30 Fun Things to Try with Your Spouse Once in a Month

Marriage thrives on shared experiences and quality time together.

Breaking routine with monthly adventures keeps your relationship exciting and helps you discover new sides of each other.

These 30 activities range from cozy home dates to thrilling adventures, giving you fresh ideas for every month.

Make these moments special by putting away phones and focusing entirely on enjoying each other’s company.

1. Create a Themed Dinner Night at Home

Transform your dining room into a restaurant from another country. Research authentic recipes from Italy, Thailand, Mexico, or anywhere that sparks your curiosity.

Set the mood with appropriate music, candles, and decorations. Dress up as if you’re going to an actual restaurant in that country.

Cooking together builds teamwork and creates delicious memories. You’ll laugh at kitchen mishaps and celebrate your culinary successes together.

This activity costs less than dining out but feels just as special. Plus, you’ll expand your cooking skills and cultural knowledge as a couple.

2. Plan a Surprise Day Trip

Take turns planning mystery day trips for each other. The only requirement is that it’s within driving distance and keeps you both busy for most of the day.

Research hidden gems in your area—small towns, hiking trails, museums, or quirky attractions you’ve never visited. Keep the destination secret until you arrive.

Adventure sparks excitement and gives you stories to tell for years. Exploring new places together creates shared memories and inside jokes.

The element of surprise adds romance and shows that you’ve put thought into making your spouse happy. Document your adventures with photos and create a scrapbook.

3. Have a Technology-Free Weekend

Commit to 48 hours without phones, computers, or television. Focus entirely on each other and offline activities like reading, cooking, or playing board games.

You’ll be amazed how much you talk when digital distractions disappear. Conversations become deeper and more meaningful without constant interruptions.

This digital detox helps you reconnect with each other and rediscover simple pleasures. Many couples report feeling more intimate and relaxed afterward.

Use this time to tackle projects together, take long walks, or simply enjoy quiet moments side by side. The peace and connection you’ll feel is incredible.

4. Learn Something New Together

Sign up for a class that interests both of you—pottery, dancing, cooking, photography, or a foreign language. Learning creates natural bonding opportunities.

Struggling with new skills together builds patience and teamwork. You’ll encourage each other through challenges and celebrate small victories.

Shared learning experiences give you common goals and topics for discussion. You’ll both feel proud of your progress and accomplishments.

The skills you develop might become lifelong hobbies you enjoy together. Many couples discover hidden talents through these joint learning adventures.

5. Host a Game Night for Two

Rediscover the joy of board games, card games, or video games designed for two players. Create a tournament with multiple games and small prizes.

Friendly competition brings out playful sides of your personalities. You’ll laugh, strategize, and maybe engage in some harmless trash talk.

Games provide structure for quality time without requiring deep conversation. They’re perfect for relaxing together after stressful weeks.

Stock up on snacks and drinks to make it feel like a special event. Consider games that encourage teamwork if you prefer cooperation over competition.

6. Create Art Together

Set up a mini art studio in your home with canvases, paints, sketching materials, or craft supplies. You don’t need artistic talent—just creativity and willingness to play.

Working on art projects side by side feels meditative and peaceful. There’s something magical about creating while your partner creates nearby.

You’ll discover each other’s creative processes and perspectives. Art reveals personality traits and thinking patterns you might not see otherwise.

Display your creations in your home as permanent reminders of time spent together. Years later, you’ll smile remembering the fun you had making them.

7. Plan a Backyard Camping Adventure

Set up a tent in your backyard, or create a fort with blankets and pillows indoors. Make s’mores, tell stories, and stargaze together.

Camping at home combines adventure with comfort. You get the outdoor experience without dealing with bugs, bathroom facilities, or weather concerns.

This activity costs almost nothing but creates magical memories. There’s something romantic about sleeping under the stars with your favorite person.

Bring battery-powered speakers for soft music, pack special snacks, and use flashlights to create ambiance. Wake up early to watch the sunrise together.

