Date night is supposed to be fun. It’s supposed to be an enjoyable evening out together, having a good time, maybe getting a relaxing glass of wine.
Then date night turned into getting a babysitter, cleaning the house, prepping the kids’ schedule, trying to get ready for date night (insert screaming kids while you are doing your hair), and being exhausted by the time you are out of the house. Don’t forget to pay for dinner, drinks, and a babysitter.
When this stage of our life became a reality, we switched to date nights, and it’s so much better. Don’t get me wrong, we have the occasional night out and it’s great. But if our only “date nights” were going out, it would rarely happen.
Instead, we put the kids to bed, clear their crafts off the table, and set up a board game. We can wear our PJs, grab a glass of wine, and have just as much (sometimes more) fun as a date night out.
We play every kind of board game – from simple card games, cooperative games, worker placement, Euro games, RPG games, and so many others. The more complicated the game is, the more Ben loves it. I also enjoy some of those, but I would rather be able to sip my wine and listen to music at the same time.
5 Great Board Games for Couples to Play for an At-Home Date Night
Here are some fun options for couples from super simple to a little more complex. Prices vary as well, but after you buy a game, you get to enjoy it as often as you like – so, definitely a budget move in the long run! Plus, at-home date nights will save you a lot, regardless.
1. Onitama
Short and simple. If you only have 30 minutes for date night (I remember those early baby days) this is a great game. We’ve also played multiple rounds just to stretch it out a bit.
It’s similar to chess, but you have cards you pass and choose that only allow you specific movement choices. It’s simple, the setup is short, and it can still be great if you want a little table talk at the same time.
2. Fog of Love
Fog of Love is more than just a board game—it’s an experience where you and your partner step into the shoes of characters in a romantic comedy. As you navigate through various scenarios, you’ll face decisions that affect the storyline and your relationship within the game. It’s full of surprises, laughter, and maybe even some revelations about how you both approach different situations.
Why It’s Great for Couples:
- Interactive Storytelling: create a unique romantic story together, making it more than just a game.
- Variety of Scenarios: With different scenarios and outcomes, each game offers a new experience.
- Fun and Thought-Provoking: It’s a mix of lighthearted fun and deeper, more meaningful moments.
3. 7 Wonders Duel
This game is great because it is made specifically for two players. There is a little more to this game (compared to Onitama) as you have the option to pick cards from a display of face-down and face-up cards arranged at the beginning of the round. Each card can be built, discarded for coins, or used to construct a Wonder.
There is a lot of back-and-forth play, trying to time it right to grab a card and trying to keep cards and resources away from your opponent. We always enjoy this game and you can try out a different strategy and path to winning each time you play.
4. Chronicles of Crime
If you’re not super competitive, this cooperative game might be the one for your next date night. This game combines a board, cards, and an app you use on your phone to solve different crimes and mysteries. This is fun and it allows you to work together to solve the case. This is a great game to grab a drink, throw on those PJs, and start cracking the case together.
5. Wingspan
Wingspan is one of our newest games and so far, one of our favorites. This one is much pricier than the others on this list, but the beautiful art, colors, and adorable birdhouse that come in this game are reasons enough to start playing. Add in gorgeous bird cards and an engine-building board and you have yourself a great game.
In this game, you are collecting and laying down bird cards in different habitats on your board to help gain points. The more bird cards in that habitat, the better the action will be on your next turn.
Most bird cards also have bonuses on them and special actions that may trigger throughout the game. There are four rounds and special bonuses for each round (which changes every game, so it’s always different). Whoever has the most points at the end wins.
Every time we play, we try out a different strategy and we are both still unsure of the best way to victory. With so many bird cards and a new bonus each time, it always makes this game feel fresh. Plus, each bird card has its bird fact and we pride ourselves in our bird knowledge now. Party ice breaker? I think so.
6. Viticulture
This is the last game on our list and one of my favorites! In this game, you are making wine – from start to finish. This means getting land, planting grapes, harvesting, buying cellars for storage, creating wines, and selling. You start with a few workers and place them in action throughout the seasons.
You can acquire more workers, buy different-sized cellars, and gain cards to help with small bonuses. The tricky thing is each action space only has enough room for one worker, which can cause some trouble in the wine-making business.
There are, of course, a few ways around problems like this, but that is all part of the fun of the game. Who doesn’t love a date night about making wine while you are drinking a glass of wine? Turn on some Italian dinner music to add to the atmosphere, and you are practically in the vineyard.
(Yeah, I’m sure they are always listening to that sort of thing while making wine). This game takes a bit longer to play (about 90 minutes), but it’s always been one of our favorite date night games.
7. Cube Quest
Board games don’t get that active for the most part. It might be one of the reasons that so many hardcore gamers don’t resemble Usain Bolt or Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
The exception is if you are someone who likes a good table flip (remember to bend from the knees).
In Cube Quest you flick your little dice things and get your opponent’s dice things. It barely needs any rules or explanations, just try to knock the king off the board and make sure yours stays on it.
You might lose a load of the pieces on your first game, but that’s sort of the fun as you scramble under the couch for a goblin.
8. Splendor
It’s a bit like Jaipur but with more gems, and you can (if you really want to) play with more people. It’s a bit more flexible than the others on this list and a big hit with the Best Play Plus ones. Gather the gems and build cards that let you gather even more precious gems.
Winner is whoever gets 15 megagem points first.
Why At-Home Date Nights with Board Games Are the Best
At-home date nights save you money and stress. You can enjoy quality time together without the hassle of planning an evening out. Plus, with the variety of board games available, there’s always something new to try. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick game or a deep, strategic challenge, these games offer a great way to connect and have fun together.
Conclusion
For couples looking to spice up their at-home date nights, these five board games offer a mix of fun, strategy, and connection. Whether you’re building a quilt, unraveling a mystery, or crafting a romantic story, these games are sure to bring you closer and create memorable moments. So next time you’re planning a night in, consider pulling out one of these games and let the fun begin!
