Dinner and a movie, dinner by itself, dinner and a movie in the house until you both fall asleep on the movie, dinner, then dinner again. Sound boring yet?

I don’t know what it is, but often once we get married or get in long-term relationships our only idea of a date (if we still go on those) far too often involves the same variations of dinner and a movie. Although dinner is a good time for talking, sometimes it misses the boat of helping a couple reconnect.

Reconnection brings back some good memories. It involves some different type of mental stimulation, some competition or even different forms of touch and intimacy. Here are just a few ideas that might get you out of the dinner and a movie date rut.

1)    Go to the amusement park

Amusement parks have so many things to do that bring the kid out of you again. It could be roller coasters, miniature golf, go carts, laser tag or even video games, but sometimes you and your mate need to escape the stresses of adulthood and go back to the carefree and fun times of being a kid again.

2)    Have a picnic

These days, you can pretty much buy a picnic in a box with everything you need in order to have an easily-put-together date. All you need is some nice weather, a blanket and a park and voila! There is something very romantic and sweet about being on a picnic that is bound to bring two distant people back together.

3)    Get competitive and play a sport

Playing a sport together can help two people get some adrenaline and endorphins pumping. Who cares if neither of you are good! As long as you’re doing it together, it will be fun! Nothing like a lil’ one-on-one between you and the love of your life.

4)    Go to a dance club

Remember when you and your spouse used to go out and dance the night away? It was like y’all were the only two on the dance floor. YES… go find that old thing again. Get close and dance the night away together, again! If you really want to get close, try a reggae spot and practice your wines and grinds.

5)    Have a board game night

My wife and I enjoy a good game of Connect Four or Checkers. It was one of the ways that we initially got to know each other better so it brings back memories. Your game of choice might be something else like Monopoly Candy Land, or even Jenga but no matter your cup of tea it can be fun just to sit and put the cares of the world behind you and just PLAY! Putting a sexy wager on it might even add a little spice to the mix.

6)    Play cards

Whether it’s Tonk (or Tunk), Speed, Spades, Go Fish, I Declare War, Black Jack (we’ve always called it 21), it doesn’t really matter what you play as long as you’re playing either against each other or on teams against another couple. Just do it, and don’t forget to always play to win!

7)    Take a Hike

…literally! If you’re into nature and love the outdoors, then pack your bookbag, some hiking gear and go for it. Supporting one another along the way could be just what you need.

8)    Go for a Bike Ride

Who doesn’t like a good bike ride? Many larger cities even have them for rent in downtown areas if you don’t have your own.

9)    Go on a Staycation

I love a one night getaway to a hotel in the same city that you live. It’s even better when it’s spontaneous and you get that feeling like you’re sneaking away for a one night stand… but with your lifetime partner, of course. Order room service in or do an activity that you haven’t enjoyed in your city before and enjoy having someone else make up the bed the next morning.

10)  Treat yourselves to brunch, mimosas and dessert

Instead of dinner and a movie try a good brunch, wash it down with some mimosas and then go find a nice dessert spot to finish it off. It will get you out of the late-night dinner scene that’s usually followed by yawns.

11)  Tackle a gym date

Plan a good workout together and get through every rep and every mile together. Push one another and encourage each other. And while working up that good sweat, it might make you want to work up a sweat in a few other ways as well.

12) Jump at the trampoline park

This is another great activity borrowed from the youngsters. Nothing brings the kid out of you like a good ole’ bouncy house or trampoline park. Bouncing sky high, diving in the foam pits or plastic balls, dunking in a lowered basketball goal…they are all a blast and all a good way to get your heart racing, your faces smiling and reconnection with your mate in full gear.

Bottom line: step away from the dinner and a movie scene and change it up. Find some other ways to reconnect and bring some fun back into your relationship.

BMWK Fam, what are other ideas besides dinner and a movie that can help couples reconnect?