Date nights are so important to a happy, healthy marriage. Our lives are extremely busy—I’m chasing around a baby all day, and when my husband gets home, it’s time for dinner and bedtime. Having time to sit down and have a real conversation over a nice meal is such a great way to reconnect.
This post is full of practical tips and inspiration for how to create a memorable at-home date night, even with kids at home.
What an At-Home Date Night Looks Like in Our House
Typically, a date night in happens on Thursdays, when my husband gets off work early. We’ll often make our baby something separate to eat—something simple like cottage cheese, fruit, and a veggie.
While he gives the baby a bath, I start prepping our meal. After nursing and putting the baby to bed, we sit down to a nice dinner, a glass of wine or a cocktail, and end the night with a movie or show on the couch.
How to Make At-Home Date Nights Happen
1. Schedule Them
They need to be penciled into your calendar. Sit down on a Sunday with your partner, evaluate your week, and pick a day that feels doable. If it’s not a priority, it won’t happen.
2. Set the Mood
Dim the lights, light a candle. We even get dressed up a bit—I’ll do my makeup and curl my hair. Make it feel like you’re actually out somewhere.
3. Turn Off Distractions
Put away your phones, and turn the monitor volume down if it’s safe to do so. Lean into fully connecting with your partner without outside interruptions.
How to Do At-Home Date Nights with Older Kids
If your kids are older and don’t go to bed super early, you can still carve out intentional time with your spouse. It might look a little different, but it’s just as important—and totally doable. Here are some tips:
1. Designate Quiet Time or Independent Play
Set a “quiet hour” where your kids read, listen to audiobooks, do puzzles, or play in their rooms. Let them know this is your special time to spend with your partner, and model what healthy connection looks like.
2. Include Them in the Prep (Then Dismiss Them for the Night)
If your kids are old enough, involve them in helping set the table or cook dinner. Then let them know that after dinner, it’s time for some adult time. Give them a snack and an activity to do in another room.
3. Use Screen Time Strategically
Plan a movie or show they’re excited to watch while you have your date in another space. It’s okay to use screen time intentionally if it helps you connect with your spouse.
4. Plan a Late-Night Date
Wait until they’re in bed or settled in their rooms for the night, and then bring out the fun stuff—snacks, wine, a movie, or even a board game. Make it feel special with cozy lighting and your favorite treats.
5. Get Out of the House (Without Leaving)
If you have a backyard, patio, or even a balcony, set up a little bistro table or bring out some comfy chairs. A change of setting helps make the night feel different from your regular routine—and gives you some space away from the noise inside.
6. Trade Babysitting with Friends or Family
If you have trusted friends or nearby family, consider swapping babysitting nights. One night, they take your kids for a couple of hours, and the next week, you return the favor. It’s free and gives both couples a chance to connect.
7. Make It a Family Date First, Then Transition
Start with a fun family dinner or game night, then let the kids know when it’s time for mom and dad to have their time. Give them a checklist or cozy corner to do their own wind-down activities.
Easy At-Home Date Night Ideas
Food-Focused Date Nights
- Cook a Fancy Meal: Buy a nice cut of meat you wouldn’t normally get. This week, I bought a $10 rack of lamb from Aldi and made herb-crusted lamb with mashed potatoes and broccoli.
- Wine Tasting at Home: Before having our son, we used to go to Trader Joe’s and pick out a few bottles of Two Buck Chuck to taste and rate. You can also splurge on nicer wine and pair it with meats and cheeses for a wine and charcuterie night.
- Homemade Pizza Night: Make pizza from scratch and experiment with new toppings—like goat cheese and arugula. Or, if you’re short on time, order pizza from your favorite local spot.
- Bake Together: Choose your favorite dessert and make it from scratch. I love chocolate chip cookies, but it could be anything you both enjoy.
Entertainment Date Nights
- Movie Night: A classic at home date night idea. Choose a movie neither of you have seen, grab all the snacks—popcorn, nachos, candy—and make it feel like a theater experience.
- Board Games: I’m personally the master of Monopoly, but play whatever you both enjoy. It’s fun, interactive, and competitive in the best way.
- Comedy Night: Watch a stand-up special together. There’s nothing like laughing with your partner. We love Katt Williams and Gabriel Iglesias.
Dream Together
Sit down and talk about your future goals and what you want your life to look like. My husband and I have been together since we were 16. I remember the summer before we left for college—we sat in the Dairy Queen parking lot with Pinterest pulled up, dreaming about future homes. Now we live in a home we own and love.
Talking about your dreams helps you reconnect, reflect on how far you’ve come, and build new goals together.
Budget-Friendly At-Home Date Night Tips
- Use What You Have: You don’t have to spend money to make it special. If all you have is chicken thighs, make a delicious creamy sauce to elevate them. The point is connection, not cost.
- Use Free Trials: Try a free streaming service, or sign up for a free online class to learn something new together. MasterClass offers free trial access to expert-led classes on everything from cooking with Gordon Ramsay to filmmaking with Ron Howard. Pick a class to take together and learn something new side-by-side.
Make It Special—Even If It’s Simple
- Get Dressed: I always try to get ready like I would for a real date—just a little powder, lip gloss, maybe a cute outfit.
- Add a Fun Twist: Choose a theme—Parisian café night, camping indoors, or even “90s throwback.” Make it fun and different.
- Don’t Stress About Perfection: Maybe the steak comes out medium instead of medium rare, or the wine isn’t your favorite. Laugh it off. Remember, these at home date nights are about spending time together, not being perfect.
Final Thoughts on At-Home Date Nights
Remember, an at home date night doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate to be meaningful. Even the simplest night can strengthen your relationship and help you reconnect.
Take the time this week to try one of these ideas—or share your favorite at home date night idea in the comments below!
Also, I have a Date Night In YouTube video coming out this month—make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss it!
Looking for more simple and meaningful ways to connect and simplify mom life?
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