(Due to the popularity of my post, The One Thing All Parents Should Have, about the importance of date night, I am posting this fabulous guest post that has some really great date night ideas! I personally love the idea of a blanket in the backyard stargazing... after a fabulous dinner out of course... ENJOY!)
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| FTD and I watching the sunset in OZ. Magic. |
It’s almost the end of spring. Soon, the kids will be out of
school, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to cut back on date nights with your
spouse. On the contrary, there are several simple, yet fun date night ideas to
tackle during the summer months; all you need is a babysitter and a couple
hours of free time:
Picnic & Concert
in the Park
As the days get warmer, more and more cities are opening
their seasonal, outdoor music and arts performances and festivals. Depending on
where you live, you might be able to attend weekly concerts in the park or a
food festival in your downtown district. Things to do vary from city to city,
but you and your spouse should take advantage of community events, especially if
they’re free of charge. For example, packing a picnic and going to a concert in
the park can be a fun way to spend a couple of hours on a weeknight without
getting home too late. Some cities also offer outdoor dances, so be sure to
check your city’s website for upcoming events.
Moonlight Kayaking
If you live near the ocean, a river, or a lake, then there’s
probably a kayaking company in the proximity and if you’re lucky, they might
offer moonlight kayaking. What could be more romantic than cruising along the
calm, moonlit water in a tandem kayak with your spouse? Of course, if you don’t
own your own kayaks, then this is probably the most expensive date night option
on this list. No worries, however: daily deals sites like Groupon and couponing
websites like SumoCoupon routinely
offer discounts on local water sports (including kayaking) so be sure to keep
your eyes out for limited-time deals.
County Fair
Who said the fair is just for kids? Sure, bringing the kids
during the day can be a blast for the whole family, but if you want to go on a
date with just your husband or wife, then a night at the fair might be what
you’re looking for. County fairs usually offer musical performances in the
evenings – oftentimes “older” music that your Bieber or One Direction-loving
kids might not care for – and you can partake in the rides and food and other
fair activities while someone else watches your kids at home because tonight,
it’s all about you two.
Drive-In Movie
Think drive-in movie theaters aren’t around anymore? Think
again. Drive-ins.com lists thousands of
drive-in theaters around the country and there might be one near you. It may be
too hot to going out during the day, but as the cooler evening comes around,
pack up some popcorn and adult beverages of your choice and watch a movie with
your spouse from the comfort of your own car.
Stargazing
For parents who can’t find a babysitter or don’t want to
stray too far from home, stargazing from your own balcony or backyard can be a
fascinating – and romantic – way to spend the evening. This date night requires
telescope, or at the very minimum, an app to tell you which stars are where. If
you live in a metro area with heavy light pollution from the city, then this
might not work, but otherwise, stargazing – along with desserts and decaf
coffee – can be a great way to not only relax after a busy day, but also take
in the wonders of the Milky Way Galaxy with your spouse.
What is your favorite date night?
