44 Great Date Ideas to Keep Your Marriage Fresh

couple with arms around each other — Brad Claypool / Stocksy

If you ask just about any marriage counselor or relationship expert, they'll all agree that continuing to date your spouse after you've gotten married is one simple way to keep your romance alive. While it seems simple enough, figuring out what to do with your husband or wife week after week can be tough. After all, going to the corner bistro every Saturday night can get a little stale, and by the time you've gotten married, there's a good chance you two have shared your fair share of date nights. The options for unique, creative evenings out might feel few and far between.

That's where we come in. To help you brainstorm for good time with your spouse, we're sharing 44 exciting date ideas—including some from our readers—that are perfect for newlyweds and married vets alike.

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Get Cookin' in the Bedroom

Throw a slumber party for two: Serve dinner in bed and have each other for dessert. Participate in an online sex workshop to learn something new, or generally level up your bedroom time together.

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Go for a Ride

couple biking — Morsa Images / Getty Images

If you own bikes, hop on and check out a new route or rent a pair and see where the day takes you. Don't forget to stop for a bite or ice cream on the way.

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Jump for Java

Get coffee at your favorite coffee house or check out a new one. Even better, find out if the cafe hosts events, like open mic night, and get intimate over a hot cup of joe.

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Hop on a Wild Ride

couple on a roller coaster — Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

Go to a theme park and hold on to each other when the rollercoaster makes a dramatic drop. Then binge on funnel cake and take turns winning each other a stuffed animal.

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Belt Out a Song

Perform a duet at a karaoke bar. Better yet, reserve your own private room so you can get as loud as you want and even make out afterward, minus the dirty looks.

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Take the Leap

couple skydiving — Graiki / Getty Images

If you’re adventure seekers, consider going skydiving or bungee jumping together. The adrenaline rush is sure to be a highly unforgettable experience (pun intended). City dwellers might check out an indoor skydiving location, like iFly, in locations nationwide.

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Head to the Zoo or Museum

Get cultured or learn something new about reptiles together as you stroll through the exhibits holding hands.

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Rock Out at a Concert

Music always brings people together. Jamming to live beats—even if you’re more Beethoven than Bon Jovi—is a great stress reliever, whether you're in an intimate performance space or a jam-packed arena.

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Take an Art Class

You don't have to be Picasso to have a good time. Channel Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in Ghost and try pottery or another sensual art activity where you can get your hands dirty.

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Challenge Each Other to a Tournament

Tennis, bowling, pool, or the arcade are always great for some friendly competition. Make things interesting and make a bet–loser has to make the winner dinner.

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Take a Staycation

couple sipping coffee in hotel — Maskot / Getty Images

You don't have to go far to leave your worries behind. Check into a room at the hot new hotel, sleep in, get room service, and lounge by the pool. Or spruce up your space at home for staycation bliss.

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Let It Snow

couple sledding — Krisztina Papp / Unsplash

If you're lucky enough to live somewhere that snows, sledding and other fun winter activities are a delight for people of all ages. Make snow angels afterward or simply sit back and take in the wintry landscape.

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Stop to Smell the Roses

Flowers are an eternal symbol of romance. Head to your nearest botanical garden and learn all about them together, or take a stroll through a blooming park.

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Go for a Spin on a Motor Scooter

couple kissing on motor scooter — Stephen Zeigler / Getty Images

Switch up your usual commute and go for a spin on a motor scooter together. You'll feel like Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday!

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Be Tourists in Your Own City

Chances are you haven't visited all of the tourist sites in your hometown. Check some off the list together. Perhaps go all out and sign up for a sightseeing bus tour to enjoy the views.

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Take a Road Trip

couple on road trip — The Good Brigade / Getty Images

Road trips are a wonderful way to break up your usual routine and liven things up. Go to the city or the country and enjoy a change of scenery.

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Pack a Picnic

beach picnic — Photo by College Housewife

Fill up a picnic basket with goodies like a loaf of crusty bread, wine, cheese, and the season's fruit. Go to the park, take in some sunshine, and share your feast with one another on a blanket.

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Take to the Ice

Glide around together at the nearest ice skating rink (a rollerskating rink works, too). Warm up by a fireplace and share some hot cocoa afterward.

