Let’s be honest…
Sometimes being stuck at home can be really, really boring.
This is especially true if you’ve been in a relationship with someone for years. Often, it can feel like the two of you have tried every possible idea to have fun and pass the time.
Spicing up your relationship with wide-ranging fun things for couples to do at home strengthens your bond. It's vital to identify hobbies that appeal to both of you. Consider organizing special dates and other activities that captivate your imagination.
Activities like jogging, cooking, wine tasting, picnics, puzzle challenges, painting, and dress-up nights help the relationship stay fresh and scintillating. Doing so makes it easier to feel happier and keep your minds engaged.
So in this article, we’ll profile 27 fun things as a couple when you are bored.
But first, let’s talk about why it’s important to focus on doing fun activities with your significant other.
The Importance of Doing Fun Things Together
From experience, I understand the need to prevent boredom in marriage. Engaging in fun-filled activities enhances satisfaction levels regardless of how many years you've been married. According to Canadian researchers, boredom is a sign that something is amiss in a relationship.
Assessing the source of the boredom allows couples to formulate effective strategies to revive the excitement and intrigue in a relationship. I've seen many couples struggle to find a solution because they failed to discuss the topic and develop viable strategies.
On the other hand, proper introspection goes beyond planning to add more recreational activities. It's essential to identify the common triggers and timing of dull moments.
Analyze how your partner fits into the downbeat episodes. Doing so makes it easier to find the real source of boredom and craft long-term solutions to deeper problems.
This exercise is crucial to resolving issues that keep you stuck in a loop, particularly during Covid-19 induced lockdown. In some cases, you may need a therapist's help to provide some perspective before identifying fun things for couples to do at home.
I recommend adopting an honest approach to the discussions because simply accommodating your significant other to avoid conflict worsens the situation.
Being truthful about everything builds trust and prevents frustration and resentment. When handled correctly, discussions can be exciting, informative, and rewarding. From experience, I've seen my relationship with my wife grow after engaging in frank discussions.
And if you're stuck, here are 137 conversations starters you can use with your significant other.
It's important to determine each partner's definition of downbeat moments to pick the best boredom beaters. When it comes to spicing up the relationship, everyone comes with unique tastes and preferences.
Now, let’s dive into different activities you can do with your significant other.
27 Fun Things to Do at Home When Bored
Fortunately, the best part about boredom in relationships is that it's not an insurmountable problem.
You can change the routine to fit your needs. On another level, experts note that boredom is not always a significant issue. It can be a sign of a stable and functional relationship.
A deeper understanding of each other's feelings under specific conditions is clear evidence of a solid foundation. This level of understanding comes with stability.
Engaging in various fun activities re-establishes a connection between two people in multiple ways, including sexually, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. The revival starts with talking about shared hobbies and values.
1. Host a Wine Tasting Session for Two
If you both love wine and miss heading out to a winery, consider hosting a special wine tasting session. You can order quality bottles or pick some in your pantry.
Many wineries can have premium wines delivered to your doorstep (Like Wines on Sale). Once the bottles arrive, consider setting up flights to mimic real wine tasting sets.
Resource: Wine Tasting with a Professional Sommelier
2. Create a Bucket List Together
Compile a bucket list of fun-filled activities that can transform your day-to-day experiences. Collaborating in the compiling of the list helps you connect on another level and rediscover the joys of sharing common interests and desires.
Items on the list give you something to look forward to. The best part is that you can schedule to partake in some of the activities several years later. This aspect makes bucket list items more intriguing.
My marriage benefited immensely from the exercise as I learned new things about my wife. I now leverage the insights gleaned from creating a comprehensive bucket list as a couple to generate the best gift ideas.
Resource: Here are some useful apps for couples that can help you create bucket lists together. Also, here is a list of 553 bucket list ideas to help you get started.
3. Keep the Jokes and Laughter Flowing
Shared laughter is one way to stimulate magic and excitement. Researchers at the University of North Carolina discovered that couples who regularly shared jokes and laughed together felt more content in their relationships. Laughter strengthens the connection at multiple levels.
When I laugh at jokes or other funny topics with my wife, I detect an overlapping sense of self. In doing so, I feel happier and satisfied with the quality time we share.
