These Indoor Date Ideas Are Much Cuter Than Grabbing Drinks
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So, you planned an epic date with your crush to walk around town and attend an outdoor concert tonight… but now, it’s pouring rain and everything’s been canceled. Or maybe, you’ve been planning a cute date with your long-term partner, but you're both feeling under the weather (or uninterested in draining your wallet) this weekend. Whatever the situation may be, being stuck inside can feel like a buzzkill—but it doesn’t have to be. Fortunately, there are many indoor date ideas that can still be cozy, fun, and meaningful.
“Date nights are vital to the joy and excitement of any relationship,” says Nikki Coleman, PhD, a clinical psychologist and sex therapist based in Houston. Scheduling quality time is important for anyone who wants to sustain a meaningful romantic bond, she says—especially if you’ve been in a relationship for a while, or things have gotten a little too routine lately.
“Life is busy and stressful, [which means] couples get overly focused on the responsibilities of their lives rather than the connection and intimacy they need and deserve,” Coleman explains. “The same energy that brought the couple together can fizzle over time. Dates are the opportunity to invest in fueling the curiosity, joy, passion, flirtation, and exciting energy that existed at the start of the relationship.”
Whether it’s a low-key Netflix and chill afternoon or a cuddle sesh, a date is what you make it—anything can count! “Date nights are more about the gesture and effort than the location,” says Michele Leno, PhD, a licensed psychologist and owner of DML Psychological Services. “Of course going out to a fancy restaurant or concert is fun, however, it is possible to have a memorable date night at home.” To make sure it’s special, she recommends setting a time for the date (just like you would at a restaurant!) and getting dressed up (even if it just means swapping your pajamas for real clothes).
Meet the experts:
Nikki Coleman, PhD, is a licensed therapist and counseling psychologist based in Houston, Texas.
Michele Leno, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and owner of DML Psychological Services in Michigan.
Kelsey M. Latimer, PhD, is a licensed psychologist, registered nurse, and owner of KML Psychological Services in Florida.
Jamie Genatt, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and owner of Realistic Remedies.
Also, just because you’re indoors doesn’t mean your date can’t be interesting. “Don’t let an indoor date feel any less special or exciting than a big event outside of the home,” Coleman says. Plus, there are levels of flirting, physical connection, and sexual chemistry that are easier to explore indoors, she adds—so take advantage of the physical proximity, even if being indoors isn’t exactly your favorite thing.
Need a little inspiration? Here are 32 indoor date ideas for when you’re stuck inside, according to licensed therapists.
1. Play a game together.
Playing a game together can be a great option for when you’re stuck indoors, says Kelsey Latimer, PhD, a licensed psychologist, registered nurse, and founder of KML Psychological Services. “There’s nothing like grabbing a silly game and sitting around the table with some fun snacks and just letting go,” she explains. “People start getting in touch with their ‘inner child,’ and the laughter can become contagious.”
If two players aren’t enough for the games you have in mind, you can also invite friends over and make it a group game night, or a fun double date. “This is a fantastic option for the couple that needs to have some fun and connect with others,” Latimer says. “What’s also great about this is that it allows anyone who might have some social anxiety to have an opportunity for distraction, instead of the focus being solely on conversation.”
2. Have a movie night.
Movie nights are classic for a reason, so find your favorite film and snuggle up for a sweet date together. “Create a mini home theater with cozy blankets and pillows,” suggests Jamie Genatt, LCSW, a psychotherapist and owner of Realistic Remedies. “Pick a couple of your favorite movies or watch something you've both been wanting to see. Don't forget the popcorn!”
3. Plan an indoor picnic.
If you were hoping to eat some yummy food in the park today but the weather is less than ideal, get creative and take the adventure indoors instead. “Lay out a picnic blanket in your living room, prepare finger foods, and have an indoor picnic,” Genatt suggests. “You can even play soft music in the background to set the mood.” You may have to brave the bad weather on your way to the grocery store, but once you’re nice and comfy inside, this date will be totally worth it.
