By Ashley McIlwain

Dating: a fun excursion with someone you love that creates memories, strengthens the relationship, builds the friendship, and excites the heart.

We all look at dating differently, but my perception is the above definition I’ve come up with. Since I’ve gotten married, I’ve come to really appreciate dating as a means of keeping the relationship with my husband alive and well. Dating my husband is fun, exciting, and a memory-making machine.

What I’m realizing is that a big reason so many people don’t date once they get married is a lack of ideas. We grow comfortable, and it’s like all of our creative juices get sucked from our very being leaving us in a dating drought. But dating is important. It’s enlivening, and we must work to keep it a consistent part of our relationship. So, I have come up with a list of ten great date ideas to eliminate any excuses you might have.

1.    Ice Cream Run

Okay, I am an ice cream addict, so I am partial to this one. Literally I could eat ice cream every day, but unfortunately for me, a daily dose of this frozen delight isn’t an option. That being said, an ice cream run from time to time is a must.

My hubs and I like to hit up the local frozen yogurt place for a low-calorie, yet delicious, treat. Often times we will do it on a weekend night before turning on a movie. But, it’s also super fun to find a little ice cream parlor with seating where you can sit down and savor your frozen delight along with some great conversation and quality time together.

Add an extra scoop of fun: If you are feeling really frisky, you might even consider getting a banana split or sundae to share. This can create some funny, cute moments, especially if you try feeding each other every third bite or so.

2.    Picnic in the Park

Say what you want, but with three simple things, you can create one of the best dates. Those three items are a blanket, picnic basket of treats, and your sweetheart. It’s tough to beat a picnic date in the park. It’s usually quiet, free, and a great chance to enjoy the great outdoors.

Take this peaceful opportunity to have distraction free time for two. Lying side by side, you can snuggle up and talk about anything from what you see in the clouds to what your hopes are for your future together. There’s something really special, relaxing, and serene about time spent under a cozy tree with your loved one.

Pack a little extra punch: If you want to take things a bit further, bring a journal or notebook and jot down some goals the two of you have for your life in five, ten, and fifteen years from now. Take note of your favorite moments thus far in your relationship. It will be fun to look back on and discuss down the road.

3.    Bike Ride

One weekend my hubs, Steve, and I decided to strap our bikes to the car and head to the beach. Side by side we cruised along the beach enjoying the sights and smells that enveloped us. We even made a pit stop to pick up some salt water taffy to enjoy along our journey. From time to time we would converse with one another, but more than anything, we just cruised along next to one another breathing in the surrounding scene. To this day, it was one of my favorite dates.

Pick up the Pace: Looking for more on this date? Try bringing along a football or Frisbee so you can stop along the way for some healthy competition.

4.    Dinner and a Movie

Everyone knows the classic date is dinner and a movie, and well, it’s for good reason. Not only do you get out of the house, but no one is stuck figuring out and cooking dinner (If you’re like me, this is a major added bonus). Instead you can kick back, relax, enjoy someone else’s culinary efforts, and seize the opportunity for quality time and conversation.

After your bellies are full, you can sit back, snuggle up, and be entertained with a good movie. Maybe you can even grab a little sweet treat to share for dessert. It’s the perfect way to get close to each other … literally. Plus, a romantic night out on the town is the perfect chance to get dolled up and remind your spouse what a lucky guy/gal they are J

Order a side of sweetness: When picking your restaurant, either go for a restaurant with sentimental value (like where you had your first date), or hit up a place your sweetie has been saying he/she wants to check out. You will definitely score an extra point or two for remembering and being so thoughtful.

5.    Sleepover

Before Steve and I got married, we asked one of our married couple friends what marriage was like. They said, “It’s like a sleepover every night!” That analogy always stuck with me, especially once Steve and I got married and found it to be true.

When we are kids, sleepovers were the epitome of the greatest night ever. As married adults, they still can be. Head to the store to grab some of your favorite snacks – candy, ice cream, popcorn, and drinks. Rent (or stream for those of you with Netflix) a movie or two. Pull out a couple of games. Put on your PJs. Maybe you can even fit in a pillow fight. Definitely get ready for a night of laughter, fun, and memories.

