With our babysitter charging $10 per hour — ouch! — we can only use her services occasionally. We also don’t have family nearby, so to keep our dates affordable, we regularly swap babysitting duties with other friends who are in the same boat we are. One night they’ll watch the kids for us while we go out and we watch their kids the next time they need a date night. It’s a great deal all around since the kids love getting to spend time with their friends!
2. Take Advantage of Church-Sponsored Childcare
Another childcare option available to parents is to find a local church that offer babysitting services. Often called Parent’s Night Out, volunteers watch the kids for a minimal fee. Kids get to play games, make crafts, and have snacks for several hours while parents are able to get away for the evening. One church close to my home offers a Parent’s Night Out program for $15 for two children for three hours of babysitting and pizza and a snack.
Many restaurants offer half-price or reduced price appetizers and drinks during happy hour. One of my favorite food groups is appetizers, so this is always a good option for my husband and me! Another option is to take advantage of two-for-one coupons and other dinner specials at local eateries.
4. Go Out for Lunch or Dessert Instead of Dinner
Eating dinner out can be expensive, but lunch menus usually offer the same food for less. Of course, the cheapest meal option is probably to eat at home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t splurge and get dessert. Try that local diner where they serve great pies or get a double scoop of your favorite ice cream.
Get a nice bottle of wine for under $15 and make your specialty lasagna or grill some steaks at home. Eat by candlelight then curl up on the couch after dinner with some Jiffy Pop and a movie on Netflix or rented from one of those movie rental kiosks. Since the kids aren’t home and you aren’t in public, you can even make out with your significant other!
6. Watching the Sunset is Totally FREE!
So is taking a walk along one of your city’s greenways or gazing at the stars through binoculars. Hold hands and just talk, uninterrupted by starving or fighting children and enjoy being alone.
Do a bit of sightseeing or drive through a neighborhood with gorgeous homes. Take a tour through a part of town where you don’t normally spend time, you never know what treasures you’ll find. Find a secluded spot and park!
