40 Amazing Date Night Ideas for People Over 40

If you've been dating a while, it's a good bet you've probably already exhausted your backlog of date night ideas. Coffee bar? Check. State fair? You've been to every one in a three-state radius. Wine bar? No thanks. But you needn't get discouraged. Remember: Going on dates should be fresh and exciting, not cookie-cutter and trite. (Yeah, that means dinner-and-a-movie is on the outs.)

So, to help you break the mold, we've come up with 40 unique date night ideas that are sure to blow (both) your socks off. Whether you're venturing out on a first date, or want to treat your long-time partner to an absolutely unforgettable night out, you're sure to find an activity that will ignite an irrepressible spark in your relationship.

If you're looking for a way to bond, sign up for cooking lessons, and learn how to make your favorite dishes for each other for future date nights. "I usually suggest a cooking class because it's hands on," says Sunny Rogers, a clinical sexologist and certified sex coach. "It's a safe place and offers a shared experience that allows for lots of topics to discuss. It's also usually a short time period, so the dater can decide if they wish to extend the date or make plans for a second date. With something like a pasta making class, you could suggest a second date at an Italian restaurant known for their fresh pasta."

Okay, so it's technically still a movie, but don't pass up on the idea so quickly. Going to a drive-in is a lot more exciting than returning to the same old movie theater you and your partner frequent (not to mention the fact that drive-ins give you far more privacy than your standard AMC). You can cozy up with blankets, and get comfortable in your own car.

If you think bowling is only for youngsters, think again. Getting competitive can be fun and offer up an opportunity for some flirtatious smack talk. And ordering a few pitchers of beer—or even inviting another couple along for the game—might make the night even more fun.

Wine-and-paint spots are popping up all over the country, so take advantage of a location near you. Bring your favorite bottle of vino, and see how well you can paint a predetermined piece. Make it a competition with your date to see which one of you is a better artist. "This activity can spark your creativity and will also allow for conversation and connection," notes Susan Ruth Freedman, a couples therapist and certified clinical sexologist.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

If you have a first date coming up and you tend to fair on the shyer side, make it a group date. Grabbing drinks or dinner with another couple will take some of the pressure off. According to Stef Safran, a dating and matchmaking expert, "While being one-on-one can make some people nervous, going with a small group can make things easier." And if you two hit it off, you can always split from the group at the end of the evening.

Knock date night out of the park by surprising your main squeeze with tickets to a game. Whether it's baseball, basketball, football, or hockey, going to a sporting event is always a great date night idea, and cheering on your favorite team will be fun for both of you. "Both people can get to know each other and how they react at events like this," explains Susan Golicic, PhD. and certified relationship coach. "It also has lots of things going on in case some awkward silences pop up at the beginning."

Dating after 40 can lack the liveliness that filled your younger years, but not if you go to a stand-up comedy show. Women love men with a sense of humor, and what better way to prove to her that you have one? "A great way to ditch the tired dinner and drinks combo is to grab a cocktail and go to a comedy show," says Laura Bilotta, a dating coach and matchmaker. "Having a drink first will help you get comfortable and acquainted. Hopefully the show you see is funny, but even if it isn't, you'll have lots to talk about afterwards."

Lace up your skates and hit the rink. An ice skating date will allow you to show off your skills, unless you aren't so blessed in the skating department, in which case you and your date can laugh about how bad you both are and hold hands to keep each other from falling. "Ice skating or roller skating was a dating staple back in high school for many," notes Safran.

And if ice skating isn't in season, throw it back to the disco-age and find a roller skating rink. Relive your younger years because this date will also offer up plenty of flirting and hand-holding opportunities. And don't worry if the fact that you haven't put on a pair of skates in what seems like ages scares you, because doing things out of your comfort zone is guaranteed to bring you and your date closer. 

Wine tasting is fun, and allows you to talk, making it the perfect option for a first date. Get to know each other over a few glasses of wine, and impress your date with all of the fancy wine terminology you've learned over the years.

…And if you prefer beer over wine, opt for a visiting a brewery. These tours can be fun and educational, and always include tasting a flavorful spectrum of different beers. 

Shopping is always more enjoyable when you do it with someone else. Check out all of your favorite stores, and make the night even more eventful by picking out outfits you want to see each other in. You and your partner will have tons of fun searching for the perfect clothes and trying them on for each other. And by the end of the shopping spree you'll both have outfits to wear on your next date!

Fact: everyone loves games. Invite your friends over and break out the board games for a night full of laughs. This date idea is the perfect way to let your new romantic interest get to know your friends, and to get a feel for how they interact with other people. According to Patty Newbold, author of the award-winning blog Assume Love, knowing how your date interacts with others is important because it can tell you a lot about their values. Bonus: If you're looking for a game sure to entertain any adult crowd, give an old classic, Truth or Dare, a try.

See if there are any gallery openings in your area because what's more fun than looking at beautiful art pieces, sipping on some bubbly, and grubbing on some free hors d'oeuvres? You and your date will always have something to talk about, so there won't be a dull moment.

Listening to live music is a fool-proof way to have fun. You and your date can bond over seeing your favorite bands live, and they definitely won't be forgetting about how much fun they had with you anytime soon. "Similar to the sports event, there are times when talking isn't required," Golicic points out. "I would suggest something on the more mellow side to start with, but this is a chance to have fun moving and singing to the music."

Bond while burning calories. If you and your partner are both living busy lives, squeezing in time for each other whenever possible is important for your relationship. Hitting the gym together can be fun, and signing up for a weekly workout class will ensure that you get to see each other more often.

Show-off your adventurous side by taking your date to an amusement park. According to a landmark study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, there's a direct link between adrenaline and arousal. A rush of one brings about the other, so ride a few roller coasters, and you two should be discussing where you should spend your next adventure in no time. For maximum romance, go at sunset.

