Creative and Fun Long-Distance Date Night Ideas That Don’t Involve Watching TV!
Long-distance relationships are no walk in the park—trust me, I know. After spending four years navigating life between the U.S. and the U.K. my husband and I discovered some amazing ways to stay connected despite the miles that separated us.
You can build strong bonds even when apart, but it takes effort, creativity, and a bit of fun. If you’re stuck in the usual routine of TV or video calls, it’s time to shake things up! Here are 10 unique long-distance date night ideas to keep your connection strong and exciting—no TV required!
10 Long-Distance Date Night Ideas
1. Solve a Murder Mystery Puzzle Together
If you and your partner love solving mysteries or are fans of thrilling crime dramas, a murder mystery puzzle date is an excellent way to spend your time together. Unlike the usual movie night, this date idea requires collaboration, creative thinking, and strategy—all great skills for long-distance couples to hone!
A personal favorite of mine is Murdle, an interactive puzzle game where both of you can participate, even from opposite sides of the globe.
What’s great about this is that you’re not just chatting—you’re engaged, thinking through clues, piecing together evidence, and working as a team to solve the mystery. It feels almost like you’re detectives on the same case, communicating over a long-distance line to crack the crime.
If you’re craving something more interactive than a video call but aren’t big into gaming, this is a perfect in-between. As a bonus, it’s affordable, and you’ll be hooked after just one puzzle.
You could even make this a regular event. Try different cases, or if you’re really into it, sign up for a subscription box like Hunt A Killer, where new puzzles get sent out monthly. It adds something special to look forward to during your time apart.
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Hunt A Killer Immersive Murder Mystery Game
2. Cozy Up with a LEGO Date Night
LEGO might seem like an unusual choice for a date night, but trust me—it’s perfect for a low-key, fun evening, even when you’re far apart. Whether you’re childhood fans of building blocks or discovering this creative outlet for the first time, LEGO sets allow you to engage in a shared activity that’s lighthearted and imaginative.
When my husband and I were still doing long-distance, one of our favorite date nights involved picking out a LEGO set we both liked (thankfully, there are plenty of options to fit different interests). He’s a huge fan of the NASA space collection, while I tend to prefer something a little simpler. The Architecture sets are ideal for that—there’s even a London skyline set, which made me feel more connected to home when I was across the pond.
You could even turn it into a mini-competition! Time each other to see who can complete their section first or work collaboratively to create something epic. And remember, the point is to have fun, relax, and enjoy a shared experience, whether you’re building an intricate spaceship or a minimalist London skyline.
To make it more special, prepare a favorite snack or cozy up with a hot drink. This LEGO date will allow you both to let your creative juices flow while enjoying a calming and collaborative activity.
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LEGO Architecture London Skyline
3. Virtual House-Hunting Adventures
Closing the distance often comes with dreams of finding a home together, which can be both exciting and overwhelming. Why not make it fun with a virtual house-hunting date? Websites like Zillow make it easy to browse homes—even if your budget is tight! My husband and I spent many late nights dreaming about two-million-dollar homes, even if they were far out of reach. Grab a glass of wine, pop open Zillow, and dream big together!
This activity can feel particularly exciting when you’re nearing the end of your long-distance phase and planning your life together in one place. It helps build anticipation for your future, and it gives you something to look forward to. Whether it’s practical browsing for an upcoming move or a playful session of window shopping for dream homes, it brings the fun and excitement of the future into your present.
4. Dinner Date—Together, Apart
Dining solo in a restaurant while on a video call might feel strange at first, but it’s a wonderful way to share a meal when you’re miles apart. Just pop in some wireless headphones and enjoy your favorite meal while chatting about your day. My husband and I would often “go out” for dinner this way, and it felt almost as if we were sitting across from each other at the same table.
