Looking for a romantic, fun and relaxing date night idea? Are your kids sleeping near by in another room, and you and your significant other don’t know what to do?
Here are 15 simple, romantic and mellow date night ideas, because we can’t be having a full on concert in the living room when the kids are asleep.
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1. Make Cocktails
Or mocktails. Get a fun cocktail book, buy a simple cocktail shaker set, and get creative! You can surprise each other by creating a drink you think your partner would enjoy, or choose a set of drinks to try and make together. Garnish for fun, and bring those drinks along for the next activity.
2. Make A Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards are super popular right now. My husband and I call them “grown-up-ables”, because it’s basically a Lunchable for adults. Try something new, or buy your favorite cheeses, crackers, meats, dried fruit, veggies, and sauces. Throw all those ingredients on a charcuterie board, a cutting board, or a plate (it doesn’t matter how fancy it looks) and enjoy!
3. Cook (or order in) a Meal
Maybe you want to indulge in your favorite home cooked meal, maybe you want something delicious you usually don’t buy, or maybe you want to order from your favorite restaurant because the last time you ate there was before baby was born. Whatever the case, eat what make you and your partner happy.
Husband, if you’re reading this I would like to make homemade sushi. Please and thank you!
Don’t forget to make it romantic. Dim those lights, add a lot of tea light candles (creates romantic ambiance without any scent), clean off that cluttered dining room table that has everything but dining items on it, and enjoy a meal together.
4. Play Classic Board Games
Chess. Checkers. Battle ship. Candyland. Guess Who. Uno. The list goes on. What was a game you played when you were young that you obsessed over? Maybe your partner has never heard of cribbage, and now you can spend time with each other and learn a new game. Choose a game that isn’t too intense, sorry Axis and Allies, and play for a couple of rounds.
5. Puzzle
I love puzzles, my husband… eh not so much. But a romantic date night idea could be to choose a puzzle that you both enjoy looking at (our go-to is Yosemite National Park Puzzles). Make the puzzle, then glue it together. Not only did you spend time together drinking those cocktails and creating a pretty picture, you can hang the puzzle up somewhere in your home once the glue has dried. We have our favorite puzzles hanging up in a hallway and I love looking at them and the memories we shared making them.
6. Escape Room or Murder Mystery Game
So maybe you want something a little more fast paced. Have you heard of escape room games? Or murder mystery games? A fun experience without having to actually go to one of those buildings where you get to run through an escape room. Pick and choose a theme, and work together to escape the room or solve the mystery.
7. Painting
Want to have a Bob Ross moment in your home? Head over to your closest arts and craft store and buy some blank canvases, a set of paints and paint brushes, YouTube any tutorial painting videos and enjoy the process. The best part is you can pause when you need to and not have to be in an actual class room setting. It doesn’t matter what the painting looks like, and maybe you and your partner will have a good laugh about your lack of artistic skills.
8. Adult Coloring Books
Even less expensive is buying an adult coloring book. Maybe you already have markers, crayons and coloring pencils from your kids, and all you need is a fun book to color in. Remember, it’s not about what you create or how perfect it looks, it’s about spending quality time with your partner.
9. Spa Night
When was the last time you pampered yourself? When was the last time you gave your partner a massage? Maybe it’s been a minute, so now is your chance to treat yourself. Take a bath together, splurge on lavender and chamomile bath smelly goods, light some candles, play some gentle music, and sit back and relax. Is the bath too small or just isn’t your cup of tea? You can still massage each other and wear restorative face masks. Or even have a little pedicure foot spa, ahh that sounds lovely.
10. Travel the World!
But wait, how can I travel the world when I’m looking for ways to have a date night at home? By virtual reality! My husband and I have this VR headset that honestly blows my mind every time I use it. There are hundreds of places to travel to virtually, so choose a destination and arrive there in seconds. Maybe you and your partner can travel to a place on your bucket list you want to visit, with or without the kids.
Don’t have a VR headset? That’s okay, you can still find fun videos about destinations around the world, and day dream to your heart’s content.
11. Video Games
Do you have an old video game console stored away because you felt like you never had time to play on it? It’s time to dust it off and see what games you have laying around! Any two player game is sure to entertain you and your partner for the night, and bring back childhood (or young adult) memories of the freedom to play video games anytime during the day.
Gave away all your video consoles and games? You could always download fun multiplayer games on your phone or laptop. The possibilities are endless!
12. Movie Night
Simple. Easy. Isn’t that what we do every night? Sure, but let’s spice things up a bit. Go ahead and rent that movie that you’ve been telling yourself you’ll just wait until it becomes free on Amazon Prime. Phone down and put away, pop that popcorn and cuddle up with a big blanket. Spending quality time doesn’t have to be starting into each other’s eyes all night long, but being present when watching a movie goes a long way.
13. Binge A TV Show
No movie interests you? Binge that tv show you both love, then! Same rules as watching a movie: phones off, cuddle up, and light those candles.
14. Projector In The Backyard
Want to go the extra mile? Put up a projector in your backyard and go glamping (aka glamorous camping). Watch a movie or show, drink those cocktails you made earlier, bring the charcuterie board out and enjoy.
15. Stargazing
Last but not least, go stargazing. Hang outside with your loved one, listen to the night sounds, and enjoy each other’s company. You don’t have to buy anything, just bring out some blankets, food and drinks, and hang out.
Hopefully these 15 simple, romantic and mellow date night ideas help you decide what you want to do!
Remember, no matter what you decide for a date night, know that you love your life partner and the main goal is to spend quality time together. No amount of games, shows, or massages can replace a “I’m so thankful you are in my life, I love you” moment.
Which date night idea would you pick? Comment below!