15 cozy at home date night ideas that are actually better than going out

Who says staying in has to be boring? At home date night ideas like building a cosy fort in the living room, shaking up your own cocktail creations, or adding a twist to your movie night, date nights at home can easily outshine a night out. All it takes is a little effort and the right idea.

Key takeaways

• Activities like building a fort, mixing cocktails, or participating in a blindfolded taste test help couples connect through shared fun.
• At-home date nights can be relaxing, playful, or meaningful, with ideas ranging from spa nights and playlist competitions to retro games and reading sessions.
• A successful date night at home depends on choosing something you both enjoy and adding a little effort to make it feel special.

List of at home date night ideas

Good romantic date night ideas at home don't need to be over the top. It's about setting the mood, doing something you both enjoy, and breaking away from routine. That said, here are some fun date night ideas at home that might just beat going out.

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1. Build a living room fort

You can turn your living room into a cosy little hideout with just a few blankets and some imagination. This is one of the best indoor date ideas because it is simple, comfortable, and a little bit nostalgic.

Start by grabbing all the soft stuff in your house such as old quilts or big comforters. Drape them over the backs of chairs, the sofa, or even a table to create a makeshift roof. 

After that, take a few books or cushions to weigh everything down and keep it steady. You can string up some fairy lights inside for a warm glow, or pop a lamp under the covers for that soft, secret feel.

2. Cook a "nailed it" challenge

Cooking is one of the best things to do with your boyfriend at home. Additionally, this challenge presents the perfect excuse to make a mess in the kitchen and have a good laugh while you're at it. 

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Start by picking a recipe that looks way too fancy or dramatic. This can be a sky-high layer cake or detailed cupcakes. The more complicated it looks, the better.

Once you’ve picked your recipe, grab your ingredients and get started. Things won’t go perfectly, but that’s part of the fun.

3. Craft your cocktail adventure

Start by grabbing whatever drinks you have. This includes alcohol, juice, soda, fruit, herbs, or even ice lollies. Then take turns mixing your own drinks. The gist here is not to use any recipe. Just pour, mix, and see what happens.

You can taste as you go and adjust things if it's off. Once you're done, name your drinks and try each other's. Some will taste great. Others might be a bit weird. That's part of the fun.

4. Movie marathon with a plot twist

This date night idea is not your typical movie night. You have to pick a theme that's a bit offbeat. This can be '90s flops, strange foreign comedies, or those "so-bad-they 're-good" cult films. The goal isn't to be impressed. It's to be entertained.

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After choosing the movies, line up a few titles. As you watch, rate each one like you're no-nonsense film critics. Comment on the acting, the plots, or anything that makes no sense.

5. Take an online class together 

This is a great way to bond while learning something new. Pick a class that sounds fun or a little out of your comfort zone. You can try salsa dancing, following a Bob Ross painting tutorial, or taking a beginner language lesson.

You will have learnt something at the end of the night. You will also have fun and laughs in the process. 

6. Taste test night

This idea is the perfect one for a couple looking to have some fun with dessert. Start by shopping for a mix of sweet, savoury, and spicy snacks. You can also add one or two wildcards to make it better. 

Then blindfold each other and take turns guessing what you're eating. It's simple, but once the guessing starts, things get hilarious fast. You'll end up laughing, chatting, and probably questioning each other's taste. 

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7. Board game showdown for a silly trophy

This is one of the most interactive at home date night ideas you can come across. You start by choosing one of your favourite board games and a silly or funny prize for the winner. Choose something that brings out your competitive side to make it more entertaining. Prizes can be anything from a box of cereal to a bubble blower. 

8. DIY spa escape

This is one of the cheap date night ideas that turns your house into a mini spa. Start by setting the mood by dimming the lights. Put on some calming music and gather a few things like candles, oils, or face masks. You don't need a complete setup. Just to look for anything available that helps create a relaxed vibe.

From there, take turns giving each other foot rubs, applying face masks, or soaking your feet in warm water. You will chat and make jokes while at it. You can elevate the feeling more by sipping something soothing while letting the moment do the work. 

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9. Power outage "unplugged" night

Switching everything off is the best way to reconnect. This date night will require you to turn off the lights and put away your phones. Light a few candles and let the quiet set the mood.

Start chatting with your partner to explore ideas for activities. Options include playing cards or sharing stories from your childhood. Ensure that there are no distractions or background noise. 

The conversation might start light and turn deep. You can also stay silly the whole way through. Either way, it's a chance to slow down and enjoy the kind of connection that doesn't need screens.

10. Playlist wars

All you need is your favourite music app and a bit of friendly competition for this date night idea. You can start by choosing a theme or just go with your gut. Each of you is supposed to build the ultimate playlist, one song at a time, while the other tries to top it.

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Once you're ready, hit play and turn your living room into your own private concert. The best part of this idea is that you will find yourself singing along and dancing the night away. The secret is not to hold back on the playful trash talk. 

11. Retro video game challenge

This date night idea is perfect for a couple into gaming. You and your partner will have to dig out your old console or fire up a few classics on your laptop. Think of games like Tetris, Mario Kart, or any game that takes you back.

The goal of playing these old games is to relive that old-school rivalry. Take turns competing and cheer each other on. You can even compete amongst yourselves and set a simple prize. The loser can do something like tidying up the house or doing the dishes. You can get creative with these prizes. 

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12. Create a time capsule

This one is all about capturing the moment. Grab a shoebox and start filling it with things that talk about your life right now. You can choose handwritten notes, old ticket stubs, small keepsakes, or random photos that make you smile. You can both add whatever feels meaningful or just plain silly.

Once it's full, pick a future date to open it. You can then seal it up and stash it somewhere safe. You can imagine what future-you will think. The good thing about it is it gives you something to look forward to down the line.

13. Indoor picnic

Are you looking for a date idea but the weather is not cooperating? Just move the picnic indoors. You can just spread out a blanket on the floor and set out your favourite snacks. You can even add a few pillows for comfort. Spice this up even further by adding some food. 

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14. Read-aloud night

This one is calm, cosy, and surprisingly fun. Choose a book you both like. This may be a short story, a few poems, or even a chapter from something nostalgic. Take turns reading aloud, or let one person read while the other just listens and relaxes.

You can pause to talk about the story, share thoughts, or laugh at dramatic lines. You'll learn more about each other's hopes, goals, or even secret bucket list items.

15. Try-not-to-laugh challenge

Sometimes all you need is a bit of silliness. Sit across from each other, take turns telling the worst jokes you can find. You can also play short clips that are guaranteed to crack you up. The only rule: try not to laugh. You can even keep score if you want to keep it competitive. 

Final word

Spending time together doesn't mean going out. These at home date night ideas prove that staying in can be just as fun. You can laugh, relax, and bond all from your living room. Keep it simple and make it memorable.

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Tuko.co.ke also published an article about 20 sentimental gifts for your boyfriend. These ideas are perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays. The list has thoughtful ideas like photo frames, keychains, and custom sketches.

Looking for a simple but meaningful idea? The list has something for every kind of boyfriend.

Proofreading by Masolo Mabonga, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke