Date night and together time is all about your relationship with your partner and remembering why you’re on this journey together in the first place. Whether you’ve been together 2 years or 20, every couple needs a time to regroup, relax and have some fun. When you’re young, date nights happen almost every weekend and are something to look forward to. Once children are brought into the mix, date night can take on a completely different meaning and feel. Often it can be difficult to find the time, funds, childcare or motivation to make those getaways a priority and they fall by the wayside.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we’ve come up with a list of date night ideas to get your hearts thumping and give you a reason to get out of your current routine. On a budget? Don’t want to leave the house? Want to keep your kids involved? Or really want to splurge? There are options galore, not just for next weekend, but for any weekend.
No Sitter, No Problem
Some parents are very lucky to have family nearby who can watch the kids for a date night and even take them for the whole night. For those that don’t have built-in childcare, here are some other options.
Many neighborhoods around Houston have their own Facebook pages, where babysitters offer services or you can post what type of care you’re looking for. Reach out to a neighbor or friend about who they use or scour the page for recommendations. There might even be a sitters collective in your area that you’ve never heard of! Parents can trade nights of watching kiddos for neighbors or friends for FREE. This is a great option if you don’t mind welcoming someone else’s littles into your care for a night. Care.com and Sittercity.com are also great sites where you can read reviews about local sitters along with their experience, availability, rates and qualifications. This can also be a good way to go on a double date with friends- split the expense of the sitter and your kiddos get a fun playdate at the same time!
Date Night Ideas- From Splurge to Staying Home
Rent a Limo
Get dressed up with nowhere to go! You don’t have to have a destination in mind. Feel fancy for a few hours, explore your city like a tourist and pop some bubbly while you’re driven around like movie stars.
Classic Dinner & a Movie
Book your old favorite or a new joint, then hit the cinema after. Maybe indulge with some candy or wine in the theatre while you’re at it!
See a Show or Concert
Houston has a plethora of event venues currently open and offering special Valentine’s events. Try out a comedy show or go to the Symphony for something less raucous.
Book a Private Chef
This is a great way to feel pampered while staying in the luxury of your own home. Invite some friends to split the cost and have a fancy dinner party where you don’t have to lift a finger.
Daytime Yoga or Exercise Class
Find a new activity to try out together or reunite over your love for a specific workout. Some companies have lovebird specific events for Valentine’s Weekend you can take advantage of.
Hit the Spa
Get a couples massage and let your worries disappear.
Try Something New! 
Never golfed before but have always been interested? Hit up Top Golf and test out your swing. Love singing but haven’t let loose in awhile? Find a local place offering karaoke or book a room at a karaoke bar. Not really an artist but willing to try it out? Book a couples paint & sip across the city and try your hand at becoming the next Bob Ross.
Candlelit Dinner at Home with Star Chefs (Your Kids)
Want to keep your kids involved? Ask them to create a menu and act as the restaurant staff for your special night. Let them get as creative as they want! Handmade menus, decor and their special twist on your meal will warm your hearts more than any standard restaurant outing.
Play a Board Game
Keep the competition alive and pull out your favorite board games! You can play while the kids are asleep or have them participate before bedtime.
Whatever your speed, there’s a date night option for you. Don’t let the stress and mundanity of daily life put this on the back burner for much longer. You deserve to decompress and have fun!
