In this uncertain time where most of us can’t (and shouldn’t) go out, it’s still imperative to have fun and connect with your other half. Date nights just can’t wait. Now that we have been sheltering-in-place for over a month I think we have all moved past our board games and puzzles. 

We need to get a bit more creative.

No matter where you’re at in this lockdown mode, it’s essential to take time to turn off the news and de-stress with your significant other. Date nights at home may be cheaper, but it doesn’t mean they have to be any less fun than a night out on the town.

Here’s a look at 10 creative date night at home ideas to try this weekend:

Podcasts and Drinks

Podcasts are a hit and miss crowd and let me tell you, I was a miss for a while until I stumbled upon some REALLY good freakin’ podcasts. They’re like audiobooks. Make some hot chocolate at home or a really good lemonade, hop in the car, go grab some hot chocolate, and find a spot that you can park for a while. Maybe that’s 5 miles up the road, maybe it’s literally in your driveway. Bring blankets and maybe a snack. Sip on your drinks together and enjoy the story coming out of your speakers. My two favorite podcasts recently are Dr. Death and Dirty John but I have a whole list to listen to here.

Take a trip to nowhere

Turn off your GPS and turn on your sense of curiosity. Blast some music, roll the windows down and let the feel-good vibes flow through you. Pick a spot just outside of town. Grab a bite and just drive blast music, and spend some quality time with one another. I have a favorite pizza place I love that’s about an hour and a half out of town. It’s a perfect little day trip. Although most places are not taking reservations they will do curbside.

Ice Blocking

Spring is here and I wouldn’t say it’s warm enough for a slip-n-slide but a nice ice block session could be just as satisfying. TIP: Exxon and Rebel gas stations sell ice blocks. Put a towel down on the ice block, pick your feet up, and throw your body forward to force yourself down the hill. After a few tries, the ice will become extremely slippery and you’ll go flying. This will look great on a boomerang because let’s be real, pics or it didn’t happen.

***Not all parks are open during quarantine so please respect your county’s rules in regards to sheltering-in-place.

Learn to dance

I took 17 years of dance but my favorite way to learn a dance has been in the living room, with a low-quality youtube video, a bottle of wine, and my dancing partner. Set up your own two-step area by clearing your living room out and popping on a two-step dance guide, ballroom dancing tutorials, or even merengue dancing. Whatever fits your fancy-dancy.

5. Join a virtual event

Companies and organizations are getting very creative when it comes to virtual events. I recently attended an online beer tasting, and that was the most fun my boyfriend and I have had throughout ALL of the quarantine in regards to date nights. These events are easy to find and are usually through Facebook. Simply search “virtual” in the events section on Facebook and you’ll see quite a few options, and I think even more so as time passes.

Make homemade pizzas with wild toppings

The world is your oyster. This is a no judge zone. Your pizza is your masterpiece. If you want mushrooms on a white sauce pizza with peppermint and mustard no one can stop you. Be sure to write down what you use, who knows, if it’s tasty enough it could become a new family recipe.

Wine down and wind-down

The pandemic has us all a little stir-crazy so why not take a moment to just be. Create a little meditation station with fuzzy blankets, candles, and pillows. Turn off all of your electronics (except the device you’ll be using for your meditation) and let the meditation take you through a journey. I really like Ali Owens Selfless Self Care since it focuses on the love and joy you feel after doing something kind for someone else and how you can release those endorphins as an act of kindness to yourself. Relational meditation can allow couples to feel more vulnerable in the presence of each other leading to more open communication, increased honesty, and a less frantic approach to life. Afterward, wind down with a glass of wine. Share some stories, and find something out about one another that maybe you didn’t know before.

Sunset Hikes

Hiking is usually a morning thing but put a twist on it and watch the sunset behind the mountains. This does take some skilled timing so be sure you get to your secret spot in time and out of there before it is completely dark.

Run in a Virtual 5K

There are so many races that are going on in a virtual space. Let’s burn off those quarantine snacking calories before we put them back on once restaurants open up again. Support a good cause in the meantime and get your rear in gear! Make it super fun and dress the part to the MAX and show off your medals or race bibs on social media! Afterward, you can celebrate with a beverage of choice.

Paint and wine at home

Painting supplies are kind of hard to find right about now but if you were lucky to get your hands on it, a DIY paint and wine session is a lot of fun. Simply find a youtube video, like this easy sunset, and copy whatever they do to the best of your ability. It can be simple or complex depending on how much time you want to commit to this. Simply look up “watercolor painting for beginners” and pick a design that fits both of your likings. Anyone can paint!

Bonus date idea: Plan ahead for when restaurants are open again!

Restaurants, bars, and theatres are slowly opening up again, and you can start planning ahead for the next date with your partner! An intimate and luxurious dinner at Marietta Square Restaurants can be an excellent way to celebrate the end of the self-isolation period or quarantine and spend quality time with your other half. 

If in your town restaurants are not open yet, you might start thinking about investing in a gift card or credit to enjoy together once the lockdown restrictions are lifted!