This story originally appeared on The Local Moms Network.
A regular date night out is a great thing, if you can make it happen. As any good therapist (or Instagram meme…) would say, the foundation of your family started with your relationship, so keeping it strong will benefit everyone. But date nights can be tricky to plan (read: finding a reliable babysitter) and expensive (read: paying said sitter plus whatever entertainment you choose for the evening). That’s why we also love a good date night in. There’s nothing wrong with a classic Netflix and take out combo post-bedtime, but we’re sharing five creative ideas to freshen up your regular routine.
Bring the Bar Home
Can’t remember the last time you had anything other than a glass of wine or a beer? Brush off your mixology skills and try out a new cocktail. Mix it up together and then sample your creation. Don’t drink? Try the same with coffee drinks, or simply whip up a new dessert together.
Subscribe to Hunt a Killer
This popular game subscription delivers the excitement of an escape room or murder mystery dinner to your home, making it a go-to date night idea for couples that love real crime TV shows and podcasts. Use the clues and evidence they send to solve the crime—together. Thanks to Kristin from Newport Mesa Moms for sharing this great idea!
Create a Travel Experience
With young kids, you might not be traveling as far or as often as you once did (although it’s certainly possible!). On date night, pick a different country each time, and focus on that cuisine/culture. For instance, make homemade pasta (or buy it…) and watch an Italian film or make sushi together (don’t forget the sake).
Host Game Night for Two
From Boggle to Words Against Humanity, there is a board game for every couple. And if you’re looking for something a little more sexy? Take a look at this list of red hot game night ideas from Women’s Health.
Try A Day Date
If you and your sweetheart have flexible schedules or can take a morning or afternoon off, you might be able to use your existing childcare (whether daycare or school) to cover you for a child-free meal out, without extra planning or cost. Bonus: You’ll have the house to yourself…
What are your date night at home ideas? We’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below
The Local Moms Network: Summer Reading Guide for Kids!
As a follow up to our Summer Reading Guide for Moms, we decided to put together a Summer Reading Guide for Kids, with recommendations from some of our moms across the country that make up The Local Moms Network. Check out their picks and freshen your...
Sunscreen for Kids: What Ingredients are Safe & What to Avoid
We all know that sunscreen helps prevent sun damage that can lead to skin cancer. So it’s a no-brainer that we’re thinking about it more than ever as we head into summer. That’s why last week’s study on how readily sunscreens are absorbed into skin (and...
MASSE: A New Shopping Tool Busy Moms are Loving
Anyone that’s ever completed a baby registry know it requires a lot of research. You can read online comments, of course, but we all still end up asking our friends, What really works? And that’s the concept behind the new app MASSE, a community...