Any time Halloween falls on a weekend is a big deal so this weekend is chock full of activities! We’ve got a lineup of Halloween festivities for you, last minute Bay Area inspired Halloween costumes and even where to trick-or-treat to maximize your kiddos’ candy haul. If you find extra time, be sure to check out some of the below activities to round out a very exciting weekend!
photo: iStock
San Francisco
Bean Sprout Family Days at the Botanical Garden Suitable for children of all ages, Bean Sprout days are the garden’s “yes space” for kids. So roll up little sleeves and get ready to dig, weed, water, plant and explore the garden! Sat., Event details
Presidio’s “My Park Moment” Photo Show Over 400 photos in four locations showcase selections from everyday park goers, professional and amateur. Get inspired to go outside and create your own moments! Fri.-Sun., Event details
Free Family Mini Photo Sessions Get your holiday family photos done early this year with a free family mini photo session! With outdoor locations all over the Bay, booking a session has never been easier and pay only $15/photo or less. Sun.,Event details
East Bay
Alameda County Fair This is the last weekend of the county fair so be sure to grab your funnel cakes while you can! Fri.-Sun.,Event details
Lunchtime Music and Dance @ OMCA Pack a picnic and enjoy a ballet performance this weekend at the Oakland Museum of California garden. Sat.,Event details
Dia De Los Muertos Festival This family-friendly event has hundreds of vendors selling traditional Latin American crafts and art, a carnival pop-up with kids’ games and rides, 25 traditional altars on display and three stages. Sat.,Event details
South Bay
Diwali Festival Celebrating the Festival of Lights, the 2021 Diwali Festival will showcase arts and craft, henna, food trucks, a Kids Zone, Halloween costume parade, Bollywood & classical dance performances and more! Sat.,Event details
Coyote Point Movie Night Enjoy the last movie night of the season at Coyote Point! Sat., Event details
Outdoor Story Time at Linden Tree Staff at this children’s book store read-aloud from their favorite stories at the storefront’s outdoor area. Bonus: Manresa bakery is next door so parents can enjoy story time with a pastry and coffee in hand. Sun. Event details
Marin
Lucas Valley Poor Farm and Cemetery Walk Join Ranger Mike Warner for a short walk around the former campus of the Lucas Valley Poor Farm and Cemetery and learn about the history of the facility and some of its inhabitants. Sat., Event details
Weekend Sounds at Strawberry Village Enjoy live pop-up music at the piazza. Sat.-Sun.Event details
It’s already tricky enough to clear out your schedule and find a babysitter; coming up with a date night plan can seem daunting, especially during this coming cold and rainy season. From adults-only museum nights to indoor skydiving to escape rooms, let these ideas inspire you to find a new and different way to enjoy time with your significant other. Kids aside, you’ll have something new to bond over after you head back home. Please be sure to check with each venue for their COVID safety protocols.
While you likely have taken the kids to the California Academy of Sciences, it's a totally different experience when you head there at night and you have time to appreciate the museum yourself. On Thursday evenings, the California Academy of Sciences NightLife program brings you music, creatures and even cocktails with a new theme each week. To attain the ultimate in Very Important Parent status, grab a VIP ticket that includes a behind-the-scenes tour, two complimentary drinks plus light bites on the rooftop lounge, express entry to the rainforest, and more. Upcoming NightLife themes include the BigPicture photography exhibit, nocturnal animals, and Halloween Academy-style.
California Academy of Sciences 55 Music Concourse Drive San Francisco, CA Dates: Thursdays, 6-10 p.m. Tickets: $17-$20, timed entry Online: calacademy.org
Thursday is also the night for the Exploratorium's After Dark program, which brings hands-on discovery to an 18 and older crowd. The theme changes each week, from crafting to outer space to exotic creatures to photography. You can listen to guest speakers, participate in hands-on activities and watch specialty films. You also have access to the whole Exploratorium and its 650 exhibits—and now you don't have to fight off all the kids to try out all the cool gadgets and experiments. Grab a drink at the bar and open your mind.
The Exploratorium Pier 15 San Francisco, CA Dates: Thursdays, 6-10 p.m. Tickets: Free for daytime and After Dark members, $19.95/non-member. Timed entry. Online: exploratorium.edu
The iconic Top of the Mark at the very top of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins in San Francisco is famous for its 360 degree views of the city, its weekend brunches, and now a brand new champagne experience. The hotel has partnered with Piper Heidsieck to create two new signature cocktails, to be served from their new champagne carts, along with Astrea caviar. Go for a cocktail and appetizers and feel like you're floating away at the top of the world.
