15 Inexpensive Family Date Ideas

15 Great Date Ideas for when the Toddler is in Tow

It’s fairly easy to plan a date for a couple, but what do you do when you have a toddler?  Sure, you can have grandma and grandpa or a babysitter stay with the little ones, but it can be just as fun to take them with you!  It may sound crazy to take a toddler on a date, but when you plan something fun to do for the whole family, you’re making memories while spending precious quality time together – what could be better than that??

So if you’re stuck on ideas on what to do for your next family date, check out the list below.

1 – Go for a walk

It doesn’t matter if it’s around your neighborhood or a local park, just get outside and go for a walk.  If the little one isn’t able to walk long distances yet, take a stroller or wagon along.

2 – Bubbles in the Park

There’s not much more that makes a little one happy than bubbles.  Blowing, popping, or just watching them float away, there’s something magical about bubbles and the joy it brings to toddlers (and maybe adults too 🙂 ).

3 – Family-friendly restaurant

Going out to lunch or dinner at a family-friendly restaurant can be a ton of fun with a little one.  It’s fairly loud so it’s ok if the occasional squeal slips out and a lot of times the kids will eat for free and will end up with a balloon or toy when you leave.

4 – Trip to the zoo or aquarium

If you happen to live in or near a city with a zoo or aquarium, these are great places to visit for family dates.  Most are pretty inexpensive to visit and the little ones can learn about animals and nature while you’re visiting.  Nothing like sneaking in some education!

5 – Feed the Ducks

Have some stale bread lying around?  What better way to get rid of it than to take a family trip to the park to feed the ducks?  The ducks will thank you and the littles will love it!

6 – At home movie night

Toddlers aren’t known for sitting through movies well, so why spend the money going out to the movie theater?  Turn off all the lights, lay some blankets and pillows on the floor and cuddle up with a good Disney movie!

7 – Visit a museum

I’m not saying take your toddler to a fine art museum or anything crazy, but a trip to a science museum or children’s museum is definitely a great family date idea – and again – sneaking in some education is always a plus! 😉

8 – Go to the mall

The mall has something for everyone – shopping for mom, food court for dad, and play areas and train rides for the littles.  And while this could get expensive fast, limit these outings to really hot days or days when it’s raining.

9 – Visit a farm

If you venture just outside of most cities, you’ll find a ton of farms that cater to families.  You can typically find tractor rides, pick your own fruits and veggies, and goats or horses to pet.

10 – Have a picnic

When you’ve got some nice weather – take advantage of it!  Pack a lunch and head outdoors!  The great thing about eating outdoors is that you don’t have to clean up your house if the little one makes a mess! 🙂

11 – Paint on a canvas

While this may be one of the messier ideas on the list, it’s certainly one of the most fun!  Kids love getting messy and what better way to let them make a mess than by making a memorable art piece?  Letting them paint on a canvas lets their artwork be easily displayed in their room once it’s dry.

12 – At home photo booth

You know the old saying “A picture is worth a thousand words?”  Well, to me, a picture is worth so much more.  Make memories with your littles and capture them with an at home photo booth!  Act silly, wear your pajamas, use props, get the family pet in on the action….you get the idea!  Later in life, your kids will love looking back at those pictures and remembering all the fun times they had.

13 – Play on the swings

It’s no secret that little ones love playing on the swings at the playground, but I’ve seen some swings work magic on getting adults to loosen up too!  So if you’re planning a family date to help relieve some stress, head to the park, hop on a swing, and get those legs pumping!

14 – Attend a local festival

Nearly every size city or town has annual festivals throughout the year.  Music festivals, street fairs, carnivals, parades – they all make great activities to hit up for a family date and most are free to attend!

 15 – Play in the kiddie pool

Skip the crowded community pool this summer and set up a kiddie pool in the backyard!  They come in all sizes, so it doesn’t have to take up your entire yard, but something big enough for at least the littles splash around in makes a great way to spend hot summer days.

 

What are some of your favorite things to do for family dates?

 

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