20 Things to Do With Your Boyfriend

You’re probably wondering how to break out of the same dinner-and-movie routine that’s been draining the life from your relationship. I can tell you from experience that couples who actively seek new adventures together create stronger bonds, while those who settle into predictable patterns often drift apart. The difference between thriving relationships and stagnant ones isn’t luck—it’s intentional effort. Here are twenty proven ways to reignite that spark and discover sides of each other you never knew existed.

Plan a Surprise Picnic in Your Backyard

Why settle for expensive restaurant dates when you can create something magical right outside your back door? I can tell you that backyard picnics pack more romance than any crowded restaurant ever could.

Start by setting up a cozy blanket under your favorite tree, then surprise him with his favorite snacks and drinks. You’ll want to plant flowers together beforehand to create the perfect romantic backdrop – it’s an activity that builds anticipation for your special date.

I’ve never seen a guy resist the charm of string lights draped overhead and soft music playing from a portable speaker. Take it further by planning to organize a backyard camping experience later that evening, complete with s’mores and stargazing. This intimate setting lets you focus entirely on each other.

The key is creating psychological foreplay through thoughtful gestures like leaving sweet notes in the picnic basket or wearing something special that only he’ll notice.

Take a Cooking Class Together

How often do couples struggle to find activities that bring them closer together while learning something new? Taking a cooking class together solves both problems instantly. I can tell you from experience, there’s something magical about working side by side, following instructions, and creating something delicious together.

You’ll learn new cooking techniques that’ll impress your friends for years. Whether it’s mastering pasta from scratch or perfecting knife skills, these classes teach real methods you can’t get from YouTube. The best part? You’ll sample homemade dishes throughout the session, which means you’re basically getting dinner and entertainment rolled into one.

I’ve never seen couples bond faster than when they’re laughing over burnt garlic or celebrating a perfectly seasoned sauce. This shared activity creates quality time together without the distractions of phones or technology, allowing you to be fully present with each other. Choose classes that match your skill levels.

Go on a Scenic Hiking Trail

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When you’re looking for an activity that combines physical challenge with quality conversation time, hiking offers the perfect balance. I can tell you from experience that scenic trails create natural bonding moments you won’t find elsewhere.

Scenic trails create natural bonding moments that combine physical adventure with meaningful conversation—a perfect recipe for deeper connection.

Choose paths matching both your fitness levels, because nothing kills romance faster than one person struggling while the other races ahead.

If mountains aren’t accessible, explore local botanical gardens with winding trails, or plan a city walking tour through historic neighborhoods. Pack water, snacks, and a first-aid kit—I’ve seen too many couples unprepared for minor scrapes or energy crashes.

Start with shorter distances, then gradually tackle longer routes as you build stamina together. The shared accomplishment of reaching viewpoints creates memories that strengthen your connection beyond typical dinner dates.

These outdoor adventures provide excellent opportunities for quality time together without the distractions of phones or daily responsibilities, allowing you to focus entirely on each other’s company.

Have a Game Night Tournament

Not every romantic evening needs to involve leaving the house, and competitive game nights can reveal sides of your relationship you never knew existed. I can tell you that when you host a tournament between just the two of you, you’ll discover whether he’s gracious in defeat or becomes ridiculously competitive over Monopoly.

Here’s what makes game nights emotionally powerful:

• You’ll see his true character when he’s winning versus losing
• Shared laughter over ridiculous moves creates lasting memories
• Working together in cooperative games strengthens your bond
• Playful trash talk reveals his sense of humor

Organize a championship spanning multiple evenings with different games. I’ve never seen couples connect faster than when they’re plotting strategy together or celebrating victories with high-fives and kisses. Keep score across multiple rounds and rotate between classics like Monopoly, chess, and newer strategy games to crown an ultimate champion.

Visit a Local Farmers Market

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While grocery stores offer convenience, farmers markets create opportunities for connection that you simply can’t find in fluorescent-lit aisles. I can tell you that wandering through vendor stalls together reveals more about your compatibility than any formal date.

