Date Nights At-Home with the One You Love (Ideas)

Remember Date Night?

We asked Real Moms of Children with Special Needs to help us with suggestions for At-Home Date Nights.

Dinner & Movie, No problem!

Dinner and a movie after the kids go to bed. Netflix and ONDemand make this possible! Body massages might even lead to something else. ~ Jessica S.

Feed each Other

Cooking together and feeding each other can be very sensual. Think ripe peaches and strawberries dipped in chocolate for dessert. Follow with massages for both… ~ Jamie B.

Backyard Date Night Under the Stars

Set up a cozy blanket in your backyard, prepare a platter of snacks, and enjoy the peaceful night sky together. Use a stargazing app to identify constellations and turn it into a fun, educational experience.

Enjoy a Picnic

A carpet picnic with a little candlelight.~Claire D.

Virtual Double Date

Call up some friends and plan a virtual hangout with a shared theme. Whether it’s a dinner party, trivia night, or a casual chat over drinks, connecting with others can add a fun twist to your evening.

“Vacation” Surprises

I used to plan little “vacation” surprises. For example, I transformed our basement into “Hawaii” with decorations, music, a blanket picnic spread out with food and tropical drinks and met him wearing a bikini top, a lei, and a grass skirt.

We kept the baby monitor on so we could make sure baby was ok, but it gave us a nice “getaway” and didn’t cost much money or require a babysitter! That was back when I had more energy! LOL! ~ Lorinda G.

Culinary Showdown or Cooking Challenge

Turn mealtime into a fun competition by choosing a dish and seeing who can make it best. Or, team up to create a new recipe you’ve both been excited to try. Either way, you’ll enjoy a tasty meal and meaningful time together!

Get a Wii!!

As silly as this sounds, we got a Wii! OMG, my husband and I have a blast bowling and competing in games, and having a few drinks. It really feels like we are out and not just sitting around watching T.V. It is a free night without worrying about the kids!

I love it! ~ Karly C.

Pizza by Candlelight

It’s the little things that really add up…pizza by candlelight, making a favorite dessert, breaking out trivia games, and movie nights.

Leave sticky notes on mirrors or computer screens.

It’s hard finding and trusting a sitter, so we have to squeeze in our moments when our kiddos are content or after they fall asleep.~ Doris M.

DIY Indoor Mini Golf

Use household items to create a makeshift mini golf course around your home. Challenge each other with creative obstacles, keeping score as you go, and enjoy some friendly competition.

Comedy or Improv Night

Find a stand-up comedy special or an improv show online and spend the evening laughing together. If you’re feeling adventurous, take turns coming up with jokes or silly skits for each other.

Change the Mood

Steal moments wherever you can. Plan so you can make it a special evening at home…change the mood so you can transition from mom to wife.

Put some music that takes you back to the time when you where dating, make a special meal (not complicated… just meaningful or different) or get take out.

My kids have lots of sensory stuff and eat very few things.

Once they are in bed, I’ll make an exotic meal (sometimes frozen or with the help of a pre-made sauce) put some music and have a Thai or Indian dinner by candlelight.

Also, I can visit hubby at work and take him to lunch when kids are in school.

Try waking up one hour earlier (or half) and watch the sunrise together. Make it a priority and that will give you more energy and recharge your batteries! ~ Paula D.

Creative DIY Night

Pick a craft project or DIY home improvement task to tackle together. Whether it’s painting, making personalized mugs, or assembling a puzzle, working on something creative can be both relaxing and rewarding.

Cozy Puzzle Challenge

Choose a large jigsaw puzzle or a set of brain teasers and work on them while sipping your favorite drinks. It’s a calming activity that encourages conversation and teamwork.

Keep it Simple

Put the kids down with a good movie, have a sitter or get a baby camera. Have a dinner with candles outside.

Simple: your home, but not inside. ~ Rebecca G.

WORTH SHARING

Creating a support group in your local area or use the one you have to make a sitter chain.

Once a week, take turns sitting with the children.

That way, once a week people in the group could have a date night and have the peace of mind knowing their child is being kept by a friend that also has a special needs child. ~ Megan M.

Any more suggestions to add to At-Home Date Nights? Please Share

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This post originally appeared on our January/February 2011 Magazine