It’s no secret that once kids enter into the picture, date nights are few and far between. My husband and I definitely saw a decline in our social calendar when babies 2, 3, and 4 came along. Asking someone to watch 4 kids is a lot of work. Hiring a sitter for 4 kids is a lot of money. It was exhausting just trying to plan the date night. Setting aside the time, planning the multiple sitters weeks in advance, or mustering up the late night energy would often result in a failed date night mission. There can be plenty of obstacles keeping any parents from spending alone time together. Whether you’re a new mom and you’re just not ready to leave the baby; whether hiring sitters just doesn’t financially make sense; or whether you’re quarantined at home in the midst of a global pandemic, finding the time for a much needed date night can be challenging. So, how do you keep the spark alive when leaving home isn’t an option? Here are 15 at-home date night ideas, for when the kiddos fall asleep, of course.
(For an added gesture, I went ahead and even made a gift out of it and surprised my husband one day. Letting him choose from the date night jar once a month enhanced the excitement of the new and creative date night ahead).
1. Create a themed dinner
Mexican, finger foods, Chinese. Have one partner pick the theme and the movie, let the other choose the dinner. Keep everything, including the attire, part of a fun and unique theme.
2. Bake and decorate cookies.
Simple and delicious. Bake some for the two of you and even a little something for the kids. Cool parent points in the morning with this one for sure.
3. Netflix and Chill
Does this even need an explanation? If so, you might be in more desperate need of a night like this than you think.
4. Spa Night
Give each other massages while listening to relaxing music and drinking wine.
5. Frisbee Golf
In the backyard, play some frisbee golf using laundry baskets.
6. Play a board game
Maybe even let your spouse choose. Loser gets dish duty the next day.
7. Online Quizzes
Take some personality quizzes online and compare results. Some answers might surprise you. Enneagrams? Love Languages? There are plenty out there that would be great to take together and even serve as great conversation pieces.
8. Play Picasso
Get in touch with your artistic side and paint a canvas together for the kids.
9. DIY Photoshoot
With a camera, or even just your phone, take a picture together in every room of the house. Strike a pose, dress up, have some fun!
10. Get into gaming
Ok, this one might be for the guys, but with the right game, it can be fun. Play a fun game on the Playstation, Xbox, or Wii!
11. House of cards
Attempt to build a card house or even play a few rounds of poker. Maybe even place a few interesting bets with one another.
12. Camp In
This one requires you to get in touch with your inner child. Build a tent with bed sheets in the living room and make s’mores.
13. Mob Night
Cook spaghetti, sip on Chianti, enjoy some cannolis, and put on an Italian mob movie.
14. Wine and Cheese Tasting
Create a plate of different meats and cheeses and listen to some new music as you put your palette to work experiencing new tastes.
15. Found Poem/Collage
Using words cut out from magazines, create a silly poem about your relationship. Or, if words aren’t your thing, you could create a collage with magazine pictures instead.
Remember to make your spouse a priority and find time to spend together, even if it is at home. The opportunities are all around. Enjoy!
