Have you ever had a “Bob Ross” painting night with your partner?

We get it, staying home for date night isn’t quite the same as calling a sitter and leaving the house. But just because you aren’t able to paint the town red doesn’t mean you can’t have a meaningful connection right at home. Whether you’re feeling competitive or creative, bookish or culinary, we’ve rounded up a list of at-home date night ideas that’ll inspire conversation, camaraderie, and maybe even a dance party or two. 

Have a Game Night

Probably one of the easiest at-home date night ideas to pull off, bust out an old favorite (because before Words With Friends, there was Scrabble) or raid the playroom and find out what all the fuss over Mouse Trap and Hungry Hungry Hippo is about. But don’t have too much fun—the kids are sleeping!

Have a Fancy Drink Challenge

Bring out your inner mixologist and crowd the kitchen counter with mixed drink ingredients. Challenge one another to see who can make the most creatively delicious martini. If you’re not feeling experimental, order some wine delivery and set up your tasting flight. Discuss your favorites and round it out with some cheese or chocolate pairings. 

Make a Bucket List

With a sheet of paper, a pen, and zero restraint, let yourselves dream big about your personal, couple, and family goals. Where do you want to go? What do you want to do or experience? Fill out the page and worry about reality later.

Organize a Bob Ross Painting Night

A quick search for “Bob Ross painting” on YouTube will land you classic episodes like “Secluded Bridge,” “Island in the Wilderness,” or “Lonely Retreat.” Set the scene at home with easels (or your dining room table), big sheets of watercolor paper (or those 8.5x11s from your printer), and all the paint and brushes you can find. Paint happy little trees in the comfortable quiet of one another, and frame the results (or stick them on the fridge). 

Set Up for a Dance Party

If your kiddos haven’t taken to ’80s pop as fervently as you’d like, stick a towel under their door, crank up the speakers, and pretend you’re at your cousin’s wedding with that amazing DJ who coaxed the Running Man and the Sprinkler out of your partner. If you’re in the mood, dress the part and put on your wedding guest finery—but leave your heels in the closet.

Related: The Best Date Night Movies Coming to Theaters in 2023

Plan a Cooking Class for Two

a couple enjoying a cooking lesson, which is a great at home date night idea.
iStock

 

Find a recipe on your favorite cooking blog that you’ve both been meaning to try, or do some sleuthing and attempt to replicate that dish from your favorite dinner spot. Used to eating a full meal with your kiddos before the sun even goes down? Aim for dessert instead, and try something that uses a fun tool (you know you want to caramelize something with a blowtorch) or a new-to-you ingredient.

Play 20 Questions

A quick Google search will lead you to lists upon lists of “questions for couples.” If you plan, you can also find decks of conversation-starter cards on Amazon or your favorite bookstore. Discover unexpected commonalities or differences, gain some new perspective on your spouse’s childhood, or imagine what you’d do if you both quit your jobs. We guarantee the dialogue won’t be dull.

Bookstore at Home

Plan by purchasing a decent stack of magazines and taking out those coffee table books you only bought for the covers. With matching mugs of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea and your favorite coffee shop tunes, you can recreate those “bookstore perusing” dates that aren’t the easiest with tykes in tow.

Scrapbook Assembly Line

This at-home date night idea also calls for advance notice: print out all your favorite photos from your last anniversary trip or that big family summer vacation or take a stroll down memory lane with images from your dating years. Make it as elaborate or simple as you want with photo mounting squares, patterned paper, captions, or themed stickers, and enjoy each other’s company as you relive your adventures and admit that cutting and gluing aren’t just for preschool.

Related: 16 Date Night Ideas for Busy Parents (Some Are Free!)

Organize a Zoom Double Date

couple having an at-home date night on zoom
iStock

 

Chances are, you two have friends who are in the same boat. The good news? You don’t have to suffer alone! Schedule a Zoom or Facetime double date, setting a time for some shared screen time to commiserate and laugh together over the season you’re currently living in. Each couple can prepare their meals at home, uncork a bottle of their favorite, and share an hour or two in conversation. Of course, it’s not as great as seeing your friends in person, but it’s the next best thing.

Have an Indoor or Outdoor Picnic

If the thought of turning on the oven is way too daunting, just open the cheese drawer and the pantry, and spread out a cozy blanket. You can quickly turn your living room into a prime picnic spot with a stellar appetizer spread (some good chocolate also wouldn’t hurt), a few pillows and those champagne flutes you swore you’d use more often.

Order a Date in a Box

If these at-home date night ideas aren’t what you’re looking for, order something unique! There are several “date in a box” subscription products on the market right now, including DateBox, a curated box of goodies that provides a unique date experience right in the comfort of your home. Packed neatly in a box that ships right to your door, Datebox is the ideal way to try new date ideas without ever leaving the house (which is perfect when your little ones are sleeping and you can’t go anywhere). An example DateBox might include an “indoor camping adventure,” complete with a s’mores kit, a pour-your-own-pine-scented candle-making set, a deck of cards with game suggestions, and even a playlist suited for romance in the great outdoors.

