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27 Easy Date Ideas for Parents: Time for Relaxation and Love

December 22, 2024 11 min read

27 Easy Date Ideas for Parents: Time for Relaxation and Love

Life as a parent is a whirlwind of diaper changes, school pickups, and endless bedtime routines. Finding time for romance often falls to the bottom of our to-do list. But nurturing our relationship with our partner isn't just a nice-to-have ā€“ it's essential for a healthy family and our own well-being.


As parents, we know the struggle. Before kids (or even with just one), monthly date nights seemed manageable. Then life got more complex ā€“ maybe a pandemic happened, another child came along, or work got busier. Suddenly, weeks or even months pass without quality time together.


But here's the thing: date nights don't need to be elaborate or expensive. Sometimes, the best moments happen after the kids are asleep, when you can simply talk without interruptions. Ready to rediscover that spark? Let's explore some creative date ideas that work for real parents in the real world.

Date Ideas For Parents At Home

When getting out of the house feels impossible (hello, sleeping babies and busy schedules!), these at-home date ideas can create magical moments right in your living room.

Family Gathering Date Night

Transform a regular evening into a special shared experience by inviting grandparents and close friends over for dinner. Create a warm atmosphere where everyone bonds over good food and conversation.


Make it extra memorable by having the family wear matching personalized name sweatshirts - perfect for photos and creating lasting memories. The kids can enjoy time with grandparents while you get some adult conversation with your partner and friends, creating that perfect balance of family time and couple time.


Romantic Dance Evening

Clear some space in your living room, create a playlist of your favorite songs, and dance like nobody's watching.


Include songs from your wedding or courtship days. It's amazing how moving together can bring back those butterflies from your early dating days.

Romantic Dance Evening

Puzzle Night Together

Choose a challenging puzzle and make it your shared project. Set up a dedicated puzzle table, prepare some snacks, and work on it whenever you have free moments.


There's something intimate about sitting close together, chatting while trying to find matching pieces.


Need gift inspiration for the whole family? Our guide on 30+ Gift Ideas for Parents and In-Laws offers perfect suggestions for your next family gathering date night.

Pizza and Movie Marathon

Make your own pizzas from scratch (half with your toppings, half with theirs) and settle in for a movie marathon. Pick a theme - maybe all the movies from when you first started dating? Add some cozy blankets and your favorite snacks for extra comfort.


Snuggle up in our Mom Portrait Sweatshirt featuring your favorite family photo while enjoying your homemade pizza and movies.


Backyard BBQ Date

Turn your backyard into a private restaurant. Fire up the grill after the kids are asleep, set up some twinkle lights, and enjoy dining under the stars. The change of scenery, even just to the backyard, can make the evening feel special.

Backyard BBQ Date

Wine Tasting at Home

Select a few different wines and create your own tasting experience. Print out some tasting notes, prepare matching snacks, and take turns guessing the flavors.


You don't need to be wine experts ā€“ the fun is in discovering new favorites together.


Build a Blanket Fort

Channel your inner child and create a cozy hideaway. Fill it with pillows, string up some fairy lights, and snuggle in with snacks and maybe a laptop for watching shows. It's silly and romantic at the same time ā€“ perfect for reconnecting and laughing together.

 Build a Blanket Fort

Remember, the goal isn't perfection ā€“ it's creating space for connection. These at-home dates work because they're simple to plan and easy to modify based on your energy levels and available time.


Even 30 minutes of focused time together can help maintain your bond through the busy parenting years. Plan the perfect date and pair it with a romantic message from our Valentine's Day Messages for Wife guide - because sometimes the right words make a simple date extraordinary.

Romantic Date Night Ideas For New Parents

Those first months (or years!) of parenthood are uniquely challenging. Sleep is a distant memory, and leaving the house feels like planning an expedition. But connecting with your partner during this special time is extra important. Here are some gentle date ideas that work with a new baby in the mix.


Looking to make your date night extra special? Check out our Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for New Moms for thoughtful ways to show your love."

Date Night Box Experience

Subscribe to a date night box service that delivers ready-made date experiences to your door. These boxes often include activities, snacks, and conversation starters ā€“ perfect for those nights when you're too tired to plan anything. Plus, having it delivered creates a sense of occasion without any prep work.


Make your date night extra special by wearing matching Father and Son Sweatshirts ā€“ create those precious moments while staying cozy at home!


Bath for Two

Once the baby is asleep, transform your bathroom into a mini spa. Light some candles, add bubble bath or bath salts, and relax together.


