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Overdue for a night out together? Check out these 10 fun date night ideas for busy parents! You two can connect without breaking the bank.
We're in the second week of the $20 Date Night Challenge and I'm hyped for this weekend.
As parents of two little ones, we're usually swamped and are tired most evenings. Even though it is easy to skip out on date night, we cherish the time we have together.
We love our kids, but we also enjoy having a time here and there to catch up on our stuff (no kid talk!) and chill.
Last week we had a slightly unconventional date night. The plan was to go out, but a last minute change to our schedule threw things off and we couldn't get a babysitter for the girls that evening.
Determined to have fun, we had a dessert and drink date once the kids were in bed. Nothing fancy, but it was a way for us to unwind together.
Creative Dates When You're Busy Parents
It looks like we're not the only busy parents around. This week I asked a few of my friends to share their date night ideas and stories.
Kim from Thrifty Little Mom found cheap daycare that allowed her to have fun night out with her husband.
We take our kids to the YMCA for parents night out. They watch them for 4 hours and feed them pizza and snacks for $9.
My husband and I escape to an indoor trampoline center (we are usually the oldest people there) and then get dinner!
Family Balance Sheet founder Kristia
We have taken our kids to the grocery store (Wegmans & Giant) kids watch room in the past and eaten at the grocery store cafe. The kids room is free and they watch your kid for 90 minutes! For free!
My buddy Andy from Marriage, Kids, and Money takes advantage of grandparent time.
We have a 5-year old and a 2-year old. So lately, our inexpensive dates have been centered around going to kid play places that allow our little ones to run around while Nicole and I catch up about life, make future plans or do our monthly budgeting.
We'll drop less than $20 going to one of these places and in return we get about 2 hours of peace and our kids get some exercise. It is definitely no romantic dinner or a tropical vacation, but it works for us during this time in our lives.
If one of our Moms is available (Gotta love the Grandmas!), we can sneak out for a matinee. With the Oscars coming up, we like to try to watch as many of the nominees as possible. It makes watching the Oscars more fun!
With the Oscars coming up, we like to try to watch as many of the nominees as possible. It makes watching the Oscars more fun!
Date Night Ideas for Busy Parents
If you're pressed for time (and I totally get that!), here are five more date night ideas to try:
- Backyard Bonfire: We're had some fun nights once the kids are asleep; hanging by the firepit, enjoying some quiet time alone.
- Jog Together: The couple that runs together…is a fit couple (what, you expected a rhyme?). Take a walk or push your yourselves and run the neighborhood.
- Create Art: Pull out the paint and art supplies (you should have plenty of you have kids) and spend some time together on creating some art.
- Build: Home projects are usually chores, but sometimes it can be a satisfying way to spend time. This year we're expanding out garden and one project we're excited about is growing our own hops for future homebrews. We're clearing out and preparing a spot for them this month.
- Homebrew: Speaking of brewing, a favorite easy date night is making a batch of beer. We had a great brew crew at our last place so I'm looking forward to bring this back.
Have Fun with Your Date Nights
Don’t forget to enter the Date Night Challenge. Sign up and share your favorite ideas and dates with the hashtag #20dollardatenight. You could win some cash!
I’d love to hear from you. What are your date night plans this weekend?