8. Explore Local Farmers Markets

Visit different farmers markets in your area each month. Sample local produce, talk to vendors, and discover seasonal ingredients for future cooking projects.

Markets offer sensory experiences—beautiful colors, fresh smells, and interesting textures. You’ll feel more connected to your community and local food sources.

Shopping together for ingredients sparks meal planning conversations and cooking adventures. You might discover new favorite foods or recipes.

Many markets feature live music, food trucks, or artisan crafts. Turn market visits into mini-dates by grabbing coffee and browsing together leisurely.

9. Have a Home Spa Day

Transform your bathroom into a luxury spa with candles, essential oils, soft towels, and relaxing music. Take turns giving each other massages.

Create homemade face masks, draw relaxing baths, and practice meditation or breathing exercises together. Focus on pampering and relaxation.

Spa days relieve stress and create intimate, caring moments between you. Physical touch and relaxation strengthen emotional bonds naturally.

This activity costs much less than professional spa visits but provides similar benefits. You’ll both feel refreshed and more connected afterward.

10. Visit Museums or Art Galleries

Explore museums, art galleries, or cultural centers in your area. Many offer special exhibitions that change monthly, providing fresh experiences.

Discussing art and exhibits reveals your different perspectives and interpretations. These conversations often lead to deeper topics about life and values.

Cultural activities stimulate your minds and provide sophisticated date experiences. You’ll feel intellectually engaged and culturally enriched.

Many museums offer free or discounted admission days. Even small local museums often contain surprising treasures and fascinating stories.

11. Try Geocaching Adventures

Download a geocaching app and search for hidden treasures in your area. This modern treasure hunting combines technology with outdoor exploration.

Geocaching takes you to places you’d never discover otherwise—hidden parks, historical markers, or scenic viewpoints in your own neighborhood.

Working together to solve clues and find caches builds teamwork and problem-solving skills. You’ll feel accomplished when you successfully locate treasures.

This activity appeals to your inner children while providing exercise and fresh air. Many caches contain small trinkets you can trade for keepsakes.

12. Cook a Completely New Cuisine

Challenge yourselves to master a cuisine neither of you has attempted before. Visit specialty grocery stores to find authentic ingredients.

Research the culture behind the food you’re preparing. Understanding traditions and techniques makes cooking more meaningful and educational.

Complicated recipes require teamwork and patience. You’ll learn to communicate effectively and support each other through challenging tasks.

Success feels incredibly rewarding when you create delicious meals from scratch together. Your confidence in the kitchen will grow with each attempt.

13. Create a Photo Scavenger Hunt

Design lists of photos to take around your city—architectural details, street art, people laughing, interesting shadows, or specific colors.

Turn your town into a playground as you hunt for perfect shots. You’ll notice details and beauty you normally overlook in familiar places.

Photography encourages you to see your environment with fresh eyes. Competing to find the best shots adds excitement and friendly rivalry.

Create albums with your favorite photos and vote on winners in different categories. These pictures become unique documentation of your adventures together.

14. Attend Live Performances

Research local theaters, comedy clubs, concerts, or community performances happening in your area. Live entertainment provides shared emotional experiences.

Watching performances together gives you common topics for discussion and analysis. You’ll discover each other’s tastes in music, humor, and storytelling.

Live shows create memorable experiences that are impossible to replicate at home. The energy and excitement of live performance enhance your enjoyment.

Support local artists while enriching your cultural lives together. Many small venues offer intimate settings perfect for romantic evenings out.

15. Plan Themed Movie Marathons

Choose movie themes like “films from the year we met” or “movies set in places we want to visit.” Create an event with appropriate snacks and decorations.

Marathon viewing lets you dive deep into genres, directors, or time periods. You’ll discover new favorites and debate artistic merits together.

Themed marathons feel more intentional than random movie nights. The structure creates anticipation and makes ordinary evenings feel special.

Pause between films to discuss plots, characters, and your reactions. These conversations often reveal interesting things about each other’s perspectives and values.

