40+ Fantastic Stay at Home Date Ideas for Couples

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Stay-at-Home Date Ideas

Every couple needs time together. Date nights can be expensive, but they don’t have to be. Instead of going out, having a stay-at-home date is one way to save money while still having fun and getting quality time together.

In this article, we’ll look at more than 40 different stay-at-home date ideas for couples. Whether you want a romantic or fun evening, there is something for you. You may be looking for something to do on a Friday night or looking for stay-at-home anniversary ideas, and you’ll find plenty of possibilities. If you have kids, you can save the date for after the kids are in bed or get someone to watch the kids for you (preferably someplace else).

Since the cost of just about everything imaginable is increasing quickly, traditional dates may not fit into your budget right now. If that’s the case, don’t worry. There are plenty of budget-friendly date ideas here.

With this list of things to do, you’ll never be out of home date night ideas for time with your husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend. Most of the date ideas are indoor activities, but there are a few outdoor activities as well. Some are free, and others are cheap (or you can spend as much or as little as you want).

Date Night Ideas at Home Involving Food or Drinks

Most dates involve dinner and/or drinks, and there are plenty of ways to incorporate this into your home date night ideas too.

At-Home Date Ideas - Making Dinner Together

1. Make Dinner Together

Many dates involve eating dinner, but how about making dinner together as well? Make one of your favorite meals or try something new. There are so many recipes available online that there will always be countless options. It doesn’t have to be a fancy dinner, just something that you’ll both enjoy.

Are there any meals that you’ve been wanting to try, but you always feel so rushed to make something quickly? This is the perfect time to pick a meal that may not be so fast to prepare or cook. Block off the time and make an evening of it.

2. Have a Picnic

Enjoy a picnic on your deck or patio, or just throw a blanket out on the lawn. You can get takeout or just eat food you already have at home. If the weather is nice, this can be a great date idea. Depending on your yard and the view, you may be able to watch the sunset during your picnic.

And if the weather isn’t ideal, or if you have no yard or outdoor space, feel free to make it an indoor date. Through a blanket on the floor and you can have a picnic without even going outside.

Having a picnic as a date is easy to do (and cheap), but it’s unlikely to happen if you don’t schedule it or plan for it. Set aside some time and make your grocery list so you’ll have everything you need. You’ll love this stay-at-home date night idea!

3. Get Takeout or Delivery

Want to have a great dinner at home without doing the work to cook? Ordering takeout or delivery is a great option. It can be something as simple as pizza or an order from a favorite restaurant that you don’t get to very often. You can even order from a few places and make it a buffet.

This is one of the more popular date ideas since it’s easy, and you can have everything ready in no time. You don’t even need to plan in advance. Just pick something that you’ll both enjoy and spend some time together.

4. Themed Dinner and a Movie

Instead of just having dinner and watching a movie, you can turn it into a theme night where the dinner and movie correspond with each other somehow. You could make an international dinner and watch a movie set in that country. Or make a meal based on a scene from a movie. There are endless possibilities!

This fun at-home date is a change-up to the traditional dinner and a movie date. It’s also a perfect way to try something new. If you don’t want to do the cooking, there are plenty of places that will deliver food right to your door. This one also works well for a double date.

5. Make Fondue

Fondue can be a great meal, but it takes a lot of time. Everyday life is probably too hectic for fondue to be practical, but it’s perfect for when you have a free night, and you want to enjoy each other’s company and do something different.

Fondue is great because it’s something that you can share. You can also cook different things in the fondue and try them all. This is a fun date idea that will help you bond with your partner while trying new things.

6. Make S’mores

Buy some chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows, and make s’mores at home. You can use a fireplace, gas stovetop, or oven, or get a smores kit that makes it easy. This is a great date idea for winter or summer.

Making s’mores is a fun way to spend time together. It’s also a great way to get creative. Try different kinds of chocolate or experiment with other toppings.

7. Dessert Bar

Enjoy your favorite desserts any way you like them. Make ice cream sundaes, buy cake or pie, bake some brownies, or whatever you enjoy. You can purchase the desserts or make them together. This is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

This is another easy date idea that doesn’t require much planning. It’s also a great way to get creative and try new things. It’s also great for a double date because you can get even more variety.

8. Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting at Home

Visiting a winery can be a great idea, but you can do the same thing at home if you want to. Simply buy a few bottles of wine and sample several different kinds. If you don’t like wine, you can do a beer tasting or any other type of drink that you enjoy.

Wine tastings are a great way to learn about different kinds of wine. They’re also a perfect way to spend some time together. You can even make it a contest to see who can guess the most types of wine correctly.

Kitchn has some tips for hosting a wine tasting. Of course, you can adapt those suggestions to have the tasting just for two instead of inviting friends.

9. Make a Fancy Cocktail or Mocktail

One fun way to spend time together is by making a special drink. If you like cocktails, find a recipe online and make it together. If you don’t drink alcohol, mocktails are just as fun (and usually much easier and cheaper).

You can even turn this into a contest and see who can make the best cocktail or mocktail. This is a great way to get creative and have some fun.

10. Tasting Party

Take the idea of wine tasting and apply it to anything else you want to indulge in. It could be a different type of drink, food, or dessert. You could have an ice cream tasting with lots of different flavors. Or a cheese tasting with different kinds of cheese and bread. The possibilities are endless!

11. Drinks on the Patio or Deck

For a nice, relaxing evening, drinks on the porch, patio, or deck can be an excellent option. Simply relax outside and talk while enjoying your favorite drinks. If you can time it at or around sunset, it can be even better.

You can still enjoy this date idea inside if you don’t have a porch or patio. Just find a nice spot in your house where you can sit and relax together.

12. Make Breakfast in Bed

Breakfast in bed is a classic way to show your partner you care. It’s also a great way to relax and enjoy each other’s company. You can make anything the two of you enjoy for breakfast. If you’re not a morning person, you can always make breakfast for dinner instead.

Making breakfast in bed is a great way to show your partner how much you care about them. It’s also a perfect way to start the day off right.

Fun Stay-at-Home Date Ideas

If the main purpose of your date is to have fun and enjoy being together, here are some options.

Movie Date Night

13. Watch a Movie on Netflix or Amazon Prime

If you have a subscription to Netflix or Amazon Prime, you have plenty of movies and TV shows available at any time. A movie marathon is not the most creative date night idea, but it’s certainly an easy option that most couples will enjoy.

If you don’t have a Netflix or Prime subscription, another option is to rent from Redbox or even pull out one of your favorite movies on DVD you probably haven’t watched in years. You could also try these free TV apps to find entertainment.

→ Get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime here.

14. Backyard Movie Night

If it’s a nice night, why not take the movie outside? You can either project it onto a wall or screen (you might be surprised at how affordable projectors can be) or take a laptop outside and watch on the computer. This is an excellent idea for a fun date in the fall when the weather is nice. Don’t forget the popcorn and blankets!

15. Watch a Game Together

If you enjoy watching sports, you can watch a game together. Even if you’re not a huge fan, you may enjoy watching with your significant other. If you want to watch live sports, you’ll be at the mercy of your favorite team’s schedule, but you can always use a DVR, the WatchESPN app, or watch replays online.

16. Watch a Concert at Home

Going to a concert or show can be a great date (and we have some ideas that can help you get free concert tickets), but you have to put up with many other people.

For a fun date night, how about watching a live performance from one of your favorite bands from the comfort of your own home? You can easily find videos of live performances on YouTube or with a Google search, or you may even have a DVD of a concert from one of your favorite bands.

17. Video Game Night

If you have a video game console, you could consider having a video game night together. And if you don’t already have a console, you can get one of the retro systems for a very reasonable price (and many adults enjoy these games from their childhood more than the modern games anyway). You can play games together or turn it into something competitive.

18. Play Board Games or Card Games

Most of us have some board games and card games in the house, but when was the last time you played a game just the two of you? There are all kinds of options, and you can even get a new game (or pick up a cheap one at a yard sale if you want to save some money). You could also borrow games from family or friends. If you’re looking for cheap date ideas, this is one of the best options, and it’s still so much fun!

19. Do a Puzzle

Like games, puzzles can also be a lot of fun and are great for spending time together. And you probably already have a few of them in the house. This is another item that you can pick up at yard sales or thrift stores for very cheap.

20. DIY Photo Booth

Create your own photo book with fun props for an entertaining and memorable evening. Use a tripod and put your camera on a timer to take photos of yourselves. If you don’t have a tripod you can use something flat and stable to steady the camera. See this list of DIY photo props for the most fun, and there are also plenty of ideas that can be found on Pinterest.

21. Decorate for a Holiday

If a holiday is coming up, you can take some time and decorate the house together. This can be a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit. And on the practical side, you can check something off your to-do list while making a date out of it.

22. Indoor Camping

Set up a tent on the living room floor. You can bring sleeping bags as well. Use the time to relax and talk or watch a movie.