You’ll discover his adventurous side when he agrees to sample fresh seasonal items like honey lavender ice cream or pickled vegetables. Browse local produce together, and you’ll naturally fall into conversations about cooking plans, childhood memories of gardens, and future dreams.

I’ve never seen couples argue at farmers markets – there’s something calming about the atmosphere. The experience becomes even richer when you cook meals together using your market finds, creating memories that extend far beyond the shopping trip itself.

These shared experiences allow you to prioritize deep conversations about your food preferences, family traditions, and cooking goals rather than staying stuck in surface-level small talk.

Try Indoor Rock Climbing

Although many couples stick to traditional dinner dates, indoor rock climbing pushes you both into uncharted territory where trust becomes tangible. You’ll literally depend on each other as your belayer, creating bonds that dinner conversation can’t match. I can tell you from experience, watching your partner challenge each other’s climbing skills reveals character in ways you’ve never seen before.

Start with beginner walls, then practice bouldering techniques together on shorter routes without ropes. The shared accomplishment feels incredible.

Consider these emotional benefits:

• Vulnerability builds intimacy – You’ll see each other struggle and succeed
• Communication becomes essential – Clear signals keep you both safe
• Celebrating victories together – Every completed route deserves high-fives
• Conquering fears as a team – Height anxiety disappears with support

This activity transforms your relationship dynamic completely. After your climbing session, you can continue building that trust and vulnerability at home with intimate games that encourage deeper emotional connection.

Create a Photo Scavenger Hunt

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If you’re searching for an adventure that combines creativity with exploration, a photo scavenger hunt turns your entire city into a playground where every street corner holds potential magic. I can tell you from experience, this activity transforms ordinary dates into unforgettable memories.

Create a list of challenges like “find the oldest building downtown” or “take photos of interesting objects that represent your relationship.” You’ll capture unique perspectives as you race against time, discovering hidden gems you’d normally walk past. I’ve never seen couples laugh harder than when they’re trying to recreate famous movie scenes or hunt for specific architectural details.

Set a two-hour limit, choose different neighborhoods, and make it competitive. The winner picks the next date location, adding stakes that’ll keep you both motivated. Later, you can create a photo album of your favorite shots from the hunt, turning your adventure into a keepsake that captures the spontaneous joy of your relationship.

Attend a Live Comedy Show

When you’re ready to let someone else handle the entertainment while you focus on each other, live comedy shows create the perfect low-pressure environment where shared laughter builds genuine connection. I can tell you that attending these performances together reveals so much about your relationship dynamics.

When you attend an improv comedy show, you’ll discover how you both react to spontaneous humor. When you watch a stand up comedy performance, you’ll learn what makes each other laugh. I’ve never seen couples bond faster than when they’re sharing genuine belly laughs.

Consider these emotional benefits:

• Shared laughter releases endorphins that strengthen your bond
• Comedy breaks down barriers, making conversations flow naturally afterward
• Inside jokes develop from memorable moments you experience together
• Stress melts away as you focus purely on enjoying each other’s company

The laughter you share during the show creates a positive atmosphere that continues into your evening conversations, helping you connect on a deeper level as you discuss your favorite moments from the performance.

Build a Blanket Fort

Sometimes the most memorable experiences happen when you create your own entertainment at home, and building a blanket fort together taps into that playful side of your relationship that daily routines often bury. I can tell you that couples who laugh together while draping sheets over chairs create bonds that last far beyond the fort itself.

Start by gathering every blanket, sheet, and pillow you own. Use chairs, couches, and tables as your foundation, then drape fabric to create walls and a ceiling. Design custom pillows for the fort by stuffing old pillowcases with extra towels or clothes. Make a cozy reading nook inside by arranging soft cushions in one corner. I’ve never seen a guy resist crawling into a well-built fort with snacks and his favorite person. Building a fort together breaks you both free from your usual routine and creates the kind of new shared experience that sparks fresh conversations and deeper connection.

Go Stargazing in a Dark Area

Nothing beats the magic of lying under a canopy of stars with someone you care about, and I can tell you that stargazing creates conversations you’ll never have anywhere else. Find a spot away from city lights where darkness reveals the universe’s true beauty. I’ve never seen couples connect more deeply than when they’re surrounded by infinite space.