Pick a New TV Show to Watch

When all else fails, pick a new must-watch TV show to turn on after the kids go to bed. After all, there’s only so much Bluey you can watch without needing a break.

Related: I Quit Drinking and Now Date Night Looks Different

Axe-throwing and blindfolded sculpting are definitely going on our list

NYC is full of fun family-friendly activities to involve the kids in. But sometimes, you just want to leave the kids with the babysitter and head out there for a solo parents night out. Why stick to the same-old dinner and a drink when you live in the insanely unique New York City? Whether you’re adrenaline junkies or crafty creatives, you’ll find a fitting parents-only date night idea for you below!

Active and Sporty Date Ideas for Parents

Aim for Bullseye at Gotham Archery

Whether you’re a LARPing archer or have never even seen a bow in real life, Gotham Archery will get you up to speed. Take an introductory course to get hands-on with the sport and learn everything you need to know to shoot an arrow straight at bullseye! Enthusiastic and well-informed teachers lead classes through proper stance, the basic rules of the lanes (such as “hey, don’t shoot when someone’s in front of you!”), and the difference between a compound and recurve bow (both of which are available to try). If you like the experience, following the intro class you can reserve lanes any time and turn this into a recurring date night.

In Brooklyn:
480 Baltic St.
Boerum Hill

In Manhattan:
73 Allen St. 2nd Fl.
Lower East Side

Online: got-archery.com

Blow Off Some Steam with Axe Throwing

Drinking and axe-throwing might sound like they don’t mix, but the axe-throwing bars of NYC would beg to differ. Spaces are open to everyone from beginners through to axe-throwing pros, thanks to the guidance of on-location “axeperts.” These guides, available at any location you chose, will help set you up with the basics of throwing and safety, then stick around to answer questions and make sure everything’s running smoothly.

Live Axe
96 Lafayette St.
Little Italy
Online: liveaxe.com

Kick Axe Throwing
622 Degraw St.
Park Slope
Online: kickaxe.com

Bury the Hatchet
25 Noble St.
Greenpoint
Online: burythehatchet.com

Go Swing Dancing at Swing 46

Travel back in time to the heyday of swing music at Swing 46, an NYC swing dancing hotspot. Dust off your dancing shoes and hit the floor to rock-step in time with live band performances. Never swung before? No problem! Many live sets are preceded by a half-hour intro to the basic steps.

Love the swing dance scene? Check out upcoming performances and events from Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra (including the annual Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island). Or, head to this updated listing of all the swing dancing events happening soon.

349 W 46th St.
Hell’s Kitchen
Online: swing46.nyc

Do Yoga… Naked! at Bold Naked

Embrace your bodies together by taking part in a naked yoga class. Classes are led by Joschi and Monika, who offer a welcoming environment whether you’re looking for private couple classes or a full session with other people. There’s also the option to book a tantric massage for two, to really find your inner zen. Leave your worries—and clothes—at the door and embrace this moment to get back in touch with your own bodies and each other, away from the everyday stresses of parenting!

West 52nd St.
Theater District
Online: boldnaked.com

Scale the Side of a Skyscraper at Edge

NYC’s Edge overlook offers one of the most stunning views of NYC, from an insane 100 stories up. Being up on this glass-floored, open-air observation deck can be a transformative experience. But for real thrill-seekers, you can get even more intense. City Climb hooks you up in safety harnesses and lets you scale the 45-degree angle side of the edge and look out at the city without any of that pesky glass in the way. This one’s not for the faint of heart!

30 Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards
Online: edgenyc.com

Climb to New Heights with Indoor Rock Climbing

If climbing up the side of an NYC skyscraper is a bit too much of an adventure for you, start smaller with indoor rock climbing and bouldering. There are a number of places in NYC where you can ascend to new heights together—literally. If you’ve never done this before, you can take an intro to climbing course that’ll set you up with the basics, then let you roam free in the facilities and practice what you learned. Both The Cliffs and Brooklyn Boulders also host a variety of other events like climbing parties and yoga classes, and full gym facilities so you can get a complete workout together.

Don’t miss the sauna at The Cliffs in Gowanus and the ping-pong table at Brooklyn Boulders! You can even book the kids into a youth group and go off to climb around on your own, knowing that the little ones are in good hands with experienced and friendly instructors.

The Cliffs LIC
11-11 44th Dr.
Long Island City
Online: lic.thecliffsclimbing.com

The Cliffs Gowanus
242 Butler St.
Gowanus
Online: gowanus.thecliffsclimbing.com

The Cliffs Harlem
256 W 125th St.
Harlem
Online: harlem.thecliffsclimbing.com

Brooklyn Boulders
23-10 41st Ave.
Queensbridge
Online: brooklynboulders.com

Skydive Indoors at iFly

Lift off into the sky and try out skydiving without ever having to step outside. The iFly experience suspends you in the air with powerful wind tunnels. Trained and experienced instructors will help set you up your first time and learn how to maintain control in the space. After that, you can keep coming back for more high-flying fun and even learn to turn and do tricks as you become more advanced!

