Now that we have 2 babies it has become more difficult for my husband and I to have a night out together. Sometimes his mom will come watch both kids at our house when we need a night out, but it’s just so much harder leaving two kids at home, especially while they are young. Date night and alone time takes so much more effort and planning than it did when we were just newlyweds without kiddos. It can be done though! When we can’t have a night out, we try to be sure we make time to spend together, without our phone or the tv. Usually that means we do a date night in.


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1. Go on a fake vacation – This is something I came up with last summer because we didn’t have the $ to go on a vacation. hubby was skeptical about trying this, but we both ended up loving it. In short, choose a destination and then plan a fabulous trip together as if you were going there. It’s perfect because you can plan a super exotic trip and imagine doing things that you would not usually try because of fears, finances or time constraints.
2. Have a sleepover in your living room – Simple and sweet. Sometimes a change of scenery is all that’s needed ! Invite your hubby on a sleepover/campout in your living room! It’s something fun and silly to do together, hubby and I did this before I got pregnant with the princess and we both had a lot of fun.
3. Deeper Conversations – I love these conversation starter cards! Sometimes you’ll pull an “easy” question and find yourselves sharing thoughts for a few minutes but other times you might have to force yourselves to stop because the conversations can be so long and wonderful!
4. Game night – This one is our favorite! My husband and I usually have at least one game night a week, and it so much fun. We are both pretty competitive but most of all we enjoy the time together. If you are looking for great 2 player games, these are a few of our favorites:
5. Cook dinner together – While cooking on your own can get old really fast, it can be fun to experiment with new recipes in the kitchen with your spouse!
When you’re done cooking, you might as well get all dressed up for your fancy at-home date. Put on your nicest dress & highest heels and have a candlelit dinner in your dining room. It’s the experience and the togetherness that matter, far more than the location!
6. Read a book – Choose a fun novel to read together, or even an awesome book on marriage or parenting. Take turns reading chapters to one another and discussing what you read.
7. Go through your wedding photo album or watch your wedding video together – It can be so romantic to go through old memories and cherish the memories together. I love looking through old pictures with my hubby and laugh as we re-tell our favorite moments to one another. One of the easiest, but most romantic things to do.
8. Drink coffee/hot chocolate on the porch – We don’t have a porch, but I do love drinking hot chocolate on our apartment’s balcony when the weather is nice. It’s beautiful outside and something about the outdoors always sparks deep conversations! I love that being outside makes me feel like we’re “away” from home, but we’re still close enough to hear the baby fuss and I’m able to walk right in a nurse her if need be.
9. Write your love story – Talk it out and write it together, or take turns writing sentences and see how the story ends up! Use the “love story for baby” book to turn your love story into a lovely keepsake for your little one. This would make the PERFECT gift when baby grows up!
10. Grab something from the date box – This is a great idea if you are stuck in a date-night rut. Pull out a pog and see what it says and do that for your date night! They have SO many great ideas already printed on them, no creativity required, you just get to have the fun!

I love these dates because they are perfect for low budget weeks, and for weeks when you don’t have time/energy/a babysitter to be able go out. Whatever is keeping you from having a date night and intentional time with your spouse, can probably solved by having a fun, intentional date night IN <3
Have you ever done a date night in? I‘d love to hear your ideas!!!
Heather Anderson says
These are some great ideas. It is so important to stay connected, and just gets more complicated the more children you have. It is also good to shake things up and use different ideas to keep things fresh, yet simple and inexpensive.
Paula says
thanks so much Heather! Fresh, simple and inexpensive! yes!!! that’s our goal :) love that description! thanks for reading and commenting <3
The Bonded Mom says
OK, so my favorite is game night. But what a cool idea to write our love story. I think I will try this one with him! Maybe get a notebook and we each take turns writing in it. Also this just reminded me of something my oldest sister and her husband did, actually when they were dating. The would swap bibles periodically and highlight scriptures and write notes in eachother’s bible.
Paula says
we love game night too!!!! That is a fun idea with the Bible!!! I’m hoping to convince hubby to start writing our love story together soon, but we shall see ;)
Kathryn says
LOVE this! <3 Thanks for mentioning me. I pinned to Pinterest!