Research studies revealed that shared laughter helps romantic partners feel supported and loved. As a result, boredom vanishes because couples enjoy each other's company.
Resource: How to Be Funny – 7 Easy Steps to Master Jokes, Humor, Stand-Up Comedy, Improv & Make People Laugh!
4. Plan to Visit an Exciting New Place
Visiting a new location helps to change the scenery and break the dreary routine associated with day-to-day life.
Persistent exposure to the same environment undermines the relationship's excitement, magic, and sense of adventure. Getting out of town keeps the juices flowing by invigorating your connection.
Upon your return from the trip, it becomes easier to establish new patterns. Thus, you avoid getting stuck in the humdrum of day-to-day routine. I recommend visiting places you used to frequent in the early days of your relationship.
In my case, I enjoy spending time with my wife in some of Asia's tourist destinations, such as Thailand and the Maldives. There is something about hidden treasures in Malaysia that triggers the magic in our relationship.
By retracing steps and reliving the golden moments, we find it easier to captivate both our imaginations. In turn, we arrive back home supercharged and raring to go.
During the planning phase of your trip, dream as big as you want. Reward yourselves with a trip to the most stunning places on earth and have some unforgettable fun.
Resource: Great Value Vacations
5. Play Board or Card Games
Playing card or board games is one way to share exciting moments with your partner in a relaxed environment.
You can prepare a delicious meal, serve some snacks, and drink your favorite beverages with music playing in the background. During this time, it's best to avoid using your phone and focus on the game.
Some of the popular games include chess, puzzles, sequence, and Scattergories.
I recommend opting for new games that you haven't played before. A new card or board game allows you to learn the rules and tricks together.
And once you're both familiar with the new game, you can engage in a competitive yet friendly duel. The competitive game can generate sparks during and after the matches.
Resource: Here are some board game recommendations for couples.
6. Participate in Challenges
Participating in challenges is undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating ways to share exciting moments with your partner. The ice bucket challenge is a popular option that tests your resilience.
By participating in the challenges with your lover, you're sure to operate as a team. Your partner provides support on the sidelines or joins you in handling challenges.
I've seen couples enjoy memorable moments in the chubby bunny challenge, cinnamon challenge, and other contests.
One of the most intriguing options is the ‘My boyfriend does my makeup' challenge, which typically generates hilarious results. In some cases, husbands or boyfriends surprise their wives or girlfriends by handling the makeup challenge like well-trained artists.
Resource: If you’re looking for challenges that can also help you build good habits, check out our list of 30-day challenges.
7. Don't Neglect Surprises
Spoiling your partner with surprises is one of the fun things for couples to do at home. A well-chosen gift or activity ignites excitement and satisfaction. This approach recaptures the magic of the good old days when you first met.
My wife is a big fan of surprises, and I enjoy showering her with days at the spa as a gesture of appreciation for her role in my life.
Most women crave the joy and intrigue of an unexpected gift or action. This approach undoubtedly sweeps most women off their feet. In turn, the recipient rewards the partner with love and affection. The two-way gestures help keep the flames of love alive.
I've discovered that some of the best surprises don't cost a dime – a thoughtful gesture at the right time goes a long way.
Resource: Stumped on what to give to your partner? These thoughtful and useful self-care gift ideas may help.
8. Play the Kissing Game
Kissing yields positive results for any relationship. A research study conducted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science revealed that kissing strengthens the bond between lovers. Researchers attributed the positive effect to a love hormone known as oxytocin, a by-product of kissing.
The levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, plummet significantly following kissing episodes. This fact explains why individuals, including myself, feel relaxed and content after a passionate kiss. Scientists state that cortisol levels continue dropping as lovers in a long-term relationship kiss each other regularly.
Resource: Here are ideas for a romantic at-home date ideas and some romantic questions for couples to help start conversations.
9. Let the Sparks Fly on Dress-Up Nights
Organizing a dress-up night is one way to spoil each other and ignite excitement. This fun-filled activity is ideal during the winter months and lockdown days. You dress-up and entertain each other in the living room, on the patio, or backyard.
Adopting a specific theme for the night allows you to celebrate your shared interests, such as music.
