Date night ideas that don't break the bank
This page contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small amount of money if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our articles and reviews are written independently by the Netmums editorial team.
Date night ideas that don't break the bank
Making and enjoying time together
Once you become parents finding the space and energy for spending time together as couple can be tricky. And once you add in the cost of a babysitter nights out can be pretty expensive too. But it's still important to make time to be together as a couple so we've put together ten ideas for date nights that don't break the budget.
Snuggled in front of the telly
Once the kids are tucked up in bed spend the evening together. Open a bottle of wine and snuggle on the sofa in front of a good film. Make a few special evenings where you get any jobs out of the way so you can relax and enjoy spending time together.
A table for two (at home)
Every so often feed the kids first and then once they are tucked up in bed cook a nice meal for the two of you to share. If you set the table with candles and nice crockery and sit down together it is surprising how much it can feel like a 'date'. Find some lovely recipes to cook here
Nights spent with friends
Some of the best fun nights out are spent round at your friends' houses. It's easier as only one of you has to get a babysitter and you can all enjoy sharing a bottle of wine, a takeaway, playing board games or just chatting together. If you have friends who live nearby you don't even have to add in the expense of paying a taxi.
Play together, stay together
Why not have a night where you play games. It can be so much fun and as you're not leaving the house this kind of 'date night' doesn't have to cost a penny. Get out a pack of cards and try to beat your partner at gin rummy or blackjack. Or dig out some board games and play together.
Let's go to the movies
A night out at the cinema is a cheap option. Choose a film you both want to see and take time to stop for a drink afterwards to discuss the movie. If it's easier to find an afternoon babysitter, then matinees are often even cheaper and there's something magical about emerging from a dark cinema into bright sunlight - find local cinema listings here
Enjoy a romantic stroll
Find time to head out on a walk together. You don't have to trek miles. Even a short stroll holding hands in the sunshine is a lovely way to be together. And - of course - fresh air doesn't cost a penny! Find local places to walk here
Meet for coffee or lunch
If it's too hard to find babysitters, or you're simply just too tired in the evenings, then try to make times in the daytime to meet for lunch or for a coffee. Meet your partner during a work lunch hour and grab a cuppa in a nearby cafe. Or take sandwiches and eat them in the park. Find local cafes here
Do something a bit different
Get the bikes out of the shed and head out on a bike ride. Or go to your local ice rink and have a twirl. Or perhaps try an indoor climbing centre or hire canoes. It's really nice to try different activities together and shake things up a bit if you're in danger of getting in a rut. It's great fun, too!
Bathtime bliss
When the kids are tucked up in bed, share a bath together. Add plenty of bubbles, light some scented candles and you could even take a glass of wine into the bathroom, too. It's a really lovely way to spend some time together. Why not make it part of your weekly routine?
A lazy afternoon
Remember that dates don't always have to take place in the evening. Ask granny/a friend/a babysitter to mind the kids for an hour or two and enjoy a lazy afternoon together. Perhaps you can browse the shops, share a picnic, or just take a rug and camp out on the grass in the park and watch the world go by.
Go on a scavenger hunt
Make personalised scavenger hunts for each other. Have it go around the city or town you live in, or maybe where you first met and fill it with clues based on your history together.
Go to your local pub
Evenings out don't need to be expensive. Go to your local pub, have a game of pool or darts together and have a bit of friendly competition. Or go to a pub that's holding a quiz night – you could even win a prize!
Go dancing
It doesn't matter if neither of you have any rhythm and your dance moves are a little questionable, no one will be looking at you - and it's a laugh. Go to a bar or a club and hit the dance floor.
Create a DIY bar at home
Have fun making your own cocktails together. Stock up on all the essentials, Vermouth, syrups, a cocktail shaker and have a go creating your own signature drinks.
Cook up a storm
Instead of going out to a fancy restaurant, cook something special together. Then sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Read the same book
Sort of like your own book club, spend quiet time sat together reading, then discuss the book afterwards.
Make a photo album
If you have photos lying around, spend an evening together sorting through them and putting them into albums. This is sure to take you both down memory lane, revisiting all the wonderful times you've had together.
Go back to the start
Travel back to the place you first met or had your first date and remind yourselves how you came to be!
More ways to keep the romance alive
How often do you have a date night with your partner? Let us know in the Netmums forum:
