Date Ideas For The Post-Quarantine Couple
Social distancing has totally put a hamper on the dating scene. But between Netflix Party and Zoom, virtual dating has become increasingly user friendly. In turn, COVID-19-era couples have resorted to some pretty interesting and creative date ideas in order to keep their romantic lives aflame, despite being able to see one another IRL! Once stay-at-home orders are lifted, though, we’ll definitely be excited to resume dating as normal.
Whether you’ve been chatting with people online or were in a committed relationship going into the coronavirus pandemic, returning to normal dating practices might be, well…weird. But you aren’t alone in feeling that way – in case you forgot how to interact with people or still have cautions regarding being around crowds, here are the ultimate date ideas for the post-quarantine couple!
Hit up a drive-in movie park
Miss going to the movies? An old-fashioned favorite which has made an overwhelming comeback is the drive-in movie park, and almost every town has one of its own! As we approach both summer and the post-quarantine phase of coronavirus, this is an awesome date idea you don’t want to miss out on, giving you a fun, timeless experience you might not have thought of otherwise.
Social-distancing policies remain in place at the parks, though, so get there early enough that you can find a place to park. With a few cozy blankets and authentic movie snacks, you and your date might never go back to a real movie theater again!
Go to your favorite museum
It’s easy to stay at least six feet away from people while admiring some of the most beautiful works of art, so head over to your favorite museum for a fun and easy post-quarantine date!
Most museums have already begun reopening their doors to the public, but that doesn’t mean they’ve lifted certain restrictions (including occupancy limits or dining). Make sure the one you choose is allowing visitors before you decide to take a trip out there, and also take note of the safety measure they’re asking patrons to take. You don’t want to disappoint your date, and you definitely want to follow the rules!
If you aren’t totally comfortable going to the museum but still want that cultural experience, visit one of their online collections and take a virtual tour with bae!
Grab a bite from a food truck
Almost every city has jumped on the super trendy food track bandwagon. If you and your date are sick of take out but aren’t totally comfortable dining in at your favorite restaurant post-quarantine, food trucks provide the ideal middle ground. As long as you know where to go and at what time of day you’ll catch it, belly up to that counter and place your order!
Depending on where your truck is located, many offer seating areas for their customers. But you can also take it to the park, on a nightly walk through your town, or enjoy it curbside. Whatever your choose to do, you’ll definitely have an eclectic dining experience that you probably missed when you were locked inside…and it’s guaranteed to beat homemade pasta, no offense.
Take a walk in the park
Although some parks banned visitors at the height of the pandemic, most remained open to the public. And while it feels like “going for a nice stroll” is on every single list of go-to date ideas, right now, parks are an especially accessible option due to how easy it is to social-distance from others.
As long as you’re aware of your surroundings and proximity to others, taking a walk through the park is a hassle-free, foolproof post-quarantine date. You don’t even have to wear a face mask since you’re out in the open air, so things might actually feel kind of normal for a minute!
Have a picnic
Picnics are one of the best date ideas when warmer weather rolls around, and in the current state of things, they’re also one of the most flexible options you have. If you want to obey social-distancing even after mandatory quarantine, a picnic is the date for you. And if you’re keeping six-feet away from your date themselves, they make for a good opportunity for an intimate setting that doesn’t require you getting too close to one another…you don’t even have to share your picnic blanket if you throw it BYOB (“bring your own blanket”) style.
Another perk of picnic dates are that they can happen just about anywhere – your backyard, a local green space, by a creek, or even on a baseball diamond at a nearby high school. Just pack up some homemade treats, their favorite snacks, liquid spirits, disposable utensils, and you’ve got yourself a breezy, pandemic-friendly date!
Marathon your favorite series
If you don’t want to leave the house post-quarantine, hosting a marathon of your favorite television or movie series with your date is a great icebreaker that’s also self-made. Bonding over a TV show or movie is simple to do in the comfort of your home whether you want to social-distance or not…with dim lights and candles lit, you can feel close without being within six feet of one another! But if you’re breaking the barrier, getting comfy with one blanket is even better.
You can learn so much about another person from how they react to shows or films that you love, and vise versa. When you’re ready for date number two, allow your date to choose the marathon series!
Go for a long drive
Long drives are one of the most relaxing dates we can think of. Whether you live relatively close to a quaint town or a bustling city, if you drive long enough, you’ll end up somewhere!
Stopping to pick up food or going for drinks in an unfamiliar environment sparks a curiosity that will bring you and your date closer, but if you’re weary about experiencing a public setting, staying in your car and literally just driving around is sometimes just as fun. Plus, with a killer playlist, you and your date are sure to have a great time!
