In the past several weeks, there have been a lot of events, venues and restaurants closed to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Date nights, outside of the home, for the unforeseen future have been cancelled. If you’re like me, you’re now scrambling to try and figure out how you’re supposed to continue ‘dating’ your spouse when you’re literally quarantined to your home while trying to avoid COVID-19. If you have kids, that adds in a whole other dimension since sending our kids off to relatives or bringing a babysitter into your home is also out of the question, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find creative ways to date your spouse.
So, here is a list of 10 at home date night ideas to help the date nights continue while being quarantined together.
Order a Date Night Subscription Box
There are literally dozens to chose from. If you’re into solving crime, there is one one called Hunt a Killer through Amazon where you put on your detective cap and work together solve a crime. There is a craft cocktail subscription box, a book lovers subscription box, a game subscription box and more. I’m sure there is a subscription box for everyone including the kiddos. Order them one to keep them entertain so you and your spouse are able to work on your box without interruption, or at least minimal disruption.
Have a Nerf Gun Fight
This is one to do once the kids go to bed. I only throw that disclaimer out because I have two boys and they will get in on that all day long, so once the kids go to bed, hijack their nerf guns and a have a nerf gun fight with your spouse. There will be lots of laughs and it’ll bring back the childish (and adult) competitive nature in you both.
Whip out the Board Games
Take turns playing some of your favorite board games. Take turns alternating every couple of nights and focus on the games that are designed for two people. You might have forgotten which games you really enjoyed playing when you were younger or you might fall in love with a game you might not have loved before.
Recreate your Favorite Restaurant Meal
Since restaurants are closed, try your hand at recreating your favorite meals. Start with the appetizers, then go to the main course and then attempt the dessert. Don’t forget the drinks. Work together, get creative and have some fun with it. Rate how your creation holds up to standard of the restaurant version.
Build a Puzzle Together
Spend some time putting together a puzzle or two. Puzzles can be challenging and relaxing all at the same time, and it can be a perfect way to unwind together. It allows you time to chat and work together on a a beautiful design.
Plan a Double Feature Movie Night
Since most of us are working from home, it’s ok to stay up a little later than normal, so plan a double feature movie night. Grab a movie from each of your favorite genres or grab two movies from the same series like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jumanji: The Next Level, some of our recent favorites. Hello Dwayne Johnson!
Make Some S’mores and Stargaze
Once the kids are in bed, sneak out to the backyard and indulge in some s’mores. Relax together and enjoy the simplicity of the cool night air and stargaze. Grab a favorite beverage and just enjoy each others company.
Build a Blanket Fort and Have a Picnic
Grab the biggest blanket (or several blankets) and built the biggest fort you can. You can include the entire family for this and you can pack a picnic and eat together in your fort. I know, personally, my kids love to build blanket forts, so they’ll love to be included on this, but once bedtime rolls around, use this fort for you and your spouse. Grab some milk and Oreos and pile into that blanket fort and chat about lighthearted things.
Have a Paint and Wine Date
Snag some canvas and some wine (or another favorite drink choice) and paint something. If you’ve ever done a paint and wine night, you know that it can make for an entertaining and messy time. You can decide to paint the same thing or freestyle it, but it make be a fun and relaxing way to connect.
Go on a Long Walk
Sometimes just going for a long walk and getting some fresh air is just what’s needed to relax and reset. You can include the kids on this walk and chat about all of the things. If you live near woods, go on a nature walk and go exploring together as a family. Once the kids go to bed, it might be a bit harder to got for a walk (without the fear of CPS being called) but going for a stroll in the front yard is fine.
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Whatever our world looks like for the next several weeks or months, we need to not lose focus on date nights. Find a way to date your spouse, even while being forced to stay home. Try to see the positive of quarantine life and we pray that you and your family remain happy and healthy during this crazy time. Try to remain positive during this situation, and I hope these at home date night ideas help you out! Stay safe and healthy friends!