30 (Almost Free) At-Home Date Ideas to Keep the Romance Alive

Updated 02/18/20

Spending time with a significant other at home is intimate, especially without the intrusion of a waiter, friends, or the world at large. If you’re in a new relationship, this phase can be exhilarating, as well as a bit intimidating. And if you’ve been around your plus-one for a while, then you already know how relaxing this chapter can be as well. We often think that dates need some sort of production quality to them and that such occasions have to take place beyond a home’s comfortable cocoon, but why not see how much fun you can have on an at-home date?

We put together a list of 30 at-home dates ideas—whether you have one hour, several, or the whole day to spare, you can make this intimate space a larger part of your romantic memories.

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Make a Really Good Cup of Coffee Together

Woman drinking coffee — Sawitree Pamee / EyeEm/Getty Images

Break out the Chemex (or splurge for a new one) and put some true effort into it. If you want the date to last longer, whip up breakfast, too.

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Enjoy a Phone-Free Meal

Leave your distracting phones in the other room and connect over a bite to eat. Whether you cook or order in, you'll enjoy deeper conversation without your phones constantly interrupting.

Make a phone free dinner a habit so you can connect with your partner any day of the week.

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Have a Conversation That Isn’t About Work, Stress, or To-Do Lists

Check in with how your partner is really doing and vice versa. This is your chance to get to know each other on a deeper level.

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Stay in Bed

couple in bed — Frank and Helena/Getty Images

Seriously, when was the last time you two let yourselves relax in bed before jumping up to get things done? Let the binge-watching begin.

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Put a Puzzle Together

couple doing a puzzle — LOUISE BEAUMONT/Getty Images

See if you can tackle a 1000-piece one in hour-long stretches over a few days. If you have the time (and willpower), bang it all out in one day.

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Whip up Brunch for Two

Affectionate young couple hugging, cooking in apartment kitchen — Hero Images / Getty Images

Go for pancakes, waffles, eggs, toast, and fruit—the works. Indulge and make it breakfast in bed.

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Read

Open a window, curl up together, and open those books you’ve been meaning to get to. Not all meaningful dates have to involve conversation, but you'll have plenty to talk about once you finish your reads.

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Set up a Spa in the Living Room

couple doing spa treatments — Gpointstudio/Getty Images

Nothing beats a day of self care. Wear plush robes and provide an assortment of sheet masks for a relaxing day in.

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Take a Yoga Class

couple doing yoga — yulkapopkova/Getty Images

Use YouTube in your living room, of course. Pro tip: Pick up some cute active wear ahead of time.

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Go for a Run Around the Neighborhood

couple running — Corey Jenkins/Getty Images

Okay, technically this isn’t entirely at home, we know. But you can designate a “finish line” at your front steps and do some stretches in the living room after.

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Chat on Your Porch (Or Stoop)

If you're lucky enough to have a porch or deck, take advantage and get some fresh air while enjoying conversation with your date. If you live in a city, a stoop will work, too!

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Watch a Comedy Special

couple laughing — Dean Mitchell/Getty Images

Nothing is better than seeing your loved one laugh. Bonus: It can help mitigate any awkwardness between you if your relationship is still in the early stages.

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Perfect Your Cornhole Skills

Practice makes perfect with a backyard set. If the weather doesn't permit, you can play indoors, too!

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Create the Perfect Playlist

couple dancing — Cavan Images/Getty Images

Have a dance party in your living room. (Make sure to include one slow song!)

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Install Flower Boxes in the Windows

Not only is this date fun, but it's also functional. If you don’t have space for this, opt for hanging plants instead.

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Have a Picnic

Spread out a blanket and serve the ultimate cheese board—it works even in your living room. Light candles to set the mood.

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Build a Fort in the Living Room

This is still fun, regardless of age, and can be the perfect comfy spot for a Netflix binge. Make sure to have snacks on hand.

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Indulge

Order multiple, random dishes from your favorite restaurants and indulge. Anything goes!

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Get Dressed up for a Fancy Dinner

That just so happens to be waiting in your kitchen. If you cook it together ahead of time, you'll have even more time to bond.

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Paint and Sip

couple painting — Betsie Van Der Meer/Getty Images

Buy a couple of canvases and some paint, and then pop open your favorite bottle. Bonus points for crafting a fruit bowl as the painting subject, too.

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Set up a Projector in the Backyard

backyard projector — svetikd/Getty Images

Watch your favorite movie under the stars. Set up an array of comfy blankets and pillows to cuddle up into.

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Cook a Meal From One of Your Favorite Trips

Make homemade pasta based on a beloved vacation in Italy or tacos from a recent California getaway. It may not taste exact, but it'll bring all the happy memories back.

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Splurge on Getting a Favorite Restaurant Meal Delivered

dinner at restaurant — d3sign/Getty Images

Do you know your S.O.'s favorite meal? Order it in for them and make it a surprise.

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Create a Gallery Wall

Finally print out your favorite photos and arrange them with framed concert tickets, letters, and other mementos. It can serve as the ultimate scrapbook of your relationship.

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Have a Movie Marathon

couple watching movies — Dean Mitchell/Getty Images

Alternate between each other’s favorites. Yes, this is finally your chance to get him to watch The Notebook!

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Try to Learn a New Skill Together

couple cooking — Hinterhaus Productions/Getty Images

See if you can play one song on a guitar, knit a square for a future scarf, perfect your knife skills, or even learn a fun magic trick. You're guaranteed to get some laughs out of it.

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Throw a Two-Person Party

couple drinking wine — svetikd/Getty Images

String lights over the patio, crank music from the speakers, cook some barbecue, and make yourselves a pitcher of sangria. Who says you need company to have this kind of fun?

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