If you love baked goods and math, it’s almost your lucky day! We’ve got the scoop on where to get free pie—and a whole lot more—for Pi Day. Arithmetic enthusiasts already know that Mar. 14, a.k.a., 3/14 is the first three digits of the mathematical constant known as Pi. In celebration of this day, plenty of eateries are offering either deep discounts or straight-up freebies.
Here’s where can you find Pi Day pies this year, of both the sweet and savory varieties.
Get a free slice of ABC Crumb Pie, with any purchase, at all 15 of the Michigan-based pie shops on Mar. 14. GT Pie Company’s ABC Crumb Pie features apples, blueberries and cherries—all from Michigan! If you don’t live in or near one of GT’s shops, order your Pi Day pies online via the company’s website. You’ll need to order by Mar. 10 for Pi Day delivery. Sorry, the promotional free slice doesn’t apply to online orders.
With locations in Charleston, Columbia and West Ashley, South Carolina, this pie place has slices on sale for $3.14 from 5 pm through 10 pm on Mar. 14.
We have a theory. Start thinking and planning for spring break and it—and the warmer temps—will get here faster. It’s worth a shot, right? We’ve done a bit of research on spring break camps to keep kids busy on their days off. Cooking, digging in the dirt, honing in on comedy skills. . . no matter your kid’s cup of tea, we have a camp for them! Read on and get booking (these will fill up fast!).
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo educators will lead campers in grades Pre-K-4th through an exploration of animal habitats in North and South America. Kids will learn about the critters and their characteristics. Each day has a different theme and kids can pick which camp they'd like to attend.
Keep checking online for dates to be announced; Online: lpzoo.org
The Kids’ Table
The Kids' Table
Kids ages 5-10 will embark on a culinary adventure with The Kids' Table in a week-long camp with tropical vibes. Campers will spend half the day in the kitchen chopping, grating and rolling their way to mealtime delights and the rest of the time is full of crafts, kitchen science experiments, park play and movies.
April 11-15; 2337 W. North Ave., Wicker Park; Online: kids-table.com
Chicago Children's Theatre
Chicago Children's Theatre is offering a creative in-person camp for kids in grades K-5, themed Greetings From Planet Earth. Kids will create an original show in Skinner Park that connects theatre-making to the great outdoors. The week includes character creation, puppet design, music and dance with the park serving as the set. On the last day, kids share their creations with families.
Apr. 11-14, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (before & after care available); 100 S. Racine, West Loop; Online: chicagochildrenstheatre.org
Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden
No way kids will suffer from spring break boredom at Chicago Botanic Garden. Campers in grades K-5 will investigate weather, explore seasonal adaptations of plants and animals and dabble in art.
Mar. 28-Apr. 1, 9:30 a.m.-noon; Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe; Online: chicagobotanic.org
Chicago Park District
Chicago Park District is hosting camps for ages 6-12 in parks throughout the city. Campers will take part in recreational activities, arts and crafts and games. Times and ages vary by location, so check their website for more detail.
Instead of being couch potatoes, kids ages 7-18 can work on their creative energies. They will study the fundamentals of improv that help develop stage presence as well as patience, self-confidence, good communication skills and respect for other performers. Campers will also develop their personal stand-up style and hone in on their sense of humor. They also offer virtual camps for those that prefer to engage remotely.
Apr. 11-15; 1608 N. Well, Old Town; Online: secondcity.com
Hi-Five Sports
Kids ages 5-12 can sign up to play with Hi-Five Sports. They'll learn the fundamentals of a wide variety of sports including basketball, baseball, football, soccer, kickball, dodgeball and capture the flag. Kids can go for one day of camp, or all five days.
Apr. 11-15; La Salle Language Academy, 1734 N. Orleans, Old Town; Online: hifivesportsclubs.com
Pancakes, flapjacks, silver dollars—no matter what your kids call them, we know they love them. National Pancake Day is March 1 and IHOP is offering a free short stack per guest from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. If you prefer to explore a spot that’s more local, we’ve done the grueling work of finding the best spots in our brunch-loving city to find pancake paradise all year long. From plain ol’ tried and true to the gourmet, read on to find the top choices for every taste.
For Nutella goodness & rainbow cuteness: Sugar Factory
The insane double stack rainbow pancakes come with a fully colorful rainbow stack, warm maple syrup, powdered sugar and butter. They're served with chocolate chips, gummy bears, strawberries and whipped cream with rainbow sprinkles on the side. As a bonus, you get a Sugar Factory rubber ducky as a take-home gift.
