25 At Home Date Night Ideas For Busy Parents

25 At Home Date Ideas for Parents

As parents of a toddler, my husband and I are always pressed for time. Dates take a back seat to all of the activities, appointments, and general life goings on happening. It can leave you feeling disconnected from your spouse, and bridging that gap can be difficult sometimes. Are you looking for a way to spice up nights at home? Look no further! Check out this great list of 25 at home date night ideas for busy parents!

PS: check out my post on how to reconnect with your spouse after having a baby. 

Both my husband and I missed the connection and attention from each other. But getting a babysitter presents its own set of challenges. So we decided to do something about it. Enter: The At Home Date! We started having ‘small’ dates and then realized that we were having just as much fun (if not more!) having dates at home than we would going out, spending a bunch of money, and paying for a babysitter. 

Today I’ve got 25 at home date ideas for parents. These dates range from simple to extravagant, silly to romantic, and all take place in the comfort of your home. They also don’t require loud music or noise that would otherwise wake your child. So get the kiddos to bed and get ready for some romance!

25 At Home Date Night Ideas

1. TV Cooking Class
   There are so many food programs on tv, or you can jump on Youtube to find a cooking show. Find one you like and shop for the ingredients beforehand. You’ll have fun whipping up a meal together!
2. Watch TV Somewhere Unexpected
   Instead of plopping down on the couch, make a pallet on the floor and snuggle up. If you’re usually in the family room, snuggle up in bed!
3. Youtube Painting Class
   There are SO MANY painting tutorials on Youtube! Set up a couple of canvases and paint and get creative together!
4. Backyard Picnic
   Lay out a blanket (this one stays dry!) and watch the sun set. You can pack a basket of food or just enjoy each other’s company. 
5. Have a Game Night
   There are so many great couples games you can get (I like this one, and this one) to get to know each other better. If you’d rather play games that require more people, host a couples game night! We really like this game and this one!
6. Write Each Other Letters
   This can be done together, or you can do it separately and then share them together over a cup of tea. Let each other know how you feel, what you’ve learned over the course of your marriage, and what hopes you have for the future. Not so adept at writing? Compose a song or paint a picture. Find a way to express yourself that wouldn’t happen on a day to day basis. 
7. Backyard Stargazing
   For his birthday a few years ago, I bought this shallow pool and filled it with blankets and pillows. I set out a few citronella candles and we stargazed after the baby went to sleep. It was unexpectedly romantic, and really didn’t take much effort to put together!
8. Garage Drive In
   set up a portable DVD player or use the system in your car. Pop some popcorn and recline the backseats for a romantic viewing experience after the kids are in bed.
9. Adults Only Dip
   Fill up your kiddo’s inflatable pool and soak your feet (or body!) while watching the sun set. No kiddie pool? Run through the sprinkler together!
10. Play a Guessing Game
    Use a blindfold (I like this one) and take turns guessing what object your spouse puts in your hand. Alternately, you could have an array of foods for your spouse to guess at. 
11. Break Out a Puzzle
    This might seem a bit dull, but puzzles are great at keeping your hands busy and your mind free. Puzzles provide a great opportunity to have meaningful discussions with your spouse. I mean let’s face it: with little ones the adult conversations can be quite limited. Try your hand at a puzzle on your next at home date!
12. Bake Together
    And then enjoy the spoils while listening to good music. Maybe a band you saw in concert when you were dating?
13. Hold a Workout Class
    Are you really into yoga? Teach hubby a thing or two with a one on one session. Is Hubs really into boxing or powerlifting? Let him be your teacher for the night. You’ll learn and grow together, and maybe even find a new activity to do together in the future! You can also try an online class for an exercise neither of you regularly do.
14. Break Out the Lawn Games
    Challenge your spouse to a cornhole competition or battle it out over giant Jenga. I bought our set for our wedding and I love competing (and smack talking!) with my husband. 
15. Camp Out
    Break out the lawn chairs and fire pit. Share a glass of wine (or beer, or lemonade) and talk about your lives, your goals and aspirations. We occasionally sit out in the backyard and just enjoy the nice weather, but a fire pit makes it extra fun!
16. Build a Dessert Charcuterie Board
    I once filled an entire large cutting board with sweets, displayed so prettily. We then devoured it while watching old movies. It was fun and a nice change from just mindlessly eating in front of the TV. 
17. Have a Fondue Night
    Who doesn’t love melted cheese?!? Or chocolate! (Well, actually me. I don’t like chocolate, but I’m all for the cheese!) grab a fondue kit and let the romance begin!
18. Borrow Your Kid’s Toys
    Do your kids have a bowling set, slip & slide, or other fun toy? Host a friendly competition with your spouse. It can be extra fun when you don’t have to patiently wait for your toddler to explore!
19. Check Something Off your To Do List
    While this sounds like work (and it is), tackle that project you’ve been putting off for way too long. Need to clean out your closet? Do it with a cocktail and some flirtation. Need to get the half bath painted? Do it together. Bonus points if the close quarters inspire some romance!
20. Have the Non-Cook Make Something
    Do you normally handle meals? Instead of doing what you normally do, have Hubby surprise you with a meal to share. No helping allowed! Let your spouse do something outside his wheelhouse. Does Hubby usually take charge in the kitchen? Put the kids to bed and then whip up something afterward! 
21. Give Each Other Massages
    Get some massage oil and take turns having a spa night! This simultaneously allows you both to relax and gives you a chance for extra physical connection.
22. Learn Something New Together
    Whether it is a language, an instrument, or a hobby, embark on a new adventure together. This can become a regular activity in your date night rotation! My husband and I met as students, so it gives us a bit of nostaliga as well.
23. Have a Wine Tasting
    Go to the store and pick out three bottles each. You can choose based on how much you like the label or by category (all reds, all fruity wines, etc…) and try them all when you get home. You can also do this with beer, funky potato chip flavors, ice cream, you name it! Write the name of each item on a post it and stick it on the bottom of the bowl or under the glass and have fun trying to guess what each one is. 
24. Daydream Together
    I love playing ‘if I had a million dollars’ when my husband and I go on long car rides. It’s very simple: basically, you get a flat million dollars to do what you wish. You can be practical (pay off the house and save for retirement) or add stipulations (you cannot spend the money on yourself, it has to be used in 24 hours, etc…). I also enjoy asking Would You Rather questions. It is so interesting to see how our answers have evolved in the decade we’ve been together. 
25. Eat By Candlelight
    Feed the kiddos dinner and put them to bed before tucking into a parents only dinner. Amp up the romance with soft lighting. Who knows, maybe it will feel like a first date all over again!

Since adding these at home date ideas to our romantic life, my husband and I have felt more connected and Have you tried any of these at home date ideas? Let me know in the comments below what your favorite at home date is! Above all, keep reaching towards your partner, and have some fun along the way!