Written By: Lisa Rowell – Family First
With our girls tucked in bed, my husband and I divided and conquered the house. I headed to the kitchen to scrub spaghetti sauce off the walls and load the dishwasher. He went to tear down the pillow fort in the den and scoop up toys (or so I thought). In reality, he enlarged the fort, added some twinkle lights, and set up a movie. This simple, creative gesture became one of my favorite date nights.

Finding time for romance while juggling the responsibilities of parenting can feel like one more thing on your never-ending to-do list. But with a bit of creativity, date nights can be something you both look forward to rather than something you stress over. Let these 8 out-of-the-box date ideas spark your imagination (and the romance!) so you reconnect with your husband, even amid the chaos of parenthood.
1. Be a kid again.
Who says children get to have all the fun at those popular birthday party locations? Those spots can also be ideal places for out-of-the-box date ideas. So leave the kids with a babysitter and head to an indoor trampoline park or rock climbing facility. Get behind the wheel for some go-kart racing or strap wheels on your feet at the roller rink. Prefer sweater weather? Go for some ice skating instead. And, hey, try slipping the DJ $5 to play your song for a “couple’s skate,” just like back in the day.
2. Be a tourist in your hometown.
Go on a self-guided walking tour or drive to that cute little lunch spot you’ve always wanted to try without the kids. Take a photo or two in front of that one mural making the rounds on social media. Discover a few hidden gems and rediscover how fun dating each other is.
3. Be a keeper of memories.
Speaking of your hometown, make a list of 10 locations that are part of your love story. Then, on your date, take your husband on a trip down memory lane by going there. At each spot, share favorite memories that took place there. For example, stop by the hospital where your child was born. Pick up a latte where you used to go every Saturday before kids. Get pizza from the first restaurant you ate at when you moved into your home. Or, if you need a date night in, take photos of each location beforehand and go on a virtual trip!
4. Be adventurous.
Load a backpack with water and snacks and head out on the trails at a near-to-you state park. Hike to that waterfall or rock formation you’ve only seen on Instagram. Give ziplining a shot. Rent bikes (or a tandem one!) and pedal around a local park. Or, try paddleboarding, canoeing, or tubing down a river. Or, gulp, try an out-of-the-plane date idea by going skydiving.
5. Be creative.
Think beyond the classic paint and sip. Consider taking a pottery class where you model your love story after the classic rom-com Ghost. Try a splatter painting session or attempt the “paint your spouse” challenge for a more abstract approach. You each get a canvas, acrylic paint, and brushes. Then you see who can paint the best portrait of the other. Wait until you’re both finished before revealing your masterpieces. Even if art might not be your thing (or your husband’s), it can be a fun way for you to step out of your comfort zones together and create a new memory.

6. Be moving.
Take a dance class or try out a new-to-you workout routine. Pilates, rowing, spinning, and yoga can offer out-of-the-box date ideas and support your health (and couples!) goals. Book a couples session with a personal trainer or kick up some romance in a karate class. Or see if anywhere local offers a night of line dancing. You don’t need to love country music to love kickin’ it with your husband.
7. Be proactive.
It’s a myth that only couples in distress go to counseling. The truth is many long-term and happy couples book a yearly session with a counselor for a relationship tune-up. So, consider scheduling a date to check in with one another and let an impartial professional guide the conversation. Or prepare some questions as conversation starters to get talking on your date night with your husband.
8. Be constructive.
Put in the work to build a happy marriage and one of those DIY projects you’ve been talking about forever. Tackling wallpaper in your dining room or constructing that mudroom closet for the kids’ stuff will take stellar communication, extra doses of grace and patience, and (ideally) some lighthearted humor. Throw in a pizza and a playlist with “working” songs like Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” and you’ll have the makings of a perfect date! Plus, you’ll both enjoy the tangible results of the finished project.
What are some of your best out-of-the-box date ideas?