If rainbows aren't your thing, they have a Nutella-focused breakfast treat. It's topped with melted hazelnut chocolate, whipped cream, strawberries and served with warm maple syrup. 'Nuf said.
5445 Park Place, Rosemont & 55 E. Grand Ave., River North; Online: sugarfactory.com
The blackberry bliss cakes live up to their name. These heavenly hotcakes are pillows of pancake-y goodness with silky vanilla marscapone slathered on each bite. Topped with blackberries and an apple crisp-like crumble, they will make the whole family dream for days.
5707 N. Clark St., Andersonville; Online: mhenry.net
No need to be fancy: These no-frill pancakes are made from an original family recipe and served with Vermont maple syrup and pure butter. The space itself is small and homey (with free parking across the street); it’ll remind you of rolling out of bed at Grandma’s to the smell of pancakes on the griddle.
Warning: If you let your littles indulge in more than a short stack they may be bouncing off the walls until the end of the day. The good news is you'll happily volunteer to clean their plates yourself. Pumpkin chai, caramelized apple, white chocolate & caramel pretzel. . . these over these over-the-top creations taste more like dessert than breakfast. And, selections change often, so keep visiting.
1470 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wicker Park & 5022 N. Clark St., Andersonville; Online: thebongoroom.com
Whoever thought to use cupcake batter to make pancakes is probably more of a genius to your child than Albert Einstein. This cafe makes some of the best cupcakes in town, which translates perfectly to the not-too-sweet griddled version served with vanilla butter. Oh, by the way, did we mention they're gluten free?
This North Shore mainstay (it’s been around for over 50 years!) knows flapjacks. The menu has over a dozen varieties from the kiddie favorite “little dollars” to the oven-baked thick and gooey apple cinnamon pancake. Each location is super kid-friendly with plenty of high chairs and spots to sit while you wait for your table. Because, let’s face it: There will be a wait.
Locations in Arlington Hts., Glenview, Highland Park, Lake Zurich, Lincolnshire, Wilmette and Schaumburg; Online: walkerbros.net
These pancakes are so delicious you’ll forget they could even be good for you! They’re made with healthy whole grain buckwheat and simplicity is key. The old-fashioned stack is served in a classic manner with butter and syrup. The only challenge may be ignoring the bacon pancakes listed on the menu. Be sure to try their blueberry lemon ricotta stacks. So, so, so good!
If large fluffy flapjacks smothered in fruit are your pancake style, this is your holy grail. Blueberry, pecan, banana and chocolate chip are just a few of the ways to top off your favorite breakfast treat.
Locations in Aurora, Darien, Homer Glen, Homewood, LaGrange, Oakbrook, Plainfield & Tinley Park; Online: blueberrybreakfastcafe.com
Andersonville still brims with Scandinavian cultural influences, including the Swedish American Museum, which has a hands-on exhibition area for kids. But first, stop by Svea, an authentic Swedish restaurant-meets-diner. Try the paper-thin Swedish pancakes served with the fun-to-say, slightly tart lingonberry jam.
For ooey-gooey goodness: Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe
Cinnamon spice and everything nice (like a warm vanilla glaze) is what these pancakes are all about. Every bite carries the perfect amount of sweet. If you visit the Randolph Street location, you and your kids can run off your sugar buzz across the street at Maggie Daley Park.
Gluten-free? Vegetarian? Vegan? Prasino has ‘em all and they are all delicious. We’re partial to the carrot cakes (vegetarian) made with fresh grated carrot, cinnamon and nutmeg topped with raisins, sweet cream and candied pecans.
You've probably driven by the CornerStone Café a million times. Next time, stop for pancakes—especially at lunchtime when you can have pigs in a blanket. We’re talking old-school pigs in a blanket with two or three sausage links wrapped in some of the fluffiest pancakes you’ll ever eat.
Chicagoans are passionate about The Original Pancake House. And who can blame us when their specialty is an apple pancake oven-baked with fresh granny smith apples and topped with cinnamon glaze?
When Old Man Winter starts getting on your nerves, bundle up your babes and battle the brr’s with a cup of hot chocolate at one of our favorite hot chocolate and coffee houses. From exotic to the everyday, nothing beats a little cocoa to cajole a smile from under all those layers. Here are five hot spots to sit down and enjoy a cup with your cuties.
