30 Long-Distance Date Ideas to Keep the Spark Alive

When you’re in a long-distance relationship, you need fun and creative ways to keep your bond strong. This guide is all about cool long-distance date ideas that can help you feel closer, even when you’re far apart. From watching movies together online to playing games or sharing a meal over video chat, there’s a lot you can do to make every moment special. 

These ideas are here to help you make the distance feel a little shorter and keep your connection alive and kicking. So, let’s dig in!

30 Romantic Date Ideas for Long-Distance Couple 

Workout together through Facetime or Zoom 

Try something new together and get moving by following a workout video as a couple. You can find many exercise classes on YouTube and fitness apps that fit your preferences and fitness level. Don’t worry about feeling awkward if you’re new to a certain type of workout—since you’re at home, it’s just the two of you. Just stick to exercises that feel comfortable and safe for both of you so you don’t risk getting hurt.

Virtual treasure hunt

Virtual treasure hunts take some effort to set up but make for a fun and creative date idea for long distances. You could ask a friend who lives near your partner to hide a “treasure” somewhere in your partner’s area. Then, using a Geocaching app, you can guide your partner to find it. 

Another idea is to do a scavenger hunt that includes visiting outdoor landmarks in your partner’s city. After setting it all up, give your date the first clue and decide on a time limit. You and your partner can race to see who finishes first or who can do it the quickest.

Related: Virtual Date Ideas

Cook together through the video call app. 

Setting up this idea isn’t as difficult as you might think, though you’ll want to be careful with your MacBook in the kitchen. Whether you’re a future Chopped contestant or prone to kitchen nightmares, cooking up something delicious together without getting in each other’s way can be enjoyable. Choose a recipe that you both can make simultaneously, then either guide each other through it or turn it into a friendly competition. And, of course, you’ll enjoy the tasty results once you’re finished.

Related: Foodie Date Ideas

Send each other a video message.

What makes recording better than live calls is that you can get ready and make it perfect. If you and your partner are used to staying online from bed early in the morning or late at night, you might not be seeing each other at your best. So, try dressing up in an outfit that makes you feel good, sitting in front of a window or a ring light, and recording sweet video messages for each other as if you’re shooting a segment for your favorite reality TV show. It’s a fun long-distance date idea and a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift.

Go on a park date.

If it’s sunny out, why not enjoy some of it? You can grab a drink, snacks, and a blanket and then video call each other once you’re all set up outside, almost like you’re hanging out together. To add a bit of fun, you could send each other a box of snacks or a bottle of wine or even order food to be delivered to each other. 

Have dinner together

As I mentioned earlier about cooking together over FaceTime, you can enjoy the dishes you made together after you finish cooking. Just because you can’t go out to a romantic restaurant doesn’t mean you can’t make the moment special at home. Order or cook food from a place you both love, like your first date, pour your favorite drinks, dress up a bit, and don’t forget to set the mood with candles and some background music. Make it extra special by using cloth napkins and your best dishes.

Send a personalized gift or a care package 

You don’t need a special holiday to give gifts to someone you care about. Create a special box filled with things you know they’ll love: little reminders of home, their favorite snacks, a cozy outfit, and other items that will make them happy. 

Don’t forget to add a heartfelt card and watch their face light up as they open it, not just from the screen’s glow. If you’re not too crafty, you can also order a personalized gift from Loveable. These meaningful gifts for long-distance couples won’t disappoint.

Create photo albums

A super easy virtual anniversary date idea is to look at online photo albums together. Start a video call, open a photo album, and share your screen. You can flip through photos on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook or use online albums like Photobucket and iCloud. If you prefer, you can even share files directly with each other through file-sharing apps or by dropping photos into your chat. Make sure to chat and share memories about each photo as you go through them.

Virtual museum tours

You and your date can check out world-famous museums like the Louvre, the Smithsonian, and MoMA right from home. Just pick a museum and start a virtual tour. Museums offer different kinds of online tours – some have live guided tours on Zoom where a guide walks you through, while others let you explore on your own with panoramic pictures or through virtual reality apps. You and your date can choose which museum or type of tour you like, meet up on a video call, share your screens, and enjoy looking at the exhibits together.

