Finding creative ways to date after embarking on parenthood can be tough. Although little ones require a lot of time, energy and attention, it’s important to still make your spouse feel special. One way to keep the fire alive is to try stay-at-home date nights. Here are three date ideas for after the kids go to bed.
1. Food and Drink Tasting
A food and drink tasting at home is simple but entertaining. All you need is a few unique (and familiar) foods/drinks and a blindfold. The objective is to have your partner guess what they’re tasting. You may want to stick to one particular item (ex: jellybeans) so your spouse doesn’t end up with a stomach ache from mixing too many different foods, but the choice is yours. You even have the choice to make the night into a competition to see who guesses the most items correctly. The champion can win a night off from chores or something else relaxing. This activity is perfect for couples who consider themselves to be foodies or expert taste testers.
2. Theme Night
Pick a theme, any theme, and center your date around it. You can randomize your date by throwing possibilities into a hat, or deliberately pick a theme for each week and write in on your monthly calendar. As a couple, you can: dress up, play music, dance, cook, decorate the house, play games, watch movies, etc. to match the theme of the night. This option is perfect for a variety of couples because of its flexibility; you have the freedom to make the night as simple or elaborate as you’d like.
3. Stargazing
There are few things as romantic as gazing up at the night sky with the one you love most. Fortunately, the sky is massive enough to be (quite literally) right in front of your nose for the ideal stay-at-home date night. Take the baby monitor in the backyard with you to quiet any fears, then turn your attention upward. You can try your luck at spotting the constellations yourself or download an app to make it easier.
Remember, dates don’t have to be fancy, expensive, or extravagant to be memorable. As long as you’re spending quality time together, you’re bound to have fun (even at home). Any one of these three date night ideas will be a guaranteed hit, so pick your favorite and let the good times roll.