be done pretty quietly you’re in maintenance mode, during which you water, trim, and remove pests and weeds. However, it can still make some noise when you’re using a hoe or some other garden tools to prepare the soil for the next crop. Similarly, for a small balcony garden, noises could come from transferring plants from one pot to another and the cleaning up work afterward. But the noise level should be at an acceptable level.

Gardening is a hobby that all introverts and people who enjoy solitude should try. Being surrounded by nothing but green plants is an experience that calms your mind.

2. KNITTING & CROTCHETING

Knitting can be done stealthily. In fact, if you’re knitting in the dark, nobody would notice you when they walk into the room. Humor aside, there are several reasons why knitting is an excellent hobby. First, it trains your focus. When you’re knitting, your attention is directed at the work you’re doing with your two hands, temporarily freeing you from your worries. Second, you’re creating something new and practical with your own hands and that’s satisfying and confidence-boosting. Things you can make by knitting include scarves, sweaters, and even hat with cat ears–something cat lovers won’t be able to resist. Knitting is also a hobby that can save you money. It can even help you make some side money when you become good at it. When it comes to the holiday seasons, knitted items make some of the best gifts because nothing makes you feel more loved than receiving a handmade knitted gift from someone.

3. PHOTOGRAPHY

Take beautiful photos for your own enjoyment or post it on Instagram. Undeniably, there are many interesting subjects outside, but there are just as many subjects that are intriguing at home. Some examples are pets, children, and people. You can also take photos of common everyday objects, doing so will also help you to see things from different angles–like a mindfulness practice. Another idea is to combine photography with your other talents. For instance, if you’re into collecting dolls, you can take photos of them in various settings. To start with this hobby, all you need is a phone (that has a camera, duh). A standalone camera can do many great things, but your phone will do plenty to get you started. Also there are many free photo editing apps available with many more filters and effects you can apply to your photos. Should you decide to upload your photos to Instagram, you can also do so directly with your phone.

4. PAINTING

Painting is one of those hobbies that free your mind from the daily stress as you transfer paint from the palette to the canvas. Granted that you’re willing to let yourself go and see mistakes as “happy little accidents“. Painting is a quiet hobby as long as you don’t play loud music to set the mood when you paint. The skills and knowledge you learn from painting can often be applied to many other creative areas. To get started, you will need one or more brushes, some paint, and paper. Acrylic paints are hugely popular, they are water-based (you can dilute and wash off with water) and quick-drying which allows you to lay many layers in a relatively short period of time. Oil paints are not as popular, especially not within the amateur painters’ circle. But older paintings, say paintings from the Medieval era, are mostly done with oil paint. Watercolor is a choice of paint that is often overlooked, but its relatively cheap price and distinct art style make it an attractive choice.

5. VIDEO GAMES – QUIET FOR THEE, NOT FOR ME

Video games are sometimes biasedly viewed as a waste of time. However, the truth is playing video games isn’t really that different from playing bingo, watching TV, and reading fiction. It’s a form of entertainment and a fun way to pass time. There are many types of games to choose from: idle, puzzle, strategy, role-playing, party game, simulation, and so much more. And within each genre, there are hundreds and thousands of games with different gameplay, artistic direction, and music. You’re bound to find a game that will keep you entertained. To enjoy the full experience of gaming and still stay quiet, you’ll want to get yourself a good headset or earbuds. For gaming consoles, the controllers are usually quiet. But you’re on PC, you might need to get a silent mouse and a quiet keyboard. You won’t run into these problems if you’re playing mobile games.

6. PIANO

No, we haven’t made a mistake. Learning and practicing piano can be done quietly without disturbing your neighbors. The big caveat, the asterisk you might already be expecting, is that you need a digital piano with a headphone jack (which should be a common feature for most, if not all, digital pianos). Once its audio output is redirected from the speakers to your headphones, a digital piano can be surprisingly quiet. Although, for some models, like my Yamaha P-125, you can still hear your fingers pressing down on the keys and some minor creaking sounds. That means you can still play at 3 o’clock in the morning and not get a complaint from your next-door neighbors. However, if you have someone sleeping in the same room, it would probably wake her up.

7. CODING

If you’re already familiar with programming, starting a new hobby coding project is a productive way to kill some time. The project might turn into something bigger, if it doesn’t, it will at least make your resume look more interesting. On the other hand, if you don’t know how to code, there are a lot of free tutorials and programming classes online to help you get started in the world of programming.