16. Volunteer Together

Find monthly volunteer opportunities that match your shared values—animal shelters, food banks, community gardens, or literacy programs.

Working together for causes you care about strengthens your bond while helping others. Shared service creates meaning beyond your relationship.

Volunteering exposes you to different communities and perspectives. These experiences often spark important conversations about values and goals.

Many organizations need regular monthly volunteers, making it easy to establish ongoing commitments. You’ll build relationships with other volunteers and feel part of something bigger.

17. Start Monthly Reading Challenges

Choose books to read together—either the same book for discussion or different books in similar genres for comparison.

Reading together feeds your intellectual connection and provides endless conversation topics. You’ll learn about each other’s interests and thinking processes.

Book discussions reveal how you each interpret characters, themes, and messages. These conversations often connect to your own lives and relationships.

Visit bookstores or libraries together to choose your monthly selections. The anticipation of starting new books together builds excitement throughout the month.

18. Explore Different Neighborhoods

Pick one neighborhood per month to explore thoroughly—walk the streets, visit local shops, try restaurants, and talk to residents if possible.

Every neighborhood has unique character, history, and hidden gems. You’ll become tourists in your own city and discover amazing places nearby.

Walking together provides natural opportunities for conversation and connection. Physical activity releases endorphins that improve mood and bonding.

Research neighborhood history before visiting to add educational elements to your exploration. Understanding the context makes your visits more meaningful and interesting.

19. Create Monthly Challenges

Invent personal challenges like “try 30 new foods this month” or “take photos of 100 different flowers.” Working toward shared goals builds teamwork.

Challenges add structure and motivation to your time together. You’ll encourage each other and celebrate progress throughout the month.

Creating your own challenges lets you tailor activities to your specific interests and abilities. You control the difficulty level and time commitment.

Document your challenge progress with photos and journals. Looking back on your achievements will remind you of fun times spent working together.

20. Host Wine or Beer Tastings

Create sophisticated tasting experiences at home with different wines, craft beers, or even coffee varieties. Research proper tasting techniques and flavor profiles.

Tastings engage your senses and provide structured activities for quality time together. You’ll develop your palates and discover new preferences.

Learning about beverages gives you knowledge to enhance future dining experiences. You’ll feel more confident ordering and discussing drinks when dining out.

Invite other couples occasionally to expand your social circle while maintaining your monthly tradition. Sharing these experiences creates lasting friendships.

21. Build Something Together

Tackle monthly DIY projects around your home—building shelves, creating garden features, or renovating rooms. Working with your hands builds teamwork skills.

Completing projects together gives you tangible results and shared sense of accomplishment. Your home improvements become permanent reminders of time spent together.

Learning construction or crafting skills builds confidence and self-reliance. You’ll save money on professional services while gaining valuable knowledge.

Choose projects that match both your skill levels to avoid frustration. Start small and work up to more complex undertakings as your abilities grow.

22. Plan Surprise Date Nights

Take turns planning surprise dates for each other without revealing any details beforehand. The only rule is staying within a predetermined budget.

Surprises demonstrate thoughtfulness and effort. Planning dates specifically for your partner shows you pay attention to their interests and preferences.

Mystery dates recreate early relationship excitement when everything felt new and unpredictable. Anticipation builds romance and emotional connection.

Document these surprise dates with photos and notes about what made them special. Create a scrapbook of your monthly adventures together.

23. Try Monthly Fitness Challenges

Commit to new physical activities together—hiking different trails, trying yoga classes, learning dance styles, or training for charity walks.

Exercise releases endorphins that improve mood and increase feelings of attraction. Sweating together literally and figuratively brings you closer.

Setting fitness goals creates shared objectives and mutual accountability. You’ll motivate each other through difficult workouts and celebrate progress together.

Trying new activities keeps exercise interesting and prevents boredom. You might discover sports or activities that become lifelong hobbies.

24. Explore Local History

Research and visit historical sites, landmarks, or museums in your area. Many communities have fascinating stories you’ve never heard.