Play personality quizzes together 

These quizzes are fun because they let you learn more about each other without getting too personal immediately. Also, doing these quizzes together means you’ll always have something to discuss, so there won’t be any awkward quiet moments. You can take turns picking out different personality quizzes for each other. You can chat about the questions while taking the quiz or do them on your own and then share your answers afterward.

Facetime date ideas: soak in the bathtub together 

Taking a bath together is probably one of the most romantic activities for any couple, but if you’re in a long-distance relationship, you might think this is impossible. However, you can still make it happen! Set up your device somewhere safe from water, run a warm bubble bath, and call your partner. 

It may not be exactly the same as sharing a bath, but it’s pretty close. Bringing a glass of champagne and lighting some candles becomes a nice self-care moment, too.

Online campfire

When you and your special someone can’t snuggle up by a real fire, trying out a digital campfire is the next best thing. Think of it as indoor camping where you can do all the classic stuff like telling ghost stories and making s’mores. Before your video call, both of you should get some s’mores ingredients ready. 

When the call starts, put on a bonfire video from YouTube, light a candle to set the mood and make yourselves cozy. You can roast marshmallows, share stories, play games, and pretend to watch the stars together. A little serenade could make the evening even more magical if one of you can play the guitar.

Order your partner their favorite food. 

Buying food for your loved one is a practical way to show your love and remind them that you’re thinking of them, including their favorite dishes. Use your favorite food delivery service to have your cravings delivered right to your doorstep, and enjoy seeing their smile when they arrive. If they’re far from home and craving something they can’t find where they are, send it to them as a thoughtful gesture to show how much you care.

Virtual Karaoke

You and your partner can enjoy yourselves by doing karaoke together online. Just look up karaoke videos on YouTube, share your screen, and get ready to sing as loud as possible. You can sing songs alone, team up for duets, or even sing the same song simultaneously. Feel free to pick your favorite tunes or make it more fun by choosing songs for each other to sing.

Exchange love letter

Before the new internet, we used the postal service to express affection. And you can still do it! Take some paper and a pen, and write a long, flowery letter to your sweetheart. You can even write them together on a call to turn it into an activity. Spritz a little of your signature scent on the paper before shipping it off for real wartime widow vibes.

Online Jigsaw puzzle

Doing jigsaw puzzles is a relaxing but engaging activity for virtual date nights. You and your partner can work on a puzzle together online. Just visit Jigsaw Explorer, choose or make a puzzle, and share the link with your partner. Once they join, both of you can move the pieces in real-time. 

Another cool idea is to buy a personalized puzzle with a special photo of the two of you. This way, you have a unique and memorable gift for your loved one.

Plan a future vacation together. 

In a long-distance relationship, you might take turns visiting each other instead of going on trips together. But there’s a special excitement in exploring a brand-new place together. Spend a couple of video dates brainstorming ideas for your next adventure. It’s time to dust off those passports!

Try Escape Rooms online together 

Playing online escape rooms is a fun way to work on solving problems together in a relationship. These digital long-distance date games challenge you to solve themed puzzles within a certain time to escape from a virtual room, working like a choose-your-own-adventure story where your choices unlock the next steps. You and your loved one can join a guided escape room adventure on Zoom or tackle free ones by sharing your screen and solving the puzzles.

Try out new technology.

Virtual dates are a great chance to explore new gadgets and apps together. First, pick a cool piece of tech you’re interested in, like a drone, a GoPro camera, or a virtual reality app. Then, get the gadgets and download any needed software. 

Try to wait until your video date to start using them. Once your call begins, you can unbox and set up the new tech together, diving into all its features. This way, you and your partner have fun and learn something new simultaneously.

A cheap long-distance date idea: Watch a movie together 

So, you can’t cuddle up and Netflix and chill together. But you can still hit play simultaneously and watch a movie from a distance without even sharing popcorn. For something different, you could share your favorite childhood movies, make it a themed night with outfits and snacks, or go for romance with a steamy romantic flick. Actually, this idea doesn’t cost a dime, and it’s easy to do.

Create a playlist for each other. 

How about making playlists for each other as a sweet long-distance date idea? You can curate songs that remind you of special moments, share your favorite tracks, or even discover new music you think your partner will enjoy. It’s a thoughtful way to stay connected through the power of music, and you can listen to each other’s playlists whenever you miss each other.

Play an online game together. 