849 Ridge Hill Blvd.
Yonkers
Online: iflyworld.com

Unleash Your Inner Child at Adventure Park in Area 53

Who says arcades are only for kids? The folks behind Adventure Park at Area 53 know that sometimes, adults want to climb, bounce, and play, too! That’s why every Tuesday and Thursday, the space opens its doors to adults over 18 only, with a live DJ and free, unlimited access to the roller skating rink. You also get to play around with everything Adventure Park has to offer, including ziplining, rock climbing, a ninja course, and much more.

53 Bridge St.
Dumbo
Online: area53nyc.com

Date Night Ideas for Parents to Get Artsy and Crafty

Drink and Munch as You Make Art at Paint n Pour

Some paint and sip places are BYOB, but Paint n Pour believes that no one should have to make art while thirsty… or hungry! The special painting experience has a cocktail menu themed around famous historic artists, as well as a menu of appetizers and finger food. Keep an eye out for special couples nights where the art you make separately comes together into a complete diptych!

in LES:
53 Delancey St.
Lower East Side

in Harlem:
2080 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
Harlem

Online: paintnpournyc.com

Sculpt Blindfolded at Unarthodox

Want to try sculpting with a twist? Get unorthodox at Unarthodox with their Sculpting Without Sight program. This art class with a twist turns sculpting into a multisensory experience through the use of a blindfold, soft music, scintillating scents, and the tactile act of forming art from a clay bust. This option is perfect for couples who are looking for an introduction to being artistic since it allows you to unleash your creativity without worrying about your sculpture not looking “good.”

Unarthodox has other immersive art experiences that would make equally exciting date nights, including an immersive Picasso painting night, fun group improv sessions, multisensory painting experiences, and many other ways to get creative as you engage your senses.

547 West 27th St., Suite 300
Chelsea
Online: unarthodox.com

Get Cooking at Taste Buds Kitchen

Cooking is something we just have to do, whether we want to or not. (Unless you order out every day, in which case, the following still applies!) But that doesn’t mean that cooking can’t be enjoyable. Rediscover (or discover) the joy of cooking together as a team at Taste Buds Kitchen’s cooking classes. You can join in on a group class (it’s BYOB, so you can sip along as you craft a delicious meal), or book a private lesson for a more intimate environment. Taste Buds Kitchen also regularly hosts children’s classes, so you can always come back with the rest of the fam if you enjoy the experience.

109 West 27th St.
Midtown
Online: tastebudskitchen.com

Find Peace in Zen Weaving at Loop of the Loom

Parents who are looking for a way to wind down and relax while learning a new skill will find both at Loop of the Loom. The space has group and private classes in the art of SAORI, a textile weaving experience that’s rooted in the idea of zen and mindfulness. Loop of the Loom also teaches felting and other arts, and has project-based classes if you want to walk away from the experience with a finished scarf or hat. (And they have kid classes, too!)

For those days when you want to go on a date but just can’t get away from the kids, this textile space offers private virtual lessons and rental looms so you can follow along from home.

in UES:
227 East 87th St.
Upper East Side

in Dumbo:
197 Plymouth St.
Dumbo

Online: loopoftheloom.com

Escape into Virtual Reality with Escape Virtuality

Escape rooms are a fantastic group activity to complete with friends. But if you’re looking for a two-people-only experience, you’re more likely to find a good match at Escape Virtuality. Along with traditional physical escape rooms, there are virtual reality experiences here that are designed specifically for two people to complete. Work together to escape from a temple, complete a set of experiments, and experience virtual environments beyond anything the physical world can offer. VR experiences rotate regularly, so check back to see what’s on offer for a couple’s night out.

130 West 29th St.
Midtown
Online: escapevirtuality.com

Performances with a Twist for Parent Date Nights

Sleep No More at the McKittrick

Sleep No More isn’t the kind of performance that you sit back and watch passively. In this unique interactive performance, the show happens all around you. The show retells Shakespeare’s Macbeth as a film noir immersive story, told through the environment, surrounding actors, and your (silent, masked) interactions with both. You might be entering the McKittrick Hotel, but the moment you step in you’re transported to a 1930s bar, full of references to film noir classics and Hitchcock movies.

530 West 27th St.
Chelsea
Online: mckittrickhotel.com

Watch an Intimate Performance with Candlelight Concerts

The Candlelight Concerts, as the name suggests, is a series of live performances held in the glow of candlelight. These feature everything from an orchestral tribute to Ed Sheeran and Radiohead to Vivaldi and Hanz Zimmer. Venues also vary, with concerts being held at various NYC locations like hotels, opera houses, and churches.

