12 Date Night Ideas for Married Couples
Welcome to 2018! We know how the beginning of the year usually works – you’ve put up your calendars and you’ve diarized you’re most important dates. Although the beginning of the year is known to be incredibly busy, and at times overwhelming – it’s important to make time for the ones we love in our lives. Having a date with your spouse, at least once a week, is a great idea for married couples. Date nights give you the opportunity to catch up and talk about all kinds of things, so switch off your cell phones and put your laptops away. Marriage is forever and that’s why it’s important to keep the romance alive. With these awesome date night ideas, it won’t be difficult to do so.
Date Night at Home
We love the idea of having date nights at home – it’s a familiar and intimate space for you and your sweetheart. Not only this, but it’s also super affordable and really easy to turn into a romantic space. All you really need are some candles and a great playlist.
1. Picnics in the Lounge
We don’t know why, but there’s something about having a picnic in the comfort of your own home which is so fun and romantic. It’s a private and relaxed atmosphere where there doesn’t have to be any distractions. Buy some of your favourite snacks before the time. We suggest creating a platter with a variety of cheeses, cold meats, preserves and loaves of bread – and throw in a bottle of your favourite wine (if you really want to make it special, get some of the wine which was served at your wedding). Finally, get some of your most comfortable blankets, a bunch of candles and an awesome playlist for background music.
Image Source: Standing Stone Farms
2. Cook a Meal Together and Have a Wine Tasting at Home
After a long day at work, couples usually cook a quick meal or opt for a take-out. We understand why, it’s quick and easy – but not super romantic. When was the last time you and your sweetheart cooked a meal together? Find a new and interesting dish that neither of you has made but you are both dying to try! Experiment with some new flavours and decide what your favourite wine is to pair with that specific dish.
Image Source: GQ
3. Have a Spa Evening
Looking for the perfect way to unwind without spending all of your money? Drive to your closest pharmacy store and buy a few face masks – they usually have an array of different products and prices! Relax at home with your loved one while having a sensual and peaceful spa evening. Throw in some massages and a cup of tea and you’ve got the perfect evening of bliss and romance.
Image Source: Youtube Meditation Mix
Cheap Date Ideas
Ever heard that song, “Can’t buy me love” by the Beatles? You don’t have to spend a ton of money to show someone you love them. Here are some super date ideas that won’t take a toll on your wallet.
4. Board Game Evening
Having a board game evening really shouldn’t cost you a lot of money, just see what you have laying around at home, be it Pictionary or 30 Seconds. Board games are stimulating, fun and add a tinge of competition in the air. We like to think that a little bit of competition is always a good thing. A benefit of an evening like this is that it focuses on the importance of communication and teamwork – qualities which are essential for a new, healthy and happy marriage.
Warning: just don’t get too competitive, we know how Monopoly evenings usually end – by the end of the evening, nobody wants to speak to each other! Don’t let this happen, just take it with a pinch of salt and have fun.
Image Source: Ambient Mixer
5. Hiking
Hiking is one of the most exhilarating activities which you can do with your new life partner. Advantage: it doesn’t cost a thing. When you work out, you release endorphins, we all know this. Endorphins are happy hormones, thus, we feel happy and alive when we engage in physical activities such as running, cycling and hiking. Not only does your heart get racing, but you also experience some of the most beautiful views which South Africa has to offer. Pack in some water and put on your hiking shoes, if you don’t know which trail to go for, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Some of our favourite trails in the Western Cape include Silvermine hiking trail, Jonkershoek, Crystal Pools, Skeleton Gorge and Lions Head. If it’s a hot and sunny day, choose Jonkerhoek or Crystal Pools until you discover the hidden waterfalls and cool off in nature’s most gorgeous settings. Alternatively, Lions Head offers a fun and easy trail that can be hiked at night.
Image Source: Shape
6. Stargazing
What can be more romantic? Switch your cell phone off, put your laptop away and pack your car. What you’ll need: some sleeping bags, blankets, pillows and snacks. Your only expense here will be paying for petrol, which we feel is totally worth it. Getting away from the rush of everyday life gives you and your loved one a chance to talk – pick each other’s minds and reminisce about your favourite memories together. Places to go stargazing in South Africa:
- Sutherland, Northen Cape
- Cederberg, Western Cape
- The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
- Maropeng, Cradle of Humankind
- The Waterberg, Limpopo
Find out more about stargazing in South Africa.
Image Source: SA Venues
Fun Date Ideas
For when you’re in the mood for adventure, exploring and adrenaline!
7. Take a Drive and Camp Somewhere for the Weekend
What do we recommend? Taking the scenic route up to Kogel Bay for the weekend. Kogel Bay Resort is located between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi Els and borders Clarens Drive, a 20-kilometre scenic route that boasts whale-watching opportunities along the coastline. The resort is situated between high mountains; surrounded by indigenous fynbos and a four-kilometre sandy beach. The high mountains shelter the beach from the strong south-easter winds during summer, making it a sought after beach and camping facility. In The low season, the campsite asks for R111.00 per day per vehicle and R169.00 during the high season.
Image Source: Bryn de Kocks
8. Go Go-Karting
We know what you’re thinking, and the answer is no. You are never too old to go go-karting. There is a massive go-karting track in Kenilworth which only asks for R220.00 per person. Bringing adrenaline into your date night is such a good idea. Get some dinner afterwards at a restaurant which neither of you has tried.
Image Source: Team Sport
9. Explore the Nightlife
There are plenty of fun and unique date night ideas instead of going to the same restaurant over and over again. Want to change things up? Cape Town offers amazing art exhibitions on the first Thursday of every month, it also offers comedy at the Cape Town Comedy Club and the Labia theatre, where you can watch art/indie films. Spier Wine Farm offers drive-through evenings and Stellenbosch is known for hosting live music on a regular basis. Doing new things is good for a relationship, so go watch that play or go try out that new restaurant where you have to barbeque your own food.
Image Source: Cape Town Magazine
Unique Date Night Ideas
Want to do something special and unique with your loved one? Try these ideas out.
10. Have Sundowners at a Rooftop or on a Boat
Put on your favourite dress and get some sundowners on a rooftop such as Cape Town’s Cartel Rooftop bar. Want to kick things up a notch? Hop on a cruise boat in the afternoon towards Robben Island, Blouberg beaches or Clifton beaches. A midday cruise only costs R200.00 per person. Cape Town’s famous sunset cruise on Table Bay costs R300.00 per person, which includes champagne! Cheers to that!
Image Source: What’s on in Cape Town
11. Go Horseriding
Horseriding is an equally sweet and romantic gesture. Why do most people find horseback riding so romantic? Maybe it’s the simplicity of enjoying the outdoors and being in nature together. Whatever the reason, taking the one you love on a beach or trail ride will make them melt. And it will allow you both to spend a lovely day sightseeing, talking and enjoying the tranquillity all around you. South Africa has a massive variety of backdrops to choose from – be it beaches, wine farms, trails or mountains.
Image Source: Cape X-treme
12. Rent out some Bicycles
We love the idea of renting some bicycles and exploring South Africa’s culture and natural settings in a unique way! Sea Point is famous for renting bicycles – you and your sweetheart can easily ride along the coast and enjoy a day on the beach, or a meal and drink at one of the many bars and restaurants in the area. If you wish, you can pedal along the Promenade all the way to the Waterfront, into the Green Point Park or you can explore the CBD. Cycling is good for your body and mind, and bikes are great for the environment!
Image Source: Bicycles Cape Town
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