Getting a day or night out just the two of you is a treat, but coming up with the date idea is always a toughie—do you do the usual dinner out or try something new? If you’re thinking the latter, we’ve got you covered with a bunch of out-of-the-box ideas for a day or night date, from hitting the sky in a hot air balloon to going on a sunset cruise around the bay. And while these days may having you going out less, we’ve got ideas for staying in nights for the two of you, too. Scroll down for these date ideas in NJ—and you can start booking that sitter now.

Featured Photo Credit: Istock/alexeys

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15 Date Ideas Around New Jersey To Keep Things Fun & Spicy

Visit a vineyard or a brewery

Take a tour of the vines or experience a beer flight together. Whether you are team hops or team grapes, visiting a vineyard or brewery in lush scenery is the stuff of romantic dreams. Sip a chardonnay or pinot noir, sample an IPA or even have a cheese plate or snacks to go with it. Some places even have special tasting events, and you can find more about local breweries and wineries here.

Take a spa daycation

Unwind that 2020 and 2021 stress away by taking a breather at a day spa. Lounge in the Korean baths a Deux at Island Spa & Sauna in Edison or head to Montclair to experience Bangz Golden Ritual For Two—it includes a gold sugar scrub, scalp and foot massage, and Swedish massage. At SOJO Spa Club in Edgewater, spend time in the outdoor pool with city views, and for places near you, check out these relaxing NJ spas.

Create art together

Get inspired with a creative class that goes a step above the usual paint-and-sip date. Create a glass mosaic at The Gomez Studio in Hammonton or Glassworks in Morristown; try your hands at pottery at Mud Clay Studio in Madison or Madison; take a Wine and Wheel class at The Clay Pot in Spotswood; or turn wood into works of art at any of the Board & Brush studio locations throughout NJ. Whatever creative way you go, you’ll have a special something to take home as a reminder of the fun day or night you had.

Go up and away with a hot air balloon ride

Close your eyes and imagine that you can hear the roar of a fire and feel the breeze in your hair as you toast with champagne and take to the skies. If this sounds like a dream, make it a reality by reserving a private hot air balloon ride above the clouds. A romantic flight in a wicker basket is a beautiful way to take in the skies, and if you are lucky, you might even view a colorful sunset up close. Here are places to take a hot air balloon ride where you can fly away.

Sneak away to an adult-only resort trip

If you’re lucky enough to find someone to watch your kids and can get away for a night or two, pack up the car and head for the highway. There are fantastic hotels a short drive away where you can relax by a pool, fill your day full of activities, or hang in with room service. Find the perfect adults-only weekend vacay in our luxe hotel guide.

Go on a day trip in a downtown

Take a trip and explore an NJ town where you’ve never been. Tour the sites in historic Morristown, get an urban vibe in Hoboken, take in a performance in Red Bank, or walk among beautiful architecture in Princeton. With each town rich in culture, history, restaurants, and vibrant spaces, there’s plenty to do for a day that goes into an evening date.

Pack a picnic for two

A romantic picnic in a park can be just the thing for those afternoon dates. Pack a picnic basket with dinner, utensils, plates, wine, and blanket, and then find your space, whether it’s biking, hiking, or just pulling up the car to the beach. Cozy up and nibble on food while you take in the Garden State scenery and people watch throughout the park.

Play a nighttime round of mini-golf

Who says mini-golf is just for the kids? Make it a romantic competition by playing it under the lights at one of the many mini-golf spots throughout NJ. If you’re near the shore, take a walk on the boards and end with a round by the ocean and sultry sea air.

Cruise into the sunset

Set sail on a boat down the shore or on the Hudson, and watch the sun go down. If you’re near the shore, hop on board to listen to live music on the three-hour sunset cruise on the Queen Mary. Or see a dolphin or whale on the Royal Miss Belmar. If you’re up North, take a Statue of Liberty sunset cruise aboard the Hudson Cat departing from Jersey City. No matter which cruise you take, this is for sure—they will all have amazing views.

Did somebody say s’mores? Photo credit: Istock/alexeys

Revel in bonfire bliss

Finally, use the fire pit you said you were saving for just the right night. Grab a blanket, roast s’ mores, and cuddle by the fire in the comfort of your backyard or if you are heading out, check out the bonfires on the beach in Asbury from May to September.

Put in the pieces

Find that 1,000 piece puzzle that you have been avoiding and get to work. The challenge of working on a puzzle together will show one another how well you work together. Plus, the result is a reward worth framing. Looking for a puzzle all about the Garden State? Check out Just Jersey for Jersey-themed jigsaw puzzles. 

Enjoy dinner and a movie

Coordinate your dinner with your movie. If you are watching Mystic Pizza, make it a pizza night or cook some Italian food and try out the iconic spaghetti scene from Lady and The Tramp. Or keep it sweet and chow down on some chocolate treats while watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Or bring your own goodies and chow down at a drive-in movie in New Jersey.

Pitch a tent

If your kids are old enough to leave by themselves inside, spend the night “camping” out in your backyard. Or hang out in the tent until it’s time to go to bed inside. Either way, cozying up in a tent while listening to the crickets outside can be a romantic and simple way to spend a date night. Or, if you want to travel to a campground in NJ, there are plenty of choices in the Garden State.

Have a DIY Spa day

Light the candles and turn your bathroom into a zen-like retreat. Whip up DIY treatments, like an exfoliating sugar scrub made with 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of coconut oil. Or fill the tub and put on chill music to relax together without ever having to leave the house. Depasquale even has some take-home DIY options or try a customized virtual facial with Exhale. 

Search for the stars

Grab that telescope, a picnic dessert, and sit together in an open field, a park, on a roof, or in the backyard to explore the night sky. See if you can locate different constellations and stars. No telescope, no problem—on a clear night, the stars can be seen with the naked eye.

Which date ideas in NJ are you planning to do?

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