50 (Mostly Cheap) Daytime Date Ideas to Change Your Routine

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updated Feb 19, 2020

The more I think about it, the more I consider a nighttime date to have a few too many drawbacks. Choices are limited if one extends past the original dinner/drinks plan, and tiredness can settle in far too quickly after sundown. Daytime dates just seem easier. We have more energy, there are more activities available, and it all feels more casual. Oh, and I should mention they're usually cheaper, too.

So in the interest of expanding the rules of the dating game, here are 50 daytime date ideas to try whether you're in a new or long-term relationship.

01 of 50

Go to a Local Bookstore

There's something casual, yet intimate about perusing the shelves of your favorite independent bookstore. You and your date can share what you like about your favorite titles or authors and even pick up something to read together.

02 of 50

Wander through a Museum

Daytime Date Ideas Three Months — Liz Sunshine

Pick an exhibit you really want to see, ask your date to do the same, and then spend some time exploring them together. You can talk, you can be silent, and you definitely don't have to try to see everything.

03 of 50

Explore a Neighborhood

Daytime Date Ideas one month — Liz Sunshine

If you live in a big city, there's probably a neighborhood that you don't know too much about. Decide to explore it with your date by researching a fun restaurant, a local park, or a landmark.

04 of 50

Go Kayaking

You can have your own or paddle as a pair. Take advantage of a sunny day and head out on the water.

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Head to a Farmers Market

Kansas Farmers Market — MATTHEW PALMER / Getty Images

Tasting different foods, talking about certain meals you like to make, and people watching make this date feel effortless. Bonus points if you plan to make lunch together from your loot.

06 of 50

Go Bowling

When was the last time you went bowling? Dust off your skills and let loose with this throwback activity, which is as much about conversation as it is about the sport.

07 of 50

Plan a Hike

Depending on your shared level of interest, a hike can either be strenuous or easygoing. Choose one with a scenic view from the top.

08 of 50

Play Mini-Golf

It's probably been years since you've done this, but it's always a fun afternoon activity. Whoever wins plans the next date.

09 of 50

See a Matinee

movies — Photo by Myke Simon on Unsplash

One of life's simple pleasures is seeing a movie in the middle of the day. There aren't crowds, the air-conditioning feels good, and you can probably talk yourself into eating popcorn for lunch.

10 of 50

Try a Local Coffee Shop

It's a change of scenery from your go-to bar. If weather permits, try a cafe with outdoor seating.

11 of 50

Take a Yoga Class

Start with a beginner's lesson if you're new to the routine, and then grab breakfast after. In the summer, you can often find outdoor yoga classes.

12 of 50

Plan a Picnic

Margo and Me—Fun Things to Do at a Party — @margoandme

Create a simple cheese board or pack some sandwiches, and then spread out a comfortable blanket under a tree. It's a relaxing way to catch up and enjoy the outdoors.

Don't forget your cheese knives! You'll need a sharper knife for hard cheeses like parmesan or cheddar and another knife for spreadable cheeses like goat.

13 of 50

Peruse a Flea Market

See who can find the coolest stuff for the cheapest prices. You never know what hidden gems you'll find.

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Relax at a Pool

women by pool — Thomas Barwick/Getty Images

Claim two lounge chairs at the community pool, or see about getting a day pass for a hotel. If one of you has a pool in your backyard, you'll have even more privacy.

15 of 50

Sign up for a Sport

Joining a local kickball league or taking on tennis doubles is an exciting way to learn something new—and possibly expand your social circle. You'll also get a fun workout out of it.

16 of 50

Check out an Architecture Tour

los angeles — Photo by Abbie Bernet on Unsplash

You've probably passed by an old, ornate building a thousand times without knowing its history. Now's your chance.

17 of 50

Take a Ceramics Class

Saturday lessons are common, and it'll be fun to see how your time at the wheel turns out. If you like what you make, you'll have a new décor piece for your home.

18 of 50

Walk through a Community Garden

A community garden will feel like a small escape from it all. It'll also give you guys time to chat away from the hustle and bustle of a city.

19 of 50

Organize a Brunch

Get to know each other's friends over mimosas and pancakes. Go to your favorite restaurant or cook at home.

20 of 50

Spend a Day at the Beach

If you live by the coast, head to the beach—or any shoreline for that matter. Lakeside works too!

21 of 50

Take on a Pinterest Project

string light gallery wall — via Remodelista

You've probably been wanting to tackle that DIY idea you saw on Pinterest but haven't gotten around to it yet. Do it together.

22 of 50

Head to an Amusement Park

Plan to go on the big, scary roller coaster together. It'll be easier with someone by your side. Plus you might get a funny photo to hang in your apartment out of it.

