Are you and your partner struggling to find fun ways to spend time together? Maybe it’s too difficult to find a sitter who can put your kids to bed or even find a sitter at all! Maybe your budget is a little tight this month due to back to school supplies, Christmas, or your middle child getting braces. Or maybe dinner and a movie is just getting old!
We’ve put together a list of some fun options - some that don’t even require a babysitter or much money! Scroll through our list of some of our favorite date night ideas and start planning your next date night!
No babysitter required & budget friendly!
TV Marathon - I know what you’re thinking - how is this different from any other night?! Well, for starters, it’s INTENTIONAL. Pick a favorite show you like to watch together and maybe grab some of your favorite snacks! Be intentional about sitting down together and leaving the phones alone. (Maybe you can turn them off or put them in another room!) Let the remaining chores of the day sit and just spend time watching a favorite show you both enjoy! Since you’ve likely seen it many times, this also allows for conversation.
Game Night - Pull out some of your favorite board games that can be played with only two players and sit down at the table for some fun! Plan ahead and grab your favorite snacks and drinks! One of mine and my husband's favorite games is Yahtzee because it doesn’t take much “brain power” and allows us to be able to talk while playing. Check out our “FAMILY” board for a list of our favorite games (many great for kids and adults when you want to have a Family Night!).
Go Star Watching - Throw some blankets and throw pillows in the back of a truck or make a nice spread on the ground. Pack some hot chocolate (for those chilly nights) or your favorite cold beverages along with some of your favorite snacks and watch the sky. Download the Star Walk 2 app to use a guide! (Plan ahead for a night with expected meteor showers!)
Take a Bubble Bath - If you have a tub big enough for two, then fill it up, add some epsom salts or bubbles, light some candles and jump in! You can take turns giving each other a massage or just relax and have some good conversation! Tub not big enough for both of you? Pick a book you might both be interested in and pull up a chain next to the tub. You can take turns in the water while the other one reads. Check out this card “game” to help spark meaningful conversation!
Babysitter needed, but still budget friendly!
Dinner on a Budget - This one involves you and your partner cooking dinner for each other. You will start by setting a budget (it’s more fun if you make it a “shoestring budget”, but you can choose to do whatever suits your taste and wallet. Each of you takes a course or two. Pick from appetizers, main course, side dishes, and desserts. Plan out your meal and feel free to use any items you already have in the house! Then go shopping! Remember, you have to stay within your predetermined budget! Come home and get to cooking!
Geocaching - “The World’s Largest Treasure Hunt”. Start by downloading the Geocaching app and GO! There really isn’t anything to prepare or do, just let the app lead you. This does involve some driving, so you will either want to start with a full tank of gas or make a gas station one of your first stops. If you live in a big city, you may be able to park and walk around.
Have a Picnic - This may seem like a “no brainer”, but due to its simplicity, it is often forgotten. This is a great date idea you can do during the day if you don’t have sitters who are available to watch your kids in the evenings or put them to bed. Fall is my favorite time of year to go on a picnic with my husband. We always pack mulled apple cider and apple cider donuts.
Go for a Hike - Pack your backpack with any gear you may need and hit a local trail! Maybe you add a picnic lunch in there as well (above)!
May require planning ahead.
Go Berry Picking - Is there a local strawberry or blueberry “U-Pick” nearby? Head out for some one on one time picking some berries. BONUS: Look up a simple jam recipe and make some jam when you get home!
“Tourist” Date - Do you live in a “tourist” area? Have a day/night and play tourist! Do all the fun local things that you probably don’t do often! Mini golf on the Boardwalk, go-kart racing, that cute little (or not so little) amusement park nearby, check out your local zoo, take a hot air balloon ride at your local balloon festival, join in on karaoke night at a local joint - the possibilities are endless!
Do Something New - Each of you write a list of things you want to do or things that maybe you have some interest in but are too scared to try. Go through the lists together and pick items to start crossing off your list. This is not only fun, but it may help you check items off your “bucket list”. It may also provide a great opportunity for you to open up to your partner about some of your fears that you can face together and overcome!
There are so many other fun activities and ideas out there! Check out some of these books/games to help you step outside the box more often!
The Adventure Challenge Couples Edition
Date Night Cookbook and Activities for Couples
Cheap (or FREE) Date Night Ideas for Couples
{THE AND} Couples Edition - 199 Meaningful Conversation Cards for Couples
We also have lots of great Family Fun ideas to help you think “outside the box” and build some great core memories as a family! Check them out below!
Terri - General Manager at Milk + Honey Jewelry