You can never go too wrong with a classic wining and dining, or even Netflix and chill – but why not try something a little different? Impress your date this Valentine’s with one of our creative date night ideas.
For a successful date (and hopefully a second one), take the time to find out what your partner enjoys. Equally important is choosing something you’ll enjoy as well. The more relaxed you are, the smoother the date night should go.
Whether this is a first date or your hundreth date, take your pick from these 14 creative date night ideas… and thank us later.
1. Attend a stand-up comedy show
Okay, live stand-up comedy can be a total hit or miss. Either way, you will be sure to come out laughing somewhat. Just don’t blame us if it’s from sheer awkwardness. We jest.
“If love is the treasure, laughter is the key.” – Yakov Smirnoff
Now go forth and find a comedy night that fits your interests. Are you and your date anti-Valentines? There are plenty of comedians ready to divulge about the pains of a relationship.
Top tips: If you don’t want to be picked on (and humiliated in front of your date), then we suggest you don’t arrive late, sit far back enough so they can’t spot you, and do not heckle!
2. Have a "sports" night
What local sports activities are on offer? If you're not a team player, try an active activity like rock climbing, bouldering, or trampolining, to get the blood flowing and the endorphins running. This one is great for ensuring you both leave the date on a high.
If neither of you is that into playing sports, consider watching sports instead. That same adrenaline rush can be acheived by watching a sports team. The competitive streaks will be sure to come out, and you can learn a lot about your potential or significant other that way.
3. Take a dance class
Where do we start? The sensuality of salsa. The passion of tango. The intimacy of waltz. Maybe swing or jiving is more your vibe. Whatever your level of experience, a creative date night of dancing is for you to let loose and have some fun – with the added bonus of intimate non-sexual touching!
Not feeling like a dance class – alternatively, hit up your favourite club and dance the night away.
The way you move your body may very well inspire some moves for after the date.
4. Create a “foreplay menu”
Dinner reservations are great. But a menu you both get to design AND order from is where things get interesting.
Grab a few scraps of paper and write 6–10 “courses” you’d both actually enjoy. A sensual massage, oral sex, a shower together, the sky is the limit here.
Then fold the papers, toss them into a bowl, and take turns drawing a piece of paper.
Top tips: Mix safe bets with 1 wildcard, and set a “no pressure” rule. Anything can be swapped, skipped, or saved for next time.
Want to add a little extra sparkle to the menu? Create a card that includes a vibrator in foreplay activities like mutual masturbation or teasing via remote control.
5. Hit a karaoke bar
Just as dancing can set the mood, duets can be a great bonding experience. Remember you don’t have to be a good singer to enjoy Karaoke. Prepare a couple of your favourites in the shower beforehand, and sip some dutch courage, so you don’t get cold feet!
6. Have fun at a fair
It may be a cheesy classic from the movies, but this creative date night idea is sure to win a couple of brownie points.
Treat your date to some cotton candy, or show off your coconut throwing skills, and win them a giant cuddly toy! Get up close and personal on the ghost train, but don’t do too many spinning rides, or you may have to cut your night short!
7. Explore a night at the museum
In most cities, you can find galleries and museums that open up to the public after hours. This creative date night idea will leave you feeling pretty cultured and give you something to talk about when you inevitably bag the next date.
Not sure where to look? TimeOut has some great suggestions for late-night culture in London.
8. Take or create your own walking tour
Walking and talking are great ways to get to know someone, but also some place. Become a tourist in your own city. Find an organised walking tour. Or go totally rogue and plan your own.
Stroll, flaneur and get utterly lost in your own city. Thanks to smartphones you should still be able to find your way home. Just pack a portable charger, do a bit of research beforehand and pick a part of the city that you know has a lot of history or culture for the perfect creative date night.
9. Enjoy a sunset hike
Find a good spot with a view. Maybe hike to the top of a hill and watch the sun set. You may just see the glow of your city’s light pollution. Either way, this creative date night idea is a pretty romantic gesture.
A couple of things to pack: A picnic blanket, a couple of torches for the way back, a thermal (or hip) flask of your favourite beverage, and, of course, snacks.
10. Swing
So, swinging could mean a couple of things. We’ve already mentioned a swinging dance class. You could watch a swing jazz band. Swing on a swing set together in the park. Or, maybe, you guessed it – attend a swingers party.
Unless you found your date through one of these kinky dating apps, maybe save this one for an adventurous night or an established partner.
Pleasure Island Parties are for the super sensual swingers. Welcoming for beginners to pros, the night’s begins with a “guided touch tour” to help you get in the mood.
Killing Kittens‘ parties are designed for you curious kittens out there, they host a range of events, the most popular being for couples and single women keen to explore their bi-curiosity and threesome fantasies.
Or for those on the more BDSM end of the spectrum, take a tantalising trip to Torture Garden and dive straight into the sex dungeons in your PVC suit.
Once you’ve had your fun exploring the outside world, you may want to bring the creative date night ideas back home.
11. Play an adult games night
Not all games are bored games (pun intended). But seriously, board games and puzzles don’t have to be reserved for a rainy day. If that's your thing, there's great fun in that. Or, get techy with MMO games on the Wii or other platforms with your partner.
Download the Desire app for games designed for couples, including sending truth or dares, and “shaking your phone for a quickie”. You compete with each other for points to send “spicier dares”.
If you are a more analog, old school kinda game couple, the MysteryVibe Playcards offer an adult spin on your regular PG card games with games like Risque Roulette or Pick A Vibe. These beautifully illustrated cards offer new, creative sex positions to try. Learn how each erotic game unlocks desire and encourages discovery in a new way. Whether you own a MysteryVibe vibrator or not, you can still play along with any vibrator or sex toy.
12. Get down with DIY crafts
Get your creativity flowing with crafts! Prepare by purchasing some materials from your local art store. Paper, pens, paint. You name it. Become a kid again and just play. Or turn up the heat with some clay and recreate that oh-so-steamy scene from the film 'Ghost'.
There will be no judgment of your creative skills, and you can take away something more than just a memory from your date night. On a better note, you may want to gift your creation to your date as a Valentine’s gift.
13. Cook together
The best way to someone’s heart? Through their stomach, of course. Depending on how great your date goes, this one could translate into a midnight feast. Cooking together can be a totally bonding experience too! Indulge in these natural aphrodisiac foods, and rustle up something delicious to drool over…or even incorporate into your sex life.
If sploshing is your thing, you may want to feed each other and even lick delicious flavours off different parts of your body.
There is even a whole “luxury” fetish called “body sushi”. Nyotaimori is the Japanese practice of eating sushi off of a woman’s body, and Nantaimori involves eating sushi off of a man’s.
14. Enjoy a spa evening
Book yourselves into a spa, dip into the jacuzzi, and finish with a couple’s massage for a most blissful evening.
Alternatively, you can create a wonderfully relaxing spa experience from the comfort of your own home. Put on some calming music, light some scented candles. Seduce your partner with a sensual massage during your DIY spa evening.
Takeaway
Valentine’s dates don’t have to be complicated to be memorable. The real win is choosing something that helps you both relax, laugh, and lean into connection - whether that’s a comedy night, a sunset hike, or a “foreplay menu” you design together at home. However, date night is the appetizer to Valentine’s Day, so if you’re ready for the entrée, here are ways to make your Valentine’s Day truly orgasmic.
