13 Fun and Easy Weeknight Date Ideas

Couple kissing in front of carousel with others walking by — Igor Ustynskyy/Getty Images

If you’re in a long-term relationship, you know that going on planned dates (like you did during the courtship phase) is harder than expected. After all, you see each other all the time, right? But, as we know, keeping your partnership dynamic and different can help avoid complacency (and therefore, other issues down the track). Sure, you have the weekends, but by the time you’ve reached the end of a long week, the couch, wine, and lingering chores often take up those precious 48 hours. That's where weeknight dates come into play.

To turn the workweek into an opportunity for adventure and meaningful connection, we’ve compiled some weeknight date ideas that will still have you in bed early for the next morning.

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Hit the Local Bar

Couple sitting at a bar and drinking — gradyreese/Getty Images

You don't need to sit down for a long dinner to make it a date night. Instead, grab a couple of drinks at a local bar. To keep things interesting, try a new cocktail!

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Enjoy Some Dessert

Man feeding woman a piece of cake at outdoor cafe — Henglein and Steets/Getty Images

Grab takeout or make a quick dinner at home, then head out to a local café to share some desserts. It's the best part of the meal, anyway!

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Walk on the Beach

Couple walking on the beach while holding hands — Carsten Goerling/Getty Images

You don't have to wait for the weekend to soak up some rays. Head there after work for a quick walk along the sand while you catch each other up on the day's events.

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Watch a Movie

Couple watching movie while on their couch at home — bymuratdeniz/Getty Images

If you're up for it, catch a movie at the local theater. But if you're both a little tired from the workday, there's nothing wrong with streaming a flick at home.

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Make Dinner Together

Couple laughing and cooking together in large kitchen — 10'000 Hours/Getty Images

Spend quality time together in the kitchen by whipping up a favorite meal as a team. Don't forget to set the table and light some candles to make it more romantic.

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Splurge on a Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie Board with meats, cheeses, and olives — Anna Janecka/Getty Images

Host a happy-hour date with a gourmet charcuterie board or a cheeseboard. Pair it with your favorite wine, of course.

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Book a Couple’s Massage

Couple staring at each other while having a massage — JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images

After a long day at the office, you both deserve to be pampered. Book a couple's massage so you can unwind together.

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Go on a Local Adventure

Couple laughing together while riding in a car — Adam Hester/Getty Images

You've probably explored most of your city together by now, so take a drive into a less-familiar suburb. Walk around and take in the new scenery.

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Take a Bike Ride

Couple on bike ride down a city street — Solskin/Getty Images

After sitting at a desk all day, exercise is more than welcome. Invite your S.O. on a bike ride to get moving—and don't be afraid to take the scenic route!

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Plan Your Next Vacation

Couple smiling at one another in front of laptop — Westend61/Getty Images

You don't need to leave the house to have a date night, but why not dream up your next romantic getaway? You might even find some great deals online and make that dream a reality.

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Have Brunch for Dinner

A table with different brunch dishes with diners' hands in view — d3sign/Getty Images

The easiest way to shake up a weeknight dinner? Turn it into breakfast! Anything goes—eggs, pancakes, waffles, breakfast burritos. Pick a few of your brunch favorites and indulge.

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