Learning local history connects you to your community and gives you appreciation for the people who came before you.

Historical exploration often involves walking tours, which provide exercise and opportunities for conversation. You’ll see familiar places with new understanding.

Document your historical discoveries with photos and research notes. Create a local history scrapbook that reflects your growing knowledge and shared experiences.

25. Practice Mindfulness Together

Dedicate monthly sessions to meditation, breathing exercises, or mindfulness practices. Use apps or videos to guide your sessions initially.

Mindfulness reduces stress and increases present-moment awareness. Practicing together creates peaceful, intimate experiences that strengthen your emotional bond.

Regular mindfulness practice improves communication skills and emotional regulation. You’ll both become better partners through increased self-awareness and patience.

Create a designated space in your home for mindfulness practice. Having a special area makes these sessions feel more intentional and sacred.

26. Host Themed Dinner Parties

Invite friends over for monthly dinner parties with different themes—decades, countries, holidays, or color schemes. Planning together builds teamwork skills.

Entertaining friends strengthens your social connections while giving you shared hosting experiences. You’ll develop confidence and skills together.

Planning parties requires communication, compromise, and creativity. Working through party logistics teaches you both about each other’s planning styles and priorities.

Hosting creates opportunities to showcase your relationship to friends while building memories together. Your guests will appreciate the effort and creativity you put into themes.

27. Start Monthly Traditions

Create unique monthly traditions that belong only to your relationship—first Friday pizza dates, full moon walks, or monthly gratitude discussions.

Traditions provide structure and anticipation in your relationship. Having regular special times together builds security and emotional connection.

Personal traditions distinguish your relationship from others and create shared identity. These customs become part of your couple story and family lore.

Document your traditions with photos and notes about how they evolve over time. Your traditions may change but the commitment to regular special time remains constant.

28. Practice New Languages

Choose a language to learn together through apps, books, or classes. Practice conversing with each other in your new language during designated times.

Learning languages stimulates your brains and provides shared intellectual challenges. You’ll encourage each other through difficult pronunciation and grammar lessons.

New languages open doors to different cultures and travel opportunities. Your language skills might inspire future travel plans or cultural exploration.

Use your language practice as foreplay to trips or cultural events. Order food in your target language or watch foreign films with subtitles.

29. Create Monthly Memory Projects

Work on ongoing memory projects like scrapbooks, photo albums, or digital portfolios of your life together. Set aside time each month for organization and creativity.

Reviewing memories strengthens your emotional bond and helps you appreciate your relationship growth. You’ll rediscover forgotten moments and shared experiences.

Memory projects create tangible keepsakes that you’ll treasure for years. These albums become family heirlooms that tell your love story.

Technology makes creating beautiful memory books easier than ever. Experiment with different formats and styles to find what works best for your relationship.

30. Practice Random Acts of Kindness

Spend one day each month performing random acts of kindness together in your community—buying coffee for strangers, leaving encouraging notes, or helping neighbors.

Kindness practices strengthen your bond while making positive impacts on others. Working together for good feels meaningful and fulfilling.

Acts of service often spark conversations about values, community, and purpose. These discussions deepen your understanding of each other’s character and priorities.

Document your kindness adventures with photos and stories. Creating a kindness journal reminds you of the positive impact you can make together.

Making the Most of Your Monthly Adventures

Consistency matters more than perfection when establishing monthly traditions. Choose a realistic schedule and stick to it even during busy times.

Rotate who plans activities to keep things fair and ensure both your interests are represented. This prevents one person from carrying all the planning burden.

Be flexible about timing and budgets. The goal is connection, not perfect execution of elaborate plans. Simple activities often create the most meaningful memories.

Document your monthly adventures with photos, journals, or social media posts. Looking back on your experiences will remind you of growth and fun times together.

Conclusion

Monthly adventures keep marriage exciting and strengthen emotional bonds. Start with activities that appeal to both of you and build from there.