My husband and I have been married for almost 14 years, and we were together for over six years before that.
Even now, we make a real effort to keep that spark in our relationship. We set aside time for ourselves, without the children. Sometimes we do things we both like, and sometimes we take turns doing something one of us really enjoys.
We call this our date night. Once or twice a week, we spend the night together, usually after the kids have gone to bed. We try to arrange a night where we can sleep the next day, so we can stay up late and enjoy a few uninterrupted hours together.
The most important part is that we protect that time. What we do is not as important as being together, focusing on each other. That’s what makes our marriage work and keeps it strong.
Most of our date nights are simple and inexpensive. Over time, we have realized that it is not about spending money, but about spending time together. Sure, going out to a nice restaurant is fun once in a while, but some of our favorite nights out are the simple ones at home.
Most of our date nights happen at home, especially because we have kids. Moving out often means finding a babysitter, which adds cost and planning. Staying inside makes things easier.
Over the years, I’ve kept a list of the different dates we’ve tried. Some we repeat over and over, others we change slightly, but they all come back to the same thing.
This night helps us stay connected. Not because every idea is special, but because we consult each other and spend that time together.
Hopefully you’ll find a few ideas here that you’ll want to try too.
Movie Night at Home
We’ll make a big bowl of popcorn and watch a movie or binge watch a series together under the blanket. This is our date night because it’s so easy after a long day.
One of us handles bedtime while the other picks something to watch, makes some popcorn, and grabs a few blankets. Then we meet on the couch, sit, and just relax together for a few hours. It’s simple, but it always feels like a reset.
Go Together Tonight
On nights when the kids sleep over at friends’ houses, we take the opportunity to go on long walks together. We’ll walk around the neighborhood and sometimes head to a quiet place, just the two of us under the night sky.
Most of the time, we just talk about life, random thoughts, and whatever comes up. It’s simple, but those conversations end up meaning a lot.
Baking Something Together
Sometimes we’ll make a simple treat together like cookies, bread, or scones the next morning. We take out the ingredients, talk while we put it all together, and let it bake while we sit in the kitchen.
When it’s done, we’ll usually share a warm slice right away. It gives us time to talk, do something together, and enjoy something we did together.
Hiking and Picnic Day
If we have some time without the kids, this is our default day.
We’ll pack a light lunch in the morning, throw it in a backpack, and head to the nearest park or trail. We usually look ahead to find a good place to sit, whether it’s a bench, a table, or a quiet place where we can spread a blanket.
We take our time walking, chatting and enjoying the surroundings. When we arrive at our place, we sit down and share a meal together, then we go back slowly. It’s one of those days that feels like a full reset without costing much.
Working on a Creative Project Together
Every once in a while, we’ll spend an entire night working on something creative together. Not long ago, we sat down and drew a map of a big city for a game we play with the kids.
We went back and forth between planning roads and buildings and just talking about life. It ended up being one of our favorite nights in a long time.
We’ve done similar things before, like drawing little pictures or sketching ideas. It gives us something to focus on while still having room to talk, and those conversations are always the best part.
Free Concert in the Park
Every once in a while, there is a free concert in our city or nearby, and we like to take advantage of it.
We will pack a light picnic, take a blanket, and head out for the evening. We sit together, eat, and listen to music as the sun sets.
When the stars came out, it just felt like one of those easy, perfect nights without spending too much time.
Board Games and a Glass of Wine
Sometimes we’ll open a bottle of wine and pull out a board game. We’ll play a few rounds, talk, laugh, and just enjoy being silly together.
It’s free and easy, and somehow those simple nights end up being so much fun.
We Read Together On The Couch
We both love to read, so some nights we’ll just grab a big blanket, sit next to the couch, and each of us immerse ourselves in a book. It’s quiet, cozy, and feels like time spent together.
Every now and then we’ll stop by to share something we’re learning or enjoy your silence.
Silent Night on the Porch
Some nights we’ll sit out on the back porch with soft music playing and a bottle of wine between us.
It’s like our board game night, slow and quiet. We talk about life, random thoughts, and whatever comes up, all while enjoying the quiet and company.
Tackling a Small Project Together
Every once in a while, we’ll pick a small chore and do it together. It could be fixing something, painting a wall, or fixing one of the children’s toys.
We see you as we go, one of us leading and the other coming. It’s not fancy, but it feels good to do something each.
Doing Something Effective Together
Sometimes we will do something active, like playing a regular game of tennis. There’s a park nearby with a field, so we’ll go over and hit the ball back and forth, laughing at our bad shots more than anything else. It’s nothing serious, just a fun way to get moving and spend time together.
Many times, we will pair it with a walk afterwards, especially in the evening. It’s an easy way to get out, clear our heads, and enjoy being alone.
Visiting Open Houses for Fun
Every once in a while, we’ll dress up a bit and go check out an open house, especially if it’s a really nice home. It’s fun to walk around and see how everything is designed, even if we don’t actually buy it.
Most of the time, it turns out that we talk about our likes and dislikes, from design to small details. It ends up being an amazingly fun way to spend time together and dream a little about what we might want in a home one day.
Going Geocaching Together
Sometimes we will go geocaching, especially if the weather is good. It’s something we often do with the kids, but we enjoy it more alone. We’ll check out a few places nearby and head out to find them.
It turns into a little adventure every time. Even places we’ve seen before feel different when you’re searching for something hidden. It’s a fun way to explore, walk around, and spend time together without overthinking it.
Backfire and Marshmallows
On cool evenings, we’ll light a small fire in the backyard and roast marshmallows together. We both help put out the fire, then we pull out a few chairs and sit around, watching the flames and just slowing down a bit.
We’ll roast a few marshmallows, share them, and talk while the fire roars in the background. It’s one of those easy nights that feels really calm and simple.
Building a Blanket Fort
This may sound silly, but it’s honestly one of the most fun nights we’ve had. We’re going to take every blanket in the house and turn part of the living room into a giant blanket fort.
We stay inside with flashlights, fix stains when they start to crack, and just laugh like kids again. It’s silly, but that’s exactly what makes it so great.
Cooking a Themed Dinner Night
Every once in a while, we’ll pick a theme and cook a full dinner on it. It could be Italian, Mexican, or something we’ve never tried before. We’ll break down the activities, put on music that matches the vibe, and figure it out as we go.
It turns out to be more than just cooking. We talk, we taste, we fix things, and we laugh when something doesn’t go as planned. Then we sit down and enjoy the meal together, knowing we did it together.
Looking Through Old Photos and Memories
Some nights we’ll pull out old photos or scroll through photos on our phones. We will stay together and take trips, vacations, and random moments that we have forgotten.
It usually turns into stories, laughter, and reminiscing about things we haven’t talked about in years. It’s simple, but it brings back a lot of good feelings and reminds us of how much we’ve been through together.
Hi, I’m Ashley a freelance writer who is passionate about personal finance. From a young age, I have always been fascinated by the power of money and how it can change our lives. I have spent years learning everything I can about budgeting, saving, investing and retirement planning. So if you’re looking for tips, advice, or a little inspiration to help you on your financial journey, you’ve come to the right place. I’m always here to help, and I’m happy to share my passion for personal finance with you.
