Are you looking for dating ideas to try with a new partner? Or maybe you want to spice up an existing relationship with a loved one? Fear not, you’re in the right place.

Here are 194 dating ideas to explore with your loved one. Have fun, stay safe, and happy dating!

✨ General dating ideas

These are dating ideas you can use anytime.

1. Go on a museum date. Art! And staring at things instead of talking.
2. Have dinner and see a movie. Eating food and watching someone tell you stories is a classic for a reason.
3. Take a long walk together. You don’t need a destination because you have each other. Aww.
4. Go to a pottery class. One word, one movie: Ghost.
5. Go apple picking. Preferably you’re both wearing flannel and frolicking in leaves, and then later, cider happens!
6. Take a painting class. One word, one movie: Titanic.
7. Take a cooking class. One word, one movie. Ratatouille. (Surprisingly sweet love story there too!)
8. Go to the opera. Anything you get to dress super fancy for is instant romance. Plus, singing!
9. Go to the ballet. Have you seen Black Swan? That could get romantic or deadly. Totally worth price of admission.
10. Grab drinks at a bar. Go to your favourite bar or a totally new bar or a bar you’d never go in. Mix it up!
11. Have a coffee date. It’s super casual and no one will puke on your shoes after.
12. Go to a party together. Maybe they’re your friends, maybe they’re mutual friends. Either way, you get out of the house and into someone else’s free booze.
13. Fly a kite. This is surprisingly wonderful because no one ever does this and you feel a little bit like a kid again. Perfect.
14. Play kickball. Get a bunch of your friends, grab a ball, and hit the park for a simple, but super fun game you can tease each other about later.
15. Go to a bed and breakfast. It’s like a date inside someone else’s house!
16. Go to trivia night at a bar. What’s more fun than proving you know more than the person you’re on a date with? Nothing.
17. Go to a sports game. Watch other people win and lose and sit there and judge them.
18. Go to the park. Sit on a bench, lie in the grass. You’re already imagining yourself there right now and it feels cool, doesn’t it?
19. Go see a play. Even if it’s not good, it’s local theater. Sit in the back and make out.
20. Make out in the backseat of your car. It’s like you’re 16 again with no curfew and you actually know what you’re doing.
21. Go to a hookah bar. Because everything is fun when you’re high on whatever comes out of a hookah.
22. Go to a farmers’ market. As long as you’re not there just picking up groceries, it’s a pretty cute date.
23. Get brunch. There’s booze, there’s food, and you just woke up next to each other. What’s not great about that?
24. Go to the club. Dress up like assholes, dance like assholes, it’s a great time.
25. Go to a workout class. The couple that fails at hip-hop dance together stays together.
26. Go birdwatching. If it gets boring you can just go have sex.
27. Go on a brewery tour. Usually there are beer samples so you can get drunk in a place that’s like a giant beer glass.
28. Go to a bookstore. You haven’t read that???
29. Go to a record store. You haven’t heard that???
30. Go to a cheese tasting. “Hmm, this one tastes slightly less gross than that one. How divine!”
31. Make dinner together. This is great because even if it sucks, you made that mess together.
32. Bake together. Baking is harder than it looks, but flour fights could happen so it’s worth trying.
33. Go whale watching. Can’t see any whales? Oh well. You have each other.
34. Play Twister. You know how this ends.
35. Go to karaoke. Making fun of yourself is always a turn-on. And you will definitely do that.
36. Go antiquing. Who doesn’t love sitting on old chairs and hoping they don’t break?
37. Go to a zoo. Look at all those cute animals! Sure, they’re also captive and sad but so cute!
38. Go to the botanical gardens. Gorgeous flowers everywhere make everything smell and look amazing. Nothing is better.
39. Play board games. Play Clue and stop midway through to figure out who took off your pants in the study.
40. Play laser tag. Is this for kids? No. Well, yeah, but that doesn’t make it any less fun.
41. See a drive-in movie. It’s like a regular movie except inside a car.
42. Ride go-karts. Loser has to give the winner a (sensual) massage.
43. Take a hot air balloon ride. It’s like a cramped, romantic picnic… in the air.
44. Go to the roller rink. Like a warm ice skating rink with lots more middle schoolers.
45. Take a flamenco dancing class. It’s more erotic than square dancing.
46. Sign up for Tough Mudder. Some people think this is fun.
47. Go paintballing. Take out some of that pent-up aggression.
48. Take a horse and buggy ride. This is something classy people do.
49. Go to a concert. Go see some local band in your town or a giant arena show.
50. Go on a double date. Take any of these dates and do that with two more people. This list just became 200 date ideas.
51. Take a falconry class. This is the kind of date the Kennedy family would go on.
52. Go skeet shooting. Like hunting, but less violent.
53. Go to a vineyard and try wine tasting. It’s like you’re the guys in Sideways.
54. Book a dinner cruise. Boats are romantic. Dinners are romantic. This is double romantic.
55. Go skydiving. If you’ve got a death wish.
    
