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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.
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.
Go for a Ride
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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.
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.
Hop on a Wild Ride
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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.
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.
Take the Leap
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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.
Head to the Zoo or Museum
Get cultured or learn something new about reptiles together as you stroll through the exhibits holding hands.
Take an Art Class
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Kohei Hara / Getty Images
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.
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.
Take a Staycation
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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.
Let It Snow
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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.
Go for a Spin on a Motor Scooter
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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!
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.
Take a Road Trip
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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.
Pack a Picnic
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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.
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.
Draw Sketches of One Another
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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.
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.
Root for the Home Team
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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.
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.
Be Winos
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Kelsey Knight / Unsplash
Find a great wine tasting, vineyard, or food and wine pairing event. Sample some bottles and bring home your favorites.
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.
Volunteer Your Time
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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.
Whip Out the Board Games
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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.
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.
Try Retail Therapy
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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.
Gamble on Your Love
Try your luck at a casino or make a wager over your favorite game at home.
Get Down on the Dance Floor
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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.
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.
Go Higher
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Joshua Herrera / Getty Images
Enjoy a hot air balloon ride. Bring some champagne or sparkling cider and toast to the view.
Look Up
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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.
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.
Tackle a Fun Home Project
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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.
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.
Rock the Boat
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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.
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.
Aim for a Wreck Record
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Gil Ribeiro on Unsplash
Bump each other with bumper cars or race in go karts. Either way, it'll be way more fun than driving in traffic.
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.
Putt Around
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Kelli McClintock / Unsplash
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.
Tee Up for Tea
Have high tea with scones and cucumber sandwiches at a ritzy hotel or tea house. You'll get to dress up and feel sophisticated for the afternoon.
Zen Out
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Joana Lopes / Getty Images
Nothing is hotter than total relaxation. A couple's massage at a spa is practically guaranteed to put you both in the mood for romance afterward.