15 Weeknight Date Ideas to Keep the Spark Alive

In the early days of dating, it seems weekends are reserved for friends rather than date nights. Then, as soon as things get official, the idea of going out on a school night seems scandalous. But it doesn't have to be that way! These weeknight date ideas will help you keep the spark alive, even on a Tuesday.

Plus, as Valeria West, psychotherapist and owner at West Pardo Mental Health Counseling, explains, these weekday date nights can help you get out of your routine and prioritize your relationship. "I've found that any kind of effort that is higher than the norm can help make the relationship feel like a priority, and it's often not necessary to spend a large amount of money or to make a grand gesture," West says.

Ideally, you could aim for one weeknight date each week, but these don't need to be hours-long affairs. All you really need is 30 minutes or an hour to connect and focus on each other.

Ready to start treating yourself to dates with your partner, even on days when you have a 9-to-5? Here are 15 expert-approved weeknight date ideas and things to do to keep things feeling fresh and fun.

1. Book a Spa Appointment

Spa services don't have to be reserved for leisurely weekend spa days. You can also book an after-work treatment together for a bit of relaxation and bonding. "A fun spa experience, whether that's at a coed sauna, 24/7 Korean spa or getting a service together like an after-work pedicure, is a nice way for you to subconsciously associate the other person with relaxation," says Jaydi Samuels Kuba, CEO at LJ Matchmaking.

2. Take a Cooking Class

A cooking class is a fun weeknight date idea for a few reasons. First, it's low-key. Typically, they start at an early dinner time, and you'll be home and in bed at a reasonable hour. Second, you'll be fed! No need to make dinner plans. Third, you're learning something together, which encourages bonding. Kuba adds, "It's a nice way to build a connection with your date while simultaneously developing a new skill!"

3. Elevate Takeout

When life is busy or you have a little one at home, make your date night as low-stakes as possible. That might mean staying at home and making the most of a favorite takeout spot (remember those single nights where you'd look forward to ordering from your favorite place? Think of this the same way!).

"Order take-out, but arrange it on nice tableware and set the table as if you are hosting someone special," suggests West. Light a candle, add some flowers to the table and pour a glass of wine. It's still takeout, but elevated into date night.

4. Plan a Coffee Break

If you're both home, plan a morning date or a time to sit together and have a coffee without any distractions. It doesn't need to be a big production. It's just choosing to intentionally spend time together. "This could be choosing to wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual to have coffee together in the kitchen, phone-free, and really connecting on something important besides just what is on the schedule for the day," West says.

5. Stroll Through the Park

On a nice evening, skip your usual workout and, instead, stroll through a park in your city, hand in hand. There's something about walking together that feels romantic, like it takes you back to the early days of dating. To make this spontaneous date even more special, Aimee Evnin-Bingham, sex and relationship therapist, LMFT, suggests, "Go explore a part of your city you've never been to."

6. Enroll in a Creative Class

For a recurring weeknight date night idea, enroll in a creative class. Even if neither of you considers yourself an artist, this is a fun way to come together over trying your hand at something new. "Take a painting class, go to a nude modeling drawing class, try your hands at pottery," Evnin-Bingham says. "Learning a new skill and exploring your creative drive invokes novelty and establishes curiosity."

7. Plan a Movie Night

Binge watching TV while zoning out on Instagram? Not a date night. But planning an intentional evening to cuddle on the sofa with a favorite flick or one that's been on the list for ages? Definitely a date night. Evnin-Bingham suggests turning it into a whimsical evening. "Build a fort in your living room or bedroom—grab tons of pillows and blankets. Buy some of your favorite treats or make some popcorn."

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8. Go to Trivia Night

If you haven't been to trivia since your single days, consider rounding up your partner and heading to a trivia night for an evening of nostalgia and light competition. "It's the perfect mix of playful and engaging—whether you're on your third date or have been married for years. You can team up to conquer pop culture or random facts or just enjoy some lighthearted banter over drinks and dinner," says Ella Scaduto, CEO, matchmaker and dating coach at Smoky Matchmaker. And, if you do well, you can always think about going back next week (maybe you'll even win something while you're there!).

9. Check Out a New Local Spot

When there's a new local hot spot in your area, chances are, the weekends are going to be busy. By dropping by for a weeknight date, you'll beat the crowds and, perhaps, even get a chance to meet the owner and set the stage for becoming a regular. "Plan after-work meetups to check out newly opened businesses, whether it's a cozy café, a local gallery, a garden shop or a neighborhood eatery," says Tammy Shaklee, founder of H4M Matchmaking. "Take a moment to chat with the owner, pick up something small to show your support and head home feeling good about giving back."

10. Plan Your Date Night Around Weekday Specials

There's probably a spot in your neighborhood that does a Taco Tuesday or a Wednesday Wine Night. Make that your weeknight date, and it might quickly become a tradition you look forward to (and you'll save some money while you're at it!). "There are plenty of deals designed to draw in the midweek crowd. It's fun, budget-friendly, and a great way to become a familiar face in your community," Shaklee says.

11. Catch a Midweek Show

Skip out of work just a bit early and catch a midweek matinee. It's the perfect way to avoid the crowds and maybe even catch a break on ticket prices. This could be for a movie or a theater performance, depending on your preference. "There's something magical about shutting down your workday, stepping into a cool, dark theater and sinking into a comfy seat with popcorn in hand," Shaklee says.

12. Take on an Art Project

Start an art project that the two of you can work on over time, giving yourself something to look forward to each week. You can spend just 30 minutes on it, or, if you're in the groove, dedicate a longer period to working on your masterpiece. "Both partners have a canvas and tools of their choice (pens, pencils, paints, markers). No words are used, only body language and eye contact," explains Brianna Paruolo, LCMHC, psychotherapist at On Par Therapy. "When each person feels like they would like to switch canvases, they give a knowing look and pass each other what they were working on."

13. Challenge Yourselves to a Game Night

If you both have a competitive streak, challenge yourselves to a game night. Try your hand at Monopoly, Scrabble or even a puzzle. The options are endless for this cheap weeknight date idea. You can choose a nostalgic old favorite or pick up something new.

14. Hit an Open Mic Night

The fun of an open mic night at a concert venue or comedy club is that you'll see amateur acts that you'd never encounter on the weekends. You could discover a new-to-you local favorite, but regardless of the talent that evening, you two will connect over the novel experience of going to a show with no idea what to expect.

15. Take a Fitness Class

Whether it's a yoga class, pilates or even ballroom dancing, taking a fitness class is a great way to connect without missing your weeknight workout. Make this your weekly date night tradition, and you'll both feel good about the progress you see together.