4. Do an at-home wine tasting.
While you’re enjoying your homemade charcuterie board, why not sip some wine, too? “A virtual wine tasting is fun and stress-free,” says Leno. She recommends searching for online classes or even finding a specific sommelier to guide you virtually, in real time. You may have to book this date idea in advance, but imagine how fun it’ll be to taste wine from the comfort of your home without having to go anywhere. Yes, please!
5. Plan a technology-free evening.
When you’re stuck indoors, you may get the impulse to whip out your phone and start scrolling right away. But taking a screen break can make your date feel even more intimate—no matter what exact date idea you decide on, says Latimer. “Put the technology away and turn off the television,” she suggests. “And most importantly, listen and be present. Most of the time, what creates romance is mindfully tuning into the other person and being present.”
6. Try yoga or meditation together.
If you and your partner struggle to be present with each other, try a virtual yoga or meditation class together for a healthy challenge. The Insight Timer app is great for anyone who wants to cultivate more mindfulness, and you can find hundreds of yoga videos on YouTube, like Yoga With Adriene, which has tons of beginner-friendly options. On your next indoor date night, try one of these calming activities and notice what it’s like to enjoy rest and relaxation with your partner.
7. Take a workout class.
If high intensity, adrenaline-pumping dates are more your speed, why not take a workout class together? Similar to yoga and meditation classes, you can explore virtual workouts just about anywhere these days—from your favorite instructors on Instagram to apps like Apple Fitness+ and Peloton. Getting your sweat on together can be fun (and kinda hot?!)—plus, a little friendly competition never hurt anyone. Challenge your partner to a push-up contest, if you dare.
8. Get creative with arts and crafts.
When in doubt, tap into your inner artist together—and try to let go of perfectionism while doing it. “Get creative by painting, drawing, or doing crafts together,” Genatt says. “You don't have to be artists to enjoy this—it's about having fun and expressing yourselves!” Whether you grab a classic paint-by-number from the store, make a collage out of old magazine clippings, or make fun creations for each other with clay or other materials, the possibilities are endless.
9. Cook a meal together.
Genatt also recommends cooking brunch or dinner together for your next indoor date. “Choose a new recipe or a favorite dish you both love, and cook it together,” she says. You can also set the mood to make it extra special. “The act of cooking together can be quite intimate. Light some candles, set the table nicely, and enjoy your homemade meal.”
Cooking together might seem intimidating if you don’t know each other well, or if this is your first date ever with a new person. But on the bright side, cooking together can teach you a *lot* about the person you’re with. The activity allows you to be creative, collaborative, and open-minded as you taste what you’ve made. So, give the cooking date a go—it could be awesome!
10. Hire a personal chef.
If you and your partner are exhausted from cooking constantly and never want to look at your kitchen again, Leno recommends another fun, equally yummy date idea: hiring a private chef for a night. “Having a chef come to your home has a romantic feel and it allows you to chill while someone else does the heavy lifting,” she says. Plus, they’re pros for a reason. Get ready to enjoy a scrumptious meal.
11. Have a cuddle sesh.
No matter what circumstances prevented you from leaving the house today, take it as an excuse to cuddle with your person. This can be super sweet and intimate, especially if you go tech-free and really focus on your partner, explains Coleman. “Take time to really just be in your partner’s energetic space,” she says. “Be fully present with each other and in your own body for ultimate pleasure.” Cuddling feels great in itself and can be a great form of non-sexual intimacy—or, it can lead to a spicy night you’ll both remember. A true win-win.
12. Write letters to each other.
When was the last time you expressed how much you appreciate your partner? If you’re stuck indoors with nowhere to go, try writing each other a thoughtful note. “Take some time to write love letters to each other,” Genatt says. “Share your feelings, memories, and what you love about one another.” Reading the letters can be romantic, too, Genatt adds. So, for an extra intimate touch, you can exchange letters and take turns reading them—even out loud—or opt to read them to each other to show how much you care.
