Healthy Date Ideas

If your dating life usually revolves around dinner and drinks but you’re keen to mix it up, why not suggest doing something that will nourish your body and soul? Doing an activity together is a great way to get to know each other on a deeper level, with the added bonus of providing a welcome distraction if you need to soothe dating nerves. We’re talking about getting out into nature, doing yoga together, trying your hand at watersports, or perhaps even horse riding. These healthy date ideas are sure to give you and your date a boost, and may also save you money—or a hangover. 

A cocktail bar might be your go-to when it comes to dating, but we think going for a smoothie is a super-cute healthy date idea. Either find a dedicated smoothie bar in your area and sit at the counter slurping away, or grab yours to go, and get pavement pounding. Shakespeare might have said the course of true love never did run smoothie (or something along those lines), but it’s time to prove him wrong.

Don some comfy shoes, grab your new match, and go for a hike. This could simply be a route around your hometown, which takes in the various parks and landmarks, or an adventure into wilder landscapes further afield. Those who have the beach nearby are in luck—ditch the shoes, and have a romantic barefoot stroll along the shore, waves lapping at your feet. Serious brownie points for Bumble bees who pack a surprise picnic for their date.

Tadasana, shavasana, balasana, adho mukha svanasana… While the names for various yoga poses can sound somewhat intimidating, don’t let that put you off. There are plenty of classes available catering to all levels of ability, and this low-impact exercise can be incredibly beneficial for both body and mind. Find a yoga class that suits both you and your match, slip into your cutest activewear, and get your zen on together. 

Love bike riding? Great! Gauge if you have a common interest with your Bumble match by inviting them along for a cycle ride. Cheaper than many traditional dates, you’ll also get the chance to find out if your prospective partner can keep up with your vibes—both in and out of the saddle.

Be it at the beach, in a river, lake, lido, or (for the very lucky ones) your own pool, swimming is an awesome healthy date idea. Few types of exercise engage so many parts of the body, while the support of the water means swimming has a limited impact on your joints. But you’re probably not as fussed about all of that as you are about making a splash with your new match, so we’ll leave you to it—swimwear, sunscreen, go, go, go. 

Okay, we say ‘mountain’, but it doesn’t have to be Everest… Pick out a hill or viewpoint, and aim for the top with your connection. Getting a sweat on and the blood pumping through your veins is likely to produce feel-good hormones that may bring you closer together. On the other hand, if your date moans the whole way up the slope while you’re bounding ahead like a gazelle, you’ll have some fresh insight as to whether you’re a long-term match…

Meditation can give you a sense of peacefulness, balance, and calm which can benefit your mental well-being, as well as overall health. We know that dating can sometimes be a bit nerve-wracking, and we also know that you’re likely to form the best connection with people when you’re feeling happy within yourself. Why not invite your match to a meditation session, or find a tutorial online that you can do together? It might take a little while of getting used to if you’ve not done it before, but no one can be an expert from the off. Even if things don’t work out with this bae, you might have discovered a useful tool that you will use for life.

If things are going well with your Bumble match and you’re ready to take the relationship to the next level, why not suggest getting out of town together on a road trip? Fresh air and nature are good for the soul, and it’s an awesome way to connect with your match in a new environment. If you’re not at the stage of staying overnight together, make it a day trip—simply jump on a train or bus and make a beeline out of the city. Go for a lovely walk, perhaps pack a picnic or stop for a coffee, and simply enjoy each other’s company in novel surroundings.

Ballroom, tap, jazz, contemporary, ballet, hip hop, salsa… Those with itchy feet can get their groove on at any number of dance classes. Whether you’re a total novice or fancy yourself as a stage sensation, grab your match, and get yourselves along to your class of choice. A fun way to move your body which also provides plenty of opportunity for hand-holding as you twirl about (as well as comedy value when you accidentally tread on each other’s toes), you’ll also be well-practised by the time it comes to the first dance at your wedding… 

Horse-riding is a romantic healthy date idea that is sure to impress your match. If you haven’t ridden before, find a local equestrian center and book a class together. Experienced riders who are comfortable in the saddle can make a day of it; fix yourself a picnic and plenty of water, then hack through the countryside until you find the perfect spot for lunch.

Watersports are an awesome healthy date idea if you want to make a splash. Boating, kayaking, surfing, tubing, stand-up paddleboarding, punting, or renting a pedalo—there are plenty of options to choose from, so you’re likely to find something that both you and your date can get on board with. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet, and it’s a good idea to pack spares too. We love the idea of making this into a group date idea, and spending a day on the water with your friends and their matches too.

When we talk about healthy date ideas, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to work up a sweat by doing something physical. In a world that can be as overwhelming as it is wonderful, it’s never been more important to nurture your emotional well-being too. With this in mind, arrange to spend a day of quality time with your match—no phones, laptops, tablets, or TV allowed. Perhaps you go for a walk together, cook a nice meal, volunteer at a local charity, or just have a really good conversation. It’ll likely strengthen your relationship and help you to connect in new ways.