Finding fun things for couples to do isn’t always easy. After a long week, it’s tempting to just crash on the couch, scroll endlessly on your phones, or binge another Netflix series. But here’s the thing: couples need a change of pace once in a while! The good news is you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great time together. We put together some of our favorite fun and affordable couples activities that can help you reconnect, laugh, and maybe even spark a little friendly competition.
1. Play Pinball Together
Yes, pinball is still alive and well! In fact, modern Stern, Spooky, and Jersey Jack machines are some of the coolest games around. [They still make pinball machines? Yes they do!] And you can find them at breweries, arcades, and even coffee shops all over the country.
Want to find a machine near you? Use the Pinball Map app or website to track down local locations. You’ll discover that pinball makes for an excellent couples activity because it’s interactive, fast-paced, and fun to compete head-to-head.
The variety of themes is huge, everything from classic rock bands to blockbuster movies to original concepts. It’s easy to find something that matches your vibe. And if you both get hooked, you can even play in local tournaments together (check out the IFPA website for listings). Couples that flip together stick together.
If you’re wondering what machines to play, you can get some inspiration from our top 10 favorite pinball machines.
Best part? Pinball is one of the cheapest ways to get out of the house. For a handful of quarters, you’ve got yourself a full evening of fun.
2. Go to a Rock Show
We’re not talking about dropping $200 on stadium tickets. Skip the giant arenas and check out your local DIY scene. Tickets to see small touring bands are often around $20, and you’ll walk away discovering music that’s fresh, raw, and full of energy.
Right now, we’re in a golden age of indie rock, you just don’t know it unless you dive in. Bands like Rodeo Boys, Telethon, Off With Their Heads, Sincere Engineer and countless others are touring hard, playing tiny clubs and bars where you can get up close to the music.
If you’re in your 40s or 50s, don’t think you’ve aged out. Exploring new music together is a fantastic way to stay connected and find new shared interests. Plus, you’ll be supporting artists who really need it, instead of padding the pockets of mega-promoters.
3. Video Gaming
Gaming isn’t just for teenagers in basements. These days, there are tons of options for couples who want to play together. Whether you prefer teamwork or competition, you can find a game that fits.
For co-op, try Baldur’s Gate 3 or Diablo 4. For strategic thinkers, dive into Civilization 7 or Age of Empires 4. If you’re more into fast-paced competition, shooters like Call of Duty or Battlefield 6 will keep things intense.
Compared to the price of pro sporting events or concert tours, gaming is a super affordable way to spend hours together, all from the comfort of your couch.
4. Play Board & Card Games
Sometimes the classics are the best. A simple deck of cards costs next to nothing and opens up endless possibilities: rummy, war, pinochle, you name it. Card games are easy to learn, fun to play, and can stretch into marathon sessions of laughter and banter.
If you want something fresh, dive into the booming world of modern board games. There are titles that range from super simple to brain-meltingly complex, and they’re designed to be played with just two people. To get started, check out the selection at Red Raccoon Games where they have a great curated list of options.
5. Listen to Podcasts Together
This one might surprise you, but podcasts can be an awesome shared activity. Instead of zoning out in front of the TV, sit back and listen to something that sparks conversation.
There are thousands of shows covering every topic under the sun: true crime, comedy, sports, history, science, you name it. Of course, we recommend checking out our Punk Rock Pinball Podcast, where we dive into the world of pinball and music. But whatever your shared interest is, there’s a podcast out there for you.
The best part is, after each episode, you’ve got something new to discuss. It turns passive listening into an active, shared experience.
Wrapping It Up
Finding fun stuff for couples to do doesn’t have to drain your bank account. From playing pinball to catching live indie bands, from battling it out in video games to discovering new podcasts, the options are endless. The point is to break your routine, try something fresh, and enjoy being together. Affordable, interactive, and just plain fun, that’s what couples activities should be.
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