Various locations
Online: feverup.com

Spiral into Shenanigans with Drunk Shakespeare

Drunk Shakespeare is an intimate, classic performance of one of Shakespeare’s plays with a hilarious twist: One actor gets progressively more intoxicated throughout the night. This actor has the right to pause the action and call out a new rule, with shenanigans getting sillier and more amusing throughout the night. (The cast of Hamlet must act as Teletubbies? Yes, why not!) Visitors are encouraged to enjoy their own drinks as the actors move all around the seating space, acting around the audience and sometimes involving them in the action. Note that in order to get full enjoyment from this experience, it definitely helps to know the Bard’s work (which play is performed is a surprise!).

11 Hanover Square, inside Selene Restaurant
Financial District
Online: drunkshakespeare.com

Get Risque with Red Velvet Burlesque

This is definitely an adults-only event! Enjoy the raunchy yet classy experience of the Red Velvet Burlesque. The Red Velvet Burlesque performance features over-the-top choreography and acrobatics, for a spectacular and unforgettable show!

621 West 46th St.
Hell’s Kitchen
Online: redvelvetburlesqueshow.com

Outside the Box Parent Date Night Ideas

Get Your Nerd on at Barcade

Classic arcade machines and good drinks unite at the city’s Barcade locations! Step right into the heyday of arcades like Pacman and Galaga. Each play is 50 cents, and there are plenty of two-player options for some bonding over 8-bit. Best of all, unlike other arcades in the city (like Dave and Buster’s), kids aren’t allowed except during designated family days.

in Midtown:
148 West 24th St.
Midtown

in NoHo:
6 St. Marks Pl.
NoHo

in Williamsburg:
388 Union Ave.
Williamsburg

Online: barcade.com

Have a Relaxing Spa Day at an NYC Bathhouse

After all the excitement from your other date nights, you’ve earned a relaxing day at the spa. Visit the World Spa for experiences inspired by Japanese onsens, Finnish saunas, Turkis and Moroccan hammams, and other bathhouse spaces that’ll take you all over the world. Or head to the Aire Ancient Baths for a Roman, Greek, and Ottoman bathhouse experience. From saunas and healing baths to spa experiences and massage sessions, you’ll feel like you’re no longer in NYC!

World Spa
1571 McDonald Ave.
Mapleton
Online: worldspa.com

Aire Ancient Baths
88 Franklin St.
Lower Manhattan
Online: beaire.com

Boredom is hard to achieve in a place like Chicago, where top-quality exhibits and activities for kids lurk around every corner. Some are permanent, some are temporary, but they all are perfect go-tos when creativity is waning for family date ideas. From massive dinosaurs at Brookfield Zoo to Frida and Prince, we’re letting you in on some of our favorite long-running or temporary exhibits for families in Chicago.

Museums

Museum of Science & Industry's the Art of Brick

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MSI

MSI's The Art of Brick on display Feb. 10- Sep. 5, features intriguing works of art made exclusively from LEGO bricks. The collection of creative and inspiring pieces was created by renowned contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya. 

Underground Adventures at Field Museum

When you’re paying a visit to everyone’s favorite T.Rex, Sue, pop into Underground Adventure for a bug’s-eye view of the world. You’ll magically shrink to 1/100th your actual size, smaller than a penny, to explore an immersive environment of worm tunnels and soil chambers. Kids will learn soil is home to an incredible diversity of living things and that not a single plant or animal could survive without it.

wndr Museum

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WNDR Museum, the ever-evolving, immersive art and technology experience, features one-of-a-kind installations from artists, collectives and studios locally and globally that prioritize joy, curiosity and creativity.

Science & You at Kohl Children's Museum

Through Sep. 5, kids get to play in a child-sized laboratory to explore how scientists impact health and wellness in the Science & You exhibit. They can explore machines, processes and technology that demonstrate the role science plays to keep the body healthy. The immersive, open-ended exhibit provides kids the opportunity to play, explore, discover and experiment.

Remembering Dr. King at Chicago History Museum

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Maria Chambers

On display until Jul. 4, 2022, Remembering Dr. King is a collection of 25 photographs depicting key moments in Dr. King's work during the Civil Rights Movement. The exhibit places a special emphasis on his time in Chicago shedding light on the existence of discrimination and segregation. the abysmal state of housing and the realities of poverty in the north. More info

Zoos

Brookfield Zoo's Ice Age Giants

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Ice Age Giants unleashes more than 30 life-sized animatronic re-creations of dinosaurs that roamed North America and Eurasia during the Ice Age. Through Oct. 30, kids can see a 15-foot-tall woolly mammoth, an oafish 20-foot-long ground sloth, a 12-foot-tall giant bird, a fearsome 5-foot-long saber-toothed cat and more. Adding to the lifelike effects, parts of the animals such as the head, eyes, mouth, and tail move, making the experience even more realistic.

Arboretums

Morton Arboretum's Human + Nature

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Five massive outdoor sculptures created exclusively for Morton Arboretum by artist Daniel Popper rise above the natural landscapes in Human + Nature. The 15- to 26-foot-tall sculptures are installed across the 1,700-acre site and lead guests to areas they may not otherwise explore. Using thought-provoking human forms paired with elements of nature, each piece will bring attention to the deep connection between humans and nature.