The infinite darkness above strips away everyday distractions, leaving only raw connection and conversations that touch your soul.

When you stargaze with binoculars, distant galaxies suddenly become real, and you’ll both gasp at Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s moons. Study constellations together using star maps, taking turns pointing out patterns and sharing ancient myths.

These shared moments of wonder become the kind of connection rituals that strengthen your bond and create lasting memories together.

• Pack warm blankets and hot chocolate in thermoses
• Download constellation apps to identify star patterns instantly
• Bring red flashlights to preserve your night vision
• Choose moonless nights for the darkest, most spectacular views

Take Dance Lessons

After experiencing the quiet intimacy of stargazing, you might crave a more energetic way to connect physically and emotionally. Dance lessons offer exactly that connection. I can tell you from experience, there’s something magical about learning to move together as a couple. You’ll practice new dance styles like salsa, swing, or ballroom, discovering which ones feel natural for both of you.

The real magic happens when you learn advanced dance techniques that require trust and communication. I’ve never seen couples bond faster than when they’re figuring out complex turns and dips together. You’ll laugh at mistakes, celebrate small victories, and develop a shared language through movement. Plus, you’ll have a special skill for weddings and date nights forever.

Explore a New Neighborhood on Foot

While dance lessons bring you closer through structured movement, exploring a new neighborhood on foot lets you discover your city’s hidden character together at your own pace. I can tell you that wandering unfamiliar streets creates spontaneous moments you’ll recall forever. You’ll stumble upon tucked-away cafes, vintage shops, and architectural details you’d miss from a car window.

Walking together naturally encourages deeper conversations. Street art murals that spark creative discussions about local culture, historic architecture revealing your city’s fascinating past stories, local markets where you can sample unique foods together, and quiet parks perfect for intimate conversations away from crowds.

I’ve never seen couples bond faster than when they uncover new hidden gems together, especially when you enjoy scenic city views from unexpected vantage points.

Have a Themed Movie Marathon

When your feet need rest from neighborhood adventures, creating the perfect movie marathon atmosphere transforms your living room into a shared escape that strengthens your connection through storytelling. I can tell you that choosing a specific theme makes everything more engaging. Pick horror classics, superhero sagas, or romantic comedies from the same decade.

Create a themed movie marathon playlist with snacks matching your films—think Italian treats for mobster movies or space-themed candy for sci-fi nights. I’ve never seen couples bond faster than when they’re debating plot holes together.

Organize a themed movie trivia game between films, asking questions about actors, directors, or memorable quotes. Keep scorecards, offer silly prizes, and watch how competitive you both become. This transforms passive watching into active participation.

Visit an Escape Room

The pressure of solving puzzles together under a ticking clock reveals how well you and your boyfriend work as a team, and I can tell you that escape rooms create unforgettable bonding experiences through shared problem-solving. When you plan an escape room challenge, you’re investing in quality time that tests your communication skills, patience, and ability to think creatively together.

• Trust building – You’ll rely on each other’s unique strengths and perspectives
• Communication enhancement – Clear, quick exchanges become essential for success
• Shared accomplishment – Victory feels twice as sweet when earned together
• Memory creation – Those “aha!” moments become stories you’ll retell for years

I’ve never seen couples leave an escape room without laughing about their experience. Organize a themed escape room adventure that matches your shared interests for maximum engagement.

Go Bowling or Play Mini Golf

Since bowling and mini golf offer the perfect blend of friendly competition and relaxed conversation, these classic activities create natural opportunities for you and your boyfriend to enjoy each other’s company without the intensity of more challenging pursuits.

I can tell you that when you have a bowling competition, you’ll discover sides of each other you’ve never seen before—his victory dance, your competitive streak, or how you both handle gutter balls. Playing putt putt reveals patience levels and problem-solving styles as you navigate windmills and tiny bridges together.

I’ve never seen couples argue seriously over these games, but I’ve watched plenty laugh until their sides hurt. Both activities let you talk between turns, creating perfect moments for deeper conversations while keeping things lighthearted and fun.

