Valentine’s Day date ideas are hard enough to think up when you’ve been together a while, let alone when you’ve got kids to contend with. We don’t tend to have many options for a babysitter at night, so if we can manage to get one, we usually use it for our anniversary.
For parents in general, the reality of securing a babysitter can turn a romantic evening out into a logistical nightmare.
If you find yourself without childcare this Valentine’s Day (like us), don’t worry—you can still have a great night – you just need to be creative.
Below are some ideas for a romantic evening without leaving the house.
Romantic Dinner at Home (After Bedtime)
If your children have a set bedtime, take advantage of the quiet time afterward to set up a cozy and romantic dinner for two. Cook a special meal together or order in from your favorite restaurant. Light some candles, play soft music, and enjoy a slow-paced meal without interruptions. To make it extra special, dress up as if you were heading out for a fancy date night.
If the meal feels more important than the cooking, then you might want to order in a takeaway.
Family Valentine’s Celebration
Instead of trying to carve out alone time, why not embrace the occasion as a family? Have a Valentine’s-themed dinner with heart-shaped foods, decorate cookies together, and exchange handmade cards. This is a great way to include your children in the celebration and teach them about love and appreciation. It’s not all that romantic, but it’ll be fun at least.
Movie Night for Two
Once the kids are asleep, transform your living room into a cinema. If you don’t have a projector, turning out the lights will still have the same vibe. Get lots of snacks, curl up under a blanket and watch one of those films from the long list that you’ve been meaning to watch but don’t usually have time for.
Indoor Picnic
Lay out a blanket in the living room and prepare a picnic-style meal with finger foods, cheese, crackers, and chocolate-covered strawberries. If your kids are awake, make it a family picnic. Once they’re in bed, you and your partner can continue your special moment with a bottle of wine and some soft music.
Cook Together
If you both enjoy cooking, make a special meal together as a bonding activity. Choose a new recipe or recreate a dish from your favorite restaurant. If the kids are around, involve them by letting them help with simple tasks like stirring or adding ingredients.
Dessert Date
If a full dinner isn’t feasible, focus on just dessert. Make fondue with chocolate and fruits, bake cookies together, or assemble a sundae bar with all your favorite toppings. It’s a sweet and simple way to spend time together.
Stargazing in the Backyard
If you have access to an outdoor space, set up a cozy area with blankets and hot cocoa. Lay down and watch the stars together, reminiscing about your favorite memories as a couple. If it’s too cold, bring the experience indoors with a star projector.
Board Games or Puzzle Night
Engage in a little friendly competition by playing board games or working on a puzzle together. Choose a game that brings laughter and joy, or work on a puzzle that challenges you both while allowing for great conversation.
In my house, family board games are stressful, so I’d recommend buying a cool indie game and making it just the two of you when the kids are in bed.
Recreate Your First Date at Home
Think back to your first date and find ways to recreate it at home. Cook the same meal, play music from that time, or watch a movie you saw together. It’s a great way to relive those early romantic moments and reflect on how far you’ve come as a couple.
Virtual Experience
If you love to do activity based dates but can’t leave the house for this special occasion, why not buy a virtual date pack? Solve a murder mystery, try out a virtual escape room or
Couples’ Trivia or “How Well Do You Know Each Other” Game
Test your knowledge of each other with a fun trivia game. Find pre-made questionnaires online or create your own questions. This can lead to laughter, surprises, and deeper conversations. Try not to pick questions with obscure answers – this can quickly descend into a row if it all goes wrong!
Mini Wine or Chocolate Tasting
Pick up a few different types of wine or chocolates and set up a tasting at home. Discuss your favorites, take notes, and enjoy the sensory experience together.
Make Plans for the Future
Use the evening to dream and plan for the future. Talk about upcoming getaways, family goals, or bucket list experiences. This can be an exciting and bonding experience. You could even use this time to book a weekend away or plan next year’s family holiday!
Create a Couple’s Playlist
Compile a playlist of songs that remind you of each other and your relationship. Spend the evening listening to them and reminiscing about the memories attached to each song.
Sip and Paint
Buy in a canvas some paints and a bottle of fizz then show off your arty side by painting a portrait of each other. To keep things simple you can buy a pre-packed box containing everything you need.
Alternatively, you could paint the same scene side by side if you’re worried your portrait skills might offend!
Midnight Snack Date
If all else fails, wait until the house is completely quiet and sneak into the kitchen for a late-night snack together. Whether it’s a slice of cake, a cup of hot cocoa, or just a shared bowl of popcorn, it’s the little moments of connection that truly count. If you’ve got very young children, this might be the only realistic date on the list!
If you have any Valentine’s Day date ideas for when you’re sans sitter, please feel free to get in touch. I’m always looking for more options!