10 Unique Virtual Date Ideas to Try Tonight

Absence may make the heart grow fonder, but that old saying is cold comfort when you are missing your partner—it straight up stinks.

If you’re in a long-distance relationship and can’t see your boo, there are loopholes and workarounds where you’ll be able to see each other. And by see, we mean through a screen. Hey, it counts, and it’s better than nothing! So if you and your babe are doing the long-distance thing or you’re stuck on opposite sides of town because of inclement weather and want to do something different and fun, why not have a virtual date?

Don’t know exactly what to do or how to go about planning one? Well, we have 10 unique virtual date ideas to try tonight, so get ready to turn your screen time into swoon time. You’re gonna want to stick around for these—we promise, they’re worth it!

It can be hard to keep the romance at a 10 when you’re miles apart, which is why virtual dates are such a fantastic way to spend quality time together. Whether you’re separated by cities, states, or countries or just want to do something a little different and shake up your usual date night routine, our ideas will bring you closer together even if you aren’t in the same area code!

Preparation Tips

• Choosing a Flick: Picking the right movie is important for a good date night—if your partner likes action movies but you aren’t a fan, settle on something you both like. Or, if you aren’t into the same genres, you can take turns choosing. If you’re at a loss because of the abundance of choice, think about the mood you want to set—romantic, thrilling, or maybe a comedy to lighten the vibe. If you’re still stuck, check out websites like Rotten Tomatoes or IMDb to see what’s popular right now and read the reviews.
• Creating a Cozy Atmosphere: Set the scene to make your virtual date feel special. Light some candles, grab your favorite blanket, you know, the one your nana knitted for you, and dim the lights. Then show your setups to each other via video to feel like you’re in the same place. You might even agree on a dress code—flannel PJs for a laid-back, lazy night or something a bit fancier if you want to make it an event.
• Synchronizing Start Times: Syncing your start times is important—you need to begin at the exact same time! If you’re using screen-sharing tools, this is usually automatic. If not, count down and hit play at the same moment. A quick “3, 2, 1, go” countdown will work. You might need to pause and adjust a couple of times to get perfectly in sync, but it’s worth the effort. And you may need to do it again for a bathroom or refreshment break!

Enhancement Ideas

• Snacks and Drinks: No movie night is complete without snacks, and you know it. So pop some popcorn, grab your favorite candies (if it’s Junior Mints, we don’t want to know), or be fancy and make a charcuterie board. Then get to the drinks—could be a glass of wine, a cherry coke, hot chocolate, or a cocktail. You can even make the same snacks and drinks to feel as synced as your movie watching.
• Post-Movie Chat: Once the credits start to roll, don’t just say, “ok, nite.” Have a post-movie chat to talk about what you watched. Unpack your thoughts on the plot, characters, and your favorite scenes. This discussion can be as serious or fun depending on your mood and what you watched. Maybe even play a game where you rate different aspects of the movie or try to guess each other’s favorite scenes.
• Interactive Elements: Make your movie night more interactive by adding little games or activities. You could create bingo cards with common movie tropes and mark them off as you watch. Or, challenge each other with trivia questions related to the movie.
• Themed Nights: Kick your virtual movie night up several notches by planning themed nights. You can watch a series of movies from a particular genre, director, or a double feature starring your favorite actor. Dress up according to the theme and make a themed menu for your snacks and beverages.

Preparation Tips

• Selecting a Class: Choose a class that works for both of your cooking skill levels and interests. If you’re both beginners, you should probably start out with something simple like a pasta or stir-fry dish. Feeling like you’re up for a challenge? Go for sushi rolling or a multi-course French meal. Don’t forget to read reviews and check out the instructor’s credentials to make sure you’re in good hands.
• Gathering Ingredients: Once you’ve picked out your class, you’ll put together a list of ingredients and make sure you have the kitchen equipment needed. Make it a mini-adventure by going grocery shopping together while on a video call. Compare finds and tips, and maybe make it into a competition to see who can get the freshest produce or the best deals.
• Setting Up the Kitchen: Set up your kitchen before the class starts. Make sure you’ve got all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Clear some counter space, set up your device where you can easily see it, and put on a good playlist for some background music. Cooking is always more fun when you’re not scrambling to find the mixing cups you need to measure!

