The elusive date night! Chances are, if you have little kids, one of the most common pieces of “advice” that you get from older couples is to go on a date night. However, with little kids date nights feel like another thing to plan. For my husband and I, taking the time to plan a date night has been really great for our relationship. Even though it feels like more to put on the calendar, we feel that it’s an important part of keeping our marriage healthy so that we can be great parents to our kids. However, there are definitely different considerations for planning a date night for couples with little kids. In this blog post I put together a list of date nights for couples with little kids that don’t involve being out for a long time, but allow for meaningful connection.

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My husband and I try to go on a date night once every couple of weeks. We often connect over an at-home date night after the kids go to sleep. However, we found that every so often it’s good for us to get out of the house into a more neutral space. We find that we can really talk about things without kids constantly interrupting us. We also swear by trying out new experiences together as a couple to help us remember how much we just enjoy each other’s company. If you are looking for some fresh ideas for a date night for couples, here are 7 easy and fun ideas to get you started on your next date night.

7 EASY DAte Nights FOR Couples

GO TO DINNER AT A NEW RESTUARANT

This is a fun and practical date night forthe foodie couple. To spice up the date a bit, pick a new restaurant to try. If you have some splurge money, then you could try a fancier restaurant. You could also try a different type of food, such as Indian food, Greek food or Middle Eastern food.

GET A LATE AFTERNOON COFFEE + DESSERT

My husband and I love coffee shops and this is a date idea that we love to do often! If it’s difficult to leave the kids for bedtime, try to leave for a couple of hours in the late afternoon and get coffee or tea and a dessert to share. It will still be a great time of connection without buying a whole dinner. And you will still be back in plenty of time to get the kids to bed!

WALK AROUND YOUR HOMETOWN

Did you know that walking can open up conversation? If you need to talk about something as a couple, then take a walk together through a park or your hometown. The conversation will be flowing in no time and you will get your steps in too! Plus, what’s more romantic for a date night for couples than walking hand-in-hand down a quaint mainstreet in town (maybe you’ll even end up in a Hallmark movie!)

TAKE A PICNIC TO A PARK

Picnics in a park are definitely underrated! This is a great date night for couples who don’t have a lot of extra money to spend on dinners out. Take a cute picnic basket and enjoy the spring and summer air outside together.

GO ON A LUNCH DATE

Who say’s that date night for coupes has to actually be at night? My husband and I love enjoying a good lunch date out together! It’s easier to leave the kids during the daytime with a sitter, and still be back in time to put them to bed at night.

DO A WORKOUT CLASS TOGETHER

This is for the couple who loves keeping in shape! Reaching goals and overcoming challenges together is really good for connection and building trust in a marriage. Find a fun workout class to take- think boxing, cycling, hip hop class. Anything that gets the blood pumping and seems fun to you.

APPETIZERS AND DRINKS

An easy one to check off of the list. If you can’t be gone late into the night, then happy hour appetizers and a few drinks is the perfect way to enjoy being out of the house for a few hours together. I always love going to Spanish tapas with my husband for this.

Date nights are so much fun for couples, yet it can be difficult to remember to plan in the middle of all of the responsibilities of being a parent. However, I highly recommend going on a date night at least 1-2 times per month because it is so good for connection between couples. A healthy marriage enables you to parent your children in a healthy and abundant way as well. Give one of these a try this weekend!

Which date night are you going to try first?

At home with the kids and need advice on reconnecting with your spouse? Check out my post on at- home date nights

Looking for at-home date night shows to watch? Check out my guest post about 9 Binge-Worth Shows for the Perfect Date Night In

Need advice on planning a date night? Check out how to plan the perfect date night