In need of ideas for Family Date Night Ideas? Below are a few that can help.
If you’re like most families, a lot of your time is spent cooking, cleaning, working, and on devices.
But for a healthy family dynamic and development, it’s important to make time to put those devices down and spend some quality time together.
The memories that you create with your children now are the ones that will shape their development and that they will remember forever.
But spending time with your children as a family doesn’t have to involve sitting on the floor playing with toys or watching a movie.
Rather, put the toys and movies aside and try one of these fun family date night ideas:
Also check out our mother son dates, father daughter date ideas, and mother daughter date ideas.
Family Date Night Ideas To Try
Cook Dinner Together
Family date nights don’t have to involve going out or spending a lot of money. Rather, you can create your own date night at home.
The best part about kids is that they’ll love anything that you do together – it doesn’t have to be anything overboard or elaborate.
Some of the best times spent with our children are the ones doing the simple things in life. And what’s more simple than cooking?
Cooking is something that you have to do every night anyways. So cooking together can be a great date night when you’re short on time and want to kill two birds with one stone.
Plus, it’s a great skill for children to learn. Allowing your children to participate in cooking activities while they are young will help them with their self-sufficiency skills as they age. And sometimes it’s easier than dining out with a toddler!
So throw on some dancing tunes, get your spatula ready, and teach your kids how to cook a great meal!
Movie Night
Okay, okay, I know we said put away the movies – but hear us out. By “movie night”, we don’t mean throw on a movie and call it a night.
We mean make a full night out of it! Or heck, if you have time, make it a full day! Choose one of your children’s favorite movies and then theme your day around that.
Let’s say your children love Jurassic Park. Start with a trip to the museum to see some dinosaur bones, head to the forest for an outdoor picnic (watch for dinosaurs), go digging for dinosaur bones at the park, and then cook a Jurassic meal for dinner with food for both omnivores (fruit, salad, etc) and carnivores (meat). As a small gift, you could also buy your children a dinosaur dig kit so they can dig for their own dinosaur bones at home.
Then, when all is said and done, you can grab some popcorn, curl up in bed, and watch Jurassic park together to end the night with a cozy movie night at home.
Dessert Day
This date may not be for the faint of heart – if you aren’t prepared to deal with some off-the-wall children, you may want to skip this one. But if you want to give your children a day that they can remember forever, have a dessert date.
The premise is simple – it’s all day dessert! Spend the day traveling the roads, letting them take you wherever you end up.
As you pass through different towns and villages, stop to check out all the best treats and desserts that they have to offer. That’s right, it is dessert for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all the in betweens!
Of course, we don’t recommend doing this date often (for obvious health reasons) but one day of desserts won’t kill anyone and will make lasting memories with your children. So if you can handle it, we say go for it!
Hiking
There are so many benefits that come along with hiking – for everyone. Of course, movement of any kind is excellent for our bodies. As adults, we need to keep ourselves moving.
As kids, they need at least 60 minutes of vigorous activity each day to get their heart pumping. Hiking is a great way to get the heart rate up while having a fun adventure at the same time.
Not only that, but spending time in nature is good for you too. Just a few minutes spent outdoors is enough to improve your mood, reduce your stress levels, and decrease feelings of anxiety.
Plus, hiking is a great way to exert your child’s energy so that they’ll sleep tight tonight – maybe you and your partner will even get a short date when the kids go to bed!?
Yes Day
Again, this one isn’t for the faint of heart, but by now most parents have probably heard of a yes day. If you haven’t, a “yes” day is a day where the parents say yes to anything the child wants.
Of course, requests must be within reason. You can’t travel the globe or hurt anyone, but if a request is within reasonable and affordable expectations, the answer has to be yes.
It sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, but it will give your children a feeling of power that they so often lack, and will give you an opportunity to bond even closer. And, you might even have a little fun! You’ll probably be quite surprised what your child asks you to do!
Do A Family Photo Shoot
We don’t think you can ever have enough family photos, and if it’s been a while since you’ve taken some great photos together, it may be time for a family photo shoot.
This can be done with a professional photographer or you can take your own. Better yet, bring another family along and switch off taking photos of each others families.
A huge stress here is usually trying to figure out what to wear, but our friend Christal has a great post about family photo outfit ideas if you’re stuck.
And check out these fall baby photoshoot ideas for your baby photos.
Volunteering
If you’re looking for a way to teach your children the importance of helping others, volunteering can be a great way to do that. There are so many different options out there for volunteering.
Try to base your volunteering projects around your child’s interests. If they love animals, volunteer at an animal shelter. If cooking is their forte, maybe you could volunteer your time to a shelter.
Volunteering is a great way to spend time together as a family while at the same time making a positive difference in your community.
Bowling
Bowling is a classic family date idea that never gets old. It’s a fun and social activity that allows everyone to participate, no matter their age or skill level.
Bowling alleys typically offer a variety of options, such as bumper lanes and lightweight balls, to make the experience more accessible for children.
Plus, the competitive nature of the game can spark friendly competition and create a sense of teamwork within the family.
And let’s not forget the fun of picking out shoes and choosing a cool team name!
Mini Golf
A mini golf date is a fantastic family date idea that is perfect for all ages. It’s a fun and lighthearted activity that allows everyone to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine.
Mini golf courses are designed with fun and challenging obstacles, like windmills and waterfalls, that make the game exciting and engaging for both kids and adults.
It’s is also a great way to promote healthy competition and teamwork within the family. Everyone can play at their own pace, making it a relaxed and enjoyable experience for all. It’s also a perfect opportunity to work on hand-eye coordination and other skills while having a great time together.
