Do you remember when you first fell in love with your spouse? Maybe the two of you talked until late hours into the night, planned dinner dates, or took quiet walks. Unfortunately, at some point after marriage, we can begin to stop dating our spouse.

Work, home, family, aging parents, and other responsibilities quickly crowd in, and dating becomes something that you used to do in the past. Yet, when we don’t prioritize our relationships, distance can grow, eventually opening the door to grow apart. If you are looking to strengthen your marriage, here are a few fun date night ideas in Seattle, Washington you can try.

Why It’s Important to Date Your Spouse

God created marriage as a mirror to reflect His relationship with us. Take your spiritual connection to God as an example. Do you obey and follow His commands because you love Him and know that He loves you? You read His Word to keep what He has to say in the forefront of your mind. The relationship we have with our spouse works similarly.

Date nights are a chance to prioritize the relationship between husband and wife. You strengthen the bond and get to know each other better. Even couples who have been married for fifty years may not know everything about each other as people’s interests and goals change with time.

Fun Date Night Ideas in Seattle, Washington

Date night doesn’t have to be boring or a source of stress. If you are picturing two people eating at a fancy restaurant once a year, trying to figure out what to say to one another, then you may not be dating your spouse often enough. Once a year is perfectly fine to celebrate an anniversary, but you need more quality time with your spouse to build intimacy, grow your connection, and have fun with one another.

Some couples go out on a date night once a week or once every two weeks. Other couples choose something small daily, like having a cup of tea and catching up before bed each evening.

Below is a list of fun date night ideas in Seattle you can try this month. Many of these suggestions are affordable and accessible options!

Cook a gourmet meal.

Making dinner can become routine and uninspired. For the date night, peruse a few cookbooks, jot down recipes you two would like to try, and test one out! Try putting your phones away, turning on some music, and enjoying spending intentional time together over a new meal.

Meet for coffee

Who says coffee dates are only for acquaintances? Decide to meet for coffee first thing in the morning, at lunchtime, or during the 3 o’clock slump. Meet at a favorite café such as Konvene Coffee, Milstead & Co., or Zoka Coffee in Greenlake.

If you would rather save money, make your own special coffee at home and drink it together on the porch or while walking in the park. During cold evenings, add variety by serving hot tea or hot cocoa.

Host a game night

Break out the board games and decks of cards for game night at home. Decide ahead of time what games you want to play and if you want to invite other couples over. If your friends are up for it, alternate hosting. If you prefer you and your spouse to be the only players, decide what games you want to play. Combine game night with fun foods like pizza or ice cream.

Dance in the living room

Clubbing may never have been your scene, but you can still let loose with your spouse in your own home. Create a playlist of your favorite songs and dance away. Choose different themes for date night. For example, this Friday night, the two of you can pick your favorite country songs to create a playlist. Next Friday night, choose another theme, like 1980s pop or today’s top hits.

Visit the Woodland Park Rose Garden or Woodland Park Zoo

Although perhaps not a frugal option, depending on entrance fees, visiting a tourist attraction is a great way to spend the day together. In Seattle, consider the Woodland Park Zoo and adjacent Woodland Park Rose Garden.

A museum, garden, aquarium, and zoo offer so much it can easily take all day to explore. Hold conversations and practice active listening. Most of these places provide education as well as entertainment, so use this date night as a conversation starter.

Go swimming

Who doesn’t like a beach or pool day? You can spend the whole day together at the beach or the poolside. If you want to feel like a kid again, grab a few water toys and have a battle at the Green Lake Swimming Area in Seattle. If you don’t live near the water or the weather isn’t cooperating, see if there is a pool you can visit.

Pack a picnic

Picnicking may not be as popular as it used to be, but what better way to connect than to get out into nature with a basket full of prepared foods and a blanket for lounging? How you pack your picnic basket is up to you. You can make the food at home and bring paper plates and plastic cutlery.

Or, if you have the extra money, you can pick up a meal from a favorite restaurant and pack stoneware or porcelain dishes to give off a fancier vibe. Try being intentional by packing food that you know each of you will love.

Get thrifty

Thrifting is a great way to spend the day, find bargains, and decide what to keep and sell for a higher price. Most cities have thrift stores and antique malls. If it is Spring or Summer, you might find yard sales every weekend. Agree on the amount you will spend before you go, then work hard to stay within your budget.

Go out for dessert

Who doesn’t love a sweet treat? Many people associate going to a restaurant with eating dinner on date nights. Try going out for dessert instead! Maybe you can split a piece of pie or get ice cream cones and go for a walk. You can experience intentional time together, asking one another questions, while enjoying a delicious treat.

Watch your favorite show

More and more television shows are appearing on streaming services. This enables you to watch a favorite show or movie and pause it when necessary. Read through the popular shows and find one that interests you and your spouse. Is it a rerun classic or a new show premiering on a streaming service? Once you have found a show to watch, plan your date night around this show or movie – maybe make some popcorn!

Build a fire pit

You might not be able to build a fire pit on your own, but attending one and making s’mores is a great bonding experience in a relationship. Make your own small fire in the pit and wrap each other in warm blankets as you watch the flames. You can use this time in comfortable silence or regaling stories from your marriage.

Take up hiking

Regular exercise has its benefits, including building self-esteem and providing an energy boost. Hiking in nature gives you time to deepen your connection and reminds you of Who created the world around you. Ensure you have proper shoes and essential items. Map out your journey and get started on this new adventure.

Go sightseeing

Sunday drives, weekend jaunts, and day trips are excellent ways to disconnect from the world around you and focus on your spouse. Visit places you have always wanted to see. Start with areas around your city, then expand to the county, and at last, the country. Discuss with your spouse places you have never been but would love to see firsthand.

Christian Couples Therapy When You Need It

Are you feeling like your marriage needs help? At Seattle Christian Counseling, we offer couples therapy to strengthen the foundation of the relationship. We work with couples in conflict resolution, anger management, communication skills, and other issues that are causing strife. Complete the online form or call our office to schedule a session with a Christian counselor in Seattle today.

Photos:
“Coffee and Conversation”, Courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez, “Coffee Date”, Courtesy of Jonathan J. Castellon, Unsplash.com, CC0 License; “Coffee”, Courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez, Unsplash.com, CC0 License; “Fresh Coffee”, Courtesy of Tim Mossholder, Unsplash.com, CC0 License

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