Simple but Great Date Ideas for Couples

Meaningful relationships are not built in one day. It often takes deliberate effort and time poured into the little things that make up a relationship for a couple to deepen their connection, maintain their passion for each other, and remain invested in their relationship and its success.

One way that a couple can keep the flame lit in their relationship is to continue to date each other. Think about how when you started your relationship off, you were eager to find out about each other, and you took opportunities to learn about one another, share your interests, and deepen your bond. And then for some reason after you had known each other for a while, you stopped engaging in the practice that brought you together in the first place.

Dating your significant other doesn’t mean that you have to repeat the same things that you used to do when your relationship was still fresh and young. Of course, when you’ve been together for a decade or more things will be different, but you can still be thoughtful about finding ways to remain connected to one another.

Many successful couples can attest to the power of maintaining a regular date night because it creates space to grow together as well as know one another’s hearts. Additionally, dating your significant other doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank or be extravagant. That isn’t where the power of dating someone lies.

You can do something simple, but that shows you are paying attention to your significant other and their needs, and indicates that you have put some thought into a particular date idea.

Some date ideas for couples

Below is a list of date ideas for couples that can work in a variety of circumstances and that will hopefully get your creative juices flowing. After you’ve been dating one another for a while, you do run out of ideas and so it is helpful to come across a list such as this one that can help you come up with a few fresh ideas. Use it as you will, make it your own, and have adventures with your spouse.

Go to a comedy club together

A good laugh together does wonders for building a bond with your significant other. Most comedy shows are relatively inexpensive, and they are usually guaranteed to be fun. On the off chance that the comics aren’t funny, well, that too can be something you can chuckle about. Also, be sure to choose an act that is appropriate for a Christian.

Go to a live event such as a concert, play, or sports game

These kinds of events do tend to be on the pricier side, but they are valuable shared experiences, particularly if you share the same tastes. If you don’t go to such events often, that can make it a memorable date.

Find a local park and take a picnic with you

Picnics are a flexible go-to for couples. You can even have a picnic at home if inclement weather gets in the way. A picnic can be as simple or as elaborate as your budget allows, meaning that it’s a quick and easy way to do something different.

Have a game night with another couple

Couples need to cultivate friendships with other couples, and your dating can involve another couple around whom you’re comfortable and can be yourselves. Whether you’re into card games, playing sports like tennis, or enjoy fine dining, your dating can be a bit of a communal experience.

Do a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt that takes you around your city

This is a great way to get to know your city, and you can tailor it to your likes and loves as a couple.

Go to an art show or museum

If you’re into the arts, this is a great way of taking in something new.

Do dinner and a movie

This oldie but goodie is a tried-and-true classic for a reason. You can try dinner at a different place instead of going to the same place where you don’t even need to look at the menu anymore to know what’s on offer.

Go to a different part of town or try a different cuisine you’ve never had before. Sharing new things helps you build connections and precious memories. Also, you can mix it up with a drive-in movie, if still available in your area, and takeout.

Go for a cooking class together

Whether it’s a cooking class or something entirely different, learning a new skill together helps you to grow together as a couple. And then you can practice what you’ve learned on future date nights.

Take a boat ride, or do water sports

If you’re into water, there’s plenty that you can do depending on which state you’re in. If there’s a lake nearby, hire out a boat or kayak or water skis and get out there. A swim followed by a picnic can also be a winner during the summer months.

Go dancing together

If you can’t dance, go for lessons as your date. Movement gets those feel-good hormones going, and who better to do that with than your spouse?

Scenic walk, drive, or bike ride

If you’re in an area with beautiful vistas, take advantage of these by being outdoors.

Go shopping, thrifting, and antiquing together

There are all manner of fascinating things you can encounter if you go looking for them. If you go antiquing for example, even if you don’t end up buying anything you can find a lot of interesting items or some historical pieces that might intrigue someone who’s into things like that. This kind of date is relatively low cost, and you can just have fun hopping from one place to the other.

There are many variations and combinations of dates that you can put together for your significant other. The important thing is to do something that you both enjoy and that shows that you are considering the other person and desire to deepen your relationship.

Even if you take something on that you don’t exactly enjoy, your spouse may still appreciate the fact that you’re doing something for their sake. In such ways, you can be loving your spouse significantly and sacrificially.

Why dating is important for couples

Whether you’ve been together for a few months or several decades, dating is important for couples. It’s a way to set aside dedicated time to cultivate your connection with each other, and that is important because of how busy life gets.

Dating your partner is a way to say that you’re still interested in them, still want to know them, still want to go on an adventure with them, and that you still choose them. Setting aside time to be together is prioritizing your relationship and it’s a great way to form new memories that will bring you closer.

You should think of dating a little bit like a regular doctor’s appointment and health check, or a regular service for your car. Perhaps that’s not a sexy analogy, but the point is that a lot is going on in your partner’s life, conversations they’re having, experiences that are shaping them, dreams that are being born and that are dying, and new things that are captivating them. Dating your partner is a way to stay in touch with them.

Christian couples counseling to cultivate a deeper relationship

In any relationship, there are various challenges. Maybe you do want to connect with your partner, but communication isn’t that great in your relationship.

Maybe there has been a betrayal of trust, or deep frustrations that you just can’t seem to get over, and thinking about dating your spouse or partner just seems frivolous or an attempt to plaster over cracks in your relationship. Perhaps before you can resume normal relations, it’s important to take a step back and consider couples counseling.

Couples counseling is a form of counseling in which a trained professional such as a marriage a family therapist walks alongside a couple, helping them to address the issues in their relationship. Your counselor understands the complex dynamics of human relationships, and they are trained to be great listeners with whom you can entrust your story and your heartache.

The counseling space is a safe space, which means that you can share your struggles and feel heard without feeling judged. While your counselor will challenge you to think through the dynamics of your relationship and how you may be failing to flourish, they will do so respectfully and at a pace that works for you.

If you and your partner are feeling stuck, you don’t have to struggle alone. Reach out to a Christian counselor today, and they can help you reignite the spark in your relationship and reclaim the flourishing that God desires for our relationships.