A couple’s greatest memories often stem from the early years when every date seemed like a new adventure. Unfortunately, the tighter budget and busier schedule of a growing family can make regular date nights difficult.
While spending uninterrupted, quality time with your spouse may be challenging, it’s worth the extra effort and planning.
The foundation of a healthy marriage is built on the strength of a relationship that’s developed over time and experiences.
Date nights don’t need to break the bank or even happen away from home to be meaningful and fun. I’ve put together a few ideas for inexpensive date nights that might get your creative juices flowing.
Inexpensive Date Nights Out on the Town…
Trade babysitting with a couple you trust.
Perhaps one of the biggest hurdles to establishing regular date nights can be finding and budgeting for a reliable babysitter. Several years ago, a good friend of mine provided a fabulous solution to this problem.
Her suggestion was simple—trade babysitting duties with another couple in need of a sitter and a night out. For example, find a set of parents you trust and approach them with the following idea.
Your friends venture out for an evening together while you stay with their kids. This leaves your other half at your house to spend some quality time with your own children.
Next month, switch places. One of your friends watches your kids while the two of you enjoy a date night. The other parent in that family stays home with their own little ones.
After that, schedule the trade-offs as often as you can, making sure both couples benefit from an equal amount of nights out.
Regular, inexpensive date nights and your children in the care of someone you trust—it doesn’t get much better than that!
Search for coupons to your favorite restaurants.
Keep an eye out for coupons to your favorite affordable restaurants. Then, snag them when you can and keep them handy for the next date night.
Add date night gift cards to your birthday or Christmas wish lists.
Ask for gift cards to restaurants, movie theaters, coffee shops, or any other place you would enjoy visiting together.
Set aside the cards for your date nights and you’ve eliminated the need to add another item to your budget.
Try an early afternoon get-away, instead of the usual nighttime routine.
There’s something about a date after the sun goes down that makes it just a little more romantic. On the other hand, it also ups the price tag!
Consider ordering from the lunch menu or taking in a matinee movie. Chances are you’ll spend less money and have just as much fun during the daylight hours.
Grab a coffee. Sit and talk.
Coffee and conversation seem to go hand in hand. Marriage doesn’t have to be the exception to this rule. Enjoy sipping your favorite drink and slowing down enough for a relaxing conversation.
Take a walk together.
Some of our favorite dates after having children were simply walking hand in hand around a beautiful part of the city. Quite often we didn’t even need to talk—we just enjoyed the atmosphere and quiet moments together.
Go on a drive.
Explore new territory. Find an interesting neighborhood, venture to a different part of the city, or take a trek down an old country road.
Visiting new places, even those close to home, can spark conversation and bring back the energy of those early dating years.
Seek out free venues in your city.
Most metropolitan areas have at least a few attractions that are free to visit or tour. Utilizing these resources can make for memorable, inexpensive date nights.
For instance, possibilities might include a museum, winery, or historical site. Take advantage of the time together and learn a few new things about your little corner of the world.
On the other hand, if you live in a rural area, find another small town close by that offers a unique experience.
With a little effort and a bit of imagination you can discover a free adventure pretty much anywhere!
Dream together.
Whether it’s over dinner, on a long walk, or during a relaxing drive, steer your conversation away from all your responsibilities and toward your dreams and desires.
Share your hearts with each other. Talk about your dreams for the future and what you hope to accomplish together.
Read “Why You Should Never Stop Dating Your Husband“ for more inspiration on keeping dating alive through different seasons of marriage.
Inexpensive Date Nights at Home…
Make sure the kids are in bed on time.
Plan ahead to ensure bedtime routines are completed early and the kids are in bed at a decent hour. Explain to your children why they’re not allowed to stay up late on your date nights.
This can be a great opportunity to demonstrate the importance you place on your relationship with each other.
Watch a movie.
Our favorite stay-at-home date night is snuggling together on the couch while watching a good movie. It’s also one of the more cost-effective options.
Even if you don’t have cable or satellite, there are several free or low cost online streaming services that make watching a movie from home quick and easy.
In addition, most public libraries offer a decent selection of movies to borrow. We’re on the waiting list at our library for all the new releases and often have a free movie waiting to be picked up for a date night.
Play a game.
Pull out your favorite board game or a deck of cards. You might be surprised at the memories you’ll make!
Share your favorite treats.
It’s not necessary to be in a restaurant to enjoy delicious desserts. Keep a few of your favorite treats on hand or pick something out together earlier in the week.
Savor the experience of a dessert you don’t have to share with the kids!
Trade massages.
If it’s been an unusually long week or a particularly stressful day, take turns giving massages. While you’re most likely not professionals, it will still feel great and won’t cost you a thing!
Sit outside under the stars.
There’s something about fresh air and a little bit of nature that just makes life better. Pull out some chairs or a blanket.
Reminisce about your early dating years or look forward to your hopes for the future.
Dating should always be a part of your marriage story…
Dating can be challenging after starting a family. But it doesn’t have to be elaborate, complicated, or expensive.
Just spending time together is how your relationship began.
Refuse to allow the busyness or pressures of everyday life make you forget the joy you have in simply being together.