Go to a karaoke bar and let loose with your significant other. Enjoying a few drinks and singing your favorite songs together will undoubtedly bring you two closer than ever before. "A demonstration of such vulnerability shows confidence and an effort to get to know someone by sharing about themselves first," says Michelle Puster, a licensed professional counselor. 

There aren't many things more romantic than a candlelight picnic. Pack a meal, a bottle of wine, and some cozy blankets and you've got yourself the perfect intimate evening to share with your significant other. And if the weather isn't exactly picnic-friendly, indoor picnics can be just as fun!

Reveal your romantic side by taking your date to a dance class. You can even turn it into a weekly, or monthly tradition until you have both perfected your dancing skills. "This is a playful way to engage, get exercise, and learn how you move together as a couple," Freedman says.

Yoga has many perks, including the ability to bring you and your partner closer than ever before. Workout, relax, and connect by adding regular yoga dates to your routine. Studies show that yoga classes can increase the quality of your relationship. If you don't want to take a class, doing yoga at home is fun and easy, and a great way to end the night.

You can head to the beach, or even just your backyard to build a bonfire. Make s'mores and snuggle up together with blankets, and you have a perfect casual date night.

Don't knock it until you try it. There's a reason why teens frequent mini-golf courses: It's fun! So embrace your inner child because mini-golfing offers up the perfect time to be competitive and flirty. And if this still seems a little too childish for you, bring your date to the driving range instead. "Some friendly competition is a solid way to see if there's a spark," says David Bennett, a certified counselor and relationship expert.

Pumpkin patches are the perfect setting for a fall date. Take cute pictures, get lost in a corn maze, and pick a pumpkin for the two of you to carve together. It'll look beautiful once night falls.

Safran says, "With winter coming, the holiday season can be fun if you take advantage of the various activities out there." So, get festive and go look at all of the Christmas decorations lighting up your neighborhood. (If you're based in New York, by the way, the Union Square Holiday Market is an amazing at-night light festival.) Dress up in Santa hats and Christmas sweaters to show off your holiday spirit. And bake Christmas cookies at home for the perfect end to a perfect holiday date.

Many bars host weekly trivia nights, and what better way to show off your knowledge of history, pop culture, and sports? Your competitive nature will undoubtedly make this much more interesting than a simple date for drinks, and maybe you'll meet another couple along the way.

Show how much you care by making your loved one their favorite home-cooked meal. And make the date even more interesting by going grocery shopping together to get all of the ingredients you need. Light some candles, and crack open a bottle of wine for the perfect romantic evening.

When it comes to museums, there are tons of options. Whether your date is a fan of history, art, or something much more obscure, there is bound to be a museum they'll love. Learning about a certain topic together will help you two connect. "Visiting one or several museums can be a great first date," says Michelle Ngome, a speaker, author, and connection enthusiast. "Many museums are free, affordable, or accept donations. This gives the couple a chance to have casual small talk and understand each other's perspective on life based on art."

Booze cruises are becoming more and more popular, especially in major cities. They allow you to enjoy a night on the water, dance, and try some tasty cocktails. This date idea is unique, and will allow you to meet other couples aboard the ship. Pro tip: make sure your date doesn't get seasick. 

Spice things up by booking a hotel room for you and your partner. Perhaps in the center of town, so that you have plenty of restaurant and bar options to enjoy before you turn in for the night. Or, stay in and order room service. Whatever you decide to do, nothing says romantic evening like spending the night in a fancy hotel together. And you can make the night even more special by booking a couples massage.

Head out to the beach, the park, or your rooftop to watch the sunset. According to Golicic, "This is not only romantic, but also allows for conversation—sometimes really deep conversation—while taking in the beauty of something we often take for granted."

Staying in together can be just as fun as hitting the town. Spice things up by making your living room extra cozy with string lights, candles, a fire, and maybe even a fort to snuggle up in and watch that new tv show you've both been dying to see. If you start a new series together, you'll have an excuse to have date-night every week!

Take your relationship to the next level by offering to watch a friend's kid for the evening so that they can have a date night of their own. Taking care of a baby together will help grow the relationship between you and your partner, and allow you to show off your sensitive side. According to Rogers, a date "should be an experience that helps create a bond." And what better way to bond than through taking care of a child together?

We've all got to eat. But that doesn't mean you have to go on a boring dinner date like you've done millions of times before. Kick it up a notch by getting drinks, appetizers, a main course, and dessert all at different spots. The uniqueness is sure to impress just about anyone.

Planning a trip together can be a date night in itself. Picking a destination, booking flights, and deciding on an itinerary with your other half will get you two excited for the future and give you both something to look forward to.

Find out what's going on in your neighborhood, and attend a street fair or a local festival together. Supporting your community is important, and more fun when you do it with someone you love. "It's pretty easy to find a festival within 10 or 20 miles if you look hard enough," says Bennett. "They often involve free shows, good food, games, and rides. And, at the very least, you can people watch."

Give your date a night to remember. Surprise them with tickets to see a live show. Going to a musical, or the opera will be fun, and give you and your loved one a chance to dress up and hit the town together. 

If you and your date are both athletic, bond over a game of tennis. It'll give you two a chance to show-off your skills and reveal your sporty side. And if you want to make it a double date, easy: just invite some friends and play doubles!

Redecorating a room is the perfect opportunity for a fun date night idea. Show off your creative side and come up with a new design for a room. Painting a room and putting furniture together is way more enjoyable when you do it with your significant other.

Stargazing is romantic, and gives you the chance to talk. Drink, snack, and check out the constellations as you two snuggle up to stay warm. This is the perfect end to any date.