Coming up with perfect Valentine date ideas is optimal, but not always practical – especially for busy parents. And if you have young children, you probably fantasize about being able to pee alone more than a romantic date with your spouse. Many parents mean well, yet year after year they let Valentine’s Day fall to the wayside. I get it. I’ve been there. But this year you and your spouse can still have a Valentine’s Day to remember.
All of these Valentine date ideas take less than an hour and can be done with or without kids. And most of them cost little to nothing. So now you really have no excuse to celebrate the day of love.
Drink and discuss.
If you can get away from the kids for an hour, go to your favorite place for drinks. If not, bring the drinks home. Find a quiet corner or room, put phones away, and just talk. Be intentional in what you discuss. Avoid “business” talk like schedules, work, and kids. Talk about the deep stuff.
Take a walk around the block.
This is a great option at any stage of life. Push a baby in a stroller, follow toddlers as they explore, or leave older kids home. My family loves taking walks together and it’s a great opportunity for my husband and I to connect, even if we are competing over who gets the most steps.
Check out my must-haves for a romantic date night in.
Play Mario Kart.
Are you ever too old for Mario Kart? I think not. I am one of the least likely people to play any video games at all, but Mario Kart is always a fun time. Have a friendly competition between you and your spouse. Research suggests that couples who try shared interests and hobbies are happier. Shared experiences bring novelty and help prevent complacency. If Mario Kart isn’t your thing, do a puzzle or read a book together.
Netflix and chill.
If you don’t know what the term “Netflix and chill” means, you are probably my age. I’m not even entirely sure. But I’m also not naive. If you only have an hour to spend with your sweetie, watch an episode or two of your favorite show. But don’t forget to get a little (or a lot) frisky while you watch. If kids are around, keep it PG. It’s good for them to see you and your spouse show some affection. If they’re not around, well…I have an whole blog section for that.
Dessert it up.
If you need to de-stress a little, may I recommend some emotional eating? Butter and sugar always do the trick. Whether you share that secret bag of Oreos, bake a culinary masterpiece together, or go out for some ice cream, a dessert date is always a good idea.
Don’t stress about creating the perfect, novel date. Focus instead on prioritizing your spouse and creating that spark. After all, a date you actually go on is a date that gives you a chance to connect. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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