Let’s face it, we’re all getting a little stir crazy (especially when you live in a 249 square ft. camper like us)! Michael and I definitely miss our date nights to the movies or to the newest escape room, but we have also learned how to really make the most of our time at home. Whether you are planning for Valentine’s Day, or just need a new fun date night, we have put together a list of our top 10 favorite Covid friendly date night ideas. Let’s have fun, even when we stay in!

1. A virtual painting class

Last weekend, Michael and I decided to do a virtual painting class. We loved it so much that we decided to do one together every weekend! You can order supplies online, or even add them to your next grocery pickup. We only needed watercolor paper, watercolor paint, brushes, and paper towels; but you can also find great virtual classes for acrylic, oil pastels, and more!

TikTok user Hannah Pickerill hosts a live Paint n’ Sip every Saturday at 12:00 PM PST. If that doesn’t work out for you, we have also found great tutorials on YouTube! Check out the tutorial for the northern lights scene that we painted here.

2. Trivia Night!

Our favorite online trivia provider is Walsh Trivia. The greatest thing about Walsh Trivia is that instead of playing for prizes, the winner gets to pick a charity. This company has raised over $100,000 for charities benefiting organizations that support autism research, Alzheimer’s research, various educational programs, rehabilitation programs, and more. Also, you get to play with real people, so it really has that “trivia night out” feel!

Walsh Trivia hosts daily trivia games. You can sign up directly on their site to join a game room and compete via zoom. The try to make their questions “google-proof” so good luck!

3. go for A Hike!

Okay, okay, this one doesn’t really count as “staying in”, but this activity is definitely one that can be done safely! You don’t have to worry about being inside with other people or touching the same door handle that they did. Plus, HELLO, fresh air, epic views, and endorphins!? We are all about that. Hiking can lower anxiety, boost your mood, lower your risk for chronic disease, and it just feels good! Not sure where to go? We love All Trails. They have a great app, as well as reviews that can give you a heads up on trail conditions. Please remember to leave no trace!

4. go stargazing

We may be a little biased with this one because we are obsessed with chasing the Milky Way, meteor showers, comets, and any other celestial event– but we 100% recommend stargazing as a date night event. Here are a few tips for successful stargazing:

• Try to get away from light pollution. You can use an online map like this one, or download an app on your phone. Light pollution occurs from anthropogenic and artificial light (e.g. city lights, cars, street lights, etc.). This overpowering light makes it really hard to see the stars. Get out of the city and into the backcountry (or at least just out of town) so you can really get a show!
• Bundle up! Be sure to bring lots of blankets, sleeping bags, and layers to make sure you stay warm and comfy. If you have a camping pad, that’s a great addition too! No one likes a rock stabbing them in the hip.
• Don’t forget the snacks. We love hot drinks in a thermos, and lots of sweet and salty variety to graze on. Everyone is happier with a full belly.
• Download a star map! You can make a fun game out of who can find the most constellations.

5. Make a Relationship time capsule

This can be a great way to intentionally grow closer together through thoughtful reflection on your relationship, and it’s fun! Find a box (even a shoe box), and decorate it together. Then, fill your box and stow it away to open up on date night a year from now! Here are a few ideas for what to put in your time capsule:

• Write each other a letter. This can be a love letter, and appreciation letter, you name it!
• Put in your favorite pictures of the two of you. Polaroids are really fun, but any picture will do!
• Stamp your hands (and your pet-baby’s paws (if the ink is safe)). If you don’t want to use ink pads, you can also use paint!
• Something to describe the year. There is A LOT that can describe the last year, so the options are endless.
• Goals for each other or for yourselves. This can be a great way to help encourage and support each other throughout the year if you discuss your goals together.

6. Take a staycation

7. Take self-portraits!

I think that it is so important to document the things that are important to you, as well as your day to day. I have worked as a caregiver for the elderly, and one of my favorite activities is going through their old photo albums. You get to see a snapshot of their lives and their experiences. Sometimes, if you can’t book a photo session (wink wink), the only way to do that is through self portraits.

Taking photos are a great way to bond with your partner. You get to snuggle up and document your love! If you want to book a lifestyle couples session instead, reach out here! We would love to work with you!

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8. Make a movie fort!

Don’t forget the popcorn! Grab all of your blankets, pillows, couch cushions, and chairs, and get to building! We have seen couples who have two couches that are the same size and put them together to make a couch pit. This creates a fun nest in the middle of your living room to snuggle up in! If you want to take it to the next level, add globe lights or twinkle lights to create a romantic vibe. Then, bring all of your snacks and favorite drinks, and let the films roll! If you’re tired of the same old popcorn, hit up your local popcorn shop for a gourmet treat.

9. take A virtual cooking class

What a fun way to make a mess together! YouTube has loads of virtual cooking classes, and you can narrow it down by food type or difficulty level. This is an awesome way to learn to work together and develop a new skill. Michael and I have cooked more types of food than ever before by also working our way through new cookbooks. We love expanding our horizons and trying new things, and this is a great, safe way to do that! However, if I am being completely honest, we have learned that we need to decide who the executive chef and who is the sous-chef BEFORE we start cooking. If you don’t like what you make, there’s always a frozen pizza somewhere.

10. take A virtual yoga class

We have been super into acroyoga and love how it helps us work together. It makes us aware of each other, and we also get to work through fun, challenging problems. However, if you’re looking for something a little less intense, there are tons of yoga classes on (you guessed it) YouTube! We really love Alo Yoga and have lots of fun with Eoin Finn. He is definitely a free spirit with a surfer vibe, and I love his statements that he sprinkles throughout class like, “let’s work out the issues in our tissues”. There are classes available for all skill levels, and this is an awesome way to relax together!

11. bonus! Have a game night!

We are obsessed with game nights. It’s not uncommon to find us hanging out with friends on the weekends circling a board game or a deck of cards. Just be careful, this might bring out your competitive side! Here are our favorite games:

• Jackbox – this is a fun game for groups of friends, and we spent one night a week during quarantine playing this via zoom! There are tons of different games in a Jackbox party pack, and they are sure to have you nearly peeing your pants from laughter.
• Unstable Unicorns – this is our new favorite card game. You have unicorns with different abilities, and you’re trying to have enough unicorns in your stable to win. This is typically a good game for all types of game players.
• Betrayal At House On The Hill – this game is a little spooky, so it might not be for everyone. The great thing about this game is that every time you play it, the storyline is different.
• Evolution – this game is all about feeding your animals and eating the other ones. Be careful, this game might cause arguments.
• 5 Minute Dungeon – this is a quick game of matching with a bit of a twist. Each card that you match is different, and there are a few challenges hidden in the deck. Each round is 5 minutes, so it’s a great quick game

If you’re really feeling creative, you can make your own human sized board game! I used to do this when I worked with kiddos, and it was always a hit. You can use pieces of paper for your board game spaces, or even the furniture! This is always sure to bring lots of laughter.

Time to plan your date night!

There are tons of other options for your Covid friendly date night! From relationship building books to taking a walk around the block, you can find a new way to grow together as a couple and create an experience together. If you have family at home, a lot of these date night ideas can turn into family night ideas! Let us know how you will plan date night in the comments below!

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