For a delicious marshmallow topper on your decadent cup of molten chocolate, head to Avalon and find the Malvi Mallow truck, which will be on the Boulevard until Jan. 2. Until Dec. 19, find them Wed.-Fri. from 3-9 p.m. From Dec. 20 to Jan. 2, find them daily from noon to 9 p.m.
ChocoLaté Coffee is a specialty coffee shop that specializes in hand crafted coffee beverages prepared in the European traditional way. They roast their own beans freshly every week, and their award winning hot chocolate comes in several varieties. Our favorites are their house blend of dark and milk chocolate, or the hazelnut variety.
This heavenly hot chocolate can be found on Marietta Square. The Chocolate Chaud is made with strong, freshly-melted dark chocolate, heavy cream, whipped cream, and a dainty sprinkling of cinnamon on top. Stroll the square with your cup in hand, and it's easy to convince yourself that you've found the best cup in town.
The first Europeans to consume chocolate were members of the Spanish royal family, and you'll feel pretty darn royal after a cup of Xocol's small batch drinking chocolate. While you're there, don't pass up a chance to sample their Blood Orange & Raspberry chocolate bar. And vegans rejoice! All chocolate at Xocol is vegan. Current hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. For curbside pick-ups, call 404-333-8562.
This Chamblee coffee shop is a local's favorite for coffee, grab-and-go breakfasts, and of course, hot chocolate. Grab a cup of their rich, regular hot chocolate, or try something different with their Mexican hot chocolate—and leave with a little kick on your lips. Current hours are Wed.-Sat. from 8-11:30 a.m. for takeout (no indoor seating). Card and mobile payment only.
5394 Peachtree Rd.
Chamblee
678-332-7280
Online:moonbirdcoffee.com
Garnet Gal's is the perfect spot for picking up a some breakfast, a light lunch, or a mid-day snack to pair with your cup of hot chocolate, which comes straight up or with caramel or hazelnut, if you're feeling frisky. Current hours are Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for grab-and-go and limited patio dining.
2770 Lenox Rd. NE
Buckhead
404-748-4027
Online: garnetgalscoffeeshop.com
Located in the backside of a building with a lovely, quiet patio, this french bakery and café has authentic food and a Parisian atmosphere. Enjoy the iconic and delicious hot chocolate or the pastries collections, and don't leave without a delicious crêpes. The tea room also offers a brunch, as well as a savory menu during the day. Current hours are Mon.-Sun. from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
4969 Roswell Rd Suite #155 (Located in the back side of Cibo E Beve, and the Food 101 Restaurants.) 404-551-5163
Lights, reindeer, music, and treats are just some of the fun things you’ll find while exploring Candy Cane Lane in Seattle
Many Seattle-area neighborhoods go all out for the holidays, but there’s none more adorably decorated than the row of 1920s-era Tudors lining Candy Cane Lane. With lights, music and moving objects, this sweet neighborhood has been a Seattle holiday institution for more than six decades. Whether you’re looking to take a trip down memory lane or want to start your own family tradition, grab your little elves and hit this decked out ‘hood.
Kylie Kirkland
Set Your GPS
A Seattle institution since 1949, Candy Cane Lane is otherwise known as N.E. Park Rd., just off the main drag of Ravenna Blvd. at the cross street of 21st Ave. N.E., just north of University Village. It's actually a curved row of 23 adorably decorated houses so sweet they look like you could have plucked them right off a gingerbread house display.
Sleighs, reindeer, blow-up candy canes, mechanical decorations ‘round the traffic circle and traffic back-ups. Decorations usually share a theme (past events have centered on holiday classics such as the Nutcracker), and now there’s a multi-cultural approach with the charming "peace" ornamentation. In years past a real, live Santa has been known to make surprise appearances, passing out candy canes, of course.
Where to Eat
The mecca of University Village offers plenty of options, and it’s just five minutes away from Candy Cane Lane, so make an evening of it and head to the kid-friendly Veggie Grill or Delfino’s Chicago Style Pizza for a quick bite, followed by treats at Trophy Cupcakes & Party, Molly Moon's Ice Cream or The Confectionary. Maybe take care of a ‘lil holiday shopping while you’re at it? Also nearby: Kidd Valley Burgers (can you say, milkshakes?), and if all else fails, there’s a drive-thru McDonald’s on 25th.