The warm water helps ease those achy new-parent muscles, and the quiet space allows for uninterrupted conversation (or peaceful silence!).

Bath for Two

Coffee Morning Date

Take advantage of early morning baby naps. Make special coffee drinks at home, grab some pastries, and have a peaceful breakfast date while your little one sleeps.


Sometimes the morning, when you're both fresh, is better than trying to stay awake for an evening date.

Coffee Morning Date

Simple Picnic at Home

Spread a blanket in your living room or backyard during naptime. Pack simple finger foods and maybe some sparkling juice. The change of setting, even within your own home, can make an ordinary lunch feel special.

Simple Picnic at Home

Meditation Session Together

Find a short guided meditation app and spend 10-15 minutes practicing mindfulness together. It's a wonderful way to center yourselves and feel connected, especially during the overwhelming early days of parenthood.

Meditation Session Together

Fun Date Ideas For Parents

Sometimes what we need most is to laugh together and remember that we're not just parents ā€“ we're still those fun-loving people who fell in love. These playful date ideas help bring back that lighthearted connection.

Blindfolded Drawing Challenge

A high-quality maternity pillow is like giving the gift of better sleep (and who doesn't want that?). These full-body pillows support the bump, back, and hips all at once.Ā 


Look for one with a soft, washable cover and adjustable sections. It's perfect for those nights when finding a comfortable position feels impossible.

Blindfolded Drawing Challenge

Social Media Challenge Night

Pick some harmless, fun challenges trending on social media and try them together. Record your attempts if you want (keeping them private or sharing them is up to you!).


It's silly, but that's exactly the point ā€“ being goofy together can be incredibly bonding.

Social Media Challenge Night

Blind Taste Test Experience

Prepare small bites of different foods and take turns guessing what they are while blindfolded. Mix in familiar and unusual items to keep it interesting. This can be especially fun with different flavors of the same food (like chocolate or chips).

Blind Taste Test Experience

Family Photo Session

Turn a simple photo session into a date by making it fun and creative. Set up silly poses, use props, or recreate famous photos. The resulting pictures become both memories and entertainment.


Make your photos pop with Custom Embroidered Neckline Sweatshirts ā€“ they add a personal touch that looks amazing in pictures!


Local Sports Game Outing

Head to a local game together. The energy of live sports can be exciting, and the structured timeline makes it easier to plan around childcare. Plus, cheering (or playfully disagreeing) together creates a shared experience that's refreshingly different from your daily routine.



Show your team spirit in style with our Custom Varsity Hubby and Wifey Sweatshirts ā€“ perfect for those game day dates!


Date Ideas for Exhausted Parents

Let's be honest ā€“ sometimes the most romantic thing sounds like taking a nap together. When you're running on empty but still want to nurture your relationship, these low-energy but high-connection date ideas are perfect.


Planning a date night with the grandparents? Browse our 29 Inexpensive Gifts for Seniors guide to add a special touch to your evening.

Spa Day Together

Create a relaxing spa atmosphere at home. Give each other shoulder rubs, use face masks, and just focus on relaxation.


You don't need fancy equipment ā€“ just some lotion, calm music, and comfy clothes. The physical touch and peaceful environment help melt away parent-stress.


Spa Day Together

Beach Relaxation Day

Pack some simple snacks and head to the beach (or a quiet park if you're not near water). Bring comfortable chairs or a blanket, and just sit together.


Watch the waves, feel the breeze, and enjoy peaceful conversation ā€“ or comfortable silence. Nature has a way of helping us reset.

Beach Relaxation Day

Share Favorite Books

Pick a book you both want to read, or share passages from books you love. Take turns reading aloud to each other while lounging in bed or on the couch.


It's intimate, requires minimal energy, and gives you something to discuss beyond kids and chores.

Share Favorite Books

Afternoon Tea Experience

Set up a simple tea service with your favorite hot drinks and some small treats. Use the fancy cups you never bring out, put on some soft background music, and enjoy a quiet moment together. The ritual of preparing and sharing tea can be surprisingly centering.

Afternoon Tea Experience

Nature Walks

Take a gentle stroll together. Choose an easy path or just walk around your neighborhood. The combination of light exercise, fresh air, and uninterrupted conversation time can be both energizing and connecting. Plus, walking side by side often makes deeper conversations flow naturally.


Commemorate your love story with our Roman Number Date Year Custom Sweatshirt while enjoying peaceful walks together.