Drive-in Movie
A drive-in movie date would be perfect for the whole family. that offers a unique and nostalgic experience for everyone. Drive-ins allow you to enjoy the magic of the big screen from the comfort of your car, while also enjoying the great outdoors.
Kids will love the novelty of watching a movie in their pajamas while sitting in the back of the car, and parents will appreciate the opportunity to relax and unwind.
Many drive-ins even offer double features, so you can make a night of it and enjoy two movies for the price of one.
Prom Night at Home
Who says you need to go to a fancy venue to have a prom night? With a little bit of creativity, you can create a magical and unforgettable prom night right at home!
Start by dressing up in your best formal attire, and create a festive atmosphere by decorating your home with balloons and streamers. Put on some fun music, and dance the night away with your loved ones!
And don’t forget about the snacks and drinks – make it a truly special occasion by creating a special menu, complete with mocktails and desserts. You can even set up a DIY photo booth to capture all of the memories!
The best part? You don’t have to worry about curfew or transportation, and you can let loose and have fun in the comfort of your own home.
Create a Family Project
Why not start a family project together? Whether it’s building a treehouse, designing a garden, or creating a family cookbook, there are so many exciting projects you can tackle as a team.
Not only is it a great way to spend quality time together, but it also promotes communication and teamwork skills.
Plus, the end result will be something you can all be proud of and cherish for years to come.
Paint Night
Host a paint night with your family! Painting is a relaxing and therapeutic activity that’s perfect for all ages and skill levels. You can set up a paint station in your living room or backyard, and get everyone involved in the painting process.
Don’t worry about being perfect – the goal is to have fun and create something beautiful together. And let’s not forget about the snacks and drinks – make it a truly special occasion by creating a snack bar or even a DIY pizza party.
Spa Date
Nothing beats a day of pampering and relaxation, and doing it with your loved ones can be even more special. You can do massages, manicures, pedicures, and everything else a spa day offers.
Head to a spa where you can try a variety of indulgent treatments that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Or do an at home spa date together and do each others manicures, hang out in the jacuzzi, and enjoy some water with cucumbers.
Escape Room
This is a good one that’ll get your hearts racing and your adrenaline pumping. Doing an escape room is like being in your own personal mystery movie, except you’re the stars.
You’ll be challenged to work together, solve puzzles, and crack codes to escape before time runs out. The best part? You’ll get to laugh, bond, and create some epic memories along the way.
Laser Tag
If you’re looking for a fun and active family date idea, laser tag is a must-try! It’s like playing a real-life video game where you’re the player and the battlefield is your playground.
You’ll get to run around, duck, and hide behind obstacles while trying to tag your opponents with lasers. It’s a great way to release some energy and get some exercise while having a blast with your fam.
You’ll get to show off your laser tag skills and maybe even team up to become the ultimate laser tag champs.
Road Trip
Who doesn’t love a good road trip?! With a car full of snacks, tunes, and your loved ones, the open road becomes a canvas for endless possibilities.
You’ll get to explore new destinations, create inside jokes, and maybe even belt out some classic tunes together. Road trips offer a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and to connect with your family in a unique and memorable way.
Overnight Adventure
For some next-level family bonding, why not try an overnight adventure? You can camp in the great outdoors, stay in a cozy cabin, or visit a luxury hotel. Spending a night away from home can be a great way to connect with your family on a deeper level. You’ll get to share meals, tell stories around a campfire, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Beach Day
Is there ever a bad day for the beach? We don’t think so. A beach day is the perfect way to soak up the sun and enjoy time together. You can build sandcastles, play frisbee, beach volleyball, jump in the waves or even just lounge around. And with the sound of the waves and the feel of the sun on your skin, you’ll feel relaxed and rejuvenated in no time.
Head To The Pet Store
A family date night at the pet store is like diving into a pool of cuteness and fun! You walk in, and BAM! Your eyes meet those adorable little faces, be it fluffy kittens, playful puppies, or all sorts of curious critters.
It’s like a pet paradise in there! And hey, who knows? Maybe this is the night you find your perfect furry match!
If your family is ready for a new pet, you might find your perfect one together. Not too sure you’re ready for a puppy or kitten? Start with some fish or pet hamsters.
More Family Date Night Ideas
These are just some of the many date ideas that you can do with the whole family. We could write another 100 articles if we wanted to cover them all! (If you want more than just a date night, you can try family therapy vacations too.)
Very quickly, here are some more of our favorites:
- Family karaoke night at home.
- Have a family game night, complete with board games and snacks.
- Take a family bike ride or go roller skating together.
- Plan a picnic in the park or at the beach.
- Visit a local museum or zoo.
- Have a family movie night, complete with popcorn and blankets.
- Plan a DIY project, like painting or building something together.
- Take a cooking or baking class as a family.
- Visit a local amusement park or water park.
- Go to a sporting event or watch one on TV together.
- Head to the trampoline park.
- Go bowling or mini-golfing as a family.
- Take a day trip to a nearby city or attraction.
- Plan a scavenger hunt or obstacle course in your backyard.
- Volunteer as a family at a local organization or charity.
- Try indoor skydiving.
- Host a video game tournament.
- Go stargazing.
- Have a bbq in the backyard with yard games.
- Take a pottery class and make something for the home.
The list really does go on and on! What’s important, however, is not what you’re doing with your children.
It’s really just that you’re doing it. No matter what you’re doing together, you children will simply be happy that they have your undivided attention. That’s what makes bonds, that’s what makes memories, and that’s what creates families.
Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.