Where to Park
Technically, you don’t need to park at all. Candy Cane Lane in Seattle is a drive-by thing, with cars idling and inching along slowly as passengers snap pictures through fogged-up windows. But if you want to fully experience the music, lights, and mechanical decorations (like the rain and the wind), park on a side street, bundle up and get out of the car. Ravenna Park, just a half block away, has about a dozen parking spots, or you can snag parking on a nearby side street.
Insider tip: Buy the kiddies a cup of hot cocoa across the street at Seven Market & Cafe to make your evening stroll even more enjoyable.
Melinda Wong
When to Go
The Christmas Ship and Parade of Boats is always a fun addition to this outing. Check the 2022 schedule and find out when the ship parade will stop by Matthews Beach, Magnuson Park, or Madison Park, all within a few miles of Candy Cane Lane Seattle. Or go after a movie; or when the relatives come into town; or any rainy evening when the kids are acting up and need to be reminded of who’s on the lookout for those who have been naughty and who has been oh-so-nice.
Insider tip: The word on the lane is not to go before December 10. The neighbor elves are busy setting up everything for you in the meantime.
Dates: The houses are usually ready to go in mid-December. Wander through between dusk and around 10 p.m. until the New Year.
Cost: Free, however, a canned food drive donation station usually sits at the end of the route and viewers can also leave donations at the nearby Seven Market & Cafe.
Put these twin Halloween costumes on your super spooky to-make list this October
Group costumes give Halloween some extra magic. And these clever Halloween costumes are versatile enough to work whether you want twin costumes for Halloween or outfits for triplets, older siblings, kid friends or even family costumes. From the cutest condiments and nursery rhymes to animals, snacks and more, you’ll find your favorites here.
Onesies, felt and fabric transform into superhero costumes with a little DIY magic from you. Our friends at Primary have shared the instructions for creating Baby Superman, Baby Batman and Baby Wonder Woman. And you can easily adapt the techniques to add more superfriends to your crew.
Turn your twins into the President and VP with this ingenious costume idea shared by Ergobaby. The kids stay snug in their baby carrier while you and your partner dress in dark suits and sunglasses as the Secret Service.
2. Milk & Cookies: Your little ones will be the treat this year in adorable milk & cookies t-shirts or onesies. Add a white hat and leggings for the milk carton and brown duds for the cookies. These Spunky Stork twin sets also come in other favorite food combos: PB&J, biscuits & gravy, pancakes & syrup, avocado toast, and fish & chips.
As if your twin babies didn’t look tasty enough on their own, the classic condiment combo comes together in this adorable ketchup and mustard bodysuit costume set, available in short or long sleeves.
They're the chipmunks—Alvin, Simon, Theodore! This quick DIY, courtesy of our kid-favorite clothing brand Primary, turns your wild bunch into these adorable chipmunks while keeping them warm and cozy on Halloween.
Show the world how much your kids have spiced up your life by dressing them in matching salt and pepper bodysuits. These come in seven colors and a range of baby and toddler sizes.
These long-sleeve pajamas have snaps for easy diaper changes and come in five bright colors. M&Ms may melt in your mouth and not in your hands, but people will definitely melt when they see your crew dressed up as this sweet treat.
The forecast is cloudy with a chance of adorable when your twins don these sunny rainbow and rain cloud costumes for Halloween. Handmade from felt and fleece, they are loose enough to layer clothes underneath.
Is your child more of a cookie monster or a giggle monster? Party City sells Elmo and Cookie Monster costumes designed as fuzzy jumpsuits and tutu dresses. you can join the fun too with their low-key adult costumes, consisting of a t-shirt and headband in either an Elmo or Cookie Monster theme.
This little piggy jumpsuit with ears and a snout on the hood will look adorable on your whole crew of multiples or baby friends. The booties have skid-resistant bottoms, and the snap enclosures make for easy diaper changes.
Have your very own butterfly garden this Halloween when you dress your babies up in the Princess Paradise Baby Swaddle Wings. Keep them cocooned in the swaddle for the caterpillar look or open it up and watch those wings spread for the butterfly pose.
Oh my! Get this Wizard of Oz-inspired look for your little ones with soft and cuddly versions of a lion, tiger and bear from InCharacter. They come in a variety of sizes for toddler triplets (or friends) and even older siblings. Mom can be Dorothy.
Available at amazon.com (see links above), prices vary by costume and size.
Dress your whole family in colorful crayon onesies and t-shirts. These come in baby bodysuits, toddler t-shirts, youth shirts, women’s slim tees, and men’s tees and an array of bright colors.
