Stay at Home Date Ideas

With Valentine’s Day coming up, date night ideas are on the top of my mind. While Valentine’s is the perfect excuse to get dressed up and go out, it doesn’t always have to be a big extravagant day. Little moments can mean just as much as the big ones.

This year we’re on a budget for Valentine’s Day so I have been brainstorming some fun at home date ideas. Whether you’re looking for a way to save on Valentine’s Day without giving up your date night or you’re looking for a fun new idea for a regular date night, I’ve got you covered. There are so many creative and fun ideas for date nights that you can have right at home without spending a fortune.

Movie Night

Pop some microwave popcorn and snuggle up on the couch while you have a nice quiet movie night in. Pick an old classic film to watch or a new movie that you haven’t had a chance to watch yet. It may not be a movie theater but this is one of my favorite home date ideas. It’s much cozier and you don’t have to worry about other people talking or being on their phones like at a theater.

Picnic at Home

Who doesn’t love a nice little picnic? I haven’t had a picnic in forever and need to bring it back. You can enjoy a picnic indoors or outdoors, with the comfort of your own home, bathroom, and any extra snacks or blankets you may need.

Make Dinner Together

In my house, my husband enjoys cooking far more then I do. But with his work schedule, we don’t actually sit down and eat dinner together very often. This is a great way to spend more quality time together with your partner. Cook dinner together and then sit down and enjoy it together too.

Stargaze

When was the last time you looked at the stars? I grew up on a farm and during the summer I loved laying out on our trampoline and just look up at the stars. I honestly can’t remember the last time I just stargazed. This is a great way to slow down, unwind, and just enjoy the beauty of the night sky.

Game Night

I love having big family game nights during holidays and family get-togethers, but I often overlook this as a fun date night. A lot of games are better with multiple players but you can still have a blast playing games for a date night.

Breakfast in Bed

This might be a little tricky depending on kids and sleep schedules, but it is a great idea to mix things up. What better way to surprise your partner than by getting up a little early and waking them with breakfast in bed?

Spa Night

If a nice, relaxing, self-care night is what you need then a spa night is the perfect solution. Break out the face masks, run a bubble bath, do a mani/pedi, or take turns giving each other a massage. This is the perfect relaxation date!

Take a Walk

We take family walks around our neighborhood altogether and it is the perfect way for us to get some time in just to talk. Not only do we get a change of scenery but we’re also getting some exercise in. Get out, get moving, and get some fresh air — your body will thank you.

Tackle a Home Project

Is there a home project you’ve been putting off? Well, there is no better time to start. Make it part of your date night to ensure it gets done and also spend time with your partner doing it.

Themed Date

Are you running short on date ideas? Try a themed date. Much like birthday party themes you can just pick a fun theme and run with it. How about a beach theme, western theme, or a safari theme? You get the idea. Get creative and have fun with it!

Bucket List Date

Along the same lines of the themed date is the bucket list date idea. What is something you’ve always wanted to do or a place you’ve always wanted to go to? For example, if Paris is on your bucket list, try a French-themed date. You could play French music, make French food, and decorate the room to look like Paris, France.

Just Check-In

You don’t have to do a big extravagant at-home date. While those can be fun and exciting it can be just as nice to just have a quiet night. Sometimes all I need is some time to just talk and check in with my husband. Break out the wine and just check in with each other on where you are at in life and what’s going on for both of you. Take this time to dig deeper and really reconnect.

Bake Something

Another fun date activity could be baking some fun and tasty treats. Pick a dessert that you want to try (or your favorite one) and bake it together. My husband loves trying new recipes and it makes for a good time to do it together.

Try Something New

There is no better way to bond and make more memories than by experiencing something for the first time. Try something new with your partner. You could try out a new recipe, an activity, a game, etc. The options are endless. Just do something new that you’ve never done before and have fun with it.

DIY Date

I personally love DIY projects! There is no better idea for a date night in my opinion. Wine and paint nights are all the rage these days. You could pick a number of DIY projects and turn them into a fun date. Think outside the box and get creative.

Recreate a Previous Date

Take a walk down memory lane by recreating a previous date and making it into a new memorable moment. If you had a favorite date from the past or one that was extra special to you — recreate it.

Play Truth or Dare

Get to know each other more by playing truth or dare. Even if you’ve been together for a long time there can always be something new to discover. Try to find things you didn’t already know about each other.

Do Yoga

Yoga is one of my favorite activities. It is so relaxing and helps with my health both physically and mentally. I love doing yoga with my family. Yoga can make for a great date activity too. It will help to calm and refresh you. And doing it with your partner can help you bond and make some new memories.

Build a Fort

You often think of building forts as a kids’ activity and with good reason. I mean, who didn’t build a fort often as a kid? This is a fun, playful activity to bring out your younger side and keep you reminiscing about the good old days.

YouTube Karaoke

Karaoke is a fun activity for many occasions. If you’re looking for something new to try, break out karaoke via YouTube and sing the night away.

Backyard Campout

If you want an outside activity look no farther then your backyard. Set up a tent and have a campout. You can still enjoy your indoor restroom and house amenities, which is a huge deal to me. Start a campfire and cozy up with your partner.

I love trying new things and experiencing them with my partner makes them that much more special. I also love mixing things up for date nights to keep things exciting and new. Everyday life can get boring but you can keep it entertaining. Do you have a favorite at-home date idea? Let me know in the comments below.