21 Best Rainy-Day Date Ideas

Couple Eats Cake and Drinks Coffee While Sitting Inside on a Rainy-Day Date — Janina Steinmetz / Getty Images

In the movies, rain is painted as romantic. You might see two characters kiss, dance, or even declare their love for each other in a torrential downpour. However, in real life, this type of inclement weather can feel a lot less romantic, particularly if you're trying to look for something to do with your partner. Don't worry: We've got you covered—literally and figuratively. Whether you're looking for something inexpensive to do without having to leave your couch, a new spot to explore, or a creative concept that you may not have heard of before, we've rounded up 21 of our favorite rainy-day date ideas to give you just that.

Regardless of whether you're planning ahead for some inclement weather later in the week or looking for a spontaneous activity to starve off boredom—and keep the romantic spark alive—we're sure that one of these date ideas will speak to you and your interests. And even if something seems slightly outside of your comfort zone, consider giving it a try. You never know when you might find your new favorite hobby.

01 of 21

Laugh at a Comedy Show

Couple on a Date Claps and Laughs While Watching a Comedy Show — Maskot / Getty Images

Sometimes, you just need to laugh. Head to a nearby comedy spot to listen to a comedian's set. If there isn't one that works with your schedule (or you don't want to leave your cozy house!), consider pulling up a comedy special on a streaming service online.

02 of 21

Make It a Craft Night

Couple Laughs While Painting Together on an Easel During a Date in an Art Studio — zamrznutitonovi / Getty Images

Even if you don't identify as a burgeoning artist, a rainy day is the perfect opportunity to spend some time crafting. Pull out the glue and cardboard paper—or opt for a painting session. While you don’t need to leave the house to make this date happen, we do recommend protecting your floor and furniture from whatever creative explosion occurs. Stuck on what to draw or paint? Use it as a time to sketch a self-portrait of your partner. Regardless of whether the piece is museum-level quality or not, you'll be able to tap into your inner artist.

03 of 21

Head to the Aquarium

Couple Embraces While Looking at Fish on a Date to the Aquarium — PeopleImages / Getty Images

You might not be interested in getting drenched on a rainy day, but that doesn't mean you can't spend time looking at water—while staying dry. Head to your local aquarium with your date and marvel at the hundreds (or thousands) of fish and sea creatures.

04 of 21

Pull Out a Puzzle

Couple Looks Over Puzzle Pieces Together as They Work on a Puzzle at Home for a Date Activity — Ivan Pantic / Getty Images

Finding the right partner is a lot like putting together a puzzle; all of the pieces need to fit. For your next rainy-day date, turn this metaphor into a fun activity: Pull out one of your favorite puzzles (or purchase a new one) and use your detective skills to spot the right piece.

05 of 21

Drink Coffee at a Café

A Couple Laughs While on a Date at a Cafe With an Empty Glass and Coffee Cup in Front of Them — Natalie Zotova / Getty Images

Brainstorming a rainy-day date idea doesn't have to be stressful—or complicated. Channel your inner Parisian by simply grabbing coffee at a local café. Whether it's your go-to spot or a new place you want to try, there's something intimate about conversation surrounded by decadent pastries and the tranquil sounds of rainfall.

06 of 21

Pick Up a Book

Couple Sits Next to Each Other on a Sofa at Home While Reading Books Together — Viktor Cvetkovic / Getty Images

You don't have to be bookworm to know (and love!) the feeling of curling up with a good book on a rainy day. Turn it into a date by reading the same book as your partner—or dive into different books before taking a break and conversing on what you just read.

07 of 21

Squeeze in a Workout

Couple Does Lunges in a Virtual Workout at Home on Yoga Mats Next to Each Other — AnVr / Getty Images

Craving a sweat? Turn your next workout in a rainy-day date. Head to a local yoga studio for stress relief and a stretch—or simply pull up a workout online and follow along at home. Whether you commit to five or 50 minutes of hard work, those post-exercise endorphins will make it all worth it.

08 of 21

Go to an Arcade

A Couple Laughs and Smiles While Playing Air Hockey at an Arcade During an Indoor Date — Photo by Roo Lewis / Getty Images

Arcades aren't just for kids; they also make a great spot for an indoor date night—particularly if the weather outside isn't ideal. Whether you opt for some lighthearted fun with a ping-pong rally or bring out your inner competitor while playing Skee-Ball, you're guaranteed hours of fun. Don't want to battle your partner? Find a multiplayer game, so you and your date don’t have to be on opposite sides.

09 of 21

Watch a Show or Movie

A Couple Laughs on a Couch While Watching Television Together With a Glass of Wine in Front of Them — EvgeniyShkolenko / Getty Images

Your long list of "shows and moves to watch" only keeps getting longer, and a rainy day is the perfect opportunity to start crossing some off. Whether you gravitate toward a fell-good comfort show like The Great British Bake Off or a classic film like Good Will Hunting, snuggling up on the couch and getting invested in a plot sounds like the recipe for hours well spent.

