Getting creative with date nights can be tough. Throw in a couple kids and sheer exhaustion, and suddenly movie nights don’t seem like such a bad idea.
But once in a while, it’s nice to do something different. Valentine’s Day is coming, just by the way. For those nights, if you are trying to think ahead and do something fun, here a couple ideas. And since I watch more movies lately, I’m taking some pointers from some of my favorites.
10 Things I Hate About You – Paintball! And then write each other (nice) poetry. Marching band optional.
A Walk to Remember – Try to knock a few things off of your bucket list. Bonus points – find out the other person’s list and set it up so that they can cross a few things off.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Make a list of things you’ve never done (achievable ones you can do in a day), go out, and tackle them together. Maybe not do the shoplifting part, though.
Dan in Real Life – Visit a bookstore and share your favorite books, then get breakfast. Play football in the backyard.
Elizabethtown – Create a road trip, complete with a fantastic playlist and stops at cool small restaurants and coffee shops along the way.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – Borrow a cool car, go into town, eat at a fancy restaurant, check out an art gallery, and catch a parade or a professional baseball game. Or any of the above. You might even consider taking the day off to do it. Just make it the best day ever.
Hitch – This one comes with a bunch of ideas: take a cooking class together. Go for a jet ski ride. Or go to a professional basketball game together.
It’s a Wonderful Life – Sign up for a dance competition or class, and then after the big event, share what’s on your wish list.
Kate & Leopold – Rooftop dinner and classical music, anyone?
The Notebook – I may be the only person who doesn’t looove that movie. But there’s that cute scene where they go to the fair. I would advise against climbing on the ferris wheel though.
The Parent Trap – Recreate your first date (or one of the first ones). No need to wait for your kids to do it for you in an attempt to set you up again.
Roman Holiday – Rent a vespa and tour a nearby city, hang out in a farmer’s market, then take a boat ride.
Runaway Bride – Take your date to their hometown, and go to some of their old favorite places. Or if you’ve been together a while, go back to a special town or place for you both and visit some of the places you’ve been together.
Sweet Home Alabama – Take a walk in a rain storm, and dance to live music at a local festival.
Safe Haven – Beach trip! Or if you can arrange it, ride a boat, get caught in a rain storm, eat dinner in a restaurant until it closes, and slow dance to some music you find, since everyone has mysteriously disappeared.
You’ve Got Mail – Do some of your favorite everyday local things together – shop at a farmer’s market, eat a local spot, check out a park or garden. (Also did you know this movie’s original website is still up? It’s awesome.)
If the date doesn’t actually work for you, then, hey, here’s a list of romantic movies. You’re welcome.
What’s your favorite romantic movie? What date scene makes your heart do flips?







THIS IS THE CUTEST POST IDEA EVER. Also, I’m THRILLED Dan in Real Life made the list. It’s absolutely my favorite and the most underrated! Plus, the sound track?!