10 Date Ideas for the Busy Couple

We get it, life is busy. Sometimes planning romantic dates is hard based on scheduling. We’re here to help you plan the perfect date for you and your significant other. Making time for each other is so important in a successful relationship. But sometimes other life commitments get in the way.

Below, find some ideas for fun things couples can do together. Whether you need ideas for relaxation or for trying something new, we’ve got you covered. Our list works for all couples — it doesn’t matter if you just started a relationship or have been married for many years. You deserve to spend some interrupted time together so get to planning!

1. A Candle Lit Dinner at Home

Relax in the comfort of your home but elevate it. Set your table up nicely and place candles in the center. Because you’re probably busy, if you don’t have time to make anything from scratch, order takeout from your favorite restaurant and simply place the food on your nicest dishes. It’s a sweet, romantic and low-effort way to experience date night.

2. A Virtual Cooking Class

If you’re too tired to go out, bring the experience to your own home. Sign up for a cooking class together and make magic in the kitchen. There are plenty of options based on timing and food preferences. One way to stay close as a couple is to be creative and try new things together. Learn a new skill and then enjoy the fruits of your labor.

3. Happy Hour

Happy hour may seem like a surprising choice, especially for couples who have been together a while. But it doesn’t have to be. After work, meet up some place convenient for both of you. Then order fun cocktails and yummy appetizers. Who doesn’t love good deals on food and drinks? And if crowded bars aren’t your scene, find a lowkey happy hour location so the two of you can talk.

4. A Moonlit Stroll

Getting some interrupted alone time is a must for any successful relationship. Spend some time outside and go for a romantic walk underneath the stars and the moonlight. If you’re lucky and live in an area that is great for stargazing, you can even point out the constellations. Sometimes just getting out and being alone is what every couple needs. Something about being alone on a romantic stroll gives someone the perfect opportunity to get deep and open up about anything on their mind.

5. Create a Weekend Staycation

Sadly, not every couple has the time to go on vacations. Instead, plan out a staycation at home. Order your favorite food, have great beverages for relaxation and just cut out the outside world. It’s the chance to do the fun things that you never have time for. It’s your interrupted time, take advantage of it. Watch that new release on Netflix, stay in your PJs all day or get dressed up and pretend you’re somewhere fancy. There are no limits to what a staycation can look like.

6. Play Tourist in Your City or Town

Another vacation alternative is to set aside a day to play tourist in your own city or town. Find a new restaurant to visit, visit a place you’ve never gone to before or just explore by foot. There are so many options, especially if you’re lucky enough to live in a major metropolitan area. One recommendation we have is to check out local wineries if you haven’t before. It’s one of our favorite low-key date ideas.

7. Book a Couple’s Massage

Nothing says relaxation like a massage. Book a couple’s room so that you can be together while getting your muscles are tended to. It’s a low-key and romantic date. Just don’t forget to hydrate before. Massages tend to be very dehydrating, which is surprising for people who haven’t experienced one professionally before.

8. Watch an Outdoor Movie

Instead of watching something at home, check to see if there is a drive-in nearby or a movie playing on a projector somewhere in town. Grab a picnic blanket or a throw blanket, some snacks and have a date night out. The best part is that you get to be comfy. If you’re in a chiller area, this probably won’t be an option until springtime.

9. Find a Local Festival

Festivals are year-round so there shouldn’t be a problem finding something great. They celebrate anything from cultural events to foodie competitions. For example, we loved a Greek festival we went to a few years ago. We spent the day eating Greek food, listening to music and watching performers. We even received a pamphlet with Greek phrases on it. There are plenty of options, especially as summer gets closer.

10. Plan a Much-Needed Vacation

Even if you have to book way in advance, start comparing your schedules. A date could be just getting together to plan out something in the future. Grab your calendars and find the perfect place on your list. Then, you can even look up great times to visit your location. If you have flexibility, we recommend traveling in the off season. Having a trip planned in advance gives you something to look forward to every day at work.

If you have no idea where to go, we recommend checking out Skyscanner. List the closest airport to you and just hot the button for everywhere. Skyscanner is going to list out destinations based on price. It’s perfect for a couple who is open to visiting someplace new.