35 Date Night Ideas for Newlyweds to Keep the Spark Alive

Remind yourselves why you got married in the first place.
Couple cooking together in kitchen and laughing
Photo: Pixelfit / Getty Images
Sarah Title - Bridal Fashion & Shopping Expert.
by
Sarah Title
Sarah Title - Bridal Fashion & Shopping Expert.
Sarah Title
Bridal Fashion & Shopping Expert
  • Sarah writes a variety of content for The Knot and WeddingWire, including bridal fashion advice and product recommendations.
  • Sarah’s work has also been featured in Brides, Nicki Swift, Betches and Style Me Pretty.
  • Sarah lives in Alexandria, VA with her (new) husband and golden retriever named Brady.
Updated Feb 14, 2024

With the wedding not too far in the rearview, you probably miss having something to look forward to (or maybe it feels like a heavy weight has been lifted off your shoulder). We rounded up a list of date night ideas for newlyweds, because it's important to get in the habit of doing date nights and couple activities regularly. It gives you time to strengthen your bond, check in with your partner and remember why you got married in the first place.

If you're not sure what to do for date night, we've put together a list of 35 fun activity ideas. Some of them don't even involve leaving the comfort of your home and others are pretty unique. Whatever you prefer, we hope you have a great time.

Have a Movie Night

That list of movies you want to see that you've had on your phone forever? Start checking them off your list in the name of date night. Pop some popcorn, stock up on candy, pour a little wine and get through as many of the movies on your list as you can.

Chopped Night

The show Chopped on Food Network is a great source of inspiration for your next date night. One of you puts four ingredients in a basket and the other person has 30 minutes to create something using all of the ingredients. We recommend having a back-up plan for dinner in case it doesn't turn out quite as expected.

Backyard Camping

You don't have to be a little kid to camp in your own backyard. Pitch a tent, have a campfire, tell ghost stories and make s'mores. If you want to level up your sleeping arrangements, consider sleeping on an air mattress in your tent versus on the ground.

Recreate Your First Date

Even if you don't live near where your first date was, you can try your best to recreate it. If it was dinner and a movie, go to a restaurant and then come home and watch the movie. Or, if it's possible, go to the actual location.

Create Something Together

Take a pottery class or go to paint night where an instructor shows you how to paint a scene or an object. Usually you can bring your own wine and food to enjoy while you work on your masterpiece.

Food Tasting

Whether you find a place locally that offers food tastings or you hit the grocery store yourself and stock up on things you've never tried before, sharing a new experience together is a great way to spend date night as newlyweds.

Cooking Class

Always wanted to learn how to roll sushi or make pasta? Take a class together to learn how. Then, try putting your skills to the test at home for another date night idea.

Relive Your Wedding Day

Wouldn't it be great if you could go back in time and relive your special day? Well, this date night idea is as close as you might get. You can do your first dance, watch your wedding video, flip through photos and even order what you had to eat the night of your wedding. Why not end it with a dance party?

Have a Staycation

You don't have to travel far to indulge in a little luxury. Book a nice hotel in your city and take advantage of room service and having someone else clean up after you. Sleep in, enjoy the view and spend quality time together.

See a Comedy Show

There's something about laughing together that's the pinnacle of romance. Find a comedian you both love and see them live, or head to an open mic night to discover somebody totally new. Beware, if you're in the front row you might get chosen for a comedian's skit!

Play Arcade Games

There's nothing wrong with a little friendly competition? Head to the nearest arcade and compete in ski ball, car racing, air hockey and tons of other games. Winner has to buy ice cream!

Restaurant Crawl

Foodies, this one's for you. Think of a restaurant crawl as a bar crawl and a progressive dinner mixed into one. One of you picks a place for cocktails and appetizers, then the other picks a place for dinner, and then you both decide on a dessert location. Come hungry.

Double Header Date

Can't decide on what to do? Each of you can pick something and you do it on the same day. Maybe you hit a baseball game and then go to dinner. Or you go to a cocktail lounge and then see a movie. No combination is off limits.