13. Read a book together.
If you and your partner are total bookworms, this date idea is for you. “Pick a book to read aloud to each other, or take turns reading chapters,” Genatt says. “This can be a cozy and intimate activity that sparks interesting conversations.” To get the inspiration flowing, you can make a list of books you’d like to read together, or maybe you read each other’s favorite books, then talk about them later.
14. Or, read erotica.
If you love reading and want to kick things up a notch, try this spicy option instead. “For a twist on reading a book together, pick an erotic novel and read it out loud,” Coleman recommends. "Take turns. See what sparks arousal and pleasure that maybe you haven’t considered yet!"
15. Have a photo shoot.
The next time you’re stuck indoors, try engaging in a fun photo shoot with your partner. You can shoot on your phone camera, buy a disposable camera, or even a Polaroid for a more nostalgic vibe. There are many directions this one can go—from being silly and posing with random objects around the house to a hot (consensual!) shoot that brings you two closer.
Experiment with the lighting around your house, buy a ring light if you’re feeling fancy, and have fun with it—you may even find that you’re more confident in front of the camera after this unique date night. Oh, and if you do go the spicy route, be sure to set boundaries for where the pics will be saved. Comfort and safety always come first!
16. Plan your dream vacation.
If you and your partner have the travel bug but can’t exactly leave the house right now, Genatt recommends planning a virtual travel night to get you both inspired for your next vacation. “Research a destination you both want to visit,” she says. Then, start embodying that energy right at home: “Cook cuisine from that region, watch travel documentaries, and dream about your future adventures.” You can also take a virtual tour of a place of interest to get excited and immersed (without having to leave your couch!).
17. Take a personality test together.
Whether you just started dating or you’ve been together for years, learning about each other can be a fun way to stimulate your minds during an indoor date. There are countless personality quizzes to explore, from discovering your Enneagram types to the love languages test, which Leno recommends for any couple who wants to get closer. “Knowing your partner's love language may even give you some insight into that last argument!” she says. (Although hopefully, taking a personality test doesn’t spark one.)
18. Do a tarot or astrology reading.
One of the best kinds of date nights when you’re stuck indoors? Getting mystical with tarot cards and astrology. If you’re interested in astrology, you can find someone to do a virtual birth chart reading for you, or you can try to read your own by looking it up online. (You’ll need your exact day, time, and location of your birth—and your partner’s, too.)
If tarot cards sound interesting, you can buy a deck in advance and explore the cards together, or even do a virtual card pull online. Tarot cards can help you get to know your partner on a deeper level—plus, you may learn something about each other that you wouldn’t have expected!
19. Have a group date.
Being stuck indoors can be a bummer at first, but you can still bring the party home. If you’re both into it, Leno recommends inviting over other couples or friends to join you. “Resist the urge to isolate and invite friends to join date night,” she says. “Time with friends can inspire your relationship through fun conversation and laughter.”
20. Make a bucket list (or a reverse bucket list).
Get excited for the future by making a bucket list with your partner. What do you want to accomplish? What goals and dreams might you have individually and together? If thinking about the future stresses you out, you can also try a reverse bucket list, in which you list and celebrate everything you’ve already done. Research shows that reflecting on positive memories can boost your long-term well-being. So, give the activity a go and share your thoughts and reflections with your partner. You’re bound to feel closer in no time.
21. Start a home project.
This one isn’t to be confused with chores (which are not typically fun). However, starting a home project together can be a fun date idea, especially if you’re both contributing to it and enjoying the process. For example, have you been dreaming of painting your bedroom a new color? Want to start a zen garden in the backyard? Maybe you challenge each other to rearrange the furniture in your space, a la HGTV. Get creative and don’t take it too seriously—remember, this is meant to be a date, not a chore!
22. Try a DIY spa night.
If you and your partner could use some pampering but don’t want to spend a fortune to head to the spa, Genatt recommends opting for a DIY version. “Create a spa-like atmosphere with scented candles, essential oils, and soothing music,” she says. “Give each other massages, do facials, or simply relax in a warm bath together.” Say goodbye to sharing a sauna with a bunch of strangers and hello to the best kind of private time.