Immersive Experiences

Frida: Immersive Dream

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Michael Brosilow

Frida: Immersive Dream focuses on the art and life of Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), the beloved 20th-century Mexican artist best known for compelling self-portraits and radiant pieces inspired by life in her native country. The artist's best-known works will be brought to life and set to music through May 28. 

Prince: The Immersive Experience

Chicago will glow purple when Prince: The Immersive Experience makes its worldwide debut, Jun. 9-Oct. 9. Fans can immerse themselves in the music and life of Prince in 10 multi-dimensional spaces. 

Stage Shows

Lookingglass Alice

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Liz Lauren

Lookingglass Alice takes kids on a circus-infused trip down the rabbit hole, through Jul. 31. This signature Lookingglass production has toured the country enchanting audiences, painted each time with a fresh coat of magic. The awe-inspiring production has come back home to Lookingglass Theatre for a new generation to discover.  

Chicago Kids Company's Rapunzel

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Chicago Kids Company

After stealing a precious plant, the King and Queen are forced to let their wacky gardener raise their daughter, Rapunzel. She is locked away in a tower where she grows into a young woman with a beautiful singing voice and flowing hair. After 18 long years, Rapunzel meets a handsome prince who just might help her escape. Presenting at Beverly Arts Center through May 6 and at Stahl Family Theater, May 11-Aug. 5. 

Winnie the Pooh at Mercury Theatre

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Mercury Theatre

Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation introduces kids to Pooh, Christopher Robin, and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Owl (and, Tigger too!). This fresh stage adaptation is told with impressive life-size puppetry, telling exciting new stories of iconic characters loved for generations. Presenting through Jun. 12.

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Although getting away may be a challenge, finding time to plan a date night in Portland is as important as it is fun

The month of love is here. You’ve been parenting like a hero all year, and now it’s time to celebrate the love you have for your family and your partner. After you’ve hit the local candy shops and found your little sweets some sweets, it’s time to book a babysitter and some romantic time with your bae. After all, taking time to nurture your relationship is an important part of good parenting. If you are ready for a real date night (or day, or overnight) but aren’t sure what to do, we’ve put together a list of romantic spots for you to go. Whether you are dying for an afternoon out or a reason to get dressed up for an evening out, we’ve got some great date-night ideas for you.

Date night restaurants in Portland you won’t want to miss

via Produce Row

Dine on a Heated Patio

While the weather may be getting colder, you and your partner can stay warm and safe, dining on one of Portland Restaurants many heated patios. If there is one wonderful thing that has come out of  COVID, it is that local restaurants rose to the occasion and created gorgeous, date-worthy outdoor seating that includes an element of warmth. One of our favorite date spots is Produce Row, which features a giant outdoor patio area that stays toasty warm during the cold months. There's also plenty of indoor seating as well. Check out more heated patio dining options here.

Produce Row
204 SE Oak St
Online: producerowcafe.com

Enjoy Safe Indoor Dining

Many Portland restaurants have gone the extra mile to keep their patrons safe. You can expect properly spaced seating and responsible mask requirements at all of these locations. Many of them require a vaccination card or proof of a negative COVID test as well. There's no better way to celebrate you love and the return of indoor seating by supporting local restaurants this Valentine's Day. From casual spots that serve up a slice of pie to classy joints that offer farm-to-table meal, you have you pick of places to eat. And you can return to all of them later this year, even with kids in tow. Check them out here.

Hit the Zoo

Think a day at the zoo is just for kids? Think again! Taking a stroll together through the Oregon Zoo can be a great way to reconnect with your special someone. The zoo has reopened and you can now reserve timed-entry tickets 10 days in advance. There are guidelines in place to reduce crowds and ensure social distancing, so be sure to review the guidelines before making your reservation. Then, get ready for some outdoor fun with all the animals!

Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd.
Portland, OR
503-226-1561
Adult: $17.95
Daily 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Online: oregonzoo.org

 

Date night ideas Portland parents can agree on

via pexels

Scope the Art at Alberta Street Gallery

Do you and your partner love art? Visit this artist collective featuring work from local artists. With and open and airy gallery, you can safely spend an afternoon perusing their current showings. Commemorate the romantic experience by purchasing a special piece of art to enjoy at home! When you are done looking at art, checkout the neighborhood. Alberta is a beloved area of town that is full of places to bring the kiddos when date night is done.

Alberta Street Gallery
1829 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR
503-954-3314
11-7 p. daily
Online: albertastreetgallery.com

Wander Through The Portland Art Museum

What is more romantic than an afternoon wandering through halls filled with breathtaking art. Portland Art Museum has an astounding array of art exhibits to peruse year-round, and even boasts family-friendly days. But, this Valentine's Day take some kid-free time to check out their current exhibits and their impressive collection of art. You can easily spend hours checking out the museum's  50,000 objects, displayed in 112,000 square feet of galleries. When you are done, you can wander through downtown and grab a meal at one of the downtown eateries.

