35 long distance date ideas for when you're miles apart but close at heart

Cute, fun romantic and cheap – whatever category of long distance date ideas you’re after, we have you covered.

If connection is key to a happy relationship, then those of you in long distance relationships know that it’s not always easy to keep connected when you’re miles apart.

One way you can do this is by having long distance dates. Dating – long distance or not- helps build connection by encouraging communication, increasing novelty and creating shared love maps.

Scheduling key times to be together helps build a sense of security.

These long distance date ideas are designed to be a combination of talking and doing so you can pick what you want based on mood, time and interests.

A man waving hello to his partner on a video call after reading these long distance date ideas

Ask questions for couples to learn more about each other: Use question prompts or quizzes to delve deeper into each other’s thoughts, dreams, and preferences. Depending on your mood, I suggest:
–deep questions for couples
–how well do you know me questions
–long distance relationship questions
–this or that questions
Or make a selection from any of these questions for couples.
Collaborate on a Spotify playlist: Curate a shared playlist with songs that resonate with your relationship.
Cook the same recipe and share results: Both prepare the same recipe, then enjoy a meal “together.”
Create a bucket list together: Compile a list of experiences and goals you both want to achieve, fueling your shared sense of adventure. You can niche this down to a summer bucket list or Christmas bucket list for couples.
Create a couple’s vision board for the future: Compile images, goals, and aspirations on a virtual vision board that represents your shared dreams.
Do a drawing challenge: Create a list of things to draw and number them one to ten. Don’t share your list. Get your loved one to pick a number and then they have one minute to draw that thing on your list.
Do an online workout session: Participate in a virtual fitness class or workout routine together. There’s nothing like accountability to help with motivation!
Do a virtual escape room challenge: Join an online escape room game, solving puzzles and working together to “escape” within a set time frame.
Game together: Select a multiplayer online game that suits both of your interests and skill levels. It could be a cooperative game where you work together to achieve a goal or a competitive game that adds some friendly rivalry.
Have a book club for two: Pick a book to read independently, then schedule regular video chats to discuss your thoughts, interpretations, and favorite parts.
Have a language learning session: Choose a new language to learn as a team, practicing vocabulary and phrases during your virtual sessions.
Have a Netflix party with synchronized watching: Use browser extensions to sync your viewing experiences and react to movies or shows together.
Have a “show and tell” session with your favorite things: Share stories behind meaningful objects, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s lives.
Have a virtual movie night: Choose a movie you both love or have been wanting to watch, start it simultaneously, and use a video call to share reactions and commentary in real-time.
Learn something new together by taking a class or course on a subject you’re both interested in. Udemy is a good place to start, especially as they have sales with significant discounts at key times.
Listen to a podcast and discuss afterward: Choose a thought-provoking podcast episode to listen to independently and then unpack the ideas, OR listen to true crime so you can debate over the guilt of the accused.
Paint by numbers: Buy the same image and have fun creating it.
Plan your dream date night together: Co-create a detailed plan for the perfect date night the next time you meet, complete with activities, ambiance, and themes.
Plan a future trip together: Research and plan a dream getaway, discussing destinations, activities, and accommodations for a future adventure.
Plan a surprise date for each other: Consider sending vouchers or a task of what to do on your “solo” date (you can also check out these solo date ideas) and then meet online to talk about your experience.
Play tour guide: Take your phone and take your loved one of a tour of your favorite places.
Read to each other: Pick your favorite childhood books and read them to each other.
Share childhood stories and memories: Reflect on your pasts by sharing anecdotes and experiences from your respective childhoods. Share some pics as well.
Share and discuss favorite quotes: Exchange meaningful quotes or passages, exploring their significance to your lives and relationship. You could select from these love quotes or niche this down further by focusing on these long distance relationship quotes.
Share a playlist of your favorite songs throughout your life: Discuss favorite artists, genres, and the significance of certain songs.
Solve puzzles or crosswords together: Collaborate on challenging puzzles or crosswords, so you can enhancing problem-solving skills while bonding.
Subscribe to a subscription box for couples together. Unbox and use the contents on your long distance date.
Make some fun bets for couples
Take an online personality quiz and compare results: Discover new insights about each other’s personalities and discuss how your traits complement one another. I suggest the five love languages as a must do for any couple.
Take a virtual historical or architectural tour: Explore historical landmarks or marvel at architectural wonders through virtual tours. You might get ideas for future trips.
Take a virtual museum tour: Explore renowned museums worldwide through virtual tours, discussing favorite installations and artworks.
Try a guided meditation session: Indulge in a calming guided meditation together. You tube has bazillions to choose from.
Watch travel documentaries and plan future trips: Discuss your favorite parts of the documentaries and take notes on places you’d like to visit together in the future.
Write a short story or poem together: Craft a story or poem by taking turns adding lines, allowing your creativity to mingle.
Write and exchange handwritten letters: Share your thoughts, feelings, and stories on paper, send them to each other and then have a virtual date when you read them.

Physical distance doesn’t necessary mean emotional distance. These long distance date ideas are perfect for keeping you close and connected.

You might also like these Date ideas for couples.