Valentine’s Day is a classic Hallmark holiday that everyone either loves or hates. Whatever your opinion, there’s a way for you to still enjoy the day no matter how high-key or low-key you want to be. Sometimes going out on a fancy date for Valentine’s Day might seem too basic. If you’re stuck on conjuring up a innovative date night, whether you’ve been dating for years or you two aren’t even official yet, these 7 date night ideas are sure to keep things interesting.
Discover a New Diner
Going to a new diner is always a memorable experience. It’s super casual, so you don’t have to worry about dressing up. It’s the perfect place to comfortably sit and talk for hours, which is exactly what you need if you’re just getting to know each other. Order a bunch of different dishes for the both of you to pick at. Who says you can’t mix breakfast food with dinner food? Get whatever your heart desires, even if that’s mozzarella sticks, french toast, grilled cheese, and milkshakes.
Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Leave hints around town that will lead your boyfriend or girlfriend to a final gift! Leave little trinkets in places that matter to you, like where you met, where you first kissed, your favorite place to hang out, and so on. A scavenger hunt is a fun little game to play, and you can get as crazy and creative as you want with it.
Make Your Own Meals at Home
There’s nothing wrong with staying in on Valentine’s Day! Go shopping during the day (or the night before) for all of the ingredients and supplies that you’ll need. Enjoy each other’s company by cooking your favorite meals or trying a new recipe. Once the food is ready you can eat and watch a movie together. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert! Check out Tasty, Delish, and Spoon University for inspiration and recipes.
Document Your Date With an Instant Camera
Instead of going to a fancy restaurant and leaving with an expensive check, spend your money on an instant camera instead! You can buy a Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 for around $60. The pocket-sized pictures print out immediately after taking the photo. Go on a long drive and have a competition to see who can find the most scenic area. It’ll leave you with tangible memories of your date night, plus you get to keep the camera!
Explore the City
Almost everyone finds fun in an adventure and luckily adventure awaits in our backyard, New York City! Make a bucket list of all the places you want to eat and things you want to see in the city. Spend a short amount of time at each place so that you’re able to complete everything on the list. You can get appetizers and drinks at one restaurant, dessert at another, and then see your favorite landmarks or monuments. This is also perfect to do with someone that you’re just getting to know!
Get Lost in a Museum
If either of you enjoy looking at artwork (which is actually a lot more exciting than it sounds), then get tickets to a museum. They’re usually relatively cheap, and most museums offer student discounts. You can stay local and visit the Montclair Art Museum, or you can travel to the city and stop by the Museum of Modern Art, The American Museum of Natural History, or The Metropolitan Museum of Art. If you’re feeling really into it, there’s also the option of going to the Museum of Sex.
Get Physical
Last but not least, you can do something physical with your date! Bowling is an all-time favorite, and seems to be a lot easier than ice-skating for some. Take a fun exercise class together, or if you feel like being challenged, take a dance class together. You can break a sweat, yet still spend quality time with your partner.
These 7 date ideas are sure to keep your Valentine’s Day exciting. I’m sure your date will be thinking about you even after you go home. Then, when you get a go out for the second time, try one of the other suggestions!