"Cuddling up on the couch with a fluffy blanket, freshly popped popcorn, and cute pajamas is my ideal date. And if it’s my turn to pick, I choose a rom-com movie every single time. While my fiancé pretends to suffer through them, I giddily kick my feet at the slightly cringy but mostly funny meet-cutes and kissing-in-the-rain scenes. As a romantic at heart, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to recreate date ideas from my favorite rom-com. Date ideas can feel so repetitive (especially if you’re in a long-term relationship), and what better way to switch it up than to implement date ideas from romance movies themselves? With this in mind, I’ve rounded up swoon-worthy date ideas based on iconic rom-com movies. From the classics to modern rom-coms, here are scenes to inspire your next date!
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1. From The Parent Trap: Recreate your first date
Annie and Hallie’s twin scheming finally pays off when their parents relive their first date. This nostalgic, romantic date can help reignite a spark (if that’s what you need) or just remind you both of the moment you hit it off! Go back to the bar or restaurant you went to, wear a similar outfit (or the same one if you have it!), and watch the first movie you saw together—get the picture? Whether you’re on date five or 100, recreating your first date is sure to be fun, flirty, and memorable.
2. From 13 Going On 30: Go to a playground
Take it from Jenna and Matt: Letting your inner child run free by visiting a playground is a fun date idea that you’ll come back to time and time again. Get silly, run around, slide down a slide, and swing to your heart’s content for the perfect, low-key date out. End the night with a smooch in the sand, and you’re practically living out what all rom-com dreams are made of. Bonus point if you get candy on the way!
3. From To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before: Release paper lanterns
One of the most romantic moments from To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before is when Laura Jean takes Peter to release paper lanterns. They paint their deepest wishes onto the lantern to send into the sky. It’s just too cute to handle! You, too, can live out your Tangled fantasies and release lanterns—all you have to do is set a date, order some lanterns, and decide where you’ll set them free (away from any trees, of course!). Tip: Bring wine and snacks you can enjoy while you write on your lanterns and watch them float in the sky.
4. From The Idea of You: Visit an art gallery or museum
Hayes visits Solène’s art gallery multiple times—to see her, obviously. But along the way, he learns just how special it is to admire alongside her. Step into the world of art by visiting a local museum with your partner. Pro tip: Check out the museum’s calendar for events or specials during the week. There might be a workshop you both want to attend or even free admission to the museum during certain days of the week!
5. From Friends With Benefits: Stroll through the park
The chemistry is undeniable between friends Jamie and Dylan. During their friends-with-benefits phase, the pair go walking in Central Park to people-watch for potential suitors. While we don’t think you’ll be doing that kind of people-watching for a date, going to a park and taking in your surroundings is one of the most relaxing date ideas. Take note of the different types of plants in the area, list off all the dogs you come across on your walk, get ice cream or a pretzel at a stand, and enjoy your time chatting and walking outdoors.
6. From 50 First Dates: Make houses out of waffles
Even though the name indicated that there were indeed 50 first dates between Lucy and Henry, I think one of the cutest “dates” is making houses out of waffles. Lucy enjoys creating unique houses out of her waffles in the morning, and Henry joins in. Is this not the most playful idea? Whether it’s breakfast for dinner made at home or waffles from your favorite spot in town, try cutting the classic breakfast food into a house, complete with a coat of your favorite syrup and various topping details for the finishing touches.
7. From Enchanted: Get (or make!) pizza
I wish I was as awestruck by the mundane parts of the city as Giselle in Enchanted. From corny magic tricks to Central Park and a date-not-date to a classic New York-style pizza spot, Robert never ceases to amaze Giselle with what most consider to be the ordinary. Rediscover your love for the little things like pizza! From discovering your new favorite pizza place to making pizza at home and trying bizarre toppings or wine pairings, the options are endless.
