DateNight Printables and Ideas

The windows were rolled down, the beautiful Florida night air filled our truck as we cruised along the highway enjoying the red and pink sunset. We were together. Talking, laughing and catching up. It was date night and a night out was what we both needed.

We were young and in love and determined to stay that way. Now, 13 years later we still love each other yet life has gotten, lets say, CRAZY! Two kids, two jobs, pastoring, and life keeps us both going most of the time. Yet we made it a priority years ago to have a “Date Day”. As a pastor, my husband has always tried to keep Monday’s reserved for us. It doesn’t always happen but we try and our marriage has been much better off because of the time we spend together.

When friends get married we are often asked for “one piece of advice”. Hands down we always recommend to continue dating one another.

Continue Date Nights!

Making your date nights a priority no matter what else is going on in your life. Setting your marriage up for success takes work and this is a wonderful way to care for each other and build your marriage.

It does get a little bit harder when kids come along to make time for dates but it is even more critical to carve out that time because of the kids.

Here are some recommendations for date night when your kids are with you because, hey, we all know getting a babysitter every time just isn’t going to happen! If we can keep our two littles happy for 20 minutes it’s amazing how much of a conversation we can have when we aren’t interrupted.

But first, the rule. No cellphone time. In order to focus on us, our marriage and our conversation we can’t be talking to someone else. So we put our phones away and focus on each other. It’s really refreshing. Ok, now onto the list.

1. Bounce House
2. Chick fil A Playplace
3. Park
4. Bottle of Bubbles
5. Hiking Trail
6. Skating rink
7. A Large Box – Cut out a large window in the box so they can have a puppet theater. Give them markers to color the outside of the box and brown paper bags for the puppets. Let their imaginations run.

We have some friends who we swap babysitting nights with so we save big bucks, for both of us. Over the course of a year, this really adds up! I highly recommend finding an couple who will do this with you. You’ll both be glad you invested in your marriage.

Studies have shown that when we are experiencing something new more of our 5 senses are engaged. The experience will stay with us longer because we are processing it eagerly. When you do something new it is exciting and creates a strong bond with the person who experiences it with you. This is why getting out of our rut is important to keep that “spark” alive in your marriage. Because Netflix nights can only take you so far! Heehee, you know…

These unique date night ideas can help you get started.

1. No GPS. – Take a drive but only take right hand turns until you want to turn back, then take left hand turns. Stop and take pictures along the way of interesting things.
2. Letter L – Go on a photo adventure and take selfies with 10 things that start with the letter L. You can do this on a walk, hike or driving trip. Be sure to print your pictures afterwards, you’ll enjoy the memories longer.
3. A Night in a TePee – Yes, you really can! Airbnb is an awesome site for discounted stays around the world. You can even find Tepee’s and Tree houses to stay in, how cool is that?! Just search for a “house” in your state. Then scroll through the images and I’m sure you will come a crossed an amazing and unique place for a date night. {Use this link and you’ll get $40 FREE for your first trip! }

1. Favorite Song – Do a music video of the two of you singing your favorite love song or one you call “your” song. This might be a throw back to your dating days. Maybe even add some props and costumes to make it authentic.
2. Progressive Dinner – Select three locations that you both enjoyed while you were dating. One for the entree, one for dessert and one for coffee.
3. Our Story – Write out your amazing love story and get it printed. Yes, for real, with LoveBook.com
4. Then ‘n Now – Recreate a picture from when you were dating. Try to be as close to the original picture as possible.
5. Give – Find a busy little coffee place and grab some drinks. Then give the cashier $30 to pay for the next few customers in line. Ask her to keep your secret and then watch the expression on the following customers. You will enjoy their reactions.
6. Yelp It – Ever had the “where do you want to eat” conversation? This can turn into the same old, same old thing. So pull up the Yelp app and select a restaurant you have never been too. Maybe you will find a new favorite.
7. Bucket List – Have you written your bucket list down? If not, take the time to do so and then hit up Barnes and Noble or similar bookstore. Next, find books about things or places on your bucket list. You might be surprised about what you find!

What you do on your date should be fun and engaging but sometimes you might find the conversation lacking. So here are some conversation starters, questions and ideas to encourage you both to grow closer together.

Click the image below to download your 16 Date Night Questions.

Enjoy and Share via the social tabs if you want your friends to have these great Date Night tips.