Your twins go together like—well, you know the rest of the saying—when they wear these too cute to eat peas and carrot costumes. They are handmade from fleece, felt and netting and will fit over heavier clothes in colder climates.
Dr. Seuss’s mischievous duo make for great Halloween fun. The Thing 1 and Thing 2 costumes from Etsy shop Little Things by Nicky include two bodysuits that are more practical and comfortable than a traditional costume. An older sibling can get in on the theme with a Cat in the Hat getup.
There’s no doubting these two are in it for the treats when they dress as these candy-loving fairy-tale siblings. This Hansel and Gretel costume set comes in sizes for babies, toddlers and older kids.
No need to venture down the rabbit hole to find the perfect Alice in Wonderland costumes for your littles. HalloweenCostumes.com has Alice, Lil’ Hatter and Cheshire Cat baby costumes, as well as options for adults if you want in on the theme.
Available at halloweencostumes.com (see links above); prices vary.
It’s a big week for Starbucks. Not only is the coffee brand celebrating its 50th anniversary, but National Coffee Day is Wed., Sept. 29!
To show gratitude for customers and communities alike, customers can bring in a clean, empty, reusable cup (up to 20 fl. oz.) into participating locations in the U.S. on this Wednesday and get a free cup of Pike Place Roast brewed coffee.
photo: Starbucks
In addition to the freebie at cafe locations, select Starbucks Reserve locations like the Starbucks Reserve Roasteries in Seattle, Chicago and New York City, will also be giving away a free Starbucks Reserve coffee or cold brew.
Want to enjoy your coffee at home? Head to Starbucks’ At Home website and sign up for a free Pike Place Roast packaged coffee! The deal is available on Sept. 29 while supplies last and is limited to one per customer.
OREOs—and all their variations—are indisputably delicious. Now there’s one more way to enjoy the classic sandwich treat. You might want to add New Jersey to your upcoming trips list, because the first-ever OREO Café has opened!
Located at American Dream, the retail and entertainment complex in East Rutherford, the café is a dream come true for your sugar tooth. It features a treats bar, where visitors can pick from delicious items like a waffle sundae with baked-in OREO pieces or a cookies & cream OREO cheesecake. Or you can customize a treat by choosing a dessert base, then picking from a wide range of OREO-inspired toppings, adding up to more than 200 possible combinations!
Of course, there are plenty of OREO items to buy, including packages of cookies and limited-edition merch. That includes tote bags, branded apparel, home decor and more! We’re fans of the fuzzy slippers and the giant cookie pillows.
If you can’t make it to New Jersey but really need an OREO pillow in your life, you can buy online through oreo.com. But we’re definitely putting this new café on our bucket list!
Kids love museums but curious hands and irreplaceable art do not always mix well. This summer, take your budding Picassos to the Asian Art Museum’s newest exhibit, teamLab: Continuity, an interactive digital art experience the whole family will love. Immersive art is all the rage these days so read on to find out why and how kids blend in perfectly!
TeamLab: Continuity
Asian Art Museum
Located in San Francisco’s Civic Center, The Asian Art Museum recently reopened after an extensive remodel and COVID-19 hiatus. Continuity is located in the brand new Akiko Yamazaki and Jerry Yang Pavilion, which at 8,500 square feet is the city’s largest art exhibition space.
My sidekicks, ages five and seven, were initially wary of the exhibit. Like most kids their age, they like to run around and touch things but know from previous experience this leads to frantic shushing in art galleries. However, the enthusiastic docents pointed out all the exhibit's cool features and encouraged the kids for some hands-on action. Before long, my kids were touching, giggling and dancing from room to room. Images of the natural world are projected onto the floor, ceilings and walls and change constantly as you walk which gives the feeling of being truly immersed in a painting.
TeamLab
Multiple senses are involved in this truly interactive exhibit as a swipe near the wall changes the display of colorful cherry blossoms while a touch of the hand creates a new cloud of butterflies. Music, dancing light and even smell adds to the experience with the scent of rose petals creating a spa-like and relaxing environment. In one particular room, the creators presented an exciting vibe with streams of light zooming around the room that slightly disoriented my sense of balance. The upbeat tempo of the music accompanied by the flashing lights caused my kids to immediately launch into their own private dance party.
Sketch Ocean
Sarah McDonald
Although Continuity is the main draw, don’t miss Sketch Ocean, a smaller exhibit located near the museum’s entrance. This is another interactive art experience from teamLab, where colorful sea creatures created by visitors are projected onto the walls.