1219 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR 
503-226-2811
Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
$25/person
Online: portlandartmuseum.org

Drive-in and Wine-Down Movies

Head out to the Dalles for a slight twist on the drive-in experience. The winery at the Sunshine Mill now offers drive-up movie nights! Enjoy classic concession stand goodies, or choose from a selection of appetizers and wine from the winery, while watching a film broadcast on the side of the building. Get cozy with your beloved and watch a feel-good or seasonal movie. You can even book a private screening if you you want to go big!

The Sunshine Mill
901 East 2nd St.
The Dalles, OR
541-298-8900
Tasting room open daily 12-6 p.m.; until 6 p.m. prior to movie nights
Drive-up Movies offered Thurs.-Sat. after Sunset
$20/car
Online: sunshinemill.com/drive-up-movies

via unsplashed

Get Away

Got a little more time (and childcare) and want to get away? Consider one of these options for extended day time adventures, full day trips, and quick overnights that are (relatively) safe during the pandemic.

Head to Hood River

Hood River offers families breathtaking views of the Columbia River and the Cascade Mountains. You have hiking trails, fascinating museums, and wine country surrounding you. Book your love nest at the  Hood River Hampton Inn & Suites right off I-84, in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. This hotel is just five minutes from central Hood River and within a mile of waterfront restaurants, bars and parks. You can spend your whole day, overnight, or weekend away strolling around the waterfront enjoying great bites and views, or you can head in town and do some shopping. For more ideas on what to do and where to go when you are in Hood River, read more here.

Visit Astoria

Enjoy an overnight or weekend filled with adventure, art, museums, and maritime fun in Astoria.  Located right on the river, The Bowline Hotel may very well be the most romantic spot to stay on the Oregon Coast. Don't let the industrial aesthetic fool you. This gorgeous spot is a sardine cannery that has been turned into a lux hotel that  is home to 40 rooms that feature plush king beds, luxury linens,  flickering fireplaces, tubs and French press coffee to start your mornings with. It's also home to a romantic bar and eatery called The Knot. The Knot Bar offers guests locally sourced menu items that are Scandinavian-inspired and pay homage to Astoria's seafood history. When you aren't snuggling in your plush room or enjoying next-level bites and sips, you can stroll through the town and enjoy shopping in one of the many eclectic shops. Or check out a museum or the Astoria column. To fill your romantic getaway itinerary, read more here.

Stay in a Tiny House with Getaway

Book a cabin for two in Mt. Adams with this new tiny-home vacation rental company. With hot showers, bathroom, heat and AC, a stove, and a comfy bed, it's the perfect mix of camping and comfort. The collection of 30 cabins (built on a shipping container base) is nestled in a quiet 80-acre park near trails in Glenwood, Washington, about a two-hour drive from Portland. Safety measures are in place to make your stay a healthy one.

Getaway Portland Outpost
From $119/night
Online: getaway.house/portland

—Annette Benedetti

 

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When you met your partner, was it love at first sight? (Or “site,” seeing as so many of us meet on social dating sites these days!) Were you swept off your feet and whisked away to many a romantic rendezvous?

No matter how you met or how hot and steamy the beginning of your relationship was, you likely went on dates. Often they started out simple, allowing you to get to know one another, maybe long soul-syncing talks at a cafe or slow and intimate home-cooked dinners with wine. Then they may have become more active: out to a concert or sporting event, rock climbing followed by some beers at a local pub, strolls up and down the beach boardwalk.

The options were endless! The time—abundant! The mood—carefree!

And then you had children.

Now, your daily interaction is often a transaction. You two run the business of keeping your home functioning and this doesn’t leave much time for galavanting around town, kid-free, blowing through your hard-earned moolah.

So, if time and pockets are so short, why bother? For one, do you enjoy engaging with your life partner in this I’ll-do-this-if-you-do-this sort of manner? I’m waging a bet that the answer is a big fat “no.”

Here are three very good reasons why you should keep dating your spouse.

  1. If you plan to be with this person for life, as you most likely intended when you promised this at your wedding, then you might need to work on your marriage just a smidge to keep the spark alive and well. You’ll be reminded of you why you love your partner in the first place.
  2. It will be fun! And it will be a welcome break from the monotony of the every day wake-parent-work-parent-sleep lifecycle.
  3. Your kids will benefit! As you and your spouse strengthen your partnership, you will be a wonderful role model to your children of how a healthy couple should be. Additionally, these lovey dates may refill your frequently empty parenting tank, allowing you to be a better, more patient parent.

Okay, so I’ve sold you on why you should date your partner, but how to find the time or the money to plan a date?

What my husband and I have done with intention this year, is plan one official date per month where we line up babysitting for the kids and we leave the house. That’s the biggest hurdle. We are lucky that my parents (mainly my mom) are often available to help out and that saves us some money. If they aren’t free, then we hire a sitter. Yes, this adds to a date night expense, but it is worth it, promise.

If you don’t have the extra to spend on a sitter, see if one of your mom friends would be willing to come sit at your house while your children sleep (and her partner stays home with their own kids). You could pay her in unlimited Netflix usage during her stay. Heck, she may even appreciate the “evening off” with her own kids.

