10 Romantic At-Home Date Night Ideas

In romantic relationships, the ups and downs of spending too much or too little time together can cause tension to build, which is why the tradition of date night is so important. Date night doesn't always have to be expensive or spent out on the town to reignite the romantic sparks because these at home ideas are even better.

You don't need to get all dressed up (unless you want to), and all these ideas take place in the comfort of your own home. So, whether you're looking for a foodie-themed night, an all-day date movie marathon, or some other creative way to spend time together, this list of at-home date night ideas won't disappoint.

01 of 10

Create a mock movie theater

This idea is much more than your average dinner and movie date. If you have a whole day to waste, upgrade your next "Netflix and chill" session with an old-school twist. First, pick a movie or series you both enjoy. It could be the entire Harry Potter saga or the new season of Ozark. Then create a snuggly environment with some comfy blankets and throw pillows.

Tip: Spritz the pillow and blanket with an aromatherapy mist to create a chill atmosphere. To establish the mood, set up a projector against a blank wall to create your own movie theater. All that's left to do is pop up some popcorn, cuddle up, and enjoy hours upon hours of uninterrupted movie time.

02 of 10

Start a game night

Round up all the best puzzles and board games for two in your house for a super epic couple's game night. If you're tired of the same old Monopoly and Uno iterations, spice things up by personalizing it and getting to know your partner on a whole new level. Example: Create some questions and dares and write one on each Jenga block. When you play, whichever block you pull, you must answer the question.

You can also pull out your phone and quiz each other through online personality tests. Do you know your partner's Myers-Briggs personality type? How about his Hogwarts house? These fun questionnaires are sure to turn up the heat and have you both blurting out some juicy confessions. If both of you tend to get a nasty competitive streak, try looking for games where you have to work together, not against each other, to win, like Forbidden Island ($21, barnesandnoble.com).

03 of 10

Have a couple's spa night

A spa night is a perfect excuse not to feel guilty about lounging around in a robe all day. Start by lighting a few candles and crank up the romance by giving each other a massage with some scented oils.

After that, slap on some DIY face masks to have an at-home spa session worthy of the real deal. Finish it off by giving each other a relaxing foot massage.

04 of 10

Wine and dine

Turn on a romantic tune, light up some candles, and get ready to bond over an Aphrodite-approved menu. Whether you choose to use a food delivery service to deliver all the ingredients or whip up a romantic dinner for two using items you already have on hand. You'll appreciate the meal more, knowing you made it together.

For a fun twist, turn the cooking into a game by hosting your version of Chopped—choose a random ingredient and see who can best incorporate it into their dish. After, shut off all the lights (except for the candles) and enforce a fancy dress code to make it feel like a special occasion. No cell phones allowed!

05 of 10

Have a picnic on the floor

Munching on the same at-home snacks can get boring, so change things up with a picnic indoors. You can have picnic-like snacks like sliced cheese, fresh fruit, chips, and dip.

To make it more realistic, do everything you'd typically do, like prepare a picnic basket with your favorite picnic recipes and lay your checkered blanket on the floor. It's not exactly Central Park, but on the bright side, at least you won't have to worry about the weather.

06 of 10

Camp out in the living room

Our idea of a dream campout? One without the bugs and freezing temperatures. Solution: Create a pillow fort, or set up a tent and some sleeping bags in the living room to enact a campout with your beau.

Look up some scary stories, turn on the Netflix fireside stream (or fireplace, if you have one), and complete the experience with some indoor s'mores made in the oven or over a cast-iron skillet. It's a great way to unplug from all technology and get away without actually going anywhere.

07 of 10

Make a scrapbook

Craft time isn't just for the kids. Since your most recent memories together are probably things like hogging the bed sheets and not doing the dishes, taking a trip down memory lane is a great way to reconnect and rekindle some good memories. Invest in a good scrapbook or DIY a collage with a few of your favorite old photos.

08 of 10

Start a project

Turn what would have usually been a chore into a bonding date night activity by working with your partner to finish a home improvement project (you know, that one you've been meaning to get to when you have the time). Home projects become much more bearable when done together, from painting an accent wall to redecorating using items you already own.

09 of 10

Go on a virtual adventure

Many places offer free virtual tours that let you travel without physically visiting the locations. Catch a concert you've always dreamed of seeing on your couch, gush over adorable animals at the National Zoo, attend a virtual wine tasting, or class things up by exploring an art museum (like the Guggenheim or the Louvre).

10 of 10

Have a karaoke night

Singing out your favorite tunes is a great way to de-stress, let loose, and have a flirty dance session with your partner. If you want to go all out, get a karaoke machine—try the Singing Machine Bluetooth Pedestal Karaoke System ($229.99, singingmachine.com).

Alternatively, there are a bunch of apps on the app store, like Sing! Karaoke and Smule, so you can choose from a wide selection of hit songs.

Was this page helpful?