Don’t feel confined to just fancy restaurants either! You can do this from the comfort of your own home, ordering takeout from your favorite local spots or even trying a new recipe. You could even make it themed: Italian night, sushi night, or even a breakfast date if the time zones work for it! It’s a simple way to stay connected and make meals feel like a shared experience, despite the miles.
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5. Go for a Walk or Run—Virtually
If one of you is into fitness, this is a great way to connect. My husband is in the military and would often call me during his cool-down walk after a jog. You don’t have to be a runner to make this work! Simply call each other while out on a walk, and it’s like you’re strolling side by side. You can share your surroundings and catch up in a relaxing, low-pressure setting.
It’s a refreshing way to check in with each other while encouraging some healthy habits at the same time. If you want to make it a regular part of your routine, try setting up specific walk-and-talk dates where you both get outside for a breath of fresh air together.
6. Wedding Planning via Virtual Vision Boards
Planning your wedding or honeymoon? Make a date out of it by creating virtual vision boards together. Use Pinterest or other online tools to share ideas for your dream wedding or upcoming adventures. Whether it’s choosing flowers, venues, or honeymoon destinations, it’s a great way to stay connected while dreaming about your future together.
This can be particularly helpful if you’re in the early stages of wedding planning or just looking to keep the excitement alive during the long-distance phase. If you’re already married, you can even use this idea for planning future travels or major life goals—just sharing your dreams with each other will bring you closer.
7. Pack a Care Package—Together!
This is a fun twist on sending gifts to each other. Go shopping together—virtually! Call each other from your respective stores, showing off the items you’re picking out for a care package. It builds excitement, knowing you’ll receive the treats you saw them choose for you. When it arrives, it’ll feel even more special because you were part of the process.
You can make this an event in itself by choosing a theme for your care packages, whether it’s a favorite color, hobby, or a “self-care” package. The anticipation of receiving something physical that was chosen with love makes it all the more meaningful.
8. Send a Shared Journal Back and Forth
Here’s a romantic and old-fashioned idea that adds a personal touch: share a journal. One of you writes in it for a few weeks and then sends it to the other, who continues the tradition. You can write about your day, your thoughts, or even little love notes. When you finally close the distance, you’ll have a beautiful memento of your relationship.
It’s an intimate way to document your journey and reflect on your relationship through different seasons of life. In a world where so much of our communication is digital, a physical journal feels like a treasure you’ll cherish for years to come.
9. Cook a Meal Together
If going out isn’t your thing, have a cooking date at home. Pick a recipe you both like, and make the same dish in your respective kitchens. You can cook while chatting, and then enjoy the meal “together” once it’s ready. This is one of those date ideas that feels incredibly intimate and grounding, as you’re both nourishing yourselves at the same time.
You can even take it up a notch by trying out recipes from a shared cookbook, or making it a themed night where you both cook a dish from a particular cuisine. It’s all about making the everyday feel a bit more special, even from a distance. If you both love cooking, this is a perfect way to stay connected and make mealtime a fun, shared experience. Plus, you’ll have plenty to talk about as you compare notes on your cooking adventures and enjoy the end result together.
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10. Read a Book Aloud Together
Forget about TV—there’s something incredibly special about reading a book to each other. Pick a novel or non-fiction book and take turns reading aloud over a video call. My husband and I would often read Christian devotionals together, or delve into epic tales like The Lord of the Rings. It’s intimate, calming, and a great way to feel close, even when miles apart.
You can even choose books that are meaningful to both of you—whether it’s an inspiring self-help book, an epic adventure, or something that makes you both laugh. There’s something magical about hearing someone’s voice as they read, and it adds a whole new layer of connection. It’s much more intentional than watching TV, and it will quickly become a tradition you both look forward to.
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New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional
The Takeaway
Long-distance relationships are tough, but they don’t have to be boring or routine. With a little creativity and intention, these date night ideas will help you stay connected, nurture your bond, and have fun—even from afar.
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As always I’d love to hear from you – if you have any other fun ideas for long-distance dates drop us a comment below!