    
    
56. Try hangliding. If you’ve got a death wish but only kind of.
57. Rock climbing. As long as you have the upper-arm and leg strength.
58. See a comedy show. There’s a 25 percent chance you’ll actually see someone funny and a 100 percent chance you’ll get drunk meeting your drink minimum.
59. Go kayaking. It’s a great way to see the outdoors and smash into rocks at the same time, like a violent hike.
60. Head to an amusement park. Movies make these seem so romantic, but in reality, you’re going to lose $50 trying to win a giant stuffed penguin.
61. Go sightseeing. Take a day trip and check out all the exciting landmarks in a city near you (if you live in that city, sightseeing is basically illegal).
62. Rent a hotel room… and have crazy animal sex all night.
63. Check out a local film festival. This could be laughably terrible, or you could find some really cool off-the-radar films. Either way, you win.
64. Head to a convention. See if something interesting is around and grab tickets for a day. There’s always something — tattoos, comics, music, etc. — around.
65. Crash a wedding. Maybe just the reception. Otherwise they have to pay for your meal, and that’s mean.
66. Take a paddleboat ride. Take a tour around a local lake with a paddleboat.
67. Go scuba diving. Alternatively, snorkeling.
68. Swim with dolphins. This will change your life.
69. Wait in line for the new iPhone. It’s going to be hours and you need the company.
70. Visit your hometown. Show your partner where you grew up.
71. Have an arcade date. Compete for the highest score.
72. Volunteer at an animal shelter. You’re helping animals and spending quality time.
73. Pan for gold. The only date where you can actually make money.
74. Build a snowman. Feel free to sing that song from that movie.
75. Go sledding.
76. Go bobsledding. Like sledding but way more intense.
77. Take a pole dancing class together. This is sexy and funny (and a legit workout).
78. Go to Ikea and build a cabinet together. You might not call this a date, but getting through this together will make or break your relationship.
79. Stay in and cuddle. Simple, yet effective.
80. Go to the circus. When was the last time you were at the circus?
81. Watch a sunset. Or, if you like waking up early, a sunrise.
82. Paint each other. Like, paint a picture of each other. Or, just paint on each other, I guess.
83. Go spelunking. Get your mind out of the gutter. It’s cave exploring.
84. See fireworks. Or make your own show (if you live in a place where it’s legal).
85. Go for a boat ride. It’s like going on a long drive, except on the water.

🌱 Dating ideas for spring

1. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with traditional Irish foods.
2. Go on a Celtic movie marathon (anything from family friendly to Rated R!)
3. Visit your local botanical gardens or park to see the spring bulbs, bring a camera.
4. Attend a local spring festival or local farmer’s market. Google it for a variety of options!
5. Plan a spring brunch with other couples, or just one on one.
6. Go on an Easter Egg hunt. Feel free to do an adult version!
7. Rent some wheels and go on a tour via bicycle or moped.
8. Go hiking or for a long city walk to see new points of interest.
9. Take a drive to another city to explore the local scene in spring.
10. Visit a local winery or grab a deal for day long winery excursions.
11. Grab a Groupon and enjoy eating outdoors to try a new local restaurant.
12. Do some spring closet cleaning, donate your winter clothes. Does it sparkle joy?
13. Take advantage of sales and go shopping for coordinating spring attire.
14. Set up a day to take pictures together while the flowers are blooming.
15. Go to a baseball game together (when tickets are cheaper!). Or any other sport game that catches your fancy!
16. Get into running and train for a 5k together. If you want to be all fit. Bonus: by getting physically active, you’re “increasing physical arousal”, which will make your partner seem more attractive. Thank you very much, misattribution of arousal.
17. Eat around the world (try new restaurants or cook at home) for a day.
18. Scope out free/cheap weekend classes at the library or community college for nifty adventures in arts & crafts, gardening, local culture and home improvement.
19. Learn to brew beer. Because awesome.
20. If it’s raining, watch a “faves” movie marathon or binge a new TV series on Netflix. Order takeout!
21. Explore a new neighbourhood or neighbouring town.
22. Visit your local farmer’s markets.
23. Make mix CDs or playlists for one another – in bed, with wine.
24. Go vintage shopping or hit up craft fairs.
25. Visit your garden centre to grow something together (perhaps a love fern?).

