Coming up with something nice and original for Valentine’s Day can be difficult for anybody but
even more so for couples with children. Romance and alone time are two very important factors in keeping a relationship healthy but us parents have to be more strategic about when and where the romance happens. Most parent’s Valentine’s Day dates depend on one main thing: Whether or not there will be a babysitter.
In this blog, I want to present some fresh ideas for those who are lucky enough to steal a few hours away from their little crumb snatchers and also, ideas for those of us who have to tote them along. Just because there’s a baby, doesn’t mean your V-Day is canceled! It’s all about love and that love can extend to the whole family.
Your night with a Baby Sitter
1. Dinner + A movie: Black Panther, duh
Valentine’s day falls in the middle of the week this year so you can celebrate it before or after the big day. If you wait until the following weekend you and your date could go see the new Marvel superhero flick, Black Panther. It’s been getting rave reviews and it’s set to be the highest grossing superhero film of all time. Everybody will be talking about it so you won’t want to be left out! My guess is that on the actual holiday lines & waits won’t be as long as Friday night so be strategic about which night you celebrate.
2. Try something Adventurous – Indoor skydiving, paintballing & Ice Skating
I really like the idea of going out and doing something new. Often Vday can get monotonous if you do the traditional dinner & movie every year. Many cities have a variety of sports or fun things you can do regardless of the weather. In Illinois we can do indoor skydiving in Rosemont, paintballing in the burbs, ice skating downtown, and many other things. Check Groupon for deals and more great ideas for things to do near you.
3. Do something competitive 
Doing something slightly competitive can be fun for all. This could also be a great time for a group date if you guys have a nice couple or two that you like. I like the idea of cosmic bowling. This takes place at certain bowling alleys. They turn down the house lights and on the neon glowing lights during late night bowling sessions. You can often get mixed drinks and really have a good time while you bowl. This always fun and inexpensive. Every time I go bowling with my husband I feel like I’ in high school again!
What to do without a babysitter
1. Family Lunch + Sigh seeing
Grabbing lunch downtown and taking a walk in the city is always a good day that the whole family can participate in. I love taking our daughter out with us, especially after nap time. This way she is in a great mood and can adequately tire herself out for bedtime. If the weather won’t allow, load up the car with snacks and drinks and take a nice scenic drive. This way you can vibe out to music, hold hands, enjoy the scenery and good conversation while the kids sleep or iPad away in the back seat.
2. Adult livingroom picnic:
After the kids have gone to bed bring out the chilled wine, beer and/or (wink) hard liquor and snacks. Camp out in the living room and relax. Instead of turning on a movie try to turn on some music, dim the lights and light a candle. If candles aren’t your thing you can turn on the essential oil diffuser with a romantic oil blend. Certain oils such as ylang-ylang, rosewood & sage are aphrodisiacs! This will set the mood for a successful V-Day night!
3. Go to a sporting event
A day at the ballpark could be fun for sports fans and those with older children. The great thing about this is that you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money or planning to go to a national league game. You could visit the local high school and catch one of their games. It is fun, inexpensive and supports the community. You get double points if it’s your alma mater. Nostalgia makes everything better.
These are just a few ideas to get you started! May your V-day be memorable no matter what you do! Be sure to check out yesterday’s post about Valentines Day for singles.
