Looking for an intimate couples date idea that you can do from the comfort of your own home? We obviously have so many ideas for you, but one of our favorite classics is the backyard tent date night. And if you want to know how to do a backyard tent date right, you’ve come to the right place!
What is a Backyard Tent Date?
A backyard tent date is exactly what it sounds like – setting up a tent outside and planning a date night! It’s like camping and having a date in your own backyard.
It’s the enjoyment and excitement of camping, combined with the comforts of home.
And there’s so many fun things that you can do to make your tent date special (but we’ll get to that).
Why Do a Tent Date in Your Backyard?
A better question is, why NOT do a backyard tent date? There’s really no good reason! Outdoor dates are the best.
There are so many reasons to do a tent date in your backyard. Here’s a few:
Save Money
Dating is expensive. Whether you go to a restaurant, go bowling, or go for a night on the town, the bill can really add up.
But there’s nothing expensive about staying home – especially if you already have all the props on hand.
All you really need for a backyard tent date is a tent and some blankets – if you have that, the rest is all optional!
Unique
Setting up a tent in your backyard isn’t your typical date. Going to the movies, going for dinner, bowling – it’s all typical.
But tenting in your own backyard isn’t something you would normally do – and that makes it exciting!
Even though it’s right in your backyard, it’s something new. And that alone is enough to spark some excitement and adrenaline.
Romantic
Sleeping under the stars? It doesn’t matter where you do it – if you’re with the right person, it’s romantic.
To be honest, this is a date that’s hard to mess up.
Dinners, hikes – there’s lots that can go wrong. But a backyard campout is chill, easy, and almost impossible to not enjoy.
How to Do a Backyard Tent Date Night
Setting up a Backyard tent date night is super simple. All you need is a backyard and a tent (and preferably some pillows and blankets too).
But the best part about this kind of date is that you can do as little or as much as you want with it.
A simple date curled up with some blankets under the stars can be just as exciting as a campout date with all of the extras.
All you have to do for your date is set up your tent, bring your food/drinks and activities, and enjoy the night outdoors!
And if it rains? Well, we suggest you dance in it!
But your home is always right beside you if you need to go in…Or you can always hop in the car for a car date! Plus, you don’t need to pee outside – your bathroom is just inside the door!
All the amenities of home with the enjoyment of the great outdoors.
Backyard Tent Date Activities
There are so many things that you can do on an outdoor campout in your own backyard.
Here are a few of our favorite activities:
Dance In the Moonlight
If you’re looking for a night of romance, all you need is your partner and the skies above.
Stargazing with your partner is extra special, especially if you live in the country where the skies are clear and the moon is full. Of course, a little music never hurt anyone either.
Throw on some light music, sip on some wine, and spend the night dancing under the moonlight.
Wine and Cheese Picnic
You don’t have to go to the winery to go wine tasting – bring the wine to your own backyard.
During the day, grab some of your favorite snacks to make up a nice charcuterie board – cheese, meats, crackers – whatever you like.
Buy some wines that you’ve never tried before (or just a bottle of your favorite) and enjoy a relaxing night having a nighttime picnic in your tent and under the stars.
Campfire and S’mores
If you were to take your tent to a campsite, you wouldn’t go without a campfire and s’mores! And making this a dessert date is even better!
So if backyard fires are allowed where you are, make sure this is part of your date.
Make sure you have all the wood you need before time, head out and buy some graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate, and you have everything you need to turn your backyard into a genuine campsite.
Don’t be afraid to bring the ghost stories!
Netflix and Chill
Netflix and Chill? Are we confused?
Not. At. All! Netflix and Chill is cool inside, but it’s even better outside! All you need is a projector!
You can buy your own, or maybe your friends have one you can borrow?
In many places there’s also projectors that you can rent for the night.
You can set up your own screen if you want, but you can also make your own DIY movie screen on the side of your house or even with a white sheet.
Set it all up, curl up in your tent, and enjoy an outdoor movie!
Scavenger Hunt
If you’re looking to surprise your date, you can turn your outdoor campout into an evening scavenger hunt too.
Set up clues around the house (or even around your town or city) and send your date from location to location until they reach the final destination – a romantic picnic set up in your outdoor tent!
This date takes a little extra effort, but we promise it will be worth it!
If you’re looking for an epic date night, a backyard campout is a great way to go.
Just a reminder, however, that depending on what you want to do on your campout, it may take a little bit of pre-planning.
Plan beforehand so that you don’t run into any bumps along the road that can interrupt your quality time – and get ready to wow your date with this one!
Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.