One of the hardest things to do after children is keeping that spark alive between husband and wife.  We sometimes get so wrapped up in raising the kids, worrying about money, stressing about making sure everything is just right, that we forget to kindle the spark that brought us together in the first place.  I have a few friends that swear date night with their husbands brings them closer.

Being the frugal one of the group, I always ask them how they can afford to pay a sitter and go out and “do” something.  Some of course have the luxury of having family in the area able to care for the children and others have swapped babysitting with another couple so both can enjoy a date night. Others just save a little each week in order to pay the sitter.  What I also found out is that what they might go out and “do” doesn’t cost any money!  Those that send their children out of the house may just have a quiet dinner at home and cuddle while watching a movie.  Others go grocery shopping.  The date night ideas vary and some do not cost a penny.

So I was intrigued.  My husband and I have been married for 14 years and have two children under the age of 10.  We are both scout leaders and work full time.  Was it worth the energy to plan a date night?  Do dates nights really help bring back the spark that was there before we had children?  I decided it was worth a try so I started doing my research to come up with viable ideas that my husband would also enjoy.  These are the ideas I have come up with.

Date night at home ideas:

• Plan and make a delicious meal that both parents love, preferably one that the children dislike so it is extra special.
• Movie Night – rent a movie that both will enjoy, have movie theatre popcorn available and cuddle on the couch while enjoying the movie.
• Adult game night – play games the kids can’t play yet.
• Take a bubble bath with your significant other.
• Give each other a massage.

Inexpensive Date “night” ideas:

• Take a hike on your favorite mountain together.
• Go out to breakfast – just the two of you!
• Go Sledding or Skating together
• Head to the local bowling alley or arcade – relive your younger days!
• Go on a picnic together and enjoy each other’s company.
• Go to a wine tasting (or beer tasting).
• Go “house shopping” even if you are not in the market, this can be quite fun and free!
• Go out dancing.
• Watch the sun rise or set from a beautiful location

Other Date “night” ideas:

• Visit your favorite museum or zoo and take the time to look at the exhibits, hold hands with your sweetheart and listen to each other.
• Have a favorite band?  Attend a concert and sing out loud to one another.
• Take an art class together or a dance class.
• Sports fans?  Head out to a local sporting event and enjoy the hot dogs, hot peanuts and fun loving crowd.
• Head off to the casino and see how lucky you are.
• Have a couple’s massage.
• Go out to dinner and pick a restaurant that you wouldn’t take the kids to.

These are just some ideas I came up with.  My husband and I tried date night and found out that they are quite refreshing.  Since trying a few of these, we have figured out that some can be done after the kids are in bed, and some of our friends have traded babysitting services with us so we have not had to pay too much extra to enjoy each other’s company.  I must say that my husband and I will continue date nights, we get 2 or 3 in a month, and each one helps us reconnect with each other as lovers, which was what we were before we were parents.  So, what I have learned is that date night does bring husband and wife closer together, and that they can be done very frugally too.