Paula says
Glad you like it! thanks for pinning!!!
Paula says
It definitely changes after baby!!! :) but not necessarily bad, you just have to be more creative and intentional :)
Fawn Weaver says
Love your response here, Paula! Love the encouragement of knowing although it changes, a little intentionality (yep, just made that word up :)), can go a long way.
Kassi @ Truly Lovely says
SO many great ideas!!! We don’t have children yet, but even still it’s hard sometimes to not want to just sit on the couch and watch tv.
Ashley Ditto says
Wonderful ideas! I have been looking for some creative ones, thank you!!!
Lisa says
Paula,
These are great ideas, ones I’ll have to hold onto for future reference. Right now, we live in a motorhome with 4 of our children, 3 of whom are teens, so anything we do at home is virtually a family affair! Still, it’s good to spend time alone with your spouse however you can.
Thanks!
Lisa
Paula says
oh my! that sounds like a challenge!!
Amy says
It must be dating week in the blogosphere! I wrote a post on “starting to date again” a few days ago, and have added a tab to my blog for folks to post their ideas to share. I hope you will share some of yours, or feel free to post a link to this piece in the comment section.
Terrific ideas!
Paula says
how fun! will check it out :)
Helene says
I LOVE these ideas!!! especially the sleepover in the living room. so creative!
Sarah says
Hi Paula, I got pregnant 2 months after we got married and then we proceeded to have 4 kids in 5 years… needless to say we don’t go OUT on dates ever. We are big fans of date night though and have one every Saturday night after the kids go to bed. Unfortunately we have fallen into the television trap – and, while I still love date night and look forward to it, there is little connection that goes on. I thought your list was wonderful! I think I might give one of them a try this weekend. Thanks for sharing and keep up your date nights! They are so special and the kids start taking note of them too!
Paula says
Glad you llike the list! I hope you and your hubby have fun with them! sounds like you lead really full lives!!! :)
Nikki says
This is a great list! We like to do game night and a nice meal at home, but I had never thought of most of these. We will have to try some of them out!
Paula says
I hope you have fun!!!
Paula says
thanks so much for sharing! I will check both of those out :)
Sarah says
Oh, I LOVE the sitting outside one… wish my hubby liked being outside more, but with nice weather and few bugs he’s usually willing to go along with me. We do a variation of the living room sleep over – nap time on the futon with the Christmas tree lights on :) It’s even more special with the lights on a dark winter day :) I’m excited to read all the similar posts listed in the comments here!
Paula says
that’s such a fun idea with the Christmas lights!!! :)
Paula says
thanks Alana!:)
Risa says
Great ideas. I know how difficult it is to have a date night! I don’t think my husband and I have been on a date since the end of July. My mom is going to come over and watch the kids on Friday night so we can go out to dinner. That was her Christmas present for us.
Paula says
oh wow! that is a long time, but i’m so excited you get to go on a date this week!!!! :) I hope some of these help you have some special time together next time it’s so long between dates <3
Lindsey Whitney says
My husband would love the ideas of planning a fake vacation! We will have to try that soon. Your 2 person game ideas link didn’t work and I’d love to hear about those!!
Lindsey @ GrowingKidsMinistry.com
Paula says
thanks for letting me know the link didn’t work! It should be working now. You can find the games here:
https://www.beautythroughimperfection.com/2011/11/28/games/
Bonnie Way says
Great ideas! My hubby likes watching movies/TV shows, but like you, that doesn’t make me feel any closer to him. We often play board games, though sometimes it feels like there’s limited games for two players. And I like reading with him – parenting books or marriage books – though sometimes he’s too tired for that (he’s a full-time student at the moment). I have a couple friends who have a hot tub and love sitting in that together to relax for an evening – I like that idea, if we ever buy our own house and could install a hot tub! Thanks for sharing! (I’m dropping by from the Mommy Moments blog hop.)