23. No Electricity Night

Turn off the lights and pretend the electricity is out. Only candles or flashlights, and no TV. This can be a fun way to change things up and make it feel like a special occasion. You can use this time to talk, play games by flashlight, or anything else.

24. Bonfire

Have a bonfire in your yard if you have a safe place. Otherwise, you can use a simple fire pit. Enjoy a relaxing evening sitting by the fire. You can also combine this with other ideas on the list, like s’mores or drinks.

25. Be Artistic

Do you enjoy painting or doing other types of artistic activities? If so, this will be one of your favorite date ideas. There are plenty of things you could do at home. You can paint a picture together, or you can each work on your own project. This can be a fun way to spend time together and see how creative you can be.

26. Karaoke

Turn up your favorite songs and have a karaoke party for just the two of you. If you’d like, you can pick up a home karaoke system without breaking the bank, but you can also sing to the music without a mic.

27. Have a Dance Party

If you’re not into singing, a dance party is another idea to enjoy some of your favorite songs. All you need to do is spend a few minutes creating a playlist, and you’ll be ready for this fun date idea. You can take turns picking songs or just let the music play.

28. Treasure Hunt

Hide little notes or gifts around the house for your partner to find. The clues can be anything from simple riddles to more complicated puzzles. This is a great way to add excitement and mystery to your date night. It’s also simple and inexpensive.

29. Go on a Virtual Vacation

If you can’t afford (or don’t have the time) to take an actual vacation, you can take a virtual vacation instead. Look up some travel videos on YouTube or find some pictures online of places you’d like to visit. You can also find travel-related movies or documentaries on Netflix. Then spend an evening planning your dream trip together.

Romantic Home Date Night Ideas

Looking for some romance? Here are some inexpensive ideas you can do at home.

30. Candlelight Dinner

You don’t need to go out for a fancy dinner to enjoy a romantic evening. You can cook a nice meal at home and light candles to set the mood. This is possibly the most common romantic date night idea, but for good reason. A romantic dinner is always nice.

31. Spa at Home

Re-create the enjoyment of the spa, but keep it at home. You can do everything from face masks to massages, to a foot soak, to a bubble bath without leaving home. This article, How to Have a Spa Day at Home, is a good starting point for spa night ideas.

32. Hotel at Home

Do you love staying in hotel rooms? If so, how about setting up your own bedroom to feel like a fancy hotel room? Clean up the clutter to make your room feel more like a hotel. You order “room service” (delivery) and get an ice bucket and a bottle of champagne. This is an expensive date, but it can be so much fun.

33. Look at the Stars

On a clear night, you can sit or lie outside together and watch the stars. There’s not much that is more relaxing. If you don’t know much about astronomy, you can download one of the many available stargazing apps. Of course, the further you live from a city, the better this will be because of light pollution.

Date Ideas for Communicating with Each Other

Talking is also a great way to spend time together for a date night at home. Whether you’re just getting to know each other or enjoying being with a long-time partner, here are some ideas that involve plenty of communication.

Happy Couple Talking

34. Talk About Your Plans and Dreams

Just take some time to talk to each other about your plans and dreams for your lives together in the near or distant future. It can involve vacations you’d like to take, plans for your dream house, career aspirations, family plans, or anything else that impacts your life.

35. Plan a Vacation

Take some time together to plan an upcoming vacation. Planning may not be on everyone’s list of favorite ideas for a date, but some couples will enjoy it. Research different things to do wherever you’ll be traveling, and find some fun options.

36. Make a Travel List

Instead of planning, talk about the places you’d like to visit together and make a list. You can use this list to help you decide on vacations in the future. Of course, you can always add new dream trip ideas to the list and cross off other places as you visit them.

37. Make a Bucket List

Your bucket list of things you want to do in your lifetime will probably include travel, so there is some crossover with the previous point, but there will also be plenty of other things you want to do aside from travel. This can be a great activity to get to know each other, or if you already know each other very well, it can be a great way to set some goals for things that you want to do.

38. Take a Personality Test or Love Languages Test

Taking a test may not sound like a lot of fun, but how about the type of test that you can’t fail? There are many different personality tests that you can take (see this list of free ones), or you can try the love language test. These tests can actually be fun, and you’ll learn something about each other.

39. Play a Conversation Starter Game

How about taking time to talk and ask each other questions? If you’re struggling with a lack of ideas, pick up a book with plenty of questions to get you started. Several games were created to be conversation starters.

40. Play Would You Rather

Rrather is a fun, free website with many thought-provoking questions (one of the best date night games). Go through them together and take turns answering for a fun date.

41. Walk and Talk

Ok, this one is not for a date inside your house, but you won’t need to drive anywhere. If the weather is nice, you can walk together through your neighborhood and talk.

Walking is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. It’s also a great way to spend time together while still being able to talk and enjoy each other’s company. You can walk around your neighborhood, go to a local park, or even hike if you’re feeling adventurous.

This is one of the easiest date ideas since it doesn’t require any planning or preparation. You can just put on your shoes and go!

42. Tell Each Other Stories

Whether you’re telling stories from your childhood or about things that have happened recently, this is stay-at-home date idea is a great way to get to know each other better. If you want to make it more fun, take turns telling stories and try to make each story funnier than the last one.

43. Question Game

You can find plenty of games online, but here’s a simple one you can play without any preparation. Take turns asking each other questions. The only rule is that you have to answer the question truthfully. You can ask anything from “What’s your biggest fear?” to “What is your favorite memory?”

Dates That Bring Back Memories

What better way to spend time together than by enjoying good times from the past? Here are some ways to use your at-home date night to reminisce. These are great for married couples and others who have been together for a long time.

Couple Looking at Photo Album

44. Watch Home Videos

If you’re like most couples/families you probably have a lot of fun memories captured on video, but you rarely watch them. Why not take a night to watch some of your favorite videos together (even your wedding video)? It’s completely free and a great way to spend time together.

45. Look at Old Photos

How often do you go back and look at your old photos? If you’re like me, not very often. Take some time and look at photos of you together as a couple, or look at photos of each of you growing up.

You probably have a lot of photos on your phone, camera, or computer that have never been printed. This could be a great time to go through photos as a couple and pick out some that you’d like to print.

46. Create a Photo Book

Go through your photos and create a photo book together. It can be photos from a particular trip or time, or a collection of random photos of your time together. Use an online service like Shutterfly, Mixbook, or Blurb to easily create a beautiful photo book.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do at home for a date?

The are many possibilities for a fun date night at home including making dinner together, ordering takeout, enjoying a candlelight dinner, themed dinner and a movie, watching a concert or a game together, having a bonfire, or recreating a spa experience at home. Of course, there are many others as well, but these are just a few examples of ideas for an at-home date night.

How can I make a stay-at-home date night special?

The best way to make it special is to do something that your partner will enjoy, and something that you don’t do very often. There are plenty of date ideas covered in this article, so you’re sure to find something that fun and exciting.

What can couples do for fun at home?

There are plenty of date ideas for a fun evening at home. It’s just a matter of choosing something that you’ll enjoy as a couple. You could make dinner, enjoy a movie, play games, do a puzzle, plan a vacation, look at the stars, and more.

How can I be romantic on a low budget?

Making a candlelight dinner at home is a romantic date night idea that won’t bust the budget. Other possibilities include creating a spa day at home, recreating a hotel at home, and stargazing.

What can couples do for free?

There are lots of free and cheap date night ideas for couples, including many things you can do without leaving the house. Consider options like playing a board game, watching a game or concert, planning a vacation, looking at old photos, and telling stories.

What can couples do during quarantine?

If you’re stuck at home, don’t worry, there are plenty of home date night ideas for couples. Try making a meal together, making cocktails or mocktails, watching a backyard movie, playing games, camping indoors, or even creating a bucket list.

Final Thoughts on Stay-at-Home Date Ideas

Dates don’t have to be expensive or even require leaving your house. You can have a lot of fun without spending much money (or any money at all). I hope this list of stay-at-home date ideas gives you some great options. Regular date nights have many benefits, so be sure to make it a priority. Now, all that’s left is setting aside the time for your date night ideas and making it happen.


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  • Commission-free trades of stocks and ETFs
  • Buy and sell 25+ different cryptocurrencies
  • Fractional shares
  • Access alternative investments
  • High-yield treasuries accounts
  • Social community of investors
  • User-friendly interface
  • Commission-free trades of stocks, ETFs, options, and ADRs
  • Powerful screening and charting tools
  • Free real-time level 2 data
  • User-friendly mobile app
  • AI monitoring
  • AI-powered price forecasts
  • Free investing courses
  • Commission-free trades of stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrency
  • Buy fractional shares for any amount
  • Extended trading hours
  • Advanced reporting tools
  • Schedule recurring investments
  • IRAs now available
  • 24/7 customer service

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