If you’re anything like my partner and me, who juggle two little boys under 3, you barely get time alone together. Still, we all know that uninterrupted time is vital for a healthy partnership.
Just because you can’t afford a sitter and an extravagant evening out doesn’t mean your relationship has to suffer. Below are budget-friendly or free date night suggestions for married couples that let you enjoy meaningful time with your loved one without draining your wallet.
Securing Childcare
The first hurdle to carving out alone time is usually arranging childcare. Here are several low-cost ways to make sure the kids are looked after while you reconnect with your partner.
Drop the Kids at Grandma and Grandpa’s House
We don’t have relatives nearby, but if you do, use that to your advantage. Whether it’s for an evening or an overnight visit, let the children spend time with their grandparents so you can have a night out.
Ask Your Friends to Babysit
Offer a meal, a bottle of wine or a small amount of cash — sometimes friends will do it for free. You might even find someone who enjoys hanging out with your kids and makes babysitting a regular favor.
Schedule a Playdate
See if the parents of your kids’ friends would swap playdates. One evening you host the group; another night, they host yours. Everyone gets time with their partners, and the children have fun at a different house for a change.
Put the Kids to Bed Early
You don’t have to leave home to have a date. Several of the ideas below are perfect for trying at home after the little ones are asleep.
Affordable Date Ideas
With childcare settled, let’s plan your time together. Here are a few of my favorite low-cost options.
1. Have a Romantic Dinner at Home
Shop the grocery sales and build your meal around what’s on special. Prepare something nice (extra points if you cook together), set the atmosphere with candles, use the good dishes and play soft music. Then relax over an intimate meal without interruptions from the kids.
2. Host a Movie Night
Redbox rents flicks for under $2 and often sends text coupons for free rentals. Netflix and Amazon Prime also have plenty of viewing options.
Choose a film, pick up a couple of cheap snacks at the dollar store and pop some popcorn after the kids are in bed. Cuddle on the couch and either laugh together or get lost in an action-packed story.
3. Turn Up the Competition
Not feeling a movie? Try game night. Break out a deck of cards for poker and play for chips, chores or something a bit more grown-up. If cards aren’t appealing, go for Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit or any board game you both enjoy.
4. Pack a Picnic
Put together a simple lunch and head to a nearby park to soak up the sun and fresh air. Bring a frisbee or ball for some activity, or just lie back on the blanket and talk about anything except the kids.
5. Visit a Museum
Use free admission days or discount rates to explore art or history. New subjects to discuss and a shared cultural experience can add some spark to your connection.
6. Attend a Concert
Many communities host free outdoor concerts or summer music series. Bring folding chairs, a bottle of wine or your preferred drink, and some snacks. Check the venue’s rules about outside food and alcohol before you go.
7. Enjoy Nature Together
Find a nature preserve, arboretum or trail and go for a walk or hike. Breathe in the fresh air, smell the blooms and get your heart rates up while enjoying each other’s company in a peaceful setting.
8. Check Local Colleges for Free Events
You never know what lectures or activities might be happening on campus. You could stumble upon a fascinating talk or program to learn something new side by side.
9. Explore a New Area
Take a short drive to a nearby town or neighborhood you rarely visit and take in the local scene. Browse small shops, try a new cafe, look for historical spots or simply absorb the atmosphere.
10. Go to a Movie
If you want to leave the house for a film, try a drive-in theater where you can often see multiple movies for the cost of two regular tickets. Bring pre-popped popcorn and drinks so you can skip pricey concessions and enjoy an evening under the stars.
No drive-ins nearby? Many towns show free outdoor films during summer. If that’s not available, head to an early matinee and skip the popcorn to save a few bucks.
11. Stargaze
Head to your backyard or a nearby hill, spread out a blanket and cuddle up under the night sky. Find constellations, count meteors, or time your date around a full moon, comet or other celestial event.
If none of these spark your interest, browse Groupon, LivingSocial or your preferred deal site for discounts on local activities that can get you and your spouse out and enjoying some quality time together.
Disclosure: We’re pretty hooked on Taco Bell around here. The affiliate links in this article help fund our dollar menu habit. Thanks for the support!