8. From 10 Things I Hate About You: Go on an adventure
In 10 Things I Hate About You, Kate and Patrick take in the sights of Seattle while paddle boating through the bay. Go on an adventure with your partner, or try a new hobby on your next date! Not only is it fun to do something you’ve never done together, but you might even find your new go-to way to spend quality time. You can try paddle boating if you live by the water, do something sporty like play pickleball, or something creative like painting.
9. From Set It Up: Attend a sporting event
Even if only one of you has a passion for sports like in the case of Harper and Charlie, getting tickets to a game is a fun way to spend the day together! Whether or not you have the gear to match or know anything about the game, you’ll still enjoy the atmosphere and concessions (hot dog, anyone?) with your partner. Bonus points if you make it onto the kiss cam.
10. From Anyone But You: Cook together
Dates don’t have to be complicated or extravagantly planned. Beatrice and Ben make it clear in this scene that sometimes the most genuine connection can be found in a more relaxed setting. With that said, cooking a meal together is one of the best date ideas for spending quality time with one another while also keeping things low-key!
11. From Grease: Go to an outdoor movie
Sandy and Danny are the dynamic duo, and their after-school date nights are just as iconic. Jump back in time and catch a movie at a drive-in or open-air movie theater (yes, they still exist). Load up on your coziest blankets and favorite movie snacks and mix all the ICEE flavors you want because this date is all about nostalgia. The best part? You can be as chatty as you want about the dramatic plot twist or the mesmerizing graphics without being silenced by other moviegoers.
12. From No Hard Feelings: Volunteer
No Hard Feelings has to be one of my favorite modern rom-coms. The main characters, Maddie and Percy, aren’t technically dating but still go on some pretty noteworthy dates mixed in with a healthy amount of embarrassing ones (IYKYK). Percy’s love for volunteering inspires Maddie to start dog walking for a local shelter. You and your better half can give back to the community by volunteering at a food pantry, donating to a local animal shelter, or placing books you’ve been itching to donate into a Little Free Library. Volunteering is a great way to foster meaningful connections with your partner. Plus, what better feeling than doing good deeds together?
13. From Clueless: Go shopping
Spoiler alert: Christian (pictured above) is not the guy meant for Cher, but we must admit that going on a shopping spree sounds like an ideal date. Does anyone else remember the days you would walk around the mall, then suddenly eight hours have passed? Boycott online shopping for the day and enjoy the wonders of in-person shopping together. Maybe check out HomeGoods for seasonal home decor if you live with your partner, or tap into your inner stylist and buy outfits for one another as a fun challenge.
14. From The Notebook: Enjoy a sweet treat
Did somebody say The Notebook and a little sweet treat? Count us in! Allie and Noah are easily the most madly in love and recognizable rom-com duos. Follow in their footsteps and treat yourselves to your favorite sweet treat, try a new flavor or stick with your favorite, add toppings, and enjoy this sweet date idea!
15. From When Harry Met Sally: Take a road trip
Yes, I know that Harry and Sally go on an 18-hour road trip and that it’s not *technically* a date, but they spend a lot of time getting to know each other on their car ride. I’m not saying you need to drive across the country, but what about taking a trip to a neighboring town for a day date? Make a road trip playlist together before you head out, and then hit a new town for lunch and some shopping. You’ll make memories from start to finish and have a memorable day to look back on.
16. From Players: Go for a bike ride
Friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite troupes, so obviously, I love watching Mack and Adam interact in the movie Players. Their hangouts are casual and light-hearted, like when they bike side-by-side home after a night out with friends. Take a page out of their book and go for a bike ride with your date. Whether you own bikes or need to rent them like Mack and Adam do in the movie, this is one of those easy date ideas you can do any night of the week.
Isabella Kicklighter, Editorial Assistant
As an Editorial Assistant at The Everygirl, Isabella provides support to the editorial team, contributing to content creation across an array of topics from lifestyle, beauty, and wellness to career and finance. Isabella undertakes various responsibilities such as writing and revising content, sourcing images, and assisting in collecting all necessary materials needed for stories.