Mini Golf

A classic date night choice. Find a mini golf location close to you and have a little friendly competition. This one's a great choice in the spring or summer when the temps are a little warmer. Or head to an indoor mini golf location if there's one near you.

Bake Off

Each of you bakes something sweet for the other, and then you taste test and decide whose is best. Or you could involve the neighbors and ask them to weigh in. There are no losers in this game because everyone goes home with dessert.

Game Night

Get all your board games out and start playing. From Guess Who? and Sorry! to more complicated card games, the options for this date night idea are endless.

Volunteer

Giving back to the community is a great way to strengthen your relationship. Work at a soup kitchen together or foster a puppy for the weekend. No matter how you choose to help your community, doing it together is icing on the cake.

Take a Dance Class

You don't have to be a dancer to take a dance class together. Whether you choose to do salsa, ballroom or another kind of dance — trying something that's outside your comfort zone together will definitely bring you closer.

Wine Pairing

Find a restaurant that has a wine and food pairing on the menu. Or find a wine tasting kit online that can be sent straight to you, so you don't have to leave the comfort of your home for a worldly experience.

Play Tourist

When was the last time you explored your own city? Do a quick Google search about the most popular things to do in your city and try to check off as many as you can. Chances are you'll come away with a deeper appreciation for where you live.

Make a Wedding Scrapbook

Print out some of your wedding photos, grab some fun crafting supplies and sit down to make a one-of-a-kind wedding scrapbook. You'll have fun reliving precious memories while creating something together.

Order a Date Night Subscription Box

There are a few different ones out there, but every month they send you an idea for a date night and any items you'll need to get started. You never know what you're going to get, making it a fun surprise for both of you.

Play the Index Card Game

This viral TikTok index card game is great for couples who have trouble deciding what to do. Basically you write two ideas down on an index card and have your partner pick one without seeing what's written on it. Whatever one they choose is the one you do.

Take a Sunset Walk

Your newlywed date night can be an opportunity for you to slow down and enjoy the view. You've probably had a crazy last few months of wedding planning, so this is a great way to take a moment to enjoy the moment with your partner.

Go Bowling

Bowling isn't just for kid birthday parties, especially when you pair it with a pitcher of beer. Play a round or two of a classic American game, enjoy some bar food and try to beat your partner at the lanes.

Have Dessert for Dinner

You're adults now, meaning you really can have dessert instead of dinner. Make hot fudge sundaes, bake a cake or go to a nice restaurant and order off the dessert menu. It's your life, you make the rules.

Plan a Scavenger Hunt

Plan a scavenger hunt for your partner or have them plan one for you. You can keep it simple and do it in the house, or take things to the next level and have them drive all around town to find the next clue.

Go to Dinner and a Movie

This classic date night never goes out of style. Hit your favorite spot or try something new, then head to the theater to see the latest blockbuster hit or an old classic. This date night staple is always a good idea.

Try a New Workout Together

Try something you've both never done before or take turns trying the workout you each prefer. Even if it's hard to do, at least you'll both have a good laugh. Who knows, maybe you'll find a new passion!

Make a Fort

Yes, we know you're not 8, but you could make it a grown-up fort. Fill the living room with cozy blankets, light some candles, grab a bottle of wine and snuggle up for movie night. Forts just got a grown-up glow up.

Make a Playlist

Spend the week leading up to date night adding songs to a joint playlist. Then when date night arrives, play the whole thing from start to finish and enjoy your blend of musical tastes and preferences.

Play Bartender

Take a cocktail making class together, buy a kit online or make up your own drinks. No matter how or where you bartend, it'll be fun to create and drink together.

Have a Picnic

Enjoy the great outdoors with one of our favorite date night ideas—a picnic. Pack up some sandwiches or make it an elevated picnic with charcuterie and wine. Pick a scenic location where you can watch the sunset or a place with a cool view.

Build Something Together

Building furniture together is a true testament to the basic principles of marriage: communication, patience and teamwork. Put them to the test by building something together. You'll feel a huge sense of accomplishment when it's done.

Start a Book Cub

Choose a book you've both never read and read it over the course of a month. When the month is over, get together to discuss the book. You can find prompts online or just discuss freely with no structure. Take turns picking the book each month.

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