Enhancement Ideas

• Cook and Chat: Follow along with the class, cooking together step-by-step. Keep the video call going so you can talk and see each other’s progress and kitchen prowess. Share tips, ask for help if you need it, and just have fun with the process together.
• Dinner Date: Once the cooking’s done, it’s time to taste the fruits of your labor. Set up a nice dining spot and sit down together via video call and see how you did with the flavor. Talk about how it turned out, what you’d do differently next time, and if you want another go, plan your next culinary concoction.
• Recipe Swap: After you’ve eaten your dish, exchange the recipes and any modifications you made. If you plan on making it a regular date, make a digital cookbook where you both can add your favorite recipes from your cooking classes. It’s a great way to keep a record of your culinary dates and have a handy reference for any future cooking sessions.
• Cooking Challenges: Make it more competitive by setting little challenges. Who can plate their dish the best? Who can come up with the most creative garnish? Make it friendly—don’t make it like The Bear on Hulu. Yes, chef!
• Themed Cooking Nights: Plan themed cooking nights where you cook fare from a specific country or region. Dress up in traditional attire, play some themed music, and learn about the culture as you cook.

Choosing Platforms and Games

• Steam: Most of the games listed above can be found on Steam. It’s a great platform for purchasing and playing a variety of games.
• Epic Games Store: Offers some exclusive titles and frequent free games.
• Mobile Devices: Games like Mario Kart Tour and Jackbox Games can be played on your phone.
• Console: If both of you have the same gaming console, explore multiplayer games available on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch.

Preparation Tips

• Setting Up: Before your game night, make sure both of you have the games downloaded and updated. Set up a reliable video call on Zoom, Skype, or Discord to chat while you play. If needed, test your microphones and game connections beforehand to avoid technical hiccups.
• Creating the Right Environment: Make sure you’re in a comfortable spot with a good internet connection. Have snacks and drinks ready to keep the energy up. Maybe even set a fun theme for the night, like “Retro Game Night” or “Fantasy Adventure.”

Enhancement Ideas

• Competitions and Prizes: Spice things up by making your game night competitive. Keep score across different games and offer fun prizes for the winner, like choosing the next movie for a virtual movie night or sending a small gift.
• Penalties for Losers: Add a playful twist with lighthearted penalties for the loser. It could be something silly, like singing a song or doing a funny dance on camera.
• Themed Nights: Plan themed game nights based on genres or holidays. For example, a horror game night around Halloween or a winter-themed game night during the holiday season.
• Double Dates: Invite another couple to join your virtual game night for more laughs and friendly competition. Games like Jackbox are perfect for group play.
• Post-Game Recap: After the games, have a little chat about your favorite moments and any funny mishaps–it’s a great way to wind down and keep talking late into the night.

Preparing Tasting Notes

• Research: Before your session, look up information about each wine. Note the grape variety, region, and any unique production techniques. Websites like Wine Folly are excellent resources for detailed tasting notes and pairing suggestions.
• Tasting Sheets: Make or print tasting sheets where you can write down your impressions the wine you sample. Include sections for appearance, aroma, taste, and overall impressions. This can be a fun way to compare notes during the tasting.

Setting Up the Kitchen

• Ambiance: Create an inviting atmosphere—you know, light some candles, play soft background music, and keep your space clean and tidy.
• Tools: Have all of the necessary tools like wine glasses (different shapes for different wines if possible), a corkscrew (have you ever tried to open a wine bottle without one? You’ll be ingesting pieces of cork), a decanter (if needed), and a spit bucket (for those who prefer not to swallow each taste). Also, make sure you have a couple of palate cleansers nearby, like plain crackers or bread.
• Temperature: Serve wines at the right temperature—reds around 65°F, whites around 50°F, and sparkling wines chilled to 45°F.

Enhancement Ideas

• Cheese Pairings: Wine goes with cheese, simple as that, so pair your wines with a variety of cheeses. A creamy Brie can complement a Chardonnay, while a hearty Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with an extra sharp Cheddar. Creating a cheese board with a selection of hard and soft cheeses will elevate your tasting experience.
• Chocolate Pairings: Dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with red wines like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, while milk chocolate can be a good match for sweeter wines like Port. Try a mix of chocolate types to see what works best with each wine.

