10 Casual Date Night Ideas To Build Your Friendship in a Romantic Relationship

Planning a date night can be a fun and exciting way to spend quality time with your partner. However, even the most significant romantic relationships need a little extra spark here and there to keep the flame alive. So, if you can’t remember the last time you went on a proper date with your partner, it's time to check your calendar and schedule one (yes, even in the middle of winter).

There is no need to put extra pressure on yourself when planning a date. A date doesn’t always have to involve dressing up and going somewhere fancy (my husband and I rarely do so). These dates are great but shouldn’t be the majority of your dates and the only time you go out. I suggest going on more casual dates that allow you to reconnect with your partner and enjoy each other’s company in a carefree and lighthearted way. Regular dates will benefit your relationship in the long run. 

Here are some of my casual date ideas to get you started: 


1. Grab something sweet and head to the park or beach - I love little ice cream dates with my husband, and luckily we have a cute beach not too far from our house that we visit from time to time. 


2. Cook a meal together - Try a new recipe or make a dish you love together. My husband and I enjoy preparing certain meals together, and then he takes the lead on making dessert. We set the table for each other and spent quality time together. Who says date night can’t happen at home? 


3. Do something adventurous - Take a walk on the wild side and try a new experience with your partner. My husband and I love amusement parks, roller coasters, and trying new things like Zip-lining in the Rocky Mountains.

4. Go stargazing - explore the night sky together and marvel at the stars and constellations—something so simple yet effective, and even better with some ice cream. 


5. Have a game night - challenge each other to a board game or card game. 
We love playing "Mancala". "Couple Up" (a college friend created), where you test your knowledge of your partner. Game nights are super fun. 

6. Book a Staycation - Reserve a hotel in a city or state near you and go out to a nice dinner or order room service. You’ll feel miles away from your daily routine at home, even if you’re just around the corner. Since we live in Delaware, we usually pick somewhere to stay neighboring.

7. Take a scenic drive - find a beautiful spot to watch the sunset or sunrise and admire nature's beauty. 
Delaware has some lovely sunsets, so it's always nice to take some time to go somewhere nice and snap some golden hour photos.

8. Go ice skating or roller skating - enjoy the fresh air and explore the city or countryside together. 
Fun fact; I figure skating for about ten years when I was younger, and I always loved to go ice skating. My husband tries to go at least a few times during the season to our local rink or try some new place like an outdoor rink.

9. Have a movie night - I’m a sucker for a good movie, especially a musical. Rent a movie or watch one of your favorite movies on a streaming service. 
We have them all, so the options are endless. Get cozy on the couch, pop some popcorn and get your favorite snacks. Movie nights are my favorite on a cold or rainy day

10. Try a new restaurant - Explore the local cuisine and find out what new dishes you can try. 
Whatever you choose, the important thing is to spend quality time together and enjoy each other's company. My husband and I are picky eaters, so we don’t do this too often, but it is nice when we find a new place to enjoy ourselves.