Every relationship goes through phases where things feel a little predictable, especially when you’ve been together a long time.
It doesn’t mean anything is wrong; it just means you might need to shake things up a bit. Trying new things together can bring back excitement, laughter, and a fresh sense of connection. Plus, it can shake you out of a life rut you probably didn’t even realise you were in. If your relationship has started to feel routine, here are a few ideas to inject some fun back into it. These things might sound pretty basic, but it’s crazy how most of us never even consider trying them — and how effective they are!
1. Take a class together.
Source: Unsplash Learning something new as a couple can be a great way to bond while stepping outside your usual routine. Whether it’s a cooking class, a dance lesson, or even pottery, trying a new skill together keeps things interesting. Not only do you get to experience something different, but you also get to laugh at yourselves along the way. Making mistakes and figuring things out together can bring a new level of teamwork and fun to your relationship.
2. Plan a surprise day out for each other.
Sometimes, part of the boredom in a relationship comes from knowing exactly what to expect. Switch things up by planning a surprise day out for your partner, and then let them do the same for you another time. It could be anything from visiting a quirky museum to exploring a nearby town you’ve never been to. The excitement of not knowing what’s coming next makes the experience feel more special and spontaneous.
3. Try a sport or activity you’ve never done before.
Breaking away from the usual dinner-and-movie routine by trying something active can bring a whole new energy to your relationship. Whether it’s paddleboarding, rock climbing, or even axe-throwing, getting out of your comfort zone together can be a great bonding experience. You don’t have to be good at it, either! The fun comes from trying something new, cheering each other on, and maybe even having a few hilarious fails along the way.
4. Have a themed date night at home.
Not every new experience has to involve leaving the house. Instead of just watching TV in the evening, pick a theme for the night and fully commit to it. You could do an Italian night with homemade pizza, a ’90s movie marathon with snacks from your childhood, or even a DIY spa night. Making an effort to break from the usual routine at home can make things feel exciting again, without needing to spend much money or go anywhere fancy.
5. Go on a spontaneous road trip.
Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you don’t plan too much. Pick a random town, a scenic drive, or a coastline you’ve never visited, and just start driving with no strict itinerary. Stopping at roadside cafés, exploring hidden gems, and discovering new places together can make even a simple day trip feel like a mini adventure. It’s all about the journey, not the destination.
6. Volunteer together.
Doing something meaningful as a couple can add a different kind of fulfilment to your relationship. Volunteering at an animal shelter, helping at a community event, or joining a local clean-up initiative can give you both a shared sense of purpose. Not only does it feel good to give back, but it also reminds you of the power of teamwork and how rewarding it is to do something positive together.
7. Go on a “yes” day.
For one day, challenge yourselves to say “yes” to whatever the other suggests (within reason, of course!). Whether it’s trying a weird food, stopping to explore a random shop, or taking part in a street performance, embrace the spontaneity. This can be a fun way to break out of old habits and experience new things you wouldn’t normally consider. Plus, the excitement of not knowing what’s next adds a sense of adventure.
8. Explore a part of your city you’ve never been to.
It’s easy to fall into the habit of visiting the same places over and over. Shake things up by picking an area of your city you’ve never explored before — maybe a different neighbourhood, park, or street you usually drive past. Walking around without a plan, stopping at new cafés, or just people-watching somewhere different can give you a fresh perspective and remind you that adventure doesn’t have to be far from home.
9. Start a challenge together.
Setting a goal as a couple adds an element of fun and teamwork to your daily routine. It could be something fitness-related, like training for a 5K, or something completely different, like learning a language together or taking part in a 30-day photography challenge. Having a shared goal keeps things exciting, and you’ll have something to talk about, work toward, and celebrate together when you achieve it.
10. Visit a place from each other’s childhood.
Take a trip down memory lane by visiting a place that was important to each of you growing up. It could be an old school, a childhood holiday spot, or even the park where you used to play as a kid. Not only is it a great way to learn more about each other’s past, but it also brings a nostalgic and sentimental element to your time together, reminding you of how much history has shaped you both.
11. Cook something completely out of your comfort zone.
Source: Unsplash Instead of making your usual meals, pick a completely new recipe from a culture you’ve never tried cooking before. Whether it’s Thai, Ethiopian, or Argentinian, shopping for ingredients and figuring it out together can be surprisingly fun. Even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly, the experience of cooking, laughing at mistakes, and trying something different will bring you closer in a way that a normal takeaway night wouldn’t.
12. Be tourists in your own town.
It’s easy to take your local area for granted, but when was the last time you did something touristy where you live? Visit the attractions people travel to your city to see, take a guided tour, or hop on a sightseeing bus like a visitor would. Seeing your hometown through fresh eyes can make it feel like an entirely new place, and you might even discover things you’ve been missing out on all along.
13. Try an escape room or mystery-solving activity.
Source: Unsplash Escape rooms, murder mystery games, or interactive puzzle experiences give you both a challenge that requires teamwork and problem-solving. They push you to think differently and work together under pressure. They’re also a great way to add a bit of adrenaline to your usual routine, creating the same kind of excitement you had when you first started dating.
14. Create a “bucket list” for your relationship.
Take some time to sit down and write a list of experiences you both want to have together. It doesn’t have to be extreme — just things you’ve always talked about doing but never got around to. Having a list of adventures to look forward to gives you both something exciting to plan, making sure your relationship keeps evolving rather than settling into the same routine.