10 of 21

Root for Your Favorite Team

Couple Sits on the Ground Eating Pizza and Drinking Beer and Watching a Sports Game Together — Viktor Cvetkovic / Getty Images

Regardless of whether you and your date root for the same team or are part of dueling fanbases, spend time inside watching a game and munching on some bar-inspired bites. Depending on the hour of the day, consider streaming international or niche sports that you may not have had the opportunity to see before.

11 of 21

Go to a Bar With Games

Two Women Look at Each Other While Playing Darts at a Bar on a Date — skynesher / Getty Images

You don't have to be single to have fun at a bar. Find a place with darts, pool tables, or shuffleboard, and enjoy a game night with a drink or two. Many bars also carry board games; if the box requires three or more people, you can even invite some friends to tag along and make a double date out of it.

12 of 21

Listen to Live Music

Couple Sits at a Table With Beer Bottles and Listens to a Band Playing Live Music While on a Date — staticnak1983 / Getty Images

Whether you choose to splurge on resale tickets or find a cheap—or even free—concert nearby, attending a show is a great way to kick the rainy-day blues. Want to extend your date? Book a dinner reservation beforehand or wander around the neighborhood afterwards in search of a sweet treat.

13 of 21

Cook a Complex Meal

Couple Smiles and Laughs While Cooking a Pasta Dinner Together in Their Kitchen as a Date — Jordi Salas / Getty Images

If you're not willing to brave the rain for dinner reservations, consider cooking a meal together at home. Even though you aren't heading out, you can still make your dish just as extravagant. Try out a new recipe or opt to chef up multiple courses. And even if you stick with a basic boxed pasta, you'll still be spending quality time together.

14 of 21

Go Bowling

A Man Picks Up a Green Bowling Ball During an Indoor Date — GeorgeRudy / Getty Images

Is there any feeling more satisfying than getting a strike (or even a spare) while bowling? Even if you consider yourself a novice at the game, knocking down even just a few pins while spending time with your partner is definitely a win-win.

15 of 21

Head to the Movies

Couple Walks Into a Movie Theater for a Date While Holding Buckets of Popcorn and a Soda — Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

There's something that feels special about heading to the movie theater. Whether you're seeing a newly-released film or a special showing of your favorite flick, sitting back in the plush seats and eating popcorn is the perfect rainy-day escape. Pro tip: Grab your biggest raincoat and stuff your pockets with snacks before you go.

16 of 21

Go to a Museum

A Couple Looks at a Piece of Art on the Wall Together While on an Indoor Date at a Museum — guruXOOX / Getty Images

If you're looking for a bit of culture to brighten your gloomy day, visit a museum. See a new exhibit that you haven’t yet explored or spend time considering your favorite pieces from a new perspective. Plus, you'll have lots to converse about as you spend your time weaving through the galleries.

17 of 21

Tour a Distillery or Brewery

Couple Tries Four Different Beers While on a Rainy-Day Date at a Brewery — jacoblund / Getty Images

Instead of sipping on your favorite beer or spirit at home, consider heading out to a brewery or distillery. Spend time at the facility's bar sampling a few varieties—or opt to sign up for a tour. You'll be able to learn more about the process behind your beloved beverage. Don’t drink? Inquire about a mocktail or an alcohol-free beer.

18 of 21

Go for a Couples Massage

Couple Receives Couples Massage as Part of a Date While Lying on Massage Beds Next to Each Other — PeopleImages / Getty Images

Yes, you may get your hair wet while sprinting to the entrance, but a spa day may be one of the best things to distract yourself from the rain outside. Zen out and relax while giving your muscles some much-needed relief. You and your date will come out feeling rested and completely rejuvenated.

19 of 21

Learn How to Dance

Couple Holds Hands and Dances in Their Living Room on a Rainy-Day Date — FreshSplash / Getty Images

Sometimes, YouTube really does have all the answers. Whether you're practicing for your first dance or simply want to step up your moves, look up a tutorial and follow along. By the end of the session, you may just be ready to audition for Dancing with the Stars.

20 of 21

Take a Drive

Man Wearing a Yellow Raincoat and Woman Wearing Polka Dotted Jacket Sit Next to Each Other on a Drive in the Rain — AleksandarNakic / Getty Images

If it’s just a light drizzle, consider heading out for a scenic drive. Queue up your favorite playlist for a sing-a-long session or listen to a podcast to spur a stimulating conversation with your partner. And you may just notice something new about your neighborhood as you meander.

21 of 21

Play a Board or Card Game

Couple Plays a Board Game and Holds Playing Cards While Sitting at a White Table — Milko / Getty Images

You don't need a ton of people—or anything more than a deck of cards—to be able to play Go Fish or Old Maid. Spend time with your date reveling in the competitive spirit. If you have access to a board game, a rainy day is the perfect opportunity to bring it out.

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