Once you've planned the perfect parents' date, add an extra touch of love with one of these 65 Valentine's Day Messages for Parents and In-Laws to make their day even more special.

Date Ideas For Mom And Dad

When you do find the energy for more active dates, these ideas help you reconnect as a couple while creating new memories together. They're perfect for those rare days when you have both time and energy to invest in your relationship.

Gardening Together

Start a small garden project together. Whether it's planting herbs in window boxes or planning a flower bed, working with plants can be remarkably therapeutic.


Plus, you'll have something to tend together over time, giving you ongoing opportunities to connect.


Visit Local Orchard

Make a trip to a nearby orchard during harvest season. Pick fruits together, enjoy the fresh air, and maybe grab some cider or fresh baked goods. It's active enough to be engaging but relaxed enough to allow for good conversation.

Visit Local Orchard

Explore Local History Sites

Become tourists in your own town. Visit historical sites or museums you've never explored. Learning something new together can spark interesting discussions and give you fresh perspectives to share.


Many places offer quiet times that are perfect for couples seeking peaceful exploration.

Explore Local History Sites

Go Bowling

Head to a bowling alley during off-peak hours. The combination of light activity, playful competition, and retro atmosphere can help you feel like you're dating again. Plus, it's perfectly fine to be terrible at bowling ā€“ sometimes shared laughter over gutter balls is the best part.


Make it fun with our Matching Heart Puzzle Sweatshirts ā€“ because every strike (or gutter ball!) is better when you're matching with your favorite person.


Amusement Park Visit

Visit an amusement park and ride all the attractions you loved when you were younger. Sometimes acting like kids helps us remember the fun-loving people we were when we first met. Try to go during less busy times to maximize your together time.

Amusement Park Visit

Finding Time for Love in the Parenting Journey

Let's remember that keeping our relationship strong isn't just about us ā€“ it's about creating a happy, healthy home for our whole family. Whether you choose a quiet evening doing puzzles at home, a playful bowling date, or simply sharing a cup of tea while the kids nap, every moment spent connecting with your partner matters.


Start small ā€“ maybe pick one of these Date Ideas for Parents from this list for this week. It doesn't need to be perfect or Instagram-worthy. The goal isn't to create picture-perfect date nights but to maintain that essential connection with your partner during these busy parenting years.


Remember, you don't need grand gestures or elaborate plans. Sometimes the sweetest moments happen in the simplest ways ā€“ like sharing a laugh over coffee or holding hands during a neighborhood walk. Your relationship deserves this time and attention, even if it's just in small doses between diaper changes and bedtime stories.


Take that first step. Plan your next date now, whether it's tomorrow or next week. Your future selves will thank you for keeping that spark alive.

FAQs About Date Ideas for Parents

1. How often should parents go on dates?

Ideally, parents should aim for at least one dedicated date night every month. However, mini-dates (like coffee together during nap time or a special dinner after kids' bedtime) can happen weekly. The key is consistency rather than frequency ā€“ regular small moments matter more than occasional big events.

2. How to go on date when you have a baby?

Start with at-home dates during nap times or after bedtime. Use date night boxes, plan simple activities like a living room picnic, or take turns giving each other breaks. For out-of-home dates, start small with short outings like a coffee date or quick lunch while a trusted family member watches the baby.


3. Do parents need date night?

Absolutely! Regular date nights help maintain your connection as a couple, reduce stress, and model a healthy relationship for your children. They provide necessary breaks from parenting duties and help you remember that you're partners first, not just co-parents.


4. How can I make a romantic night for him at home?

Create a special atmosphere with simple touches like candles or fairy lights. Plan activities you both enjoy, whether it's cooking together, playing games, or watching a favorite movie. The key is creating uninterrupted time together and showing thoughtfulness in the planning.

5. What are some budget-friendly date ideas for parents?

Many at-home dates cost little or nothing ā€“ like stargazing in your backyard, having a dance party in your living room, or doing a puzzle together. For out-of-home options, try nature walks, visiting free local attractions, or taking advantage of community events.

Cameron Hayes

Cameron Hayes

Meet Cameron Hayes, the 32-year-old wordsmith behind Embroly LLC's heartwarming content. This self-taught writer turned his passion for family stories into a career, weaving tales of love and laughter from his bustling Chicago home office. With six years in the content creation world, Cameron has mastered the art of making Gen X and millennials alike misty-eyed over their morning coffee. When he's not crafting the perfect emotional hook, you'll find him attempting DIY projects or coaching little league. His gift-giving advice is significantly more reliable than his home improvement skills.


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