Even if you and your partner aren’t big gamers, there’s something special about having a traditional game night with a modern twist. Platforms like Tabletop Simulator allow you to play your favorite in-person games online. If you have a gaming console like the Nintendo Switch, you can play together even when you’re far apart. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new in your relationship, you can explore sex games designed for couples.

Virtual mixology lesson

If you’re in a long-distance relationship and searching for fun virtual date ideas, why not try a mixology class online? It’s a great way to feel connected as you make and enjoy drinks together. Start by choosing some interesting drink recipes, preparing your ingredients, and mixing your drinks together while on a video call. For a special touch, make each other’s favorite drinks or invent new cocktails named after each other, explaining the reasons behind your ingredient choices. 

Show and tell game

Show and Tell is a simple and fun idea for online dates. Both people bring one to three things to their video call to share stories about. You can make it more interesting by suggesting themes like vacation memories, the best day of your life, family stories, or funny secrets. Or, you can keep it open and bring any items you enjoy discussing. 

Would you rather?

“This or That?” is a fun question game where players have to pick between two options. It’s a great way to break the ice during a virtual first-date idea for a long distance. Just take turns giving prompts and ask your partner to choose one of the options. You can also pause the game to discuss surprising choices or devise a secret third option to keep things interesting.

Try online shopping 

Going to the mall isn’t the only way to help your partner choose an outfit. You and your virtual date can shop online together instead. Share your screen and go through websites, suggesting clothes or items you think the other should try. You could even make it a game where you pick out something under $20 that the other has to buy. Or, you can have fun window shopping online by creating wish lists without buying anything.

Virtual picnic

Remote picnics are fun for you and your partner to enjoy some time outside, even if you’re not physically together. Pack snacks into a basket, pick a sunny day, and set up a video call on your phone or tablet. You can visit a nearby park, the beach, or even your backyard. Make sure to show your partner the scenery around you. It’s even more special if you can share a view of the sky and maybe even cloud-watch together.

Things to Keep in Mind When You Have a Long-Distance Date Night

When you’re planning a date night and you’re in a long-distance relationship, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind to make sure it goes smoothly and feels special:

• Make Plans Together: Pick a time and a fun activity that works for both of you ahead of time. Remember to think about any time difference.

• Find Something Fun to Do: Choose an activity you both like. It could be watching a movie simultaneously, cooking the same dish, or playing a game online.

• Check Your Tech: Make sure your internet is working well, and that your camera and microphone are good to go before your date starts so you don’t run into any annoying issues.

• Set the Mood: Make your space feel cozy and nice for your date. You could light candles, play music, or even dress up.

• Focus on Each Other: Avoid getting distracted by other things during your date. Listen and talk to your partner like you would if you were together in person.

• Be Ready for Anything: Sometimes things don’t go as planned, especially online. If something is not right, just laugh it off together. It’s all about spending time with each other.

• Talk Things Through: Make sure you both know what you expect from your date night and discuss your feelings. Being open and honest is important, especially when you’re far apart.

• Keep a Memory: You might want to take a screenshot or a photo during your date to remember the good times you’re having, even though you’re not physically together.

Common Questions about Long Distance Date Ideas 

Should I date long-distance?

Deciding to date long distance is a big decision, and it comes down to a few key things. Think about how well you handle being apart from someone you care about. Can you trust each other even when you’re not always together? Are you both willing to make an extra effort to communicate and keep the connection strong? 

Also, consider if you’re okay with the idea that seeing each other will often involve planning and possibly saving up for trips. If you feel in your heart that you can handle these challenges and like this person, then giving it a try might be worth it. 

How do you date a busy man long distance?

Dating a busy man long distance is all about understanding and patience. Since he’s got a lot on his plate, being flexible and creative with how you connect can make a big difference. Use technology to your advantage—quick texts, voice messages, or video calls can help you feel close even when you can’t have long conversations. 

Planning is key, so try to schedule regular times to catch up that work for both of you. Remember, quality matters more than quantity; make the moments you share count, whether a deep conversation or watching a movie together online. 

Final Word From Loveable 

Long-distance date ideas are all about getting creative and making the most of what you’ve got. Whether cooking together, watching movies, singing karaoke, or just chatting about your day, each activity helps keep your connection strong. It shows that being apart physically doesn’t mean you can’t be close in other ways. You can still share lots of fun and meaningful moments with some imagination and technology.