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Draw Sketches of One Another

hand painting in watercolor — Nik MacMillan / Unsplash

Even if you can’t draw, you’ll have fun connecting to your creative sides and paint a lovely memory. Who knows, you may surprise yourselves.

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Camp Out Under the Stars

Look no further than your own backyard and the night sky for a romantic date. Or drive out a bit further to make it a special trip by using an astronomy app to spot the constellations. If you are not an outdoorsy couple, opt for the planetarium for stargazing.

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Root for the Home Team

fans cheering at a sports game — Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

Head to a sporting event of your choice. Even if you're not a sports fan, there's something special about being part of a collective energy. Plus, there's always the concession stand to explore.

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Climb Mountains Together

Whether you're rock climbing at an indoor gym or out in the wild, build trust and communication skills while working up a sweat.

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Be Winos

People clinking wine glasses — Kelsey Knight / Unsplash

Find a great wine tasting, vineyard, or food and wine pairing event. Sample some bottles and bring home your favorites.

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Check Out Open Houses

Whether or not either of you are into real estate, you can just dream out loud about your future together or gather inspiration for your current space.

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Volunteer Your Time

couple volunteering for beach cleanup — Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

Visit a senior home, organize a fundraiser for a non-profit, or volunteer a Saturday afternoon at a shelter. You’ll spend time with each other in the most rewarding way–making a difference and helping others.

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Whip Out the Board Games

couple playing board game — Westend61 / Getty Images

There are many great board games to choose from, so pick one or three of your favorites! For a twist, the winner has to take the loser out to dinner for another date night.

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Hunt for Treasure

Visit your local flea market, vintage shop, or antique store to find some secondhand gems. Have fun trying on clothes from bygone eras or score a killer mid-century piece of furniture for the house.

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Try Retail Therapy

couple window shopping — Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

If you've been needing jeans or a new winter coat, take your boo with you for a second opinion. No one will boost your confidence more. Take turns shopping for each other and carrying the load of bags.

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Gamble on Your Love

Try your luck at a casino or make a wager over your favorite game at home.

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Get Down on the Dance Floor

couple twirling on dance floor — Rike_ / Getty Images

Time to dust off those dancing shoes! Whether you sign up for dance lessons or hit up a club all night, just make sure you dance with each other. Not only is it a fantastic workout, you'll learn new moves and get an endorphin high from breaking a sweat.

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Appreciate the Art of Words

A night of spoken word or a poetry reading can spark romance–or at the very least a stimulating conversation. Grab a nightcap afterward to discuss.

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Go Higher

Couple hugging surrounded by hot air balloons — Joshua Herrera / Getty Images

Enjoy a hot air balloon ride. Bring some champagne or sparkling cider and toast to the view.

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Make Love and Go All Out

Kick things up a notch. Wear sexy lingerie, send each other naughty text messages all day, light candles, throw rose petals on and around the bed, use edible body paints–whatever floats your boats.

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Look Up

Couple wrapped in blanket watching sunset near a body of water — Westend61 / Getty Images

Watch the sun rise or set from a beautiful location. This would be perfect during a hike, near your favorite beach or lake, or at your favorite restaurant with a view.

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Expand Your Palate

Pick a restaurant that serves a cuisine neither of you have ever tried before. You just might discover a new favorite dish.

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Tackle a Fun Home Project

Couple working on home improvement — Charday Penn / Getty Images

Paint your basement a bright new color, install a home theater, or create a collage of wedding photos for that empty wall. You’ll work as a team and your home will get a nice upgrade in the process.

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Learn a New Language

Why not find an exciting new way to communicate with your loved one? French, Italian, Spanish, and other romance languages sound beautiful and might be the perfect turn-on in bed.

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Rock the Boat

Couple on a yacht as one dives off boat into water — Gary John Norman / Getty Images

Whether you rent a paddle boat or sail boat, enjoy the fresh breeze and calm waters with your favorite person.

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Go Fish

Get close and enjoy good conversation while waiting for that first bite. You can even opt to cook your catch when you reel something in so it’s practically two dates in one.

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Aim for a Wreck Record

Bump each other with bumper cars or race in go karts. Either way, it'll be way more fun than driving in traffic.

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Read a Book

Visit your local bookstore or library and browse around. You can each pick out what you like, then pick out a book for each other.

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Putt Around

When was the last time you played miniature golf? Bring back the classic high school date, but add a cocktail before or after to kick things up a notch.

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