Parents’ Date Night on a Budget

If you've got kids, and the most romantic thing that's happened lately is your partner managed to save the last bowl of cereal for you —you might need a date night.

Once children enter the picture, it may seem difficult to set aside the time or expense of going on a date. Having a regular date night is not a frivolous activity, and is not only vital for parents, but children as well. As parents, it's important to show your children what a good relationship looks like.

Ask grandparents, friends, and other family members to help out with babysitting. You might know another couple who would be willing to trade play dates so you each have date night opportunities.

Here are some budget-friendly date night ideas:

• Picnics are always special—whether it's at a local park, beach, backyard, or even the bedroom.
• Split a dessert at a nice restaurant.
• Go bowling or play miniature golf.
• Build a fire outside, snuggle and roast marshmallows.
• Check out local events, or visit meetup.com to explore activities in your area
• Go to your local high school football games, or theatrical events.
• Date night doesn't have to mean “night”--go out to breakfast together.
• Explore flea markets or window shop.
• Visit local tourist spots. Are there any cheesy tourist traps nearby?

Be sure to take turns planning dates, and be open for new experiences. But don't feel like every date night has to be a wild adventure—remember it's all about having some alone time to feel like a couple again.

Romance is everything. ~Gertrude Stein