8 Great Date Night Ideas for Busy Couples

Before we had kids, my husband and I had a weekly date night. Every Monday evening, we came up with a fun, simple plan and just enjoyed spending time together. Sometimes we tried new things, other times we went with an old favorite. Besides giving us something to look forward to on a Monday, it helped us make time for each other and prioritize our marriage.

Now several years and two kids later, we haven’t had a date night in months. It’s difficult to just have a 5-minute conversation without interruption! But we have decided to make date night a priority again, even if it is only once a month, so we’ve been thinking up some date night ideas that are viable for busy couples on a tight schedule.

8 Date Night Ideas

#1: Hit the Driving Range

My husband is a serious golfer, and I am not at all, but the driving range is something we can both enjoy. It’s a great low-pressure way to be active without a huge time commitment.

If you don’t have your own golf clubs, you can go to Topgolf, where they provide clubs in each bay. Bonus: Topgolf has tables and chairs and offers a full menu, so you can hang out and have dinner too!

#2: Picnic in a Park

Scout out a local park that offers activities you enjoy. Think about hiking, fishing, playing pickleball, bird watching, people watching, etc. Pack some sandwiches and snacks and head to your spot. That way you can enjoy what the park has to offer without getting hangry!

#3: Explore a Nearby Town

Whether you’re new in town or you’ve lived there you’re whole life, there’s probably a nearby town you haven’t explored yet. Now is the time! I like to use Apple Maps or Google Maps to search an area and see what’s there. You just might find your new favorite restaurant, shop, or park. This is especially fun if the town is walkable and you can explore on foot at your pace.

#4: Have an “Experience” Dinner

Instead of just popping into any old restaurant, try one that offers an experience. Try a Japanese steakhouse, an old school diner, a fresh seafood place, a farm-to-table restaurant, a table with an incredible view, or even a DIY restaurant like BD’s Mongolian Grill. Keep it interesting!

#5: Try Something New

I’m always amazed at how much my kids seem to grow and mature when they try something new. I think the same thing happens to us grown-ups, but we don’t always see it. Trying something new requires some amount of risk, effort, and willingness to expand your horizons. You could sign up for a lesson from an expert (e.g. tennis, golf, dance, cooking), take a kayak tour, go rock climbing, or try a ropes/aerial course. Search Google for activities in your area and pick something you’ve never tried before.

#6: Try Something You Liked as a Kid

As a kid, you probably never ran out of ideas for fun things to do. Get nostalgic and come up with a list of both of your favorite childhood activities. Pick out one (or even a few) that you could try together. I’m thinking about bowling, roller skating, bike riding, playing catch, swimming, and eating ice cream. Whatever it is, leave the pressures of adulthood behind and enjoy the moment!

#7: Stay In

Sometimes you just don’t feel like going out, but that doesn’t mean you have to cancel date night! Order food for takeout or delivery and find a movie to watch or a board game to play. Remember that it’s still a date, so put down your phone, forget about the laundry or the dishes, and have some fun.

#8: Go Out With Friends

Having a few good couple friends is important in your marriage, so go out with them from time to time! Be upfront about time and budget constraints, and choose something that everyone can enjoy and participate in. Remember that your spouse is your actual date, so stick together and build each other up in front of your friends.

Date Night Tips

Once you have a good date night idea, here are a few tips to help your plan go smoothly:

Call ahead to wherever you’re going to make sure it’s open/available/etc.
Make sure that you and your spouse are on the same page about where you’re going, what you’re doing, and when you’re leaving.
Wear clothes that make sense for where you’re going and what you’re doing.
If you need a babysitter for your kids, have that lined up ahead of time. Unfortunately, spontaneity is difficult to achieve with little ones!
If your kids are shy, have the babysitter over to meet them before date night while you’re there too. This also gives you a chance to see how they interact.
Plan ahead to have food available for your kids if you’ll be gone during meal time.

Date nights are so important for your marriage and for your own well-being. You have to prioritize this relationship to keep it strong and healthy. Go explore, talk, laugh, eat good food, and do life together!