At Home Date Night Ideas for Parents (Or Anyone Who’s Ditched Their Going-Out Pants)
We all know date nights are important, but sometimes leaving the house feels impossible. Maybe the kids are staging a bedtime coup. Maybe Michigan’s winter weather has turned your driveway into an Olympic luge track. Or maybe, just maybe, you’d rather stay home in sweatpants because people-ing is exhausting. (No judgment, we’ve been there.)
The good news? Staying in doesn’t mean sacrificing fun or connection. We’ve rounded up at home date night ideas that are low-effort, high-reward, and guaranteed to make you feel like a couple again—even if you’re just two exhausted humans splitting popcorn on the couch.
Let’s Start With Romance In The Driveway
Who needs a fancy restaurant when your minivan’s right there, waiting to moonlight as a love-mobile? Here’s an at home date night idea that will to turn your kid-hauler into a romantic retreat:
- Lock It In: Pick a time, put it on the calendar, and treat it like a PTA meeting—non-negotiable.
- Cozy It Up: Blankets, pillows, maybe some fairy lights you hang ahead of time. Brush those Cheerios off the seats, and it’s practically luxury.
- Set the Mood: Battery candle for safety, romantic playlist (goodbye, “Baby Shark”), and voilà—ambiance.
- Grab Takeout: One of you gets the food from a local restaurant; the other wrangles bedtime chaos. Or, be fancy and order delivery.
- Movie Magic: Built-in van screen? Easy. No screen? Stream on your laptop.
- Sip in Style: Pour your drink of choice into fancy glasses. Remember: stay parked.
- Play a Game: Cards or a two-player game—competitive banter keeps things spicy.
BONUS: If things get steamy, you’re already parked at home.
More At Home Date Night Ideas
Food-Related “Let’s Stay In” Date Night Ideas
1- Set up a Wine & Cheese or Chocolate tasting night.
2- Get take out from a local restaurant.
3- Cook a nice dinner together. Choose from a favorite recipe, an online cooking class, or make your own version of Chopped.
4- Try your bartending skills with take home Lets Stay Home Cocktail Kits
5- Have a romantic dessert night. The dessert case at Forest Hills Foods is a nice option. Or, break out that fondue pot you got as a wedding gift and haven’t used yet.
Games & Such “Let’s Stay In” Date Night Ideas
6- Have an old Wii? Dust it off and throw down a bowling, duck hunt, or Just Dance Challenge.
7- Cribbage: get a board and learn how to play this classic card game.
8- Raid your board game collection.
9- Ask one of the 36 Questions That Lead to Love… it’s not a game exactly, but you might end up winning.
10- Do a puzzle together. Add wine, beer or snacks. And maybe a fire in the fireplace.
11- Set up an indoor (or outdoor) mini golf course and play through your house.
Active At Home Date Night Ideas
12- If the kids are old enough to stay home alone, go for a long walk or bike ride through your neighborhood or on a nearby trail.
13- Try an Instagram Partner Challenge
14- Take an online yoga class together.
15- Get physical. Workout together.
16- Do a project together. Hang that picture you’ve been meaning to hang, take down that baby gate that’s been sitting there for months. Do some caulking, patch some holes, or brainstorm new decorating ideas together.
17- Take online dance lessons.
Even More At Home Date Night Ideas
18- The Classic – Netflix (and chill?)
19- Take in a Broadway show from your livingroom with BroadwayHD!
20- Watch a virtual local concert.
21- Have a bonfire. Roast marshmallows. Look up at the stars.
22- Flip through old photos and remember what life was like before kids.
23- Shoulder, foot, or backrubs by candlelight.
We’re always on the hunt for new ways to sneak in some fun—and maybe even keep the kids from interrupting for five whole minutes. Let’s inspire each other (and save a few date nights in the process)!
Have any at home date night ideas that keeps the sparks flying? Share them in the comments!