23 of 50

Volunteer Together

There are plenty of organizations who need volunteers on the weekends, and this can turn out to be a regular habit. Pick a cause you're both passionate about and give back to your community together.

24 of 50

Go Wine Tasting

If you live near a vineyard or tasting room, go wine tasting. Just make sure to split a Lyft there and back.

25 of 50

Spend Time at an Aquarium

Daytime Date Ideas six months — Liz Sunshine

They're especially fun to wander through right after opening. Plus, the earlier you go, the more crowds you'll miss.

26 of 50

Cheer on a Sporting Event

Whether it's a professional baseball game or a college basketball tournament, find an event that needs a two-person cheering section. Splurge on food like nachos and hot dogs.

27 of 50

Plan Your Own Restaurant Crawl

Pick a different course from each establishment, featuring your favorite picks from each spot. Include a bar to kick off the night right.

28 of 50

Take a Sailing Lesson

Couple on a boat — Sturmkind/Getty Images

Live near the coast? Head out on the water—it'll be very Jackie Kennedy and JFK of you.

29 of 50

Find the Best View in the Area

venice beach — Matt Henry Gunther/Getty Images

Go on a mission to find areas in your town or city with the best vantage points, and take photos along the way. Don't forget to snap some selfies!

30 of 50

Take on a Puzzle Together

couple doing a puzzle — LOUISE BEAUMONT/Getty Images

Served with coffee and pastries, of course. Pick one with a picture that suits one or both of your interests.

31 of 50

Commit to a 5K

couple running — Corey Jenkins/Getty Images

You can train together to stick with it. Need more motivation? Reward yourselves with something you've been wanting (a piece of furniture, new tech, or a weekend away) once you complete the race.

32 of 50

Take a Cooking Class

Sign up for something you've always wanted to learn like how to make your own pasta. Your next at-home date night should taste even better after a lesson from the pros.

33 of 50

Go to a Concert

Small venues or record stores can host daytime or late-afternoon shows, and they're usually inexpensive. If a festival is in town, even better.

34 of 50

Check out a Famous Restaurant

fancy restaurant — Photo by Louis Hansel @shotsoflouis on Unsplash

Choose a local restaurant that's gotten a lot of media attention. It still counts if it's been on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

35 of 50

Find out How Beer Is Made

Find a local brewery and taste what they've been creating. Make sure you've had some snacks ahead of time.

36 of 50

Go Skydiving

Have you always wanted to go but been too afraid? There's no time like the present.

37 of 50

Make Reservations at a New Restaurant

Switch up your regular favorites by finding a new place to go to for lunch. You may find your new spot.

38 of 50

Take a Factory Tour

Daytime Date Ideas one year — Liz Sunshine

Whether you tour the Jelly Belly factory in the Bay Area or hit up the Ben and Jerry's factory in Vermont, you're bound to learn something new (and hopefully eat a few good things).

39 of 50

Set up a Hammock

Napping can totally be part of a date. This is how you know you're really comfortable with one another.

40 of 50

Sign up for Paintball

If you've never done it before, find a wooded area and try paintball. Just be gentle.

41 of 50

Make a New Recipe

making pizza — Cavan Images/Getty Images

Because you know you've been rotating the same five meals for months now. It's time to branch out.

42 of 50

Go to a Spa

The spa pool at the The Allison Inn & Spa in Oregon. — The Allison Inn & Spa

43 of 50

Tour Model Homes

couple walking — Stephen Zeigler/Getty Images

Even if you're not in the market, seeing the latest design trends and architecture styles—especially of large, single-family properties—can be a fun way to daydream.

44 of 50

Spend Some Time in Your Outdoor Space

If you live together and have an outdoor space, how often do you use it? Spend some time cleaning it off and decorating it before having a "date" in this new area of your home.

45 of 50

Take a Dance Class

couple dancing — Laree Barney / EyeEm/Getty Images

Groan now, but it'll be worth it when you can do a perfect waltz together. If you're wedding plan, this might be especially useful.

46 of 50

Organize a Scavenger Hunt

happy couple — Getty Images/YakobchukOlena

Plan a scavenger hunt. Feature beloved places and things, like your first date and favorite diner.

47 of 50

Plan a Quick Road Trip

Couple road tripping at sunset — Thomas Barwick/Taxi/Getty Images

The destination should be no more than two hours away. Grab lunch and walk around before heading home.

48 of 50

Re-Create a Memorable Date

It could be a home-cooked version of a first date meal or a drive back to that particular lookout. Either way, you'll feel all the feels.

49 of 50

Go Roller Skating

Find a local rink or take your neighborhood streets by storm. Dress up in retro-chic clothing if you're up for it.

50 of 50

Stay In

couple playing video games — Gpointstudio/Getty Images

Stay in your pajamas all day and put on your current Netflix obsession. Order food in and veg out.

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