☀️ Dating ideas for summer

1. Go on a picnic. Few things are more romantic than packing up an old-fashioned picnic. If you’ve never done this, now’s the time.
2. Go strawberry picking. There’s something eternally cute about even the mere act of asking someone to go strawberry picking with you that you don’t even really have to go strawberry picking. It still counts.
3. Go waterskiing. It’s like regular skiing except with more water.
4. Go horseback riding. You both might get thrown from the horse and then you’ll get to spend your lives together in a hospital bed. So cute.
5. Grab a blanket and watch a meteor shower.
6. Check out local movies or concerts in the park.
7. Go to the beach. Gorgeous water, lots of sun, and both of you are kind of naked!
8. Go hiking in a new place, bring a camera. Possibly also some insect repellent.
9. Do a restaurant or bar tour during happy hour & hop around to try new spots.
10. Bring a camera and spend all day taking pictures somewhere new. Click!
11. Learn to cook something new for summer on the grill or campfire.
12. Rent or borrow a bike and go for a long ride.
13. Find a fire pit at your local park or beach and make s’mores for a night picnic.
14. Cook your family recipes for one another & share the stories behind them.
15. Check out a BYOB venue and enjoy some wine that you bring from home.
16. Go thrift store shopping to see who finds the best (funniest) scores for $5.
17. Find local meetups for your mutual interests & meet new people together.
18. Attend a summer cooking class (great deals to be had at community centres or supply stores!)
19. Take a summer road trip.
20. Go to a water park. You’re kind of naked and there are slides!
21. Play hookie from work & get outside… the thrill alone is more romantic than work!
22. Head to the beach or lake and enjoy the weather.
23. Visit a summer faire or festival that offers free admission.
24. Grab discount passes for your local aquarium or zoo.
25. Attend free tastings by your favourite breweries or distilleries
26. Join a local amateur sports team together.
27. Help one another fix up your digs, home improvement + pizza.
28. Take a lunch date at work (even if it means going out of your way).
29. Drive to find the best spot to watch the sunset together.
30. Go for a walk to try all the best ice cream spots within walking distance
31. Go to a nude beach. Why be naked together in the comfort of your own home when you can be naked in front of a bunch of strangers?

🍁 Dating ideas for autumn

1. Go bowling. If you hate bowling, there are always the pitchers of beer.
2. Go to a haunted house. If it’s scary, it’ll bring you closer. If it’s cheesy, you can make fun of it, which will bring you closer. Win-win.
3. Go to a pumpkin patch. It’s autumn, it’s romantic, and then, at the end, you get to use knives in a fun way!
4. Take dance lessons together (after finding a good deal!)
5. Take a fall road trip just to see the fall colors.
6. Go apple picking.
7. Locate an arcade, stock up on quarters and have as much fun as humanly possible.
8. Find a pumpkin patch & enjoy the festivities.
9. Go watch a local football game.
10. Carve pumpkins & decorate for fall.
11. Craft his & her Halloween costumes together.
12. Have cheesy Halloween movie marathon complete with themed snacks.
13. Try to create your signature cocktail, then after a few, come up with a name.
14. Paint your own ceramics (even better if it’s BYOB too!)
15. Clean out your closets with your own at-home fashion show (champagne encouraged).
16. Go back to the place you had your first date, even it’s not your anniversary.
17. Play like kids at your local park, crunch around in the fall leaves.
18. Have another couple over for a game night. (Just don’t play Monopoly.)
19. Have a wine tasting night at home. Try different whites or reds to learn your favourites.
20. Have a beer tasting night at home. Taste around the world, learn different styles.
21. Walk around & take pictures together or of one another.
22. Do a trial run of Thanksgiving for just the two of you – no fussy relatives invited.
23. Go to the Dollar Store & go on a gift scavenger hunt for $5 each.
24. Enjoy a day of mini golfing & a round of go-karts.
25. Check out books at the local library to discover & cultivate new interests.
26. Watch bad movies and get snarky Mystery Science Theater 3000 style, best snark wins a prize.

☃️ Dating ideas for winter

1. Learn how to make bread (it’s a great excuse to eat wine & cheese too!)
2. Plan your holiday gifts for family and friends and create them together.
3. Go skiing. Because it’ll make you super cold, which gives you an excuse to warm each other up later.
4. Go on a cheesy movie marathon (70’s, 80’s 90’s are great decades!)
5. Find local holiday markets and go browse.
6. Play your favourite board games or video games from childhood (pair with your favourite foods).
7. Write out your bucket list and share ideas.
8. YouTube a new skill & learn together (cooking, home improvement, massage, wood splitting for beginners?)
9. Pop open some champagne and plan your New Year’s goals together.
10. Dress up for a night in – even if you’re eating in, make it special.
11. Plan a romantic meal where both people cook and you indulge in finery from home.
12. Go play in the snow like kids. Make snowmen, snow angels and maybe a snowball fight?
13. Make ornaments or decorations to commemorate your year together.
14. Make jam together. Which berry is your favourite?
15. Volunteer together for a cause you care about.
16. Make traditional holiday recipes that you’ve never attempted before to establish new traditions.
17. Revel in the toy aisle to act like a kid again, then buy something for Toys For Tots (or similar).
18. Find an ice skating rink & finish up with hot cocoa.
19. Make a time capsule to open together next year.
20. Sit down and take time to tell each other your family stories and the history of your family tree.
21. Snuggle up to all the holiday movies you can find and make adult hot cocoa.
22. Start your own two person book club …with wine (obviously).
23. Go ice skating. Classic.
24. Explore new music together whether on vinyl or Spotify, set a theme and listen to it.
25. Play video games together that are geared to story telling or team play.
26. Roaring fireplace, find one.  The rest will solve itself.
27. Create envelopes for each month of the year and write love notes to each other to be opened each month in the new year.

❤️ Over to you

Hope you’ve found this list of dating ideas fun and useful. Which ideas would you add to the list? Share your best tips in the comments!

Finally, thank you to everyone who’s already shared their tips with me. Dating doesn’t have to be frustrating, it can be fun and rewarding for everyone involved.