Turn up the heat: One of the best things about a married sleepover is that the possibilities are endless. You can make it into whatever you want it to be. Maybe instead of a child-like night of silliness, you want to turn up the heat with a more passionate, married adults kind of night. Exchange the sweet treats for lingerie, the movies for some romantic tunes, and the games for candles. This will turn up the heat alright.

6.    Amusement Park

Few things are quite as thrilling as roller coasters, cotton candy, and breath-taking drops. Yup, I’m talking about an amusement park. They come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common – they’re guaranteed fun!

Whether it’s a rough-around-the-edges local park or a Disneyworld fantasy land, grab your sweetheart, and put on your walking shoes. Twist, turn, jump, scream, and drop with one another for a day. Take lots of pictures, buy a few junk-food splurges, and laugh a lot.

An extra twist: Most amusement parks have at least one or two games where you can win a hideous stuffed animal or some cheap prize. While I know you could go to the Dollar Store and buy the same thing for a dollar, it’s way more fun and exciting to see if you can win your sweetie something. So, go on, and give it a go!

7.    A Sporting Event

Not everyone loves sports, and I get that. Nonetheless, most of us like at least one sport (even if it’s ballet or ice skating). Whatever sport is your or your spouse’s top choice, going to a live game or event can be thrilling.

Sporting events have a special energy about them. Surrounded by people and cheering, this is a great opportunity to let loose and get caught up in all of the excitement. Grab a hot dog or bag of peanuts, scream for your team, and exchange plenty of high gives with your sweetheart. Even if you are going solely for your spouse, allow yourself to get excited for him/her, knowing that this means the world to them.

Score some extra points:  Before the day of the event, order some gear for you and your honey to wear to the event. Everyone knows being “Twinkies” with your other half is super cheesy, which equals super cute and super fun. Plus, it will show your dedication to the cause.

8.    Take a Walk

Not only is this free, but it’s one of the best dates out there. Seriously, walking hand-in-hand slowly enjoying quality time and conversation together … what could be better? Plus, you are getting exercise.

Whether it’s at the park across the street or the local boardwalk, a stroll with the love of your life is tough to beat. Soak in the scenery around you, and enjoy the prime opportunity to converse without distractions. You can talk through lighter things like what’s been happening recently or what is coming up, or you can delve into some heavier topics like long-term goals or challenges you are facing. It’s free, healthy, and great quality time, so what are you waiting for?

Go the extra mile: If you come across a cozy spot or park bench, take a seat. Face each other, hold hands or place an arm around your sweetheart, and enjoy a quiet moment together.

9.    See a Show

My husband, Steve, and I love going to see shows. We’ve gone to Broadway classics like Phantom of the Opera and Wicked, which are among some of my favorite memories together. At the same time, we love music and have gone to many concerts together to escape into a melodic paradise. Living near Los Angeles, we’ve also had the added options to go to tapings of Dancing with the Stars and The Price Is Right.

Obviously “seeing a show” can entail a lot of different options. Classic Broadway production or a favorite band’s concert, going to see a show together can be a special and memorable night out. Not only is it a chance to get all spiffy for your honey, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to make memories that will last.

Make it an encore night: Make reservations for a spectacular dinner before the show. Print off a picture of the restaurant, and put it in an envelope with the tickets to your event and a card with a little love note written on it. Mark it with “Just Because,” and leave it for your sweetie to find (my husband did this, and I thought it was one of the most incredibly thoughtful and sweet things ever!).

10. Road Trip

When I moved from Pennsylvania to California, my now-husband, Steve, flew out to drive across the country with me. It was an epic road trip that we still talk about it. Since then we have been on many other road trips together, and each of them is like a mini adventure regardless of the destination being a town, state, or country away. If you want to get to know someone, sit in a car with them for a few hours!

Depending on how much time you have, plan a road trip to a place the two of you have talked about checking out. It could just be a day trip or a weekend getaway, but pack your favorite snacks, a camera, and your sense of adventure!

Leave Your Mark: Grab a map and highlight the route from where you are to where you are going. Fold it up with a fun note like, “You’re my favorite person to navigate through life with. Let’s add another adventure to our love story.” Leave it for your co-pilot to find.

Happy memory making!

Copyright © 2012, Foundation Restoration.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No reproduction allowed without written permission from Foundation Restoration and/or the author.