32 Indoor Date Ideas That You And Your S.O. Will Actually Enjoy

Date night's canceled and moved inside.

So, you planned an epic date with your crush to walk around town and attend an outdoor concert tonight… but now it’s pouring rain and everything’s been canceled. Or maybe you’ve been planning a cute date with your long-term partner, but you're both feeling under the weather (or uninterested in draining your wallet) this weekend. Whatever the situation, being stuck inside can feel like a buzzkill—but it doesn’t have to be. Fortunately, there are many indoor date ideas that can still be cozy, fun, and meaningful.

“Date nights are vital to the joy and excitement of any relationship,” says Nikki Coleman, PhD, a clinical psychologist and sex therapist based in Houston. Scheduling quality time is important for anyone who wants to sustain a meaningful romantic bond, she says—especially if you’ve been in a relationship for a while or things have gotten a little too routine lately.

“Life is busy and stressful, [which means] couples get overly focused on the responsibilities of their lives rather than the connection and intimacy they need and deserve,” Coleman explains. “The same energy that brought the couple together can fizzle over time. Dates are the opportunity to invest in fueling the curiosity, joy, passion, flirtation, and exciting energy that existed at the start of the relationship.”

Whether it’s a low-key Netflix and chill afternoon or a cuddle sesh, a date is what you make it—anything can count! “Date nights are more about the gesture and effort than the location,” says Michele Leno, PhD, a licensed psychologist and owner of DML Psychological Services. “Of course going out to a fancy restaurant or concert is fun, however, it is possible to have a memorable date night at home.” To make sure it’s special, she recommends setting a time for the date (just like you would at a restaurant!) and getting dressed up (even if it just means swapping your pajamas for real clothes).

Also, just because you’re indoors doesn’t mean your date can’t be interesting. “Don’t let an indoor date feel any less special or exciting than a big event outside of the home,” Coleman says. Plus, there are levels of flirting, physical connection, and sexual chemistry that are easier to explore indoors, she adds—so take advantage of the physical proximity, even if being indoors isn’t exactly your favorite thing.

Need a little inspiration? Here are 32 indoor date ideas for when you’re stuck inside, according to licensed therapists.

Play a Game Together Playing a game can be a great option for when you’re stuck indoors, says Kelsey Latimer, PhD, a licensed psychologist, registered nurse, and founder of KML Psychological Services. “There’s nothing like grabbing a silly game and sitting around the table with some fun snacks and just letting go,” she explains. “People start getting in touch with their ‘inner child,’ and the laughter can become contagious.”

If two players aren’t enough for the games you have in mind, invite friends over and make it a group game night or a fun double date. “This is a fantastic option for the couple that needs to have some fun and connect with others,” Latimer says. “What’s also great about this is that it allows anyone who might have some social anxiety to have an opportunity for distraction, instead of the focus being solely on conversation.”
Have a Movie Night Movie nights are classic for a reason, so find your favorite film and snuggle up for a sweet date together. “Create a mini home theater with cozy blankets and pillows,” suggests Jamie Genatt, LCSW, a psychotherapist and owner of Realistic Remedies. “Pick a couple of your favorite movies or watch something you've both been wanting to see. Don't forget the popcorn!”
Plan an Indoor Picnic If you were hoping to eat some yummy food in the park today but the weather is less than ideal, get creative and take the adventure indoors instead. “Lay out a picnic blanket in your living room, prepare finger foods, and have an indoor picnic,” Genatt suggests. “You can even play soft music in the background to set the mood.” You may have to brave the bad weather on your way to the grocery store, but once you’re nice and comfy inside, this date will be totally worth it.
Do an At-Home Wine Tasting While you’re enjoying your homemade charcuterie board, why not sip some wine, too? “A virtual wine tasting is fun and stress-free,” says Leno. She recommends searching for online classes or even finding a specific sommelier to guide you virtually, in real time. You may have to book this date idea in advance, but imagine how fun it’ll be to taste wine from the comfort of your home without having to go anywhere. Yes, please!
Plan a Technology-Free Evening When you’re stuck indoors, you may get the impulse to whip out your phone and start scrolling right away. But taking a screen break can make your date feel even more intimate—no matter what exact date idea you decide on, says Latimer. “Put the technology away and turn off the television,” she suggests. “And most importantly, listen and be present. Most of the time, what creates romance is mindfully tuning into the other person and being present.”
Try Yoga or Meditation Together If you and your partner struggle to be present with each other, try a virtual yoga or meditation class together for a healthy challenge. The Insight Timer app is great for anyone who wants to cultivate more mindfulness, and you can find hundreds of yoga videos on YouTube, like Yoga With Adriene, which has tons of beginner-friendly options. On your next indoor date night, try one of these calming activities and notice what it’s like to enjoy rest and relaxation with your partner.
Take a Workout Class If high intensity, adrenaline-pumping dates are more your speed, why not take a workout class together? Similar to yoga and meditation classes, you can explore virtual workouts just about anywhere these days—from your favorite instructors on Instagram to apps like Apple Fitness+ and Peloton. Getting your sweat on together can be fun (and kinda hot?!)—plus, a little friendly competition never hurt anyone. Challenge your partner to a push-up contest, if you dare.
Get Creative with Arts and Crafts When in doubt, tap into your inner artist together—and try to let go of perfectionism while doing it. “Get creative by painting, drawing, or doing crafts together,” Genatt says. “You don't have to be artists to enjoy this—it’s about having fun and expressing yourselves!” Whether you grab a classic paint-by-number from the store, make a collage out of old magazine clippings, or make fun creations for each other with clay or other materials, the possibilities are endless.
Cook a Meal Together Genatt also recommends cooking brunch or dinner together for your next indoor date. “Choose a new recipe or a favorite dish you both love, and cook it together,” she says. You can also set the mood to make it extra special. “The act of cooking together can be quite intimate. Light some candles, set the table nicely, and enjoy your homemade meal.”

Cooking together might seem intimidating if you don’t know each other well, or if this is your first date ever with a new person. But on the bright side, cooking together can teach you a lot about the person you’re with. The activity allows you to be creative, collaborative, and open-minded as you taste what you’ve made. So, give the cooking date a go—it could be awesome!
Hire a Personal Chef If you and your partner are exhausted from cooking constantly and never want to look at your kitchen again, Leno recommends another fun, equally yummy date idea: hiring a private chef for a night. “Having a chef come to your home has a romantic feel and it allows you to chill while someone else does the heavy lifting,” she says. Plus, they’re pros for a reason. Get ready to enjoy a scrumptious meal.
Have a Cuddle Sesh No matter what circumstances prevented you from leaving the house today, take it as an excuse to cuddle with your person. This can be super sweet and intimate, especially if you go tech-free and really focus on your partner, explains Coleman. “Take time to really just be in your partner’s energetic space,” she says. “Be fully present with each other and in your own body for ultimate pleasure.” Cuddling feels great in itself and can be a great form of non-sexual intimacy—or, it can lead to a spicy night you’ll both remember. A true win-win.
Write Letters to Each Other When was the last time you expressed how much you appreciate your partner? If you’re stuck indoors with nowhere to go, try writing each other a thoughtful note. “Take some time to write love letters to each other,” Genatt says. “Share your feelings, memories, and what you love about one another.” Reading the letters can be romantic, too, Genatt adds. So, for an extra intimate touch, you can exchange letters and take turns reading them—even out loud—or opt to read them to each other to show how much you care.
Read a Book Together If you and your partner are total bookworms, this date idea is for you. “Pick a book to read aloud to each other, or take turns reading chapters,” Genatt says. “This can be a cozy and intimate activity that sparks interesting conversations.” To get the inspiration flowing, you can make a list of books you’d like to read together, or maybe you read each other’s favorite books, then talk about them later.
Or, Read Erotica If you’re looking to spice things up with your partner, try reading a sexy book together. “For people that want to infuse a bit of passion, I recommend listening to or reading erotica together,” Coleman says. “It’s a way to spark a bit of fantasy and explore the world of intimacy together.” For many people, talking about sex and intimacy can be awkward or anxiety-inducing. “However, listening to erotica or reading erotica can help support couples in opening up about their desires and pleasure, allowing the couple to become more intimate,” Coleman explains. To get started, check out Anais Nin, who’s known for her sensual poetry and erotica.
Play Music Together No matter your musical skill level, playing or listening to music with your partner can be fun, silly, and romantic. “Pick up an instrument and make some music together,” Genatt suggests. “If you're not musically inclined, create playlists of your favorite songs and have a mini concert or dance party.” Making a playlist for each other can be super sweet, too. When you listen to songs your partner loves, you get to know them in a new way—and you might just find a new favorite song to jam to together.
Have a Themed Dinner Party If you’re tired of your same-old-same-old dinner ideas, spice things up by adding a theme. “Pick a theme, such as Italian, Mexican, or even a decade like the '80s, and plan a dinner around it,” Genatt suggests. “Decorate the dining area, dress up, and enjoy a themed dinner party together.” A few popular themed dinner options include:
- Italian: pasta, breadsticks, bruschetta, pizza, chicken parmesan, Italian wine
- Mexican: tacos, burritos, nachos, churros, margaritas
- Breakfast: pancakes, waffles, scrambled eggs, hash browns, mimosas
- Picnic: sandwiches, chips, pasta salad, lemonade
- Vegan: stuffed peppers, roasted chickpeas, lentil soup, fruit salad
- 80s: bagel bites, spinach dip, fondue, nachos, shrimp cocktail
Do a Puzzle Together For a relaxing and rewarding way to spend your indoor date night, pull out a puzzle and get to work! “Solve a puzzle together,” Genatt says. “This can be a fun and relaxing way to spend time together and work on something as a team.” You can buy a puzzle from your favorite store, or even make one yourselves. There are sites, like Zazzle, that let you customize puzzles with your favorite photos. A photo of you and your partner from your last beach trip, as a puzzle? Perfect.
Watch a Sports Game This one’s perfect for sports fans, says Genatt: “Pick a game to watch together, whether it's your favorite team or a sport you both enjoy.” You can cheer for your favorite players or maybe make a game out of watching: Whoever guesses the most correct plays before they happen can choose dessert.
Try a DIY Home Improvement Project This is an easy way to bond and make your home a better place in the process, says Genatt. “Work on a home improvement project together,” she suggests. “Whether it's painting a room, building furniture, or organizing a space, working together can be a rewarding experience.” Plus, home improvement projects can show you how well you collaborate, even when things don’t go as planned. (You got this!)