And now the big question: what to do? Um, anything?! You’re kid-free, remember?

Here are some great and budget-friendly date ideas:

  1. Go for a walk in a green space near your house during sunset
  2. Grab happy hour drinks downtown while you people watch
  3. Go to a cafe where you listen to a podcast together and then discuss
  4. Drive away from the city to stargaze together
  5. Eat out somewhere nice but affordable. Savor eating at your own pace (hooray for not having to tend to kids or shovel your food down!)
  6. Use sites like TravelZoo and Groupon to get discounts of what would be a more expensive date, like a couples massage or concert tickets
  7. Take a bottle of champagne on a hike (like we did many many moons ago)

Any of those resonate with you? This is getting me excited for my husband and my next date! But, what if you and your partner have different ideas of fun? You could each make a list of five to 10 date ideas. Put all the options together and then pick one at random!

Whatever you do, the goal is to connect and have fun. And if dating one another fortifies your relationship foundation—that has shifted as it made room for your new roles as parents—well then that’s worth planning for, isn’t it?

This post originally appeared on Real Life Mama.
Christina Furnival
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I am a mom to two young kids, a licensed psychotherapist, and a children's book author. My passion is to help and empower moms and children to understand themselves better, navigate challenge confidently, and live the life they want. Visit me at ChristinaFurnival.com

You don’t need to go out to have an awesome date night. And bonus: Staying in means saving money on a sitter and not being stressed about having a stranger watch your child. Keep the spark alive with these eight ideas for fun date nights you can have right at home.

photo: Afif Kusuma via Unsplash

1. Facetime Double Date
Chances are, you two have couple friends who are in the same boat. You know, the boat that contains a baby and prevents you from leaving the house except out of necessity? The bad news is, it’s sometimes a struggle to get together. The good news? You don’t have to suffer alone! Schedule a Facetime double date, setting a time for some shared screen time to commiserate and laugh together. Each couple can prepare their own meals at home, uncork a bottle of their favorite beverage, and share an hour or two together in conversation. Of course it’s not as great as seeing your friends in person, but it’s the next best thing and it can be done in sweatpants.

2. Date in a Box
There are several “date in a box” subscription products on the market right now, including DateBox, a curated box of goodies that provides a unique date experience right in the comfort of your own home. On the company’s website, you fill in your likes and dislikes and a little about your couple personality, and then just wait for the magic to arrive. Packed neatly in a box that ships right to your door, Datebox is the ideal way to try new date ideas without ever leaving the house (which is perfect when your little ones are sleeping and you can’t go anywhere). An example DateBox might include an “indoor camping adventure,” complete with a s’mores kit, a pour-your-own-pine-scented candle making set, a deck of cards with game suggestions, and even a playlist suited for romance in the great outdoors.

photo: Soroush Karimi via Unsplash 

3. Epicurean Extravaganza
There’s something really sexy about cooking together (think Chocolat), and all you need is a kitchen, the right ingredients, and a good recipe to make it all possible. When you’re usually planning meals that appeal to a younger crowd (hello, mac and cheese), it’s nice to make something for a more mature palate, like a complicated recipe that actually requires measuring cups and more spices than salt and pepper. Think of all the sparks that can fly while spoon-feeding each other samples of your creations.

4. Good Old-Fashioned Sleepover
Some of the most fun times while growing up are sleepovers with your BFFs, and who could be a better friend that your partner? Go old-school with it by slathering on face masks and doing homestyle pedicures while watching a cheesy romantic comedy and waiting for your delivery pizza to arrive. You might be surprised at how much fun you can have when you take the pressure off and just be silly for a minute. Sure, you’re adults now with all the adulting you can handle, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put those responsibilities aside for a bit and have a sleepover with your best friend. And who knows? It might just inspire a rousing game of Truth or Dare.

photo: Bao Truong via Unsplash

5.Game Night
Unleash your competitive sides with a game night. And before you roll your eyes and think “boring!” take a moment and consider all the possibilities Twister has to offer. Okay, so maybe most board games aren’t as flirtatious as that, but the competition that traditional board games offers can be pretty stimulating. You might be surprised how having someone sink your battleship can get your blood rushing. And with an unending supply of games (expand to table games like foosball if that’s more your speed), you can each bring a unique choice to the (literal) table.

6. Give Each Other a Massage
It’s stressful being parents, and all that tension you’re holding in your shoulders and neck (you know what we’re talking about) is only going to get worse. A massage might just be what the doctor ordered. And if you’re not a pro, check out YouTube for instructional videos or just tell each other what you like. Once the massages are through, you’ll be relaxed enough to curl up together for a good snuggle.

photo: Phillip Goldsberry via Unsplash

7. Netflix and Chill (No, Really…Watch Netflix and Chill Out)
With several streaming options including Netflix and Amazon Prime available for a small fee, the possibilities for movie night are endless. And while the “Netflix and Chill” movement of recent years suggests jumping straight to the nookie, a fun night in can really be about comfy sweatpants, a good movie or TV show, and some serious couch cuddling. If your tastes differ (he’s more GoldenEye and you’re more Golden Girls), write a few choices on slips of paper and then draw one to decide what to watch.