Pick a template, color, scan and watch as your drawing bursts into life on the wall and swims away to join other creations. The movement of the artworks are quite life-like and the result mimics a real aquarium. Look out for fish who have swum all the way from Tokyo, where teamLab has a sister exhibit.
Nosh
Creating great art is hungry work, so make a stop at the museum’s cafe, Sunday at the Museum, for a Japanese-inspired sandwich (think Katsu chicken on milk bread with slaw!) or a house-made chocolate chip cookie. The cafe also serves boba tea from the Boba Guys and sparkling fruit drinks.
If you are looking for a fun way to fire up your kids’ imagination and enjoy modern art together minus the stress of keeping them quiet in an adult space, be sure to catch this exhibit while it is in town!
TeamLab: Continuity and Sketch Ocean
July 23 to February 2022 Tickets: $20/adults weekdays, $25 weekends, free for children under 12 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco Online: asianart.org
When you met your partner, was it love at first sight? (Or “site,” seeing as so many of us meet on social dating sites these days!) Were you swept off your feet and whisked away to many a romantic rendezvous?
No matter how you met or how hot and steamy the beginning of your relationship was, you likely went on dates. Often they started out simple, allowing you to get to know one another, maybe long soul-syncing talks at a cafe or slow and intimate home-cooked dinners with wine. Then they may have become more active: out to a concert or sporting event, rock climbing followed by some beers at a local pub, strolls up and down the beach boardwalk.
The options were endless! The time—abundant! The mood—carefree!
And then you had children.
Now, your daily interaction is often a transaction. You two run the business of keeping your home functioning and this doesn’t leave much time for galavanting around town, kid-free, blowing through your hard-earned moolah.
So, if time and pockets are so short, why bother? For one, do you enjoy engaging with your life partner in this I’ll-do-this-if-you-do-this sort of manner? I’m waging a bet that the answer is a big fat “no.”
Here are three very good reasons why you should keep dating your spouse.
If you plan to be with this person for life, as you most likely intended when you promised this at your wedding, then you might need to work on your marriage just a smidge to keep the spark alive and well. You’ll be reminded of you why you love your partner in the first place.
It will be fun! And it will be a welcome break from the monotony of the every day wake-parent-work-parent-sleep lifecycle.
Your kids will benefit! As you and your spouse strengthen your partnership, you will be a wonderful role model to your children of how a healthy couple should be. Additionally, these lovey dates may refill your frequently empty parenting tank, allowing you to be a better, more patient parent.
Okay, so I’ve sold you on why you should date your partner, but how to find the time or the money to plan a date?
What my husband and I have done with intention this year, is plan one official date per month where we line up babysitting for the kids and we leave the house. That’s the biggest hurdle. We are lucky that my parents (mainly my mom) are often available to help out and that saves us some money. If they aren’t free, then we hire a sitter. Yes, this adds to a date night expense, but it is worth it, promise.
If you don’t have the extra to spend on a sitter, see if one of your mom friends would be willing to come sit at your house while your children sleep (and her partner stays home with their own kids). You could pay her in unlimited Netflix usage during her stay. Heck, she may even appreciate the “evening off” with her own kids.
And now the big question: what to do? Um, anything?! You’re kid-free, remember?
Here are some great and budget-friendly date ideas:
Go for a walk in a green space near your house during sunset
Grab happy hour drinks downtown while you people watch
Go to a cafe where you listen to a podcast together and then discuss
Drive away from the city to stargaze together
Eat out somewhere nice but affordable. Savor eating at your own pace (hooray for not having to tend to kids or shovel your food down!)
Use sites like TravelZoo and Groupon to get discounts of what would be a more expensive date, like a couples massage or concert tickets
Take a bottle of champagne on a hike (like we did many many moons ago)
Any of those resonate with you? This is getting me excited for my husband and my next date! But, what if you and your partner have different ideas of fun? You could each make a list of five to 10 date ideas. Put all the options together and then pick one at random!
Whatever you do, the goal is to connect and have fun. And if dating one another fortifies your relationship foundation—that has shifted as it made room for your new roles as parents—well then that’s worth planning for, isn’t it?
I am a mom to two young kids, a licensed psychotherapist, and a children's book author. My passion is to help and empower moms and children to understand themselves better, navigate challenge confidently, and live the life they want. Visit me at ChristinaFurnival.com
