9 low key date ideas

Who’s ready for Friday? I am. Relaxing I hope because it’s easy to forget to spend quality time together alone and without friends, family or little ones around. So I wanted to share “9 low key date night ideas”. We’ve done a lot of these ideas, they’re a lot of fun. There’s a few ideas where you might think “that’s not a date..” but I assure you the minute you let go and start having fun together it’ll feel romantic no matter what you’re doing. They are not holiday related at all but some of these can be adapted for the holiday season, I’ll explain. Here’s what I came up with and if you have any others please leave a comment below.

BOWLING

I love going bowling! It’s silly, athletic but not difficult and fun if you do decide to go with a group. A group date for this is very acceptable. Even sometimes more fun and competitive when you’re challenging each other. Disco or Glow bowling is even more fun and sometimes even cheaper than a regular rate, it is later but unless grandma and grandpa are coming you’ll be able to manage. Either way I suggest a short game or two as it’s easy to get tired, hungry, grumpy or your hands will start to ache from throwing those heavy bowling balls. The loud music and black light in the fun of bowling just amplifies it for me- try it, if you haven’t ever been!

GO TO DINNER AND A MOVIE

Ah, the classic date, yes but don’t fix what ain’t broke. I’m not much of a movie theater go-er so we will either rent, buy or stream a movie of our choice. Sometimes having a walk through a store on a special night is fun for us. Simply browsing together and seeing what is out new in, say Best Buy, because we are techie-people is a nice cap to the night. Also here’s where we aren’t as adventurous as others; we are picky eaters. So trying a new restaurant usually isn’t high on our list. But you sure could take this time to try new cuisine or have a fancier dessert (which is what we opt for) or drink (sometimes).

EXPLORE

Go on a walk or run a trail you like or have seen before, head to the beach, mountains or desert (whatever is close to you) and enjoy being in nature. Here in the PNW I take it for granted- I think next year that’s gonna change. I love a good walk especially outside in a forest area along a river or stream. Walking our dogs out to a trail or place we haven’t been before to socialize them more if a good idea. They don’t get out enough and honestly neither do we, such homebodies. Fresh air is great for your lungs and makes your body feel new if you’ve been inside for too long.

Taking pictures on outings like this can be really nice by going making memories and getting each other and the scenery on film (digital) is a keepsake! So be sure to bring your camera, phone or other Polaroid for taking pictures.

A large garbage bag or plastic sandwich bag (to drape over your camera in case of rain) less likely to get damaged by any rain or moisture. I suggest wearing good shoes (not flats) like tennis shoes, hiking shoes or boots. Downplaying the weather conditions can be easy to do but also will ruin your trip. Don’t hike anywhere you aren’t familiar (or at all) without a buddy. Also a day hike is better, so no hiking at night. Be safe!

COOK TOGETHER/MEAL PREP TOGETHER

If you both love to cook then this is a great date night activity. Go to the store together-gather your ingredients, make something a little fancier, try a new recipe. Normally I’d want to follow a recipe if you’re like me, experiment and have fun. Meal prepping can be tedious but with a partner you can nearly cut your time in half! I don’t meal prep but I think this would be fun (also if we had a bigger kitchen). Depending on your kitchen, have your husband grill, fry or boil noodles. While you can cut, chop or blend whatever else you need. Once your done spend time together by having a glass of wine and talk about what the week looks like.

REARRANGING YOUR FURNITURE

This is one I wasn’t sure I should include. I know that we really enjoy doing this together when we need to shake things up. If your selected room let’s you change the layout with your furniture-it’s fun to shape shift your living space. Usually in our bedroom we will put the bed on a different wall or move our dresser to a new spot. Living rooms are easy to do by moving or combining pieces in new formations in your open space. Just make sure you can still open doors and windows. Don’t cover any heater vents or wall heaters- be conscious of that! Safety hazard! I kind of believe in my own version of Feng Shui- just by moving things and vacuuming the floors, I feel newer in the fresh environment. It gives you a new mindset I think. This is probably most low key of all- but I enjoy it the most!

CREATE A PLAYLIST

Date night playlist? Travel mix? For special adult time? Select songs that you both like. For some couples that’s harder than others but it’s okay put a big mix of everything in there for each style. I think if you can handle each other day to day, you can handle a three minute song you don’t like. I have a few bands that I know we both like and he made me a playlist called “in the car music” it was a sweet sentiment. A guy can also apply this idea to a girl/woman he likes- everyone loves a good mix tape/CD/playlist.

PLAY VIDEO GAMES OR BOARD GAMES/CARD GAMES

This is a great idea if you’re a gamer like my husband is. Playing games together can be inviting and fun, challenging and innovative. Go buy a game together and have the stronger player help the other. Guide them through and have fun overall. Grab a variety of snacks (healthy or not) and enjoy spending time doing what the other enjoys. Board games can also work if you have friends or family nearby. Cards are a go-to staple when things are boring and slow. They are great for your mind as well, quick for wit so shuffle out the Gin Rummy or there’s always Go Fish!

STREET FAIRS/FARMERS/SATURDAY MARKETS

Farmers markets are usually seasonal but can also open your mind to new food and produce or canned goods that you may not see otherwise. It nice to walk around locally on a spring or summer day looking through all the vendors. Saturday markets (like the one here in PDX) has a wide selection of food, goods and services as well as specialty things like face painting for young kids. Look up online under your city index and see if there’s one near you. They could be weekly, monthly, or during a particular season or sort of festival.

MINI GOLF

Just another time to be goofy and silly with one another. Stay light hearted and have fun without being competitive. It’ll take her 25,000 times to get that ball into the lighthouse but come behind her and swing with her. Show her your sweet, helpful nature and be affectionate.

I hope you’ll try some of these next time you need a day (or night)) out. Take pictures and make new memories. Never forget to nourish the relationship you’re in. It’s too easy and damaging to be too complacent. Enjoy each other!