Try a New Restaurant Cuisine

Every couple needs culinary adventures that push them beyond their usual Friday night pizza order, and exploring unfamiliar cuisines together creates shared memories while revealing how adventurous you both are with new experiences.

Breaking free from routine dinner choices together reveals your shared willingness to embrace the unknown and create lasting memories.

I can tell you that when you sample new cuisine together, you’re building something deeper than just filling your stomachs. You’re creating moments where you can laugh about ordering the spiciest dish by mistake or discover you both love Ethiopian injera bread.

Choose restaurants that experiment with local ingredients, giving you authentic flavors:

• Ethiopian cuisine – Share injera bread and discover complex spice blends
• Korean BBQ – Cook together at your table while trying kimchi
• Peruvian food – Experience bold ceviche and unique potato preparations
• Lebanese dishes – Explore mezze platters with unfamiliar dips and breads

Attend a Local Festival or Fair

When you and your boyfriend step into the vibrant chaos of a local festival or fair, you’re entering a world where authentic connections happen naturally between the cotton candy stands and live music stages. I can tell you from experience, these events create perfect opportunities for meaningful conversations while you’re both discovering something new together.

Sample local food vendors offering everything from Korean tacos to artisanal ice cream, sharing bites and debating favorites. Participate in festival activities like ring toss, face painting, or dance workshops – I’ve never seen couples laugh harder than when they’re failing spectacularly at carnival games together. The key is embracing the experience without worrying about looking silly, because shared laughter builds stronger bonds than perfect performances ever could.

Have a Spa Day at Home

Fluffy bathrobes and dimmed lighting transform your living room into a sanctuary where you and your boyfriend can disconnect from daily stress without spending hundreds at an upscale spa. I can tell you that creating this intimate experience strengthens your bond while promoting relaxation together.

Start by gathering supplies you already have at home. Create DIY face masks using honey, oatmeal, or avocado from your kitchen. I’ve never seen couples resist laughing when they see each other’s cucumber-covered eyes and clay-smudged faces.

Here’s what makes home spa days unforgettable:

• Soft music playing while you massage each other’s shoulders
• Scented candles flickering throughout darkened rooms
• Warm towels heated in your dryer for authentic spa luxury
• Fresh fruit and infused water for complete pampering

Plan a luxurious bubble bath as your grand finale, complete with essential oils.

Go Antiquing or Thrift Shopping

Treasure hunting through dusty vintage shops and thrift stores creates an adventure that reveals your boyfriend’s personality in ways you’d never expect. I can tell you that when you visit antique stores together, you’ll discover whether he appreciates craftsmanship or gets impatient with browsing. Some guys light up finding old tools or vinyl records, while others gravitate toward vintage furniture pieces.

When you browse vintage markets, watch how he negotiates prices, handles delicate items, and reacts to your finds. I’ve never seen a clearer window into someone’s patience level than watching them spend three hours searching through dusty treasures. You’ll create memories while potentially finding unique pieces for your home, from retro kitchen gadgets to antique jewelry that tells stories.

Take a Weekend Road Trip

Although planning might seem overwhelming, a weekend road trip strips away all distractions and gives you uninterrupted time to connect with your boyfriend in ways that daily life never allows. I can tell you from experience, there’s something magical about hitting the open road together.

Plan destinations that spark adventure:

• Plan a mystery scavenger hunt through small towns, creating clues that lead to meaningful spots
• Attend a music festival in a nearby city you’ve never explored together
• Visit quirky roadside attractions that’ll give you stories to laugh about for years
• Book a cozy cabin where you can disconnect from phones and reconnect with each other

Pack snacks, create the perfect playlist, and embrace spontaneous detours. I’ve never seen couples bond faster than when they’re traversing new places together, making memories that last.

Conclusion

You’ve got plenty of options now, and I can tell you that taking action matters more than finding the perfect activity. Pick something that excites both of you, then commit to it fully. I’ve never seen couples regret trying new experiences together, but I’ve watched plenty drift apart from routine boredom. Don’t overthink this—choose one idea from this list and make it happen this weekend.