Dinner and a Movie Date Ideas: Yes, Kids, People Still Do It

This old routine may seem quaint to young people in these days of tweeting, 3D DVDs and other electronic miracles. They may be totally unfamiliar with the date night where couples simply went out for dinner and then to the local movie house.

However, unless you want your evening to be spent curled up together in front of your big-screen TV while munching pizzas, there are ways to get out of the house and to a great traditional date. For example, start by giving your dinner and theater movie combination a common theme. Eat at the local Chinese or U.S. Western-styled restaurant, and then go see a choppy-sockie Jackie Chan Hong Kong movie, or go to see Rooster Cogburn chow down on ranch food before he shoots the bad guys in "True Grit."

If there's still a drive-in theater within driving distance, make that the dinner destination. You can bring hot dogs or burgers from a take-out restaurant or order them from the theater food stand. Then you can enjoy your dinner without having to worry about table manners and other people watching from their restaurant tables.

One good feature of having this kind of casual date is that you won't have to dress up for the evening. A fun part of the plan would be to drive to the movie in your pajamas and slippers. It will also put you in the mood for cuddling as you watch the happenings up on the screen. Just make sure you don't need to hike over to the theater bathroom and show all the other people how really casual you are doing it.

If your area has a dinner theater, that could be a good way to enjoy a date. Check the schedules, and choose the night when they're doing a revival of "Hair" or "Sweeney Todd" or one of your favorite old Broadway musicals. Enjoy being together and hum along with the favorite tunes of yesteryear.

Another idea for a dinner and movie date is to volunteer for an evening at the city's homeless or family shelter. You can serve and then dine with the people there, and then join in the viewing of the movie or video screening.

If you have access to video projection equipment or large-screen TV with a DVD player, plus discs you can lend for the evening, that could be another part of your contribution. Sharing your evening with people who'll appreciate your kindness could make a great date.