Date Night Ideas for New Parents
Indoor picnic
Okay so maybe you can’t get a sitter, but you can still make a meal feel special by rolling out a blanket on the living room floor after baby goes to bed and setting up a sexy picnic for two. Cook (or order) your favorite meal, turn on some mood music, light some candles and pour some wine. Even though you’re hanging out at home instead of hitting the town, an indoor picnic can feel really special and intimate.
Staycation
We know you’re probably not ready to leave the state (or even your city) for a vacation without baby just yet. But a staycation is a great way to test the waters, so take Grandma and Grandpa up on their offer to babysit and head to a nearby hotel, B&B or even just Airbnb a local apartment for a night or two. Make dinner reservations, book a couples massage or just lounge in fluffy bathrobes and order room service. Oh and most important of all, sleep through the night uninterrupted!
Fondue night
Flash back to the 70s and enjoy a little melted cheese (who doesn’t love that?). Head to a fancy fondue restaurant to get your dip on or save money (and don’t worry about getting a sitter) by making your own fondue, preparing some dippers (like crudites and crusty bread) and having a romantic night in while baby sleeps. Don’t forget chocolate fondue for dessert!
Ice skating
Whether you head indoors to a local ice center or, if the weather is right, to an outdoor rink what could be more romantic than holding hands as you skate around? This one might even take you back to dates in junior high and remind you of when you fell in love (even if it was probably long after junior high). When you need a break from the ice share a hot cocoa or pretzel at the concession stand and cuddle close to warm each other up.
Game night
If you’re a competitive couple, game night can be fun and, maybe even get a little intense. Order in some pizza and break out the board games. Will it be a Monopoly marathon? Or maybe a frisky game of Twister or dirty-word Scrabble? Best part? There’s no babysitter required for this one.
Hiking
If you’re a more active couple, but you haven’t really been out much since baby was born, schedule a day hike. This is a fun daytime date—you can leave baby with a sitter (or the in-laws) for a few hours and explore the great outdoors together. An added bonus: You’ll get some exercise in and a few steps closer to waving that postbaby weight good-bye. Pack a healthy picnic to enjoy when you get to a nice spot with great views.
Cooking class
You probably haven’t had time to make anything more elaborate than mac and cheese for dinner lately. But if you take a cooking class, you’ll have some baby-free time to learn some new ways to mix up your culinary repertoire. Look into what’s offered near you and you may be able to find everything from sushi and Italian to French and Thai. Plus, you get to eat your efforts at the end of the session—and sometimes, get extras to take home for later.
Night at the museum
It’s time to get out and feel like a grown-up again—and we don’t mean barhopping. Check out your local museums and galleries—some have nights with extended hours, live performances or special exhibits. We know baby’s finger paintings are pretty awesome, but you’ll feel much chicer sipping a cocktail as you looking at some professional art for a change.
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