Long-distance relationships, especially through different time zones, can be challenging, but shared activities can shorten the miles and bring you closer together. Whether creating a craft together or watching a movie, there is no shortage of activities in an LDR. Here are 25 creative and fun ideas to keep your bond strong, no matter the distance.
1. Get creative with air-dry clay
Hands-on activities like pottery are a wonderful way to connect. Air-dry clay kits are perfect for couples because they're easy to use and require no special tools or firing. You can craft matching mugs, heart-shaped dishes, or symbolic sculptures that represent your bond. The process of shaping and moulding the clay is not only therapeutic but also a great way to share laughs and stories while you work.
Plan a virtual pottery date by ordering kits for each other, video chatting as you create, and exchanging your masterpieces as gifts. It's a creative way to connect while making something meaningful together.
Inspiration:
Perfect Pair mugs - Paintable, food-safe
Valentine's Keepsake vases - Paintable vases
Eternal Roses - a tealight holder clay kit
2. Movie night for a virtual date night
Transform movie nights into a shared experience. And many online platforms support this. Press play to start the movie together, choose a film or series that you both love, sync your screens, and enjoy it in real-time. Enhance the experience by preparing matching snacks or picking a theme, like romantic comedies or action-packed thrillers. Add a post-movie chat to discuss your favourite scenes and characters.
Inspiration:
The Notebook (2004): A classic that never dies
You've Got Mail (1998): A charming piece of art that melts even the iciest hearts
La La Land (2016): A contemporary love story everyone should hope to experience once
3. Cook up a storm together
Turn up the heat with a virtual cooking date night. Pick a recipe you've both never tried before, gather your ingredients, and cook together over a video call. Add a playful theme, such as making dishes from a specific country or recreating each other's favourite meals. The best part is sharing your results and laughing over any culinary mishaps.
Inspiration:
Heart-shaped pizza
Homemade pasta
Chocolate fondue with dippers
4. Build a playlist together
Music can strengthen emotional connections, and creating a shared playlist is a heartfelt way to do so. Add songs that hold special meaning for your relationship, from romantic ballads to tracks that remind you of specific moments. It'll become your go-to soundtrack for the days when you miss each other most. Share why you chose certain songs for an added layer of intimacy.
5. Play virtual games
Gaming is a fun and interactive way to stay connected with your long-distance partner. Multiplayer games like Stardew Valley, Among Us, or Jackbox Party Packs are excellent choices for couples. These games let you collaborate, strategize, and even compete in a lighthearted way. Plus, they offer hours of entertainment and laughter.
6. Plan future adventures
When the distance feels overwhelming, shift your focus to the future. Research destinations you'd love to visit together and create detailed travel itineraries. Whether it's a dream vacation abroad or a weekend getaway, planning your next adventure builds excitement and gives you something to look forward to. You can even make a vision board to visualize your plans.
7. Share a virtual workout
Stay healthy and connected by working out together over a video call. Choose activities like yoga, Pilates, or even a high-energy dance class. Exercising as a team can boost your mood and create a sense of accomplishment, especially when you cheer each other on through challenging moments. Celebrate your progress by setting goals and achieving them together. An online fitness class can also be a great alternative to nightly phone calls, offering a more engaging way to stay connected.
8. Write letters to each other
Bring back the charm of handwritten letters. Pour your heart into a thoughtful note and mail it to your partner. Letters can include love notes, words of encouragement, or even doodles that make your partner smile. These keepsakes will remind them of your love long after the letter arrives.
9. Take an online class together
Expand your horizons as a couple through an online class and using video chat to take the class together. From cooking and art to learning a new language, endless options exist. Sharing the learning experience can be fun and fulfilling, giving you plenty to discuss as you practice your new skills. Celebrate your progress by showcasing what you've learned together.
10. Host a virtual trivia night
Test your knowledge and enjoy laughs with a virtual date night trivia activity. Choose topics you both enjoy, such as movies, history, or pop culture and use apps or trivia platforms to host a friendly competition. It's a playful way to connect while keeping your mind sharp. Add a friendly wager to make it even more exciting.
11. Read a book together
Start your own two-person book club by selecting a book to read simultaneously. Schedule regular calls to discuss the chapters, share your interpretations, and predict how the story might unfold. It's a fantastic way to bond over shared interests and deepen conversations. Consider alternating between genres to keep things interesting.
