5 Date Night Ideas That Don’t Include Phones

Isn't it remarkable how often we find ourselves staring at screens? Phones, tablets, computers—it's almost like they're extensions of our bodies, pulling us away from the real connections right in front of us. 

People around the world spend an average of nearly 7 hours a day glued to screens. Now, imagine reclaiming just a fraction of that time for heartfelt, face-to-face interactions. What could be more fulfilling, right?

That's exactly why carving out time for screen-free date nights isn't just nice—it's necessary.

When we switch off our devices and tune into each other, we're investing in our relationship. We engage deeply, sharing laughs, and creating memories without the buzz of notifications. In our fast-paced, always-on world, these moments are a rare chance to strengthen our bonds with those we love.

Here are some ways to avoid screen time during a date night.

Romantic Picnic Under the Stars

Planning a romantic picnic under the stars? You’re setting the stage for a magical evening. 

First up, finding the right spot is key—it could be a cozy corner of a local park or a quiet stretch of beach where the stars light up the sky. Think somewhere away from the bright lights and noise of the city, where you can really soak in the natural ambiance.

Now, about those pesky phones—did you know a study from 2019 found that using phones while spending time together can actually make couples feel less connected? 

For this picnic, let’s keep the digital world at bay. This is your chance to truly connect, enhancing those emotional and spiritual bonds without the usual interruptions.

Instead, focus your attention and energy on loading up your picnic basket with some gourmet goodies—think your favorite cheeses, some juicy, fresh fruits, and maybe a bottle of bubbly. 

Don’t forget a comfy blanket for lounging and a portable speaker for a little background music. Nothing too loud—just some soft tunes to complement the starry night.

Once you're all set up under the stars, it's all about enjoying the moment with your special someone. 

Lay back, point out the constellations, and make a couple of wishes for shooting stars. It's the perfect time to share stories, laugh together, and dream up your future adventures.

Embracing the serenity of nature and each other’s company, a picnic under the stars isn't just romantic but is also a powerful way to reconnect and create memorable moments. 

Just the two of you, the stars, and a whole evening to enjoy—it doesn’t get much better than that!

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Cooking Class for Two

Research shows that spending quality time together is key to deepening connections in a relationship, and keeping the spark and understanding alive.

So why not dial up the fun on your next date night with a cooking class? This can potentially be the ultimate blend of fun and learning, away from all digital distractions.

First off, pick a class that gets both of you excited. Whether it’s rolling sushi or kneading dough for Italian pasta, it’s all about sharing a tasty new adventure. 

Once you’re in the class, it’s all about teamwork. You’ll chop, stir, and sauté together, turning simple ingredients into something amazing. You’ll also learn, laugh, and maybe even flambé, but most of all, you do it together.

And the best part? After the class, you get to sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Imagine the two of you, clinking glasses of wine, digging into your own culinary creations. It’s the perfect crescendo to a perfect evening.

Taking a cooking class together is an investment in your relationship. You come away with more than just recipes; you gain new memories and a stronger bond. 

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Artistic Evening Out

Why not switch things up for our next date night by getting a little creative? Whether it's a pottery class or a painting workshop, there's something incredibly fun and freeing about rolling up our sleeves, sharing laughs, and letting our artistic sides shine through. 

If you're in the mood for something a bit more mellow, how about a visit to an art gallery? You can pick a time when it’s quieter and really take in the art. 

Scrolling through the gallery, discussing the pieces that catch our eye, sharing thoughts, and maybe even discovering some new favorites together can be a great way to spend time together.

A study highlights that conversations can be much deeper and more meaningful when we're not distracted by smartphones. So, whether you’re getting your hands dirty in clay or contemplating a stunning painting, ditching your phones can help you dive deeper into the art—and each other.

And the best part of getting creative? It’s creating lasting memories. If you end up painting or sculpting, you can bring a piece of that night back home with you. 

Every time you see your artwork, you’ll be transported back to those moments, remembering a special night when you did something different and grew a little closer.

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Theme Night at Home

Looking to shake up your usual date night routine? Why not bring the excitement home? Over two-thirds of Americans recognize the importance of pausing technologies, so why not designate our home as a detox zone for the night? 

Whether it's turning your living room into a slice of Italy, stepping back into a roaring 1920s speakeasy, or chilling in a makeshift tropical paradise, the possibilities are as endless as they are thrilling. 

First up, pick a theme that hits the right note. Are you all about Italian vibes? Picture an evening spent making homemade pasta while Pavarotti plays in the background. 

Feeling a bit more daring? A 1920s night could have you jazzing it up with some classic cocktails and swing dancing. 

Or if you're in the mood to keep things mellow, why not go tropical? Think fruity drinks and laid-back island tunes to set the scene.

Next, it's all about transforming your space. A few choice decorations can whisk you away to another world. And don’t just stop there—dressing up in a costume or a theme-specific outfit really ramps up the fun and gets you into the spirit of things.

Now, imagine your themed night in full swing: you're dancing to some great music, laughing over a board game, or maybe getting crafty with some theme-inspired DIY projects. It will surely be fun and enjoyable to be somewhere else for the evening.

Finally, disconnecting from your devices allows you to truly step into another era together.

Outdoor Adventure

Ready to spice up your next date? Consider taking it outside—hiking, biking, or canoeing, for a perfect adventure.

First things first, decide what sparks joy for both of you. Is it trekking through lush hills, cycling down picturesque trails, or paddling across a tranquil lake? 

Once you've picked your activity, it's time to map out your route and pack up. Essential gear, delicious snacks, and plenty of water are must-haves for your outdoor escapade.

Being outdoors offers a unique opportunity to truly connect. Without the usual daily distractions, you can talk and laugh freely, and maybe push each other to try something a bit challenging.

But, why not trade the usual dinner and a movie for something more dynamic? An outdoor date isn’t just a breath of fresh air for your relationship—it's a chance to grow closer and build shared experiences sans screen time.

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Unplugging to Reconnect in Fun and Meaningful Ways

There are many ways to spend quality time together that don't involve glancing at a screen. From enjoying a romantic picnic under the stars to stirring up some fun in a cooking class, dabbling in art, hosting a quirky theme night, or going on an outdoor adventure, each idea offers opportunities to create lasting memories together.

Think of these suggestions as mere starting points. Feel free to adapt and tweak them to better suit your shared interests and what makes both of you tick as a couple.

If you are looking for an extra touch to make those moments even more special, consider using Aro into your date nights. 

With Aro's flip feature, you can set your phones aside, keep track of your screen-free time, and enjoy the pleasure of uninterrupted connection. Make our next date night not just fun, but truly memorable with Aro.

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