30 Fun Things to Try with Your Spouse Once a Month

Look, I get it. You’ve been married for a while now, and suddenly Netflix and takeout doesn’t feel like the height of romance anymore. The spark hasn’t died—it’s just gotten a bit… predictable. Well, buckle up because I’m about to hand you 30 things to try with your spouse once a month that’ll shake up your routine without breaking the bank or requiring a PhD in relationship psychology.

Trust me, after trying most of these myself (some more successfully than others!), I can tell you that variety really is the spice of life. And marriage.

The Complete List: 30 Monthly Adventures

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

1. Rock climbing or bouldering – Trust each other with your lives while getting an adrenaline rush. Most climbing gyms offer beginner classes, so you won’t look like complete amateurs.

2. Hiking to a new trail – Uninterrupted time to actually talk without phones or distractions. Pro tip: pack snacks that are actually good, not just trail mix from 2019.

3. Geocaching – Treasure hunting with GPS. You’d be amazed how many hidden caches exist in your own neighborhood. It’s like being kids again, except with better navigation skills.

4. Kayaking or paddleboarding – Work as a team. You’ll either paddle in perfect sync like graceful swans, or spend twenty minutes going in circles while laughing hysterically. Both outcomes are wins, IMO.

Creative & Artistic Pursuits

5. Couples pottery classes – Get covered in clay creating wonky bowls you’ll treasure forever. There’s something oddly intimate about getting your hands dirty together.

6. Paint and sip nights at home – Buy cheap canvases, grab some wine, and paint each other’s portraits. Artistic talent not required, but a sense of humor definitely is.

7. Learning a new dance style – Whether it’s salsa, swing, or something from YouTube, you’ll be surprised how much fun stumbling through steps together can be.

Culinary Adventures

8. Cooking a complex meal together – Pick something ambitious like homemade pasta or authentic pad thai. You’ll either create something amazing or order pizza while laughing about the disaster.

9. Wine or beer tasting – Hit up local spots or set up blind tastings at home. You’ll discover new favorites and probably have hilarious opinions about “notes of oak.”

Learning & Growth Activities

10. Taking an online class together – Photography, a new language, or investing basics. Learning side-by-side creates shared goals and inside jokes.

11. Reading the same book and discussing it – Your own two-person book club. Pick something neither of you would normally choose.

Intimate & Romantic Ideas

12. Massage nights with essential oils – Create an at-home spa experience. Take turns, use good oils, and actually focus on relaxing each other.

13. Writing love letters to read in 10 years – Write about your current dreams, favorite memories, or what you love about each other right now.

14. Sunrise or sunset picnics – Pack breakfast or dinner, find a good view, and just exist together without rushing to the next thing.

Unique & Quirky Activities

15. Visiting a place you’ve never been within 50 miles – Become tourists in your own area. Every region has hidden gems you’ve driven past a million times.

16. Themed movie marathons – Pick a decade, genre, or actor and go all out with appropriate snacks and maybe even costumes. Yes, costumes.

17. Playing tourist in your own city – Take photos at landmarks, try new restaurants, use public transportation differently. See familiar places with fresh eyes.

Communication & Connection

18. Deep conversation card games – Buy a set or make your own with questions that actually matter. You’ll learn surprising things about your spouse.

19. Planning future adventures together – Spread out maps, browse travel blogs, or daydream about places you want to visit. The planning is half the fun.

20. Sharing childhood stories you’ve never told – Everyone has weird, funny, or meaningful memories they rarely share. Make space for these stories.

Sometimes the right words can deepen these conversations even further. Check out our collection of short relationship quotes to find meaningful phrases that capture what you’re feeling but can’t quite express.

Seasonal & Holiday Activities

21. Seasonal bucket list activities – Apple picking in fall, beach days in summer, winter hikes. Create natural rhythms in your relationship.

22. Celebrating random holidays – National Pizza Day, International Coffee Day, or made-up celebrations give you excuses to do something special.

Want to take your monthly adventures to the next level? Consider planning a romantic getaway. Our weekend retreat ideas for couples can help you create longer, more immersive experiences that go beyond single-day activities.

Wellness & Fitness

23. Couples workout challenges – YouTube has endless options for partner workouts, yoga sessions, or dance cardio. You’ll laugh, sweat, and maybe discover new energy together.

24. Meditation or mindfulness practices – Start simple with ten minutes of guided meditation together. Apps make this incredibly easy for beginners.

Entertainment & Games

25. Board game tournaments – Pick games requiring teamwork or friendly competition. Winner picks the next movie, meal, or activity.

26. Karaoke nights at home – Rent a machine, use apps, or sing along to YouTube. Bonus points for duets and dramatic performances.

Memory-Making Activities

27. Photo scavenger hunts – Create lists of things to find and photograph together—weird architecture, interesting people (with permission!), or beautiful moments.

28. Time capsule creation – Include photos, letters, small objects, or predictions about your future selves. Decide when to open it together.

29. Recreating your first date – Visit the same places, order the same food, but notice how you’ve both grown and changed.

Simple Pleasures

30. Stargazing with hot chocolate – Download astronomy apps to identify constellations and planets. Sometimes the best monthly date night ideas are refreshingly simple.

Bonus Simple Ideas

Want even more options? Try building blanket forts in your living room or having breakfast for dinner—pancakes at 7 PM, anyone? These activities tap into playful energy that adult life often suppresses.

Making It Work

The Reality Check

Here’s the thing about trying ways to spice up your marriage—consistency matters more than perfection. You don’t need to execute elaborate plans every single month. Sometimes life happens, budgets are tight, or energy is low. That’s normal.

Start small and build momentum. Pick three activities from this list that genuinely excite both of you. Try one this month, plan another for next month, and keep the third as a backup for when spontaneity strikes.

Communication is everything when planning these activities. What sounds amazing to you might feel overwhelming to your spouse, and vice versa. Talk about what you’re both craving—adventure, relaxation, creativity, or connection.

Budget-friendly options exist for almost every idea here. Hiking costs gas money. Home cooking saves restaurant expenses. Library books are free. The most romantic activities for couples often cost more in thoughtfulness than actual dollars.

Remember, the goal isn’t to become Instagram-perfect couples doing picture-worthy activities. It’s about creating shared experiences that strengthen your bond and remind you why you chose each other in the first place.

Your marriage deserves more than routine. It deserves intention, playfulness, and regular doses of “remember when we did that crazy thing?” Start this month. Pick something from this list. Make it happen.

Because 20 years from now, you won’t remember the Tuesday night you watched Netflix again. But you’ll definitely remember the night you built that ridiculous blanket fort and ate ice cream inside it while planning your next adventure together.

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