8. YOGA

The yoga that we’re all familiar with helps promote physical flexibility and mindfulness. For actual beginners, it is recommended that you take at least a few instructor-led yoga classes before you start practicing on your own at home. This is to prevent injuries from overstretching yourself or incorrect poses–both of which could happen without the feedback of an instructor. Here are some yoga YouTube channels to follow along once you’re comfortable with doing it without an instructor.

9. DRAWING

Do you remember doodling as a kid and enjoying it? Perhaps you were becoming good at drawing but somehow the growth stagnated. In any case, if you’re looking to satisfy your creative thirst, drawing can be a good hobby that will do that. Like many other hobbies on this list, you only need some basic items you can find around the house to start. In this instance, you will need a pencil, some paper, and an eraser. Here are some free drawing tutorials for beginners to get you started.

10. WRITING

This is a personal favorite. Writing is a fun hobby enjoyed by many, also it is very quiet. When you write, all that you’ll hear is the friction of a pen against paper, or keystrokes if you’re using writing on your laptop. The process of writing involves translating your abstract thoughts into words. Words form sentences and sentences soon become paragraphs. To begin writing as a hobby, as the Nike motto goes, you “just do it”. Write about anything and everything that is on your mind (a.k.a. a mind dump) on a piece of paper, napkins, a dedicated journal, …, or start a new document on your computer and write away. Another way to write I have found minor successes in is using a mobile app. For a device that is full of distractions like Facebook and YouTube, its small screen and tiny keyboard actually help you to focus on the writing itself. When I’m working on my phone, JotterPad is my go-to app. Let us backtrack a little bit here, mind dump is fun but you might also enjoy writing stories and opinion pieces, so be sure to explore your interests by writing about different topics and genres.

Writing is naturally a great activity for introverts because it allows them to spend time introspecting their thoughts in detail–something people with introverted personalities enjoy doing.

11. CALLIGRAPHY

Calligraphy is the art of writing. As opposed to “writing” which generally focuses more on the ideas and in some cases the forms, calligraphy is all about the beauty of the alphabet and the individual letters (or ideograms). For this hobby, you’ll need a calligraphy brush, some ink, and paper. Alternatively, get yourself a calligraphy pen which saves a lot of prep and cleaning work. Here is a pretty good introductory guide to calligraphy that will kick start your journey.

12. SUDOKU / PUZZLES

Keep your mind engaged by solving puzzles. Some common puzzles to consider are jigsaw, crossword, sudoku, Rubik’s cube. Each has its own pros and cons. Specialize in one type of puzzles and become an expert or try different puzzles for a more diverse experience.

13. ORIGAMI

Practice the art of folding paper. Create animals, plants, and all that you can think of with just paper. Another advantage of origami is that it is a consistently low-cost hobby. What does that mean? It means unlike hobbies like photography, the hobby doesn’t become exponentially more expensive as your need to furthering yourself in the hobby grows. The cost stays consistently low. All you need is some paper to get started. And as you become more interested in origami and you want to buy better quality origami paper, you’ll find that the cost is still cheap. For instructions on how to get started on origami, you can find free tutorials online and borrow a book from the public library.

14. LEARNING

Learning as a hobby is underrated. When you’re studying in school or learning to advance yourself professionally, there are certain expectations that you have set for you explicitly or implicitly. That connotes stress but learning is more effective and fun without it. Hence learning as a hobby. The world is your oyster and you can have it any way you want. Become a glutton for knowledge, devour any information that comes your way. Or become a master of a thin slice of the universe, and focus your attention on one niche area, for example, dress types, fashion history, perfumery, etc.

15. READING – QUIETEST

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” ~ George R. R. Martin

Reading is both relaxing and fun. It is also an extremely quiet way to spend an evening. When you read, you’re channeling the character, the voice of the book. By reading fiction, you live the life of the characters inside the stories. As you read, it’s as if you’re diving into the world inside the book–seeing, hearing, and interacting with a world that doesn’t otherwise exist. Become an adventurer in a fantasy world, an observer of a post-apocalyptic world, … the choice is yours. Another really cool aspect of reading is, unlike movies or video games, the world that you’re imagining is vastly different from another person who is reading the same book because of your differences in cultural background and interpretation of the book. So when you’re reading a story, you’re really creating an entire world from your imagination, using a book as the guide.

On the other hand, when you’re reading non-fiction–perhaps a business memoir or a self-help book–you acquire and internalize part of the knowledge and wisdom of the author. If you need some motivation or inspiration to keep going, you may also find what you’re looking for in some of these books.

And that wraps up our selection of some of the quietest hobbies that you can do both during daytime and nighttime without waking anyone who’s sleeping. We hope you’ll love your new hobby!

The post 15 Quiet Hobbies to Start at Home appeared first on Metropolitan Girls.