Date Night. For many couples (without children) it can be a time for adventure and trying new things. Date nights can be occasion to check out the much buzzed about new restaurant in town, to hear the hottest band, or a time to dance the night away at the club. For couples it can very much be about creating an experience and memory together. For those that are married or couples with children date night is truly a time to reconnect with each other. Busy schedules consisting of family life, work, school, sport practices, activities, etc. can leave parents feeling exhausted and without much engaging interaction. Spending quality time together (sans the kids) to enjoy a museum opening, new eatery, or a simple uninterrupted stroll in the park can remind parents that they are much more than caregivers to their children; they are individuals who can still be a romantic couple.
Regardless of being parents or not date nights should be an enjoyable experience, manageable and (hopefully) doesn’t break the bank or the budget. To help couples and married folks alike, Andrea Woroch, offers tips on ways to save on date night preparations.
Andrea Woroch is an established consumer savings expert passionate about helping individuals discover financial freedom. She understands that everyday costs quickly add up and life can get expensive. Her goal is to teach consumers how to live on less without radically changing their lifestyles, Andrea has appeared on The Today Show, ABC News NOW, NBC Nightly News, FOX, MSNBC, CW and been quoted in SmartMoney.com, Kiplinger Personal Finance and many others.
1. Time-Sharing Babysitting
Finding a competent and dependable babysitter is often an expensive nightmare. It’s almost enough to make a parent want to stay home. When you think about it, however, many others face the same situation. Why not swap services with neighbors, co-workers, family or friends for a free night or afternoon out? Otherwise, consider sharing one babysitter among a coupe of families and splitting the cost. Consider searching SitterCity.com for vetted babysitters in your area who will match your needs and budget.
The Department of Defense has contracted with SitterCity to fund free memberships for all military families. Sittercity helps to find local sitters and military subsidized child care providers. Military families can enroll for free membership on SitterCity by clicking: HERE
2. Avoid Alcohol
Even if you find a cut-rate meal (early bird special, anyone?), a couple drinks can greatly add to the bill. You might want to hit a restaurant that doesn’t serve booze or make it an afternoon date. Otherwise, plan to drink and dine at a restaurant or bar that offers happy hour prices which is usually in the early evening. You can enjoy most drinks and food at very reasonable prices.
3. Date With Gift Cards
Buy a gift card at a discount from sites such as CardAvenue.com. They will save you anywhere from 5 percent to 50 percent on restaurants and other entertainment activities.
4. Plan a Freebie
Dating doesn’t always have to mean dinner and a movie. Some activities — like hiking, biking or visiting farmers’ markets — don’t cost a dime and tend to reveal more about your partner than a standard date.
Find local farmer’s markets across the country at http://www.localharvest.org/.
5. DIY Date Night
Create your own dinner with a picnic in a local park. For a romantic touch, pack portable speakers with a pre-mixed playlist on your iPod as well as a bottle of wine and a few chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert. Not only is this DIY date an inexpensive alternative to a night on the town, but you’ll score extra brownie points for taking the time to plan this special event.
Find local state parks at http://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm.
6. Get Smart Advice from Smartphones
Use your mobile phone to find local deals and date ideas. The Date Night iPhone app for example will help you find unique, interesting and affordable events that are sure to impress. The app randomly selects a “thing to do” for your next evening on the town, some of which won’t bust your budget.
7. Dial Into Daily Deals
Groupon, Living Social and other group-buying coupon companies offer some great deals — up to 50-percent off — on such entertainment experiences as wine tastings, boat tours, museums and comedy clubs. If you’re worried about appearing “cheap,” redeem the offer when your date is in the restroom.
8. Go Cultural
Many libraries and coffee shops offer free poetry readings and musical entertainment. Look for art gallery tours or free museum days to improve your cultural IQ while impressing your date.
Find local libaries at http://www.publiclibraries.com/ and find local museums at http://www.museumsusa.org/.
9. Create a Thrifty Movie Night
Instead of dishing out $20 for two movie tickets plus cost of popcorn, candy and soda, plan a romantic movie night at home. Pick-up a free DVD from your local library or a new release for just a dollar from Redbox. Then dim the lights and serve some freshly popped popcorn or your date’s favorite candy for a theater-like experience.
Really helpful ideas! Thanks for sharing.
Really like that you included websites where places can be found locally. That’s a big help!
My husband and I take turns picking the destination for out date night. We each get a turn to share something new or pick a favorite place with each other. Great post!
Great tips! My favorite is #5! I’m planning a romantic dinner for me and Hubby in our back patio, which has a spectacular view of the nighttime sky. 🙂
These are fantastic ideas. I’m going to have to use them all… 🙂
I have friends who have children and struggle when wanting to go out due to baby sitting costs! I will pass on the tip 🙂
Thank you for the date night tips. Now I have ideas for the entire month. Appreciate all the tips especially, the DIY Date night.
My viejo and I try and go out sans our son at lease twice a month. Always looking for new ideas. Thank you for sharing!