While a classic dinner and a movie date is a great option, sometimes you need to mix things up. The key to a great date is being creative and having fun.

Get crafty together by making a collage. You can use anything from old magazines, newspapers, stickers, receipts, and shopping bags to make your masterpiece.

1. Take a walk.

It’s easy to get into a dating rut, especially as your relationship continues on. Getting out and trying new things can help keep the spark alive and add a fresh perspective to your relationship.

Visit a garden center together to learn about greenery and create a beautiful floral arrangement that you can take home with you.

Pack a picnic and spend time in nature. Whether you head to the park or your backyard, enjoy the outdoors while munching on cheese and crackers and fruit. Even better if you bring a blanket!

2. Have a picnic.

Long-term relationships can become predictable very quickly, and it’s important to spice things up every now and then. Small romantic gestures like buying flowers or complimenting your partner can go a long way in keeping the romance alive in your relationship.

Picnics are fun, affordable and easy to do anywhere in nature. But picnics can also be made more special by adding a few extra details to your plans.

For example, consider baking hand pies and packing them with apples, chocolate cream or minced meat for a savory option. Or, plan a rooftop picnic for sunset views and bubbly.

3. Go to the movies.

Studies have shown that couples who try new things together feel more satisfied in their relationships. If you and your partner are stuck in a dinner/movie, drinks/dinner date rut, change things up by setting a budget for fun shared experiences and having each of you plan a different date night within that constraint.

Rewatch your partners’ favorite movies together – it will stimulate conversation and bring you closer. Or check out a new movie at a drive-in or the oldest theater in town. It’s a great opportunity to experience ambiance, too!

4. Go to a concert.

A concert is one of the best date ideas for long-term couples to shake up their routine and connect over a shared experience. Make sure to grab a bite to eat before heading out, since it’ll be hard to do while watching the band.

Make a playlist together. Share songs that remind you of them, and listen to each other’s choices during the concert. Remember, you’re on a date, so don’t be distracted by your phone!

5. Go to a sporting event.

Play old-fashioned playground games like jacks or 4-square, or put your competitive nature to the test by battling each other at axe throwing. This is a fun way to get active together.

If one of you loves to rough it while the other prefers comfort, meet in the middle with an “elegant camping” experience. It’s still in the great outdoors, but with creature comforts.

Go shopping together–look for deals on coupon apps and explore stores that are new to you. It can be an inexpensive and exciting way to connect with each other.

6. Go to a concert.

If a local band you love is playing, snag tickets (or ask a friend to tag along) and rock out. Even a terrible cover band can make for a fun night out, especially if you dance like crazy!

Try a new food together (like traditional Swedish, Hungarian or Kenyan cuisine). Or plan to learn how to cook the foods that you both love at home.

Double dates can be really fun and a great way to connect with friends. Plus, research shows that couples who hang out with their mutual friends have happier relationships.

7. Go to a concert.

A concert can be fun and romantic, especially when you’re supporting local talent. And it’s cheaper than going to a fancy restaurant for dinner.

Run errands together (if you can get your kids to stay with a babysitter). It’s a chance to spend time alone and can feel pretty special when it’s just the two of you.

Make a date out of a painting class or jewelry-making workshop. It’s a great way to learn something new and show your love for each other at the same time.

8. Go to a sporting event.

Many couples get stuck in a dating rut and find themselves going to the same restaurant week after week or hitting the movies on a regular basis. Switching up your date nights can help to revitalize your relationship.

Explore an art gallery. Whether you’re both art lovers or not, a visit to an exhibition can be interesting and informative.

Go for a hike and watch the leaves change colors or hit up the beach. Depending on the season, you can also go berry or apple picking.

9. Go to a concert.

Research suggests that couples who try new things together have a more fulfilling marriage. So, if you’re in the mood for something adventurous, race the clock in an escape room or sign up for a cooking class.

Take a brewery or winery tour. Chances are your local brewery or a neighboring one will hold free or low-cost tours that teach you the ins and outs of beer, wine or both. Plus, there’s usually samples. Who wouldn’t love that?

10. Go to a sporting event.

A night of sports can be a fun and affordable way to connect with your date. Whether you watch professional teams play or go to a local high school or college game, it’s an opportunity to chat about your sporty glory days.

Work together to solve a mystery in an escape room. This is a great option for couples that need to be physically active and get their competitive juices flowing. Visit a brewery and tour the facility to learn how your favorite beer is made.