Takeaway and blanket fort
After bedtime, the best rest you'll get all week.
after-bedtime
Date night · parents
Date Night Ideas for Parents and Families
Babysitter or not, these ideas are realistic for tired parents, and some include the kids.
Quick answer
For parents, the most realistic date nights happen after bedtime: a takeaway and film in a blanket fort, a two-player game, a cook-together dinner. For family date nights with kids, try build-your-own pizza, a living-room campout, family trivia or a picnic in the park. Swap babysitting with friends for a free night out.
Babysitting swap
Trade free nights with another family.
after-bedtime
Lunch date
Meet for lunch while the kids are at school or nursery.
after-bedtime
Two-player game night
Quick games that work when you're tired.
after-bedtime
Garden drinks
Baby monitor, two chairs, fairy lights.
after-bedtime
Family pizza night
Everyone builds their own.
family
Living room campout
Tent, torches and stories.
family
Family trivia
Kids' questions vs adults' questions. Kids' Christmas trivia.
family
Picnic in the park
Frisbee, sandwiches and ice cream.
family
Family dance party
Kitchen disco with everyone's songs.
family
Bake together
Cookies or cupcakes with decorating.
family
Movie night with a menu
Print a 'cinema' menu and tickets.
family
Nature scavenger hunt
A list of things to find on a walk.
family
Early dinner out
5pm reservations work with bedtimes.
family
Couple's breakfast in bed
Weekend treat when the kids sleep in (eventually).
after-bedtime
Frequently asked questions
How do parents find time for date night?
Schedule it after bedtime, swap babysitting with friends, or take a lunch date while the kids are at school.