InterContinental Mark Hopkins 19th Floor, 999 California Street San Francisco, CA Top of the Mark open Tues- Sat 4:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. Online: sfmarkhopkins.com
Ready to relive your arcade and foosball days without having to share your tokens with the tikes? Then the Emporium should be on your night out list. This arcade bar, located in the 100-year-old Harding Theater on Divisadero Street, houses all your favorite old-school games like pinball, foosball, skeeball and even shuffleboard. Plus, Emporium has a full bar focusing on local and regional craft beers. Expect to find DJs spinning your favorite jams, loads of awesome art on the walls and giant movie screens.
If the coming chilly weather has you longing for a warm getaway, consider an evening at Barrio. Starting out as a neighborhood hangout in North Beach, this restaurant's crowd-pleasing Latin-inspired dishes and beer bar inspired a second, larger location at Ghirardelli Square. Barrio's second location has an outdoor patio and a beautiful rotunda dining room with breathtaking, floor-to-ceiling views of the Golden Gate Bridge. There isn't a better spot to have a craft cocktail along with dishes from all over Latin America like cochinita pibil, beef birria, ceviche and their housemade blue corn tortillas. Don't miss their house guacamole and roasted salsa either. If it's vacation you've been missing, Barrio might be just the cure.
There’s nothing like a bit of adrenaline to bring people closer together. If you haven’t done an escape room before, you might learn something about your partner while frantically trying to decipher clues and solve puzzles to break out of the room before time runs out. PanIQ Room in San Jose offers several themed rooms from Wild West to murder mystery. You have an hour to figure out how to escape—don’t be surprised if you get addicted and go back for the other rooms. All games are private groups with no contact with other customers or employees.
PanIQ Room 2270 Quimby Road San Jose, CA Tickets: From $129-$189 per session Online: paniqescaperoom.com
If you've been really missing the fine dining experience during the pandemic and are ready for a fancy night out, alley & vine is the perfect place to celebrate. This farm to table restaurant in downtown Alameda showcases the best of the local and seasonal bounty in some cozy yet creative dishes. For fall, the menu features dishes like honeynut squash soup with brown butter, seared duck liver with chanterelles and chestnut, butter poached sturgeon, and confit duck leg with fairytale pumpkin. The wine and cocktail list is also stellar, and don't forget the chocolate pot de creme for dessert. The dining room is fully open, or you can eat on the lush outdoor patio —the ideal place to enjoy their weekend brunch.
For those who thought having kids meant an end to daredevil adventures... think again. iFLY offers the thrill of skydiving in a safe, indoor environment. There’s no parachute and no jumping; you actually fly inside a giant see-though wind tunnel with a certified flight instructor by your side the entire time. And you’ll quickly find out that half the fun is watching as your partner tries it out. All packages include a training session, at least two flights per person and a flight certificate you can show off to your kids!
iFly 31310 Alvarado-Niles Road Union City, CA Tickets: From $65/person Online: www.iflyworld.com/sfbay
You don’t need to go out to have an awesome date night. And bonus: Staying in means saving money on a sitter and not being stressed about having a stranger watch your child. Keep the spark alive with these eight ideas for fun date nights you can have right at home.
1. Facetime Double Date Chances are, you two have couple friends who are in the same boat. You know, the boat that contains a baby and prevents you from leaving the house except out of necessity? The bad news is, it’s sometimes a struggle to get together. The good news? You don’t have to suffer alone! Schedule a Facetime double date, setting a time for some shared screen time to commiserate and laugh together. Each couple can prepare their own meals at home, uncork a bottle of their favorite beverage, and share an hour or two together in conversation. Of course it’s not as great as seeing your friends in person, but it’s the next best thing and it can be done in sweatpants.
2. Date in a Box
There are several “date in a box” subscription products on the market right now, including DateBox, a curated box of goodies that provides a unique date experience right in the comfort of your own home. On the company’s website, you fill in your likes and dislikes and a little about your couple personality, and then just wait for the magic to arrive. Packed neatly in a box that ships right to your door, Datebox is the ideal way to try new date ideas without ever leaving the house (which is perfect when your little ones are sleeping and you can’t go anywhere). An example DateBox might include an “indoor camping adventure,” complete with a s’mores kit, a pour-your-own-pine-scented candle making set, a deck of cards with game suggestions, and even a playlist suited for romance in the great outdoors.
3. Epicurean Extravaganza
There’s something really sexy about cooking together (think Chocolat), and all you need is a kitchen, the right ingredients, and a good recipe to make it all possible. When you’re usually planning meals that appeal to a younger crowd (hello, mac and cheese), it’s nice to make something for a more mature palate, like a complicated recipe that actually requires measuring cups and more spices than salt and pepper. Think of all the sparks that can fly while spoon-feeding each other samples of your creations.
4. Good Old-Fashioned Sleepover
Some of the most fun times while growing up are sleepovers with your BFFs, and who could be a better friend that your partner? Go old-school with it by slathering on face masks and doing homestyle pedicures while watching a cheesy romantic comedy and waiting for your delivery pizza to arrive. You might be surprised at how much fun you can have when you take