Paula says
So sorry the links for the games didn’t work! My hubby has done lots of searching and discovered some really great 2 player games! One of them is even cooperative so you and the hubby could actually be on the same team playing “against” the game. I was impressed with how hard that one is!!!
You can see the full list here
https://www.beautythroughimperfection.com/2011/11/28/games/
a hot tub sounds so nice and relaxing!!! that would be wonderful! :)
Jenifer says
These are great ideas I especially like the fake vacation one. I always want to take a vacation but the money is never there. We are saving here and there but so far our little bit of saving is still not enough. We couldn’t even pay for food for one meal for the family with the savings we have so far. Oh well, pitty party over for now. I can’t wait to try this. Maybe I’ll try this with the kids as well.
Paula says
I had a similar pity party last summer when all of our friends were going on trips and we were stuck at home! We are saving all our pennies for a house!!! I hope you have fun on your fake one! I know it was great for us! :)
Jamie at Prepared to Eat says
Thanks for all of the great suggestions! We fall into the TV every night trap, and it’s mostly my fault because I’m usually too tired to do any more thinking or moving by the end of the day. Those games look interesting, we will have to try them out. It’s hard to find games that are exciting with just 2 players, although we do like to play Wii games together sometimes. :)
JD Bailey @ Honest Mom says
Great list! We are having game night tonight. No TV, no computers – just Hubs and me, trying to kick each other’s butt in Bananagrams. ;-)
Paula says
fun! I love that game! Hubby is not a fan though
Shell says
Such fun ideas!
Paula says
Thanks Shell!
Larks (@LarksNotesThis) says
#5 is a classic for a reason! Nice list!
Paula says
thanks! I love #5 as well ;)
Sherry says
Oh Paula I love your ideas. So, so smart! I wrote a Date Night post today too.
Come by and see me. I really enjoyed meeting your.
Thanks for sharing your great ideas!
Have a wonderful Thursday,
Sherry
Paula says
thanks! I will have to drop by and see!!! :)
Amy says
Hey, Paula! Thanks for adding yourself to the Thursday link-up this week. I have been following your comments here on date nights, and find that blogging this week appears to follow this theme. Are we all that in tune? :)
Have a terrific day!
Elizabeth @ DogFurandDandelions says
These are great! We don’t have kids, but hubby is in seminary and the Army, so we rarely have time/energy to go on out-of-the-house dates. So I can definitely use some of these ideas! Thanks! {Visiting from RDD linkup}
Candace Hendrick says
Hey! Nice to meet you! Great post! We have done in dates before. When the kids were a little younger we could put them down early and have more hang out time. But now the time just isn’t enough! The other night we had an impromptu coffee date on the living room couch, just coffee and chatting. It was NICE!! But coffee keeps him up at night so I should probably go get some decaf:)
Fawn Weaver says
Love your list, Paula! Have you ever checked out The Dating Divas for at-home date night ideas. I love those gals and their awesome date night tips.
Paula says
Yes! I love the dating divas!!! one of these ideas was from them (with a link back of course)
Cindy says
What fabulous ideas! With 3 kiddos and no family nearby all of our dates have been at home in recent years…but they are every bit as meaningful! My husband and I take turns planning the evening.Here are two of our most memorable: 1) my husband grabbed a roll of duck tape along with a challenge to see what we could each create with it. He made glasses and I made a handbag…while we sharing lots of laughs. 2) an evening in the kitchen together putting together a set of freezer meals…complete with fancy drinks, beautiful music, and a little dancing. ;)
Paula says
I love the duck tape idea!!! that’s so creative!! :D
Patricia says
When I read my grandparents old love letters I realized they use to have their dates on her front porch in a swing. Enjoyed your site!
Patricia
Paula says
how precious!!! <3
Lindsay says
GREAT ideas! I am always trying to think of new, cheaper ways to have date nights and these are some great ways to do that! Thanks for sharing!
Amanda says
I love this list of great ideas! We do a variation on the fancy dinner at home where I make steaks but we get all the side dishes from take-out (like Texas Roadhouse). That way, it isn’t nearly as expensive as a whole dinner out and there is only on pan to clean. Win-win.
