86 Lauren Nilges & Brian McCune Lauren Nilges & Brian McCune

12 DATE IDEAS

FOR YOUR FIRST YEAR OF MARRIAGE

by Ashleigh Haney

Date nights are crucial to any relationship whether you’re in your first few dates and getting to know one another or if you’ve just celebrated your 50th anniversary! Here are some of our favorite date night ideas that all couples can enjoy!

1. MINI ROAD TRIP

Road trips are great for bonding, reconnecting, and just getting back to basics. While a drive across the country may not work for you, take a short trip to a nearby city. Load up on snacks from your childhood, blare some music, and relax!

2. VOLUNTEERING

Nothing feels better than helping someone, plain and simple. Well, helping out with your S.O., that is a little better! Go to a local animal shelter and love on some furry friends, take donations to a local homeless shelter, or better yet donate your time by helping out!

3. ADVENTURE OUT

Hiking, kayaking, or even skydiving, adding a bit of adventure is a sure fire way to put the spark back in a relationship!

4. LET YOUR LOVE GO WILD

Hit up an aquarium or zoo to take in the many different animals from all over the world. It’s not only fun, but you might get ideas for your next vacation, too!

5. TAKE IT BACK

Recreate your first date or take a stroll to the spot where he proposed and changed your life forever. It’s super romantic, and makes you remember the reason behind all the wedding planning chaos you went through.

6. CREATE SOME HEAT IN THE KITCHEN

Cook together! With new boxed meals delivered right to your door, it’s easier than ever before and so easy. This is a great way to spend time together and maybe find a new hobby you both enjoy. If you’re not Gordon Ramsey in the kitchen, it’s also a fun way to laugh at the mess you made together.

7. TAKE A CLASS

Pottery, dancing, cooking, whatever it may be, learning a new skill together is fun and exciting! Plus, it could even come in handy for your newlywed nest!

8. LAUGH!

Belly laughs are great for the soul, and great for your relationship, too! Whether it’s your favorite comedian or a local stand-up show, you’ll both appreciate the light heartedness of just laughing together.

9. BE A TOURIST

Go to all the tourist spots in your city, take photos, and even ride a bike downtown! It makes you appreciate your hometown a little better and is tons of fun to do with one another!

10. PHOTOSHOOT FOR TWO

Whip out the old camera or even your iPhone for a one-on-one photoshoot! You’ll love to have the photos of one another when you’re old and gray, and it’s great to get dressed up (or down!) and create some art!

11. DIY PROJECT

Whether it’s the dresser from IKEA you’ve been meaning to put together for months or a completely new idea from Pinterest, tackle the project together! You’ll feel amazing once it’s done, and you have a new memory of the two of you working as a team!

12. GAME NIGHT

Put your game face on! Playing board games and trivia with one another is such a simple way of checking out of real life for a moment to have fun! No sore losers allowed though!

Justine Harbison & Nathan Henry