You can prepare a room or outdoor space to make the event more romantic and appealing. A candlelit dinner is an appropriate option for your special night.
Resource: Looking for other romantic date ideas? Here’s our compilation of the best date night ideas for couples.
10. Spice Up Your Sex Life
Maintaining a healthy sex life requires two-way communication because it can be challenging to churn out the magic naturally.
My partner and I adopted a proactive approach to maintaining good sex. Intimacy is similar to a garden in that it requires constant maintenance. Hence, amazing and unforgettable sexual encounters take some work.
During the honeymoon phase, it's easier to create magic behind the sheets without too much effort. However, the situation changes with time. Sex plays an integral role in many thriving relationships.
11. Learn a New Skill Together
Learning something new as a couple helps you connect on various levels and strengthens your bond. You can learn a new language, sport, or professional skill. Doing so allows you to leverage the shared vision, goal, and passion to take the relationship to the next level.
You generate positive energy while stimulating your brains or body (in the case of sporting activities). Learning a new skill allows you to engage in a fresh experience that breaks the routine of day-to-day activities.
Now if you'd like a few resources that can teach any skill, then here are a a few of our favorites:
- Masterclass (You can read the review of it here.)
- Skillshare (You can read the review of it here.)
- Udemy (You can read the review of it here.)
- Coursera (You can read the review of it here.)
12. Have a Spa Night
A spa night is one of the best fun things for couples to do at home. It enables you to relax and enjoy sensual moments in the comfort of your home. A combination of a candlelit environment, glasses of wine, and music add a romantic touch to the event.
At the end of the day, you'll feel revitalized, pampered, and ready to enjoy the rest of the night behind the sheets.
13. Enjoy a Movie Night
Binge-watching your favorite movies or TV shows on Netflix or other channels can ignite romantic sparks with your partner. This option is perfect if you're busy professionals and have little time to cuddle on the couch.
The movie night acts as a date for you and your lover.
You can pick a collection of old or new movies or a mix of both to suit your viewing preferences. Platforms like Netflix and YouTube provide access to binge-worthy shows.
Looking for suggestions? Here are our recommendations:
14. Perform Couples Yoga
Couples yoga comes with an array of benefits for your relationship: increased satisfaction improved sex life, and reduced stress levels. It can act as a medium to strengthen your relationship.
When performing yoga, you need to pay close attention to each other, thus enhancing the connection. My wife and I enjoy taking yoga classes as it brings us closer, and we enjoy the moments.
Resource: Grokker
15. Have a Karaoke Night
Karaoke nights are a fantastic way to enjoy each other's company. You can take advantage of multiple karaoke options available on YouTube. By organizing a karaoke night, you both benefit from reduced stress and anxiety.
Your evening will undoubtedly be filled with laughter, dancing, and singing.
The best part is that you don't have to worry about your singing voice. Singing with a spouse triggers a stronger neural response. On the other hand, a bottle of wine and delicious treats enhance the mood of your karaoke night.
16. Engage in a Water Balloon Battle
Water balloon fights can provide an exhilarating way to break the day-to-day routine. You can host the running battles in your backyard over the weekend. It allows you to enjoy each other's company in a conducive environment that brings your youthfulness.
This type of activity entails friendly competition while enjoying the great outdoors. You can fill up multiple balloons and play different games, such as water balloon dodgeball, hot potato, ring toss, and roll.
17. Organize a Dessert Night
Try a wide selection of dessert recipes while enjoying each other's company. Either prepare all the recipes as a joint effort or make them separately and compare.
Some of the popular dessert recipe ideas include pie, brownies, cake, and cookies. Online platforms like Pinterest feature a wide variety of recipes from which to choose.
Resource: Baking for Beginners: Mouthwatering Mexican Desserts
18. Have a Picnic
Organizing a picnic in your backyard or on a patio is a viable option that can get you out of the house without having to go too far. A picnic helps kick the boredom aside and enjoy the great outdoors together.
The event allows you to get more creative and enhance the mood to suit both your recreational tastes.
Consider bringing your favorite finger foods, alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, and toss a blanket.
19. Make a Family Scrapbook
Compile a family scrapbook with your spouse as you celebrate various life stages. You can categorize the photos into groups based on time, type of event, or theme.