Paula says
that’s a great idea just to order the sides!!! so smart!!!
thanks for linking this post up!!! <3
Jocie@TheBetterHalf says
so sweet paula! ethan and i have had many at home dates since having kids and they are really special! thanks for sharing!
Judith at WholeHearted Home says
You shared some excellent ideas for spending time alone at home. For years we just didn’t get out because there was no one to watch our children. What we often did to spend time alone was: to eat a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream TOGETHER taking turns to take a bite. It was so fun!! Thanks for linking up and sharing this post over at WholeHearted Home.
Paula says
mmm sharing a ben & jerry’s sounds like a great date <3
Megan Robinson says
This is great!! We can always use more in-home date ideas since we don’t get out enough either. I love all the ideas you came up with, so creative and they sound so fun. Thank you for sharing!
And thank you for linking up with Marriage Week :)
Delores says
Found your list of at home date night ideas through Google. Great list! Will definitely have to try some. I’ve also been seeing blog posts about Datelivery, they seem to be a good option for in home date nights as well. Here’s one of the blog reviews I came across http://www.girlintheredshoes.com/2013/05/thats-amore.html?m=1
Lori says
I appreciate the list of two-person games. Now that we’re empty nesters, it’s harder to play games (other than the obvious ones :) with only two. And to #10 I would add — “Go to bed BEFORE you’re exhausted.” Tired bodies make for tired lovemaking — certainly not our best. That’s my 2cents worth!
Mai Bateson says
We don’t have kids yet but these are all awesome ideas to do whilst waiting for our bundle of joy!!! :D Thanks for sharing!
Mai Bateson says
We don’t have kids yet but these are all awesome ideas to do whilst waiting for our bundle of joy!!! :D Thanks for sharing! :)
Fawn Weaver says
Great list, Paula! Yes, we do date nights in all the time. Because our work hours are so long, our absolute favorite thing in the world (next to traveling) is doing nothing. Sitting on our patio, enjoying a glass of wine, and just talking. That’s our idea of a fabulous date night in.
Jillian @ Hi! It's Jilly says
Aww, I love all these sweet ideas! We fall back on the movie/TV show way too much. We’ll have to try some of these date ideas! :)
Erin @ Erin's 2 Cents says
I’m visiting from All Things Pretty. This is inspiring me to get creative with my husband for date nights in. It’s very easy just to sit in front of the tv, but like you said, it doesn’t create memories or help keep our relationship strong.
~Erin @ Erin’s 2 Cents
Ritewhileucan says
Once kids join the scene date night becomes late nights! Some very creative ideas you have shared here. Key to my sanity to get out with my man at least monthly. We sometimes go for a walk to the nearest cafe and have a coffee (tea for me). Or even just a walk with no kiddies can be quite refreshing. Thanks for sharing and inspiring. Visiting from http://www.ritewhileucan.com via LOBS link up party
Kathy Penney @ Sparkles And A Stove says
Pinned it! Great ideas for our monthly date night. Thanks again for linking up at All Things Pretty.
Ruthie says
What a fabulous bunch of ideas… SO fun! Thanks so much for coming to share at Super Saturday Show & Tell… you’ve been Featured! Come on over and grab a button. Love to have you share again- http://www.whatscookingwithruthie.com Have a fabulous weekend! xoxo ~Ruthie
Cathy says
Super ideas!
I would love for you to share and link up at my weekly TGIF Link Party if you haven’t already this week. Your favorite posts, most popular, recent or new! The party is open every Thursday night and closes Wednesday’s at midnight. Followed by (Not SO) Wordless Wednesday! http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/. I would be honored if you join us! Have a wonderful week!
Hugs, Cathy
Common Marriage Issues says
I love this! Great reminder of some things we can and need to do together. God Bless You!
The Dating Divas says
Just wanted you to know that you were featured in our ULTIMATE Date Idea Round-up today! http://www.thedatingdivas.com/romantic-rendezvous/101-date-idea-round-ups-the-ultimate-date-night-list/ Thanks for sharing your date ideas! XOXO, The Dating Divas
nicole nenninger says
Great ideas! So often we can take our husbands for granted, but I love the idea of mixing it up and instead of the default mode of tv or the same ole stuff; creating date nights at home. I’ll have to try one of these ideas this weekend! Thanks for a great list!
