Long-distance dating doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, some of the most memorable dates don't cost a single penny. What matters is creativity, intentionality, and quality time together—even if that "together" is through a screen.
We've compiled 50 completely free virtual date ideas that will help you stay connected, have fun, and keep the romance alive while you're apart. Save this list for when you need inspiration for your next video call.
Movie & TV Dates
- Netflix Party (Teleparty): Watch movies or shows simultaneously using the free Teleparty extension, with a shared chat sidebar.
- YouTube Movie Night: Pick a free movie on YouTube and hit play at the same time while video calling.
- Create Your Own Film Festival: Each choose a short film to share, then discuss them like professional critics.
- Binge a Series Together: Start a new TV series and make it "your show" that you only watch together.
- Mystery Movie Night: One person picks a movie without revealing the title. The other has to guess what it is in the first 10 minutes.
Cooking & Eating Together
- Cook the Same Recipe: Choose a recipe, shop for ingredients separately, then cook together on video call.
- Virtual Dinner Date: Prepare your meals separately, set the table nicely, and eat "together" over video chat.
- Breakfast Date: Share your morning coffee and breakfast while discussing plans for the day.
- Teach Each Other Recipes: One person teaches their favorite family recipe while the other follows along.
- MasterChef Challenge: Using only ingredients you already have, create a dish and judge each other's creativity.
Games & Competitions
- Online Multiplayer Games: Play free games like Fortnite, Among Us, League of Legends, or Valorant together.
- Mobile Games: Try Words with Friends, Chess, Draw Something, or QuizUp.
- 20 Questions: A classic game that never gets old and helps you learn more about each other.
- Would You Rather: Take turns asking increasingly silly or deep "would you rather" questions.
- Trivia Night: Use free trivia apps or websites and compete to see who knows more random facts.
- Charades or Pictionary: Play via video call—act out or draw clues for each other to guess.
- Virtual Escape Room: Many escape room companies offer free virtual versions you can solve together.
- Scavenger Hunt: Create lists of items for each other to find around your homes and race to finish first.
Creative & Artistic Dates
- Draw Each Other: Set a timer and sketch portraits of each other, then reveal the results (prepare to laugh).
- Create a Shared Playlist: Build a Spotify or Apple Music playlist together with songs that remind you of each other.
- Write a Story Together: One person writes a paragraph, then the other continues it. See where the story goes.
- Poetry Reading: Share your favorite poems or write original ones to read aloud.
- Design Your Future Home: Use free floor plan apps to design your dream house together.
- Make a Vision Board: Use Canva (free version) to create digital vision boards for your relationship goals.
Learning & Growing Together
- Learn a Language Together: Use free apps like Duolingo and practice with each other.
- Watch TED Talks: Choose a thought-provoking TED Talk to watch separately, then discuss your takeaways.
- Take a Free Online Course: Platforms like Coursera and Khan Academy offer free courses you can take together.
- Teach Each Other Skills: One teaches guitar basics, the other teaches coding, photography, etc.
- Book Club for Two: Read the same book (borrow from library or use free ebooks) and discuss chapters together.
- YouTube University: Pick a topic you both want to learn about and watch educational videos together.
Virtual Experiences & Tours
- Virtual Museum Tours: Explore the Louvre, Smithsonian, or British Museum from your couch.
- Zoo or Aquarium Webcams: Watch live animal cams together and pick favorite animals.
- Google Earth Adventures: "Travel" to places you want to visit together someday using Google Earth.
- Virtual Concerts: Many artists stream free concerts on YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook Live.
- Planetarium Shows: Watch free planetarium shows or stargazing streams on YouTube.
Deep Connection & Conversation
- 36 Questions to Fall in Love: Go through the famous set of questions designed to create intimacy.
- Truth or Dare (PG or Spicy): Adapt the classic game for video chat with creative dares.
- Couples Question Games: Search "couples questions" and go through lists designed to deepen your connection.
- Share Childhood Photos: Go through old photos and tell stories about your younger selves.
- Plan Your Dream Vacation: Research destinations, create itineraries, and dream about future trips together.
- Discuss "Our Story": Talk about your relationship timeline, first impressions, favorite memories.
Relaxation & Self-Care Dates
- Yoga or Workout Together: Follow a free YouTube workout or yoga video at the same time.
- Meditation Session: Use a free meditation app and practice mindfulness together.
- Spa Night: Both prep face masks, light candles, and relax together on video call.
- Stargazing: Use apps like SkyView (free version) to identify stars and constellations from your respective locations.
- Sunrise or Sunset Date: Wake up early or stay up late to watch the sunrise/sunset together via video chat.
Spontaneous & Fun
- People Watching Commentary: Go to a park or coffee shop with your phone and provide funny narration about passersby.
- Show and Tell: Each grab 5 random items from around your home and explain their significance.
- Impromptu Dance Party: Create a party playlist and dance together on video call—no judgment allowed.
- Sleep on Call: Fall asleep on video call together, just like you would if you were in the same bed.
Bonus: Plan Your Next Visit
- Date Planning Date: Spend your virtual date planning all the things you'll do when you're finally together in person.
Tips for Successful Virtual Dates
1. Schedule It
Treat virtual dates like real dates. Put it on the calendar, set aside time, and honor the commitment. Don't just "hang out on call"—make it intentional.
2. Dress Up
Even if you're at home, putting on something nice shows effort and makes the date feel special.
3. Eliminate Distractions
Close other tabs, silence notifications, and give each other your full attention. Quality time means being fully present.
4. Set the Mood
Lighting matters! Use soft lighting, light a candle, clean your background, and create a romantic atmosphere.
5. Mix It Up
Don't do the same thing every time. Use this list to add variety and keep things exciting.
When Free Dates Aren't Enough
While free dates are wonderful, sometimes you want to invest in experiences that bring you even closer. When you're ready to spend a little:
- Consider subscription boxes you can share
- Invest in tech that enhances your connection
- Start planning your next in-person visit
Final Thoughts
Long-distance relationships require creativity, but that's also what makes them special. The couples who thrive aren't the ones with the biggest budgets—they're the ones who make the effort to stay connected in meaningful ways.
Save this list, try a new date idea each week, and remember: the distance is temporary, but the memories you're creating together will last forever.
Need more date inspiration? Check out our guides on the best online games for couples and how to have a virtual cooking date.