23. Or bring the luxury services to you.
Although giving each other sensual massages at home can be amazing, sometimes, it’s nice to leave it to the pros. If you’re running out of date ideas and just want to wind down, Leno recommends bringing in a professional for a change. “Have a massage therapist come to your home, and after the massage, watch a movie and simply relax,” she says.
24. Stream a concert or play.
If you’re a music lover, theater-goer, or general appreciator of the arts, try streaming a show for your next at-home date. Head to YouTube and find your favorite artists, then stream their old concerts or music videos on TV. Or, dig up a play or musical you love and show your partner (yes, your old theater videos from high school totally count). Even if you can’t attend your favorite artist’s events IRL, streaming their music from home will be a cute way to spend time with your partner and learn about each other’s tastes.
25. Learn a new language together.
Have you ever wanted to learn a new language? Well, being stuck inside is a perfect excuse to chase those multilingual dreams. Download a language learning app like Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, or Babbel, and challenge your partner to see how many new words you can learn on your date. If you’ve been dying to travel to a specific country together, choose that language for extra inspo. You’ll be ready to communicate with the locals in no time!
26. Make cocktails or mocktails.
If a wine tasting isn’t your speed but you love a good mixed drink, try looking up different cocktail recipes and making them at home together. You can even put a creative spin on classic drinks and make them your own (funny names included). If you’re not into drinking but still want to play mixologist, grab some lime, sparkling water or ginger beer, fruit, and other ingredients for a yummy, refreshing mocktail.
27. Have sex.
This one’s pretty self-explanatory. Staying indoors is perfect for steamy shower sex, trying new sex positions, or experimenting with the new vibrator you just bought. You and your partner may have sex all the time at home, but this is ~date night,~ after all—so, set the mood with dim lighting, mood music, blankets, and even props to heat things up.
28. Make a scrapbook or collage.
Whether you love scrapbooking or you’re brand new to it, try this nostalgic date idea for a trip down memory lane. A simple way to start? Shop for a basic scrapbook, then grab a few household materials like paper, pens, markers, tape or glue, scissors, stickers, and decals, and take turns decorating the pages together. But if you’re on a budget, you don’t need to go out and buy a whole scrapbook—simply and add them to a sheet of paper or make a Pinterest board.
Scrapbook Album, 60 Pages (8 x 8 Inch)
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According to Latimer, this can be a great way to reminisce and get emotionally intimate with your partner. “When you start taking out the old photo albums, digital or print, it is amazing what happens to the brain,” she says. “You might remember times of fun and experiences you had completely forgotten about. This can be magical for a couple who has forgotten about how many experiences they've had together.”
29. Make breakfast in bed.
Hot date nights might get all the hype these days, but who says you can’t enjoy a morning date, too? The next time you’re stuck inside, try making your partner breakfast in bed or enjoying coffee under the covers together. “There’s something about getting up extra early when you don’t have to to make a special meal for someone that really screams, ‘I love you,’” says Latimer. “It also shows that you want your partner to have self-care time that is all about them. It is a very thoughtful thing to do.”
30. Have a karaoke night!
The next time you need some indoor date inspo, try having a karaoke night. “Sing your hearts out with a karaoke machine or a karaoke app,” Genatt says. “It's a fun and lighthearted way to bond and enjoy each other's company.” If singing isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy music together by making each other a playlist or blasting your favorite tunes together at home.
31. Or have a dance party.
You may not feel up to clubbing tonight, but if you want an energizing date night that’ll still boost your mood, have a dance party at home! Collaborate on an upbeat party playlist, pour yourselves a drink (or a mocktail) and bring the party to your living room. Chances are, you’ll crack up together, have a chance to be silly, and you might even make up some new moves to try the next time you go out.
32. Start a seasonal tradition.
Whether it’s putting up holiday decorations, creating Halloween costumes together, or getting some much-needed spring cleaning out of the way, being indoors is the perfect time to start a new seasonal tradition together. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but putting in the effort to commit to something will bring you closer and give you something fun to do.
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