8 free date night ideas for couples stuck indoors

Stuck indoors for date night? Don’t fret – there are still plenty of fun, free things couples can do together without needing to put even a toe off the property. Here are 8 of our favourite suggestions, along with some ideas to get you started.

Read more: 8 free activities for bored kids stuck indoors

1) COOK

Cooking is always an adventure – why not take your partner along too? Explore different cultures without taking a step outside by frying up some iconic kai, or experiment a little and create something entirely unique by using up what’s already in the pantry.

And, if you’re hankering for some comfort food to ease the burden of your lockdown, why not make your own takeaway together? Individually customised pizzas are always a good shout.

Whatever you decide, cooking together gives you some time to yourselves and a shared goal (tasty grub) to work towards.

Here are some recipe ideas to get you started.

2) STARGAZE

You might not be able to go to the park for a moonlit picnic, but you can still enjoy the stars above from your garden or balcony.

Our recommendation is for you to each choose a couple of easy constellations and see if you can spot them – then show them to your partner. Bonus points if you can tell the story behind them as well!

Alternatively, if you’re technologically inclined, try downloading one of the many constellation-identifying apps and see what you can discover from the comfort of your yard.

Here are a few New Zealand constellations and identifying apps to get you started.

3) LISTEN

You can’t stop the music, not even with a lockdown! Many big bands and big names are choosing to stream concerts for free to keep people’s spirits up during the quarantine. And what better way is there to spend your date night than jamming out to the tunes you both love?

Or if you’re feeling adventurous, try listening to something neither you nor your partner have heard before. The live performance of some bands might be enough to win you over.

There are a lot of options, but here’s a short list to get you started.

4) CAMP

Get away from it all with a casual camping date night in the garden. Set up tents, get the firepit going, roast some marshmallows.

And if you don’t have a garden, or don’t have the right equipment? Set up a ‘tent’ in the living room with sheets and pillows. If you can’t get outside, bring the outside in!

For bonus points, combine this with the Stargaze activity.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

5) REMINISCE

Take this indoors-only date night as an opportunity to get back to your relationship’s roots: to reminisce over the most important bits of your time together with your partner.

Try making a scrapbook out of old photos, make a video talking about the day that you met, or write each other letters on what you remember about the early days. Turn those memories into something tangible – and the next time you’re stuck indoors? Keep on adding to it and create a lasting memory box.

Here’s a quick guide to get you started scrapbooking, but remember: this is your story. Feel free to ‘colour outside the lines’.

6) BUILD

Date nights don’t have to be all lit candles and slow grooves. Sometimes, if you’re stuck indoors, it’s best to get stuck into something hands-on.

Making something together doesn’t just spark conversation and co-operation, it leaves you both with something to remember the experience by. It could be a puzzle, some kind of craft, even doing some needed repairs around the house: there are few feelings better than looking at a new shelf and remembering the time you and your partner coordinated putting it up together.

The only limits are your imagination, but here are a few ideas to get you started.

7) SWEAT

A good workout can do wonders for the body and mind, especially if you’re stuck indoors. Pair up for the experience and you get double the enjoyment! If you’re a fitness fanatic and your partner is less so, why not share your regular workout with them? If you’re both regulars, try swapping them—it’s always fun to see a weights person try a cardio workout and vice versa.

And, if neither of you are particularly sporty, this is the perfect opportunity to get a fitness partner from the very start and improve your health together. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

8) PLAN

What’s better than going on a great date night? Planning the great date night – or several!

If you and your partner are stuck indoors, this is a great chance to have a think about all the fun things you’re going to do together once you’re able to head out again.

Make a list, maybe even a calendar, and you’ll never have to worry about thinking up a fun date night idea again!