As we’ve seen over the past weeks in the Real Marriage sermon series, friendship is one of the greatest and most significant gifts we receive in our marriage. The Bible tells us in Song of Songs that marriage and friendship go hand in hand (5:16). Even more, we know that our friendship will be the aspect of our marriage that will endure forever.
We can fuel that friendship in so many ways, including spending time with one another, having fun together, and just enjoying each other. With Valentine’s Day today, we wanted to give the gentlemen some last-minute ideas for dates to plan with or for your wives, not only for the holiday, but for future weeks as well. So here’s our list of 10 non-traditional ways to have fun with your best friend. Note: you won’t find “dinner and a movie” here!
1. Be Tourists
Explore some new or old places around town. Check out out-of-the-way neighborhoods, a new hot spot, or visit tourist attractions. Even if you find some of these locations a bit cheesy, visiting them with your spouse can be a lot of fun.
2. Go Outside
Check out a hiking trail nearby or swing by a neighborhood park. Spend some time people watching, perhaps bringing some food and making a picnic of it. Watch the sunset together on a bench or blanket and take the opportunity to just be with one another. Bring along a list of constellations and see who can find the most once it gets dark. Or, flip it around: have a sunrise date.
3. Get Some Culture
Visit a nearby museum and take in some art or history. Ask your spouse what they think of different pieces or exhibits. It might spark a conversation you wouldn’t otherwise have and give you an opportunity to learn something about your spouse you didn’t know.
4. Play Together
Find a local gaming center or bowling alley and check it out. You can race some go-karts, play laser tag or pinball, challenge each other to a round of miniature golf, see who can win the most tickest in the arcade, try out the skating rink, or hit the bowling lanes for some friendly and fun competition.
5. See the Shows
As an alternative to the classic movie date, take in some live talent and check out what performances are in town. Visit one of the larger venues for incoming Broadway, international, or national shows or see some of the smaller, local performance groups to support the arts in your area. You can even check out nearby comedy clubs for a dose of laughter. Take the time during intermission to ask what your spouse thinks of the performance so far, then go out to dinner or coffee after to discuss what you saw.
6. Get in the Game
Love sports? Go back to your childhood and play a game of HORSE , toss around a ball or a Frisbee, or check out a sports event. Even if you’re not die-hard fans, it can be fun to go out and support the local team together.
7. Make Music Together
If you’re musical, stay in and play/sing together. Write a song for your spouse or sing your own rendition of your favorites. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can record a video and upload it to YouTube for everyone to enjoy! Love music, but don’t have a much talent for it? See Tip #5.
8. Bring Out Your Inner Foodie
Try a complex and intricate recipe together. Go through the whole process, from shopping at your favorite grocery store (or maybe an extra trip for an exceptional ingredient) to enjoying the finished product. Even if it turns out to not be as delicious as hoped, the shoulder-to-shoulder time together will be fun—and ordering in is always a backup option.
9. Try Dinner with a Twist
Experiment with foods or restaurants you’ve never tried before. Try karaoke at a local sushi bar. Visit a nearby winery festival. Do a murder mystery dinner. Find fun or unexpected variations to your typical dates.
10. Take a Trip
Leaving overnight isn’t always an option, but take an opportunity to get away, even if it’s only an hour or so out of town. Take a day of vacation from work while the kids are at school, or trade off a babysitting day with another family. Check out the scenery, try the most recommended food, visit local shops, and just walk around town. The short road trip will also provide an opportunity for new memories together.
