Creative Ideas for a Stay-at-Home Date Night

We all know that date nights are important for a relationship. But between busy work schedules and kids, finding the time and energy to go out can be a challenge. Plus, you’d need to find a babysitter. And pay a babysitter. And then navigate parking garages and crowds as you hustle to make your reservation at that expensive restaurant. By the end of the night, you’re more stressed than you were before the date.

Instead, have a date night in the comfort of your own home. A stay-in date can be a fun, romantic and budget-friendly alternative to a night on the town. So, the next time you’re ready to go out with your spouse, send the kids upstairs (or to a friend’s house) and try one of our stay-at-home date night ideas.

Cook a Themed Meal Together

Select a menu that has some significance. Prepare each other’s favorite dish or recreate the meal from your wedding. If that’s too cheesy for you, consider cooking exotic cuisine based on your favorite overseas vacation. Whatever theme you choose, make sure the TV is turned off and you’re both engaged in the process of preparing dinner together.

Take Personality Quizzes and Compare Results

You can find myriad personality type and Enneagram tests online. Select one or two to take and then discuss the results. It’s a great way to learn more about yourself and your partner. When you understand your spouse’s personality, you can find better ways to interact with them. Plus, you can take these online personality tests while cuddling on the couch.

Have a Home Spa Night

Put on your comfiest spa-style robe, dim the lights and turn on some calming music. Use a diffuser to fill the room with comforting scents like lavender and chamomile. Slip your feet into a bowl of warm water or offer to give each other shoulder massages and watch the stress simply melt away.

Get Creative

Break out your children’s arts and crafts supplies and have a little creative fun. Try sketching or painting portraits of each other. Turn it into a game: Have your spouse try to guess what you’re drawing. If visual art isn’t your forte, write the story of how you met each other.

Make a Scrapbook

Think about all the things that happened over the previous 12 months. Recall important milestones – that promotion at work, your oldest child getting his driver’s license, etc. – and make a scrapbook to commemorate these moments. It’s a great way to reminisce and see how your family has grown.

Whatever you choose to do on your at-home date night, the most important thing is to spend meaningful time together. So, instead of the typical dinner and movie, have a stressless date night at home where you can enjoy each other’s time, make deeper connections and rekindle your love.