8. Getting to Re-Know You
You’ve folded the last towel, walked the dog, scrubbed the pink marker stains off the couch, washed the mud out of tiny little jeans, put away the last toy, and started the Crock-Pot dinner for what seems like the millionth time this week. And somewhere in the middle of the survival mode you’re currently living, you’re hoping to make time for your partner, something that can take a back seat during this time in your lives together. It’s okay, you still love each other, but there are only so many hours in the day.

But making time for each other is important, and these date nights, however few and far between, are a way for you to connect during a time that can make you feel, well, disconnected. Take the opportunity to spend a date night every now and then getting to re-know each other, talking about things that have nothing to do with diapers or dry cleaners, mortgages or rent payments. Talk about each other, your hopes and dreams, hobbies and interests, your future plans together. Take a moment to revisit the kind of talks you had in the beginning of your relationship. If it’s hard to get the conversation going, take a few minutes to write starter questions on slips of paper and then draw them out one by one. Or grab a book made just for this purpose, like  Questions for Couples: 469 Thought-Provoking Conversation Starters for Connecting, Building Trust, and Rekindling Intimacy.

—Laura Holloway

 

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Leaving the house for date night may feel like a distant memory, but we’ve got plenty of ways to have a great time with your partner on a date night at home. Go beyond Netflix and chill with these creative ways to connect. Read on for a list of date ideas that will make you feel like you’re out on the town in San Diego… from the comfort of home.

Pexels

1. Schedule a virtual date with friends and/or other couples. Relax and catch up with each other as if you were at an actual dinner party. You can even schedule the call for when you're all sitting down to eat in your respective homes.

2. Pick up your favorite craft beer, wine or spirits from a long list of San Diego wineries, breweries and distilleries that are offering booze to go. Enjoy your favorite local drinks responsibly from home with friends on a virtual date as suggestion above, or as a couple.

3. Listen to a Spreckles Organ Concert from home. Every Sunday at 2 p.m. you can enjoy the music of San Diego Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez as he plays on the largest outdoor musical instrument in the world. These no-cost webcasts are a gift from the City of San Diego and the Spreckels Organ Society.

Unsplash

4. Pick-up or have a DIY meal kit delivered and cook up your favorite restaurant dinner at home. 

5. That's amore, alright! Order pizza for takeout or delivery at the best pizza joint in your neighborhood. Bonus points if you pair it with your favorite Italian-influenced film.

6. Acclaimed San Diego chef Brian Malarkey is offering virtual cooking classes! These hour-long, interactive and engaging classes will take you through the creation of delicious meals step-by-step. On May 19th, the class theme is Kid-Friendly Favorites––a perfect choice for parents!

7. Read a book together you've always wanted to read but never had time for. Take turns reading to each other aloud. Keep it local with one of these great books that are set in San Diego.

8. Order this super cool Balboa Park puzzle for curbside pick-up from beloved local toy store Geppetto's. Enjoy some relaxing conversation while you piece together one of San Diego's most iconic locales.

9. Go on a virtual island vacation. Explore nearby Catalina Island's landing page with activities to experience the magic of Catalina from afar. Enjoy live webcam footage of the harbor, underwater views of kelp beds and local fish from the USC Wrigley Catalina Marine Reserve, a Bald Eagle Cam from a perch in Two Harbors and more. Then, dream together about a real trip you'll take to Catalina in the future.

Burst

10. More early bird than night owl? Wake up before the kids for a coffee date. Many local coffee shops are offering curbside pick-up of their delicious drinks and pastries. For instance, Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe offers drink, pastry and breakfast menus with orders for pick-up. If your kids are early birds too, turn on the cartoons and escape with your partner to another room for your breakfast date.

11. Paint and drink wine! Pinot's Palette at Liberty Station is offering live, interactive virtual painting classes. Some include paint kits you can pick up and others are use your own paint supplies.

12. Missing your nearby jaunts to Mexico? Alaska Airlines is offering free online "couch getaways" to Mexico, so you can explore Mexican culture, landmarks, music, drinks and more from home.

IMDB

13. Watch Top Gun, and spot the multiple locations where this iconic movie was filmed right here in San Diego. Want to feel like you're really at a movie theater? Order your favorite movie snacks, from popcorn to soft pretzels from Angelika Film Center, available via UberEats.

14. Get zen with a couples' yoga workout. Vibe Flow Yoga is offering live online workouts via Instagram every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 a.m. To join in, simply head to Vibe Flow’s Instagram page, @vibeflow_yoga, and view their live story, or if that time frame doesn’t work for your schedule, try one of the classes posted on their YouTube channel, VibeFlow

15. Clear some space in the living room and take an online dance class from local studio A Time to Dance. They're offering online classes ranging from Salsa to Blues Dancing to Bachata.

––Beth Shea

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