Dating with intention is the most important part of your relationship. I would say that’s my opinion, but, I truly believe this to be a fact for any healthy relationship. Whether you just started dating, are engaged, have been married for years, or anything in between, we can all agree that it’s when we intentionally spend time together that we feel most connected to one another. As someone who spent most of her dating life doing things the way the world typically does them, I found it rather difficult to come up with ideas that were both appropriate and life enriching. I found that most people don’t really give you a list of ideas, or really explain why they’re good or worth doing, that are appropriate for Christian couples who are trying to do things the way God intended. After I dedicated my life to Christ and met the man I now call my husband, I was at a loss for how to get to know him. It was totally new to me and a practice I had to learn all together. Dating with intention is the most important part of your relationshipClick To Tweet
Below are some of my all time favorite dates to go on with my husband. I will explain why for a few and then also leave you with a list of other date options worth checking out.

Photo by Becca Freeman | Freefolk Natives
Coffee Shops
My husband and I LOVE Coffee. And when I say LOVE, like I mean we have a full coffee bar in our living room complete with an espresso machine, french press, syrups, and so much more. I mean, could you really expect anything less from a girl who’s blog is called “Coffee Talk”? But coffee means more to us than good taste and a jolt of energy. Which, don’t get me wrong, this is definitely important to us. But, for us, coffee means conversation. It means sitting down and talking and giving each other undivided attention. Whether that be about our work, how our day went, about our future, or literally even the weather sometimes, it’s a window of opportunity for us to communicate and I just love that. So since we love coffee and good conversation, we try to find new and quirky coffee shops to check out. We actually have found a list, 18 Unique Coffee Shops in Maryland, and have made it our goal to see them all.
Bookstores
There is simply something intriguing about a bookstore. On one of the first dates Evan and I ever went on was to Books-A-Million, in Arundel Mills Mall, MD. We ended up in the christian books section to find a devotional to work through together. Evan ended up picking the 5 love languages 365 day devotional, and then we found a sweet park by the airport and sat down and started reading it together. It was really sweet and opened many opportunity for conversation and deepening our faith together. Since we were only dating, there were quite a few devos in the book we had to skip or couldn’t quite relate to. But the idea is still a great one. I love when we can find a new book to read together. It not only gives us a great time to share, but also an opportunity to grow.
Go for a walk or hike
Many people like to do this one, simply because it’s free, and it’s always an option unless it’s raining or snowing. There is something about walking hand in hand, conversation flowing, and being outdoors taking in the fresh air, and beautiful creation around you. Evan and I particularly like to walk the bike trails at the park by BWI airport. We like to watch the planes come in and the walk is great exercise. Another great place to check out is the Patapsco Valley State Park. There are tons of trails and sites to see there and it’s always an adventure going through woods with your honey.
Craft Night
What’s better than a date that inspires creativity, gets your hands a little dirty, and gives you a keepsake to remember? I love paint nights. Whether it’s painting a canvas, a wooden sign, or some pottery it’s a blast making it your own. You get to take your project home and now it’s a memory you’ll cherish forever… even if it doesn’t look all that great. You can find all you need for this date at your local craft store or visit Paint Nite to schedule a painting date.
Bowling
One of my all time favorite group dates is bowling. Mostly because, I’m terrible at it and so it’s the perfect opportunity to get everyone laughing. I love this date because it’s more fun when you have more people. One of the best parts of dating is finding other couples who click with you and enjoy your company. Group dates give you the best of the time with your significant other, but also the fellowship we need with friends.
Scavenger Hunt
There are lots of variations to this date and you can definitely google some or check out some ideas on pinterest. This is another date that is great as a group. You split off and search for the items on the list and work together to beat another team. Whichever team wins has to buy dinner, or dessert, or whatever you agree upon. Another way to spin this date is having you and your honey search for an outfit together at Goodwill (or your local thrift shop) and then you have to wear the outfits you picked for one another on your date. So fun and something silly to remember.
Datebox
Making your dates a priority can be hard at times. And it can often be harder trying to keep them fun, creative, and exciting. Continuing to date your spouse after you’re married is important and necessary to keep that love alive and remind you both why you fell in love with each other in the first place. After tons and tons of research, I strongly recommend Datebox. They have tons of cute ideas that you can have sent directly to your email! Some of their more premium options send you a monthly date in a box directly to your home for less than the cost of a date night out. These can be date nights in or out, depending on your preference but are totally fun and a special time to spend together.
Some other Date Ideas worth mentioning:
- go to an amusement park
- have a picnic
- pick a recipe you have never tried before and cook it together
- visit an apple orchard, pumpkin patch, or corn maze
- color an entire coloring book together
- show each other your favorite movie and watch them togther
- binge watch an entire movie series
- take a weekend road trip to somewhere new (use Air BnB)
- go to the zoo
- ice skating (or roller skating)
- visit a pet store
- watch a TV show together
- take a beach day
- rent a car and go for a ride anywhere
- learn a sport together
- take dance lessons
- play board games
- complete a puzzle
- rent a canoe or kayak
- start a garden
- mini golf
- camping
- build something together
- have a bonfire
- visit a pool/water park
- visit an art gallery or museum
- make a scrapbook
- drive in movie theater (Bengies)
- go to a sports game
- volunteer in the community together
- have a bake off
- be a tourist in your own city
- exercise together
There’s so much more. Be creative. Have some fun. The wilder the idea the better. What are some of YOUR favorite date ideas?
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