Focusing on wedding photos, a family trip, or other special occasion is a viable option. Personalizing the compilation allows you to produce a unique scrapbook.
(Another creative idea is to create a vision board! Check out our roundup of vision board ideas for couples.)
Resource: Turning Memories into Artwork: A Beginner’s Guide to Scrapbooking
20. Cook Together
Preparing a special meal together is a popular way to strengthen the bond. The event enables you to share ideas, jokes and tantalize your taste buds.
As a result, you inject fun and excitement into your marriage.To ignite the magic, roll up your sleeves, pick your favorite recipe, and start cooking in the company of your partner.
Resources: Creative Cooking: Simple Sauces | Kitchen Confidence | Think Like a Chef
21. Have a Vinyl Listening Party
A vinyl listening night or afternoon allows you to enjoy a truly immersive experience as you listen to some golden oldies. The event presents an excellent opportunity to mix cocktails for warm and relaxing moments with your spouse.
You can cuddle on the couch in the living room, sit on the patio, or spend quality time in the backyard. As you listen to your favorite albums, you'll find it easier to let all the cares vanish into the day or night sky.
22. Take a Bubble Bath
Bubble baths are a staple in my home. My wife is crazy about the warm, romantic vibe that comes with taking an immersive bubble bath every few months.
This pastime enables us to slow things down and unwind. Lighting up some candles and playing soulful music in the background is akin to taking a trip to heaven and back. We take the opportunity to whisper sweet nothings to each other and reignite our love affair.
Resource: Looking for other ideas to help you relax at home? Here’s a list of self-care ideas you and your partner can try!
23. Get Fit Together
Working out as a team is a viable option when looking to get fit and healthier. You can engage in wide-ranging exercises to suit your collective goals and physical abilities.
Many exercises can be done indoors or in the backyard. As you workout, you reduce stress levels while banishing boredom. The best part is that you no longer worry about trying out a healthy diet alone.
24. Redecorate Your Home
Handling a redecorating project with your spouse or lover helps reinvigorate your relationship. The DIY project enables you to spend time together doing something productive and fascinating. You share ideas on choosing the best colors and other items.
This approach eliminates the need to hire an interior designer. Working closely to transform your home provides an opportunity to learn more about each other's abilities, tastes, and weaknesses.
Resource: Holistic Interior Design: Transform Your Personal Space for Well-Being
25. Make Decisions for Each Other
Entrust each other with the responsibility to make routine decisions. Your partner decides the clothes you wear, the beverages you drink, who to call, where to sit, and other mundane decisions.
You can engage in this fun exercise throughout the day. Doing so can provide an intriguing way to experience life from your partner's perspective, and even help prevent decision fatigue.
In the end, you discover the fascinating characteristics of each other. This game is fun and insightful as you take turns to make the decisions.
26. Have a Barbecue
There is something special about lighting up a fire and barbecuing different types of meat and veggies in the backyard. I find the entire experience refreshing and tasty.
Barbecued meat and vegetables have a tantalizing aroma and taste that rocks my world. My wife shares a passion for cooking outside and enjoying meals in the garden or the patio.
You can take advantage of this popular pastime to enjoy fun moments with your partner.
27. Make Jewelry
Making jewelry is an engaging activity that helps you develop a new skill with your partner. The process is more straightforward than you can imagine; you need to focus and share some ideas with your spouse.
A wide variety of online resources provide detailed guides on how to make jewelry at home. Tools and supplies are available in craft stores and other retail outlets.
Resource: Beginner Jewelry Making
Final Thoughts on the Fun Things You Can Do as a Couple
Spending time with your significant other at home can be entertaining and refreshing if you choose the right hobbies to suit both your tastes and interests.
By keeping things exciting, your love will get stronger and deeper with time. You'll leverage the comfort, stability, love, excitement, and security to flourish as husband and wife or boyfriend and girlfriend.
Identifying the right fun activities is crucial to the success of your relationship.
Hopefully this article gave you a few ideas to get started.
Also, if you want to find additional ideas to strengthen your relationship, then be sure to check out our article on 137 conversation starters for couples.
Finally, if you want to take your goal-setting efforts to the next level, check out this FREE printable worksheet and a step-by-step process that will help you set effective SMART goals.