Inspiration:
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
12. Stargaze
You can still gaze at the same stars even if you're far apart. Use a stargazing app to explore constellations together in real-time. Share your findings and make wishes as you admire the night sky, creating a magical and calming experience. For extra romance, share stories or myths about the stars you discover. Virtual tours of observatories can also be a great way to explore the night sky together.
13. Have a themed costume night
Spice up your video calls by dressing up for a themed costume night. Choose fun themes like your favourite movie characters or decade-inspired outfits. Seeing each other's creativity will bring plenty of laughs and add a touch of playfulness to your call. You can even make it a competition to see who comes up with the most creative costume.
14. Start a photo challenge
Set daily or weekly photo prompts and share the pictures you take based on the themes. This challenge encourages you to see the world through each other's eyes while creating memorable moments. Add captions to explain why you chose certain photos or what they represent. Compile your favourites into a digital album you can both cherish.
15. Celebrate milestones
Even when apart, you can celebrate milestones like anniversaries, promotions, or birthdays. Decorate your space, play celebratory music, and toast to your achievements over a video call. Adding these little touches makes special moments unforgettable. Share photos and videos to capture the celebration for future reminiscing.
16. Do a home tour
Invite your partner into your world by giving them a virtual tour of your home. Share stories about meaningful objects, favourite spaces, or even quirky habits related to your living environment. It's a simple but intimate way to feel closer. Add fun by showing the corners you usually don't share on camera.
17. Build a bucket list together
Create a shared list of dreams and goals, from travel destinations to new hobbies you want to try. Revisit the list regularly to add new ideas or cross off completed ones. It's a fun and inspiring way to focus on your shared future. Turn some of your dreams into actionable plans for your next reunion.
18. Send surprise care packages
Surprise your partner with a care package filled with thoughtful items like snacks, small gifts, or handwritten notes, making it one of the perfect long-distance relationship gifts. Opening the package together during a video call makes the moment even more special, as you watch their reactions to each item. Personalize the contents with their favourite treats or meaningful trinkets. It's a way to show you're thinking of them, even from afar.
19. Watch a live stream
Attend a live-streamed concert, workshop, or event together. From music performances to cooking demos, these shared experiences make you feel like you're attending in person, even when you're miles apart. Discuss your favourite parts afterwards to keep the connection going. Bonus points for finding a stream that aligns with your shared interests.
20. Create digital scrapbooks
Use digital tools to compile a scrapbook of your favourite memories together. Add photos, captions, and anecdotes to create a shared project you can revisit anytime. It's a creative way to celebrate your relationship. You can also print it as a physical keepsake to cherish.
21. Meditate together
Calm your minds and connect spiritually by meditating together over a video call. Guided sessions can help you both relax and focus on the present moment. Sharing this practice can strengthen your emotional bond and provide peace. Follow up by sharing your thoughts or reflections on the experience.
22. Try virtual escape rooms
Work together to solve puzzles in a virtual escape room to make a long-distance relationship work. This interactive and exciting activity tests your teamwork skills while providing laughs and "eureka" moments. Choose themes or difficulty levels that match your interests for an added challenge. Celebrate your victory with a virtual high-five!
23. Share a journal
Start a shared online journal where you can write messages, stories, or reflections for each other. Take turns adding entries; over time, it will become a cherished record of your relationship. Add photos, quotes, or drawings to make it even more special. It's a great way to stay connected and express your feelings.
24. Create a vision board
Design a vision board filled with shared goals and dreams as a couple. Use digital tools or craft physical boards while video chatting. This collaborative project is motivating and a reminder of what you're working toward together. Update it periodically to reflect your evolving aspirations.
25. Make a time capsule
Collect items that reflect your relationship, whether digital or physical. Plan to open the capsule together during a future reunion to reminisce about the memories you've made. Include letters, photos, or keepsakes that hold special meaning. The anticipation of opening it will add excitement to your journey.
Feel connected, even at a distance
Shared experiences are the glue that holds long-distance relationships together. For your next virtual date, why not try one of these 15 activities—or all of them? From air-dry clay kits to stargazing, there are plenty of activities to close the long distance and keep the spark alive. These 25 ideas will definitely help your long-distance date become unforgettable. Have fun!