Interactive Elements

• Competitions: Add a competitive edge to your tasting with a lil’ palate competition. Who can guess the most tasting notes correctly? The winner gets a prize, like a bottle of wine or a gourmet treat.
• Blind Tasting: For a fun challenge, try a blind-tasting test. Wrap the bottles in foil and number them. Then, try to identify each wine based on taste and aroma alone–it’s a lot harder than you think and pretty funny to witness!

Post-Tasting Discussion

• Chat and Review: After tasting all the wines, have a discussion about your favorites and least favorites. What did each person like or dislike about the wines? This is a way to bond over vino and learn about each other’s grape tastes.
• Recipe Exchange: If you enjoyed certain pairings, swap recipes or pairing ideas for future wine nights. A future wine-tasting night will give you something to look forward to.

5. Virtual Museum Tour

Exploring famous museums through virtual tours allows you to immerse yourself in art, history, and culture regardless of your location. Here’s a curated list of the best of the best virtual tours offered by renowned and iconic museums worldwide:

Preparation Tips

• Accessing Tours: Use platforms like Google Arts & Culture, which aggregates virtual tours from various museums. This platform offers high-resolution images and detailed information about each exhibit.
• Navigation: Familiarize yourself with the navigation tools before starting your tour. Some museums offer 360-degree views and interactive maps, which level up the virtual experience.
• Setting the Mood: To fully immerse yourself, you should set up your viewing environment by turning down any bright lights, playing some ambient tunes, and perhaps indulging in a glass of wine left over from your virtual tasting date!

Enhancement Ideas

• Discuss Favorite Exhibits: After the tour, discuss your favorite pieces and what you found most intriguing. This can deepen your appreciation and understanding of the art and artifacts.
• Plan Future Visits: Make a list of museums and exhibits you’d like to visit in person someday. This can be a fun way to plan future travel and experiences together.
• Create a Virtual Museum Club: Invite friends or family to go on virtual tours with you and talk about how the art made you feel and your opinions in a group chat or video call. It’s a great way to stay connected and culturally engaged with loved ones.

Enhancement Ideas

• Personalized Trivia Questions: Include questions about your relationship. These can be about memorable dates, favorite moments, or things only you two would know. It’s a sweet way to reminisce and learn more about each other.
• Interactive Elements: Use multimedia elements like pictures, videos, and audio clips to make the trivia more dynamic. For instance, you can play a snippet of a song and ask to name the artist or the movie it’s from. Tools like Kahoot! and TriviaMaker are great for adding these interactive elements.
• Prizes and Penalties: Add some higher stakes to the game by setting up fun prizes for the winner, like who gets to pick the next movie for your movie night or a digital gift card. You can also have light-hearted penalties for the loser, like doing a TikTok dance on camera or telling a corny dad joke.

Post-Event Discussion

After the trivia game, spend some time talking about the questions and answers. Share what you found surprising or interesting. This helps to continue the conversation and bond over the shared experience.

• Feedback for Future Trivia Nights: Talk about what you enjoyed and what could be improved for next time, which will help make your future trivia nights even better. You can also plan for regular trivia dates with different themes each time to keep things fresh and exciting!

Choose a Fitness App or YouTube Channel

• Fitness Apps: Apps like Peloton, Zwift, and Nike Training Club offer structured workout routines and live classes that you can join together. Peloton, for instance, provides a variety of classes, from cycling to yoga, allowing you to choose something you both enjoy.
• YouTube Channels: Channels like FitnessBlender, Yoga with Adriene, and HASfit offer free workout videos for different fitness levels and interests. You can schedule a time to start the same video and follow along together.
• Set Up the Technology: Use a reliable video conferencing tool like Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. This allows you to see each other and interact in real time, making the workout more engaging and interactive. Set up your devices so you can see the workout video and each other clearly. Test your setup before starting to ensure there are no technical glitches. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and good lighting in your workout area.
• Create a Workout Plan: Plan your workout schedule in advance. Decide on the days and times you will work out together and stick to it. Consistency is key to seeing results and maintaining motivation. Share your workout goals and preferences with each other. Whether you’re doing strength training, cardio, or flexibility exercises, choose routines that match up with your interests and fitness levels.