Autumn Rennie says
Fancy dinner at home. Yes!
Seana Turner says
HI Paula! Stopping in from SITS.. love an at-home date night. My husband and I regularly pull out the Scrabble game. It is fun because it gets you talking. Now if I can just get him to put down the iPad:)
Steph says
LOVE these ideas. I may have to try the livingroom camp out. My husband doesn’t enjoy traditional camping, but I bet I can talk him into this. :D
Sheila Skillingstead says
I love board games. My last birthday was a family game day. I checked your link of favorites and only the first game is one I know. Not a bad thing–definitely a source of possible future purchases. We love Carcasonne, Ticket to Ride, Survivor Atlantis, Catan, and more. Thanks for the Post. Enjoy your SITS Day.
Stacey @ Nurse Mommy Laughs says
This is so sweet. Thanks for sharing these tips. We love sitting on the balcony and looking for shooting stars. Hubby hates it that I always win. HA!! Nice to meet you and beautiful site. Stacey
ReneeJay says
These are some great ideas and I will definitely look further into #3 on the list. My husband and I don’t have young children anymore so we go out to dinner every Friday night. I’m usually the one trying to come up with things to talk about so I would love to get some new ideas. We’re having too many repeat conversations now… Children, politics, blah, blah, blah.
vinma says
Fabulous ideas! I have never thought of most of these tips before… Now I am so keen on trying out some. Thanks for the ideas Paula! have a wonderful SITS day :)
Heather says
I love the idea of writing your love story together! So cute! :) Thanks for sharing so many great ideas.
Happysuz says
Hey Paula, Happy SITS Day! Great list. I am definitely doing the drinks on the porch thing. Maybe tonight! We love games too, we just fall into the TV trap and never play. Hmmm, maybe we’ll play games….on the porch! Thanks for the ideas, and the reminder to make time for each other!
Tiffany says
These are all really great ideas! Lawd knows trying to get a date night with 4 Kiddies at home is almost impossible…thanks so much for sharing!
Jhanis says
We do a lot of these since we are always cautious about spending money on dates but there are great ones here that we haven’t tried yet, like a fancy dinner at home. Visiting from SITS! Enjoy your day!
Kim says
Great ideas – even though our boys are older and we don’t need a sitter, it is hard to make the time to get out often – I love the idea os planning a fun night in.
Hope you had a great SITS Day!!!
Stevie says
I hope your SITS Day was wonderful, Paula! I had to laugh because I was trying to convince my husband the other day to build a fort in our living room like I used to do as kids. He thought I was a little nuts. But knowing me, I will just do it anyways. Sometimes it’s fun to just act like a kid. I love the idea of game night, we love Rummy Cube/Tile and Farkle. I need to that more often. I’m so guilty of wanting to just veg out in front of the TV after work.
Angela C says
This is just perfect :)
Rachel G says
When we were kids, my parents would frequently send us to the basement or upstairs to play for a couple hours, telling us–“Only come get us if someone is bleeding!” and they would have date nights in. You do what works!
Crystal Green says
This is a great list of suggestions. It’s definitely a great way to spice up your marriage beyond just the normal bedroom activities. I love the idea of writing your love story together. I may have to get my husband on board with that one. Thanks for these ideas.
Marsha Vargas says
I love these ideas sometimes we build a bonfire in the back yard and cuddle up with hot chocolate on a cool night. Nothing like just staring at the fire talking about silly stuff and cuddling in a blanket
Blake says
These were super terrible. Your supposed to already know your spouse. Unless your married someone without fully knowing them. Then your an idiot
Rachel says
I love these ideas! I am getting married in December and though we don’t plan to have children for a couple years, I will bookmark this to use at a future date (and maybe now too since we are buying a house so money may be a little limited for awhile!). Love the ideas! Thanks!
Luise says
Your ideas are great.But my hubby don’t like share in kitchen work or cooking:( .Others are ok :-)
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