Plan Your Future Together Have you talked about your future with your partner yet? If not, try it on your next indoor date night. “Create a vision board or list of goals for your future together,” Genatt suggests. “This can be a great way to bond and align your aspirations.” Maybe you make a list of all the places you want to travel to, the foods you want to try together, or your long-term relationship goals—think: when you want to get married, buy a house, or move in together. Anything that inspires you counts!
Go on a Virtual Tour Did you know that many museums offer virtual tours these days? For a creative and educational indoor date, go on a virtual tour together from the comfort of your home. “Explore museums, landmarks, or even places you've never been,” Genatt suggests. You can try The Louvre for starters, and then maybe move on to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History or the Guggenheim. The possibilities are endless.
Play Video Games Grab your favorite snacks, take turns playing the classics, and have a blast! “Playing video games can be a great bonding experience, especially if you both enjoy gaming,” says Genatt. Don’t worry if you don’t have the latest consoles, either. Grab your phone or computer, and see what mobile games you can play with your partner instead—House Party, for example, has several fun group games. You got this!
Write a Story Together Get creative and try writing a story together! Whether you’re working on a rom-com, an action-packed thriller, or a heartfelt memoir, writing together can be a great way to build intimacy and get closer to each other. “Take turns writing paragraphs or chapters of a story, and see where it goes,” Genatt suggests. “This can be a fun and creative activity that allows you to share your imagination with each other.” When you’re finished, share what you came up with or read your story aloud.
Do a TikTok Dance No matter how active you and your partner are, you can always find a fun TikTok dance to try on your next indoor date night. TikTok has dances for every music genre, fitness level, and style, so you can take your pick. “This can be a fun and lighthearted activity that gets you moving and laughing together,” Genatt explains. (Plus, there’s a good chance you’ll go viral if you nail it, so try your best!)
Watch the Sunset or Sunrise The only thing better than watching the sunset or sunrise? Watching it with your partner! “Find a cozy spot with a view, and watch the sun rise or set,” Genatt says. “This can be a beautiful and calming experience to share together.” Whether you’re starting or ending your day together, you’ll get to take in nature’s beauty without even having to leave the house.
Try a New Hobby Together Want to learn something new? Why not try it with your partner? “Pick a new hobby to try together, such as knitting, painting, or gardening,” Genatt says. “Learning something new can be a great way to bond and have fun.” Plus, you’ll end the day with a sense of accomplishment and a new skill—what could be better?
Play ‘Would You Rather’ This is a fun way to get to know your partner better while also having a blast. “Play a game of ‘Would You Rather’ and see where the conversation takes you,” Genatt suggests. “You might learn new things about each other!” Not sure where to start? Check out this list of fun ‘Would You Rather’ questions to get started.
Make a Scrapbook If you and your partner have lots of photos together, why not turn them into a beautiful scrapbook? “Create a scrapbook of your memories together,” Genatt says. “This can be a fun and creative way to reminisce about your time together and look forward to future adventures.” You can find a simple scrapbook at your local craft store, and then add in your favorite photos, ticket stubs, and other mementos.
Take a Bubble Bath A bubble bath is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a long day. “Create a spa-like atmosphere with candles, soft music, and a bubble bath,” Genatt suggests. “This can be a romantic and relaxing way to spend time together.” You can even add in some essential oils or bath bombs for an extra touch of luxury.
Do a Virtual Escape Room If you and your partner love solving puzzles, a virtual escape room is a great way to spend your indoor date night. “Try a virtual escape room and work together to solve the puzzles,” Genatt says. “This can be a fun and challenging way to bond and test your problem-solving skills.” You can find virtual escape rooms online, or check out your favorite local escape room’s website to see if they offer virtual options.
Have a Karaoke Night Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just looking to have some fun, a karaoke night is a great way to let loose and have a blast. “Sing your hearts out with a karaoke night at home,” Genatt suggests. “You can find karaoke tracks on YouTube or use a karaoke machine if you have one.” Don’t worry if you’re not a great singer—the goal is to have fun and make memories together.
Create a Time Capsule For a unique and meaningful indoor date, create a time capsule together. “Fill it with items that represent your relationship and your hopes for the future,” Genatt says. “This can be a fun and sentimental activity that you can look back on in the years to come.” You can include photos, letters, mementos, and anything else that’s meaningful to you and your partner.

Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy each other's company and make the most of your time together. Whether you're playing games, cooking, or just cuddling, these indoor date ideas are sure to bring you closer and create lasting memories.

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32 Indoor Date Ideas That You And Your S.O. Will Actually Enjoy

32 Indoor Date Ideas That You And Your S.O. Will Actually Enjoy