Enhancement Ideas

• Set Fitness Goals and Track Progress: Establish fitness goals such as running a certain distance, completing a number of workout sessions per week, or achieving a specific strength milestone. Tracking progress together can be motivating and rewarding. Use fitness apps or shared documents to log your workouts and monitor your progress. Apps like MyFitnessPal can help you keep track of your diet and fitness activities, providing a comprehensive view of your health journey.
• Weekly Challenges: Introduce weekly fitness challenges to keep things exciting. For example, challenge each other to see who can hold a plank the longest, do the most push-ups, or log the most miles running or cycling. These challenges can add a fun, competitive element to your Post-Workout Rewards: Plan small rewards for completing your workouts or reaching your fitness goals. This could be something simple like a virtual movie night, a healthy homemade meal shared over a video call, or a small gift. Rewards can help keep you motivated and give you something to look forward to.
• Try New Activities: Experiment with different types of workouts to keep things interesting. Try yoga, pilates, HIIT, or dance workouts. Mixing up your routine can prevent boredom and help you discover new exercises that you enjoy. Consider joining live online classes where you can interact with other participants and instructors. This can make the workout feel more like a community event and provide additional motivation.

Examples Include

• Paper Crafts: Create book page flowers or origami.
• Recycled Crafts: Use old socks to make stuffed animals or create a clothespin wreath.
• Nature Crafts: Paint rocks or make a twig photo frame.
• Supplies Sent in Advance: Choose a project and send the necessary supplies to each other ahead of time. This could be a small knitting project, a painting kit, or a DIY jewelry kit. Websites like Etsy and Amazon offer craft kits that can be shipped directly.
• Schedule the Craft Night: Decide on a date and time that works for both of you. Consider time zones if you’re in different regions. Send out an invitation with the details, including the platform link, the list of materials needed, and any instructions for preparation.
• Set Up Your Craft Space: Make sure you have a comfortable and well-lit area to work on your crafts. Gather all your supplies and tools before the call starts. A clean workspace will help you focus on your project and enjoy the process more.

Enhancement Ideas

• Share and Display Completed Projects: Once you finish your crafts, show them off to each other on the call. Discuss the process, what you enjoyed, and any challenges you faced. This can lead to fun conversations and a sense of accomplishment. Plan to display your completed projects during your next video call. Seeing each other’s crafts in the background can be a sweet reminder of the time spent together.
• Create a Themed Craft Night: Choose a theme for your craft night, such as holiday decorations, seasonal crafts, or even a favorite movie-inspired project. Themes can add an extra layer of fun and make the evening feel more cohesive.
• Incorporate Other Activities: Combine your crafting with other activities. For example, play a virtual movie in the background or share a playlist that you both enjoy. This can make the evening more interactive and engaging.
• Post-Craft Night Chat: After finishing your crafts, spend some time chatting about your day, sharing stories, or discussing future craft ideas. This helps to maintain a strong connection and makes the virtual craft night more than just about crafting.
• Document Your Creations: Take photos of your completed projects and create a shared digital album. This can be a diary of your virtual dates and give you something to look back on—and forward to!

Set Up Your Technology

• Use a reliable video conferencing tool like Zoom or Google Meet to communicate during the game. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and a comfortable setup where both of you can see the game screen clearly.
• Test your setup beforehand so you can hopefully avoid any technical glitches during the game.

Establish Good Teamwork

• Communication is key, so keep talking to each other about the clues you find and brainstorm solutions together.
• Divide tasks based on your strengths. If one of you is good at puzzles, let them handle the trickier parts while the other keeps track of clues and manages the timer.

Enhancement Ideas

• Historical Themes: If you both love history, try “King of the Bootleggers,” set in Toronto’s Casa Loma, where you search for hidden treasures and secrets from the Prohibition era.
• Sci-Fi and Fantasy: For fans of science fiction, “Space Escape” offers a thrilling adventure where you solve puzzles on a virtual spaceship. Alternatively, try “The Omega Protocol,” which involves stopping a zombie apocalypse.
• Mystery and Horror: If you enjoy a good scare, “The Scarab’s Curse” or “The End of Homevas” provide eerie environments and gripping storylines to immerse yourselves in.

Create a Cozy Atmosphere

• Dim the lights and, to set the mood, maybe even play some background music related to your escape room theme.
• Make snacks and drinks to keep your energy up during the game. A thematic snack, like pirate rum for a pirate-themed room, adds a nice touch.

Post-Escape Discussion

• After completing the escape room, take some time to discuss what you enjoyed, what was challenging, and how well you worked together. This can be a fun debriefing session that strengthens your bond.
• Plan your next virtual adventure based on what you like the most about the one you just “escaped” from!

Setting Up a Viewing Party

• Choose Your Platform: Decide on the platform where you’ll watch the concert, such as YouTube, Twitch, or a specialized service like VEEPS. Make sure you have a reliable internet connection to avoid interruptions during the performance.
• Invite Friends or Your Partner: If you want to share the experience, set up a group call on Zoom, Skype, or another video conferencing tool. This allows you to chat and react together in real-time, adding to the sense of being together.
• Create a Comfortable Setup: Arrange a nice spot with good lighting and a comfortable seat. Connect your device to a larger screen or use a projector for a more immersive experience. Make sure to check the audio quality and consider using good speakers or headphones for the best sound.

Dress Up for the Occasion

• Concert Vibes: Dress as if you’re attending the concert in person. If it’s a rock concert, pull out your band tees and jeans. For a classical performance, you might opt for something more formal. Dressing up can get you in the spirit of things and make the event feel special and exciting.
• Themed Attire: Coordinate with your partner or friends to wear outfits that match the artist or the concert theme. This can make the experience more festive and engaging, adding an extra layer of fun.

Pre-Game With Some Snacks and Drinks

• Concert-Themed Snacks: Prepare snacks and drinks that match the vibe of the concert. For a jazz night, you might enjoy wine and cheese. A pop concert might call for colorful cocktails and fun finger foods. Do a virtual happy hour before the concert starts to enjoy your treats together.
• Interactive Elements: Share recipes or drink mixes ahead of time so everyone can prepare the same snacks and drinks. This can make the virtual experience feel more connected and communal, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

Make It Interactive

• Chat and React: Use the chat feature on your streaming platform or your video call to share reactions in real-time. Discuss your favorite songs, guess the next track, or just enjoy each Post-Concert Discussion: After the concert, stay on the call to discuss your favorite parts of the performance. Share your thoughts on the setlist, the production, and any standout moments. This can be a great way to extend the experience and connect on a stronger level.

Plan Future Virtual Concerts

• Regular Events: Turn virtual concerts into a regular date night. Plan to attend a new virtual concert together every month. This can be a fun tradition that keeps you both excited and looking forward to new experiences.
• Explore Different Genres: Use these virtual events as an opportunity to explore new genres and artists. Broaden your musical horizons together and discover new favorites. Trying out different styles of music can be an enriching experience and can lead to some surprising discoveries.

Custom Decorations and Themes

• Decorate Your Space: Set up decorations that match the concert’s theme. If you’re watching a beach-themed concert, add some beach balls, seashells, and tropical decor. For a winter concert, consider fairy lights and warm blankets. These small touches can make the experience more immersive.
• Themed Parties: If watching with a group, consider themed parties. For example, a 90s pop concert could inspire a dress-up party with 90s attire and snacks popular in that era. Engage everyone in the theme for a more memorable event.

Conclusion

Staying connected and keeping that spark alive when you’re in a long-distance relationship or when you can’t meet in person for whatever reason is really hard and takes a toll. But until you can see your significant other in the flesh, virtual date nights will tide you over!

Here’s a quick rundown of the 10 unique virtual date ideas we went over:

• Virtual Cooking Class: Cook up a storm together with online classes.
• Virtual Movie Night: Sync up and have a movie marathon with your own interactive commentary—one of you can be Siskel, and the other can be Ebert!
• Online Game Night: Compete in fun and engaging online games (there are soooo many to choose from).
• Virtual Escape Room: Solve puzzles and crack codes together in a virtual escape room.
• DIY Wine Tasting: Please your palate by swirling, sipping, and savoring wines from different regions while talking about tasting notes.
• Virtual Museum Tour: Explore world-renowned museums from anywhere.
• Virtual Trivia Night: Test your knowledge with fun trivia questions.
• Virtual Fitness Date: Stay fit and motivated by working out together virtually!
• Virtual Craft Night: Get creative with DIY crafts.
• Virtual Concert or Live Music Event: Watch live performances together online.

Don’t let distance dampen your romantic spirit—our virtual date ideas are a great way to connect and have fun together. Feel free to add your personal touches to make each date uniquely yours. Whether it’s dressing up for a concert, setting up a themed trivia night, or crafting your favorite snacks for a movie night, the possibilities are endless.

We’d love to hear about your virtual date experiences or your own ideas! Tell us about them—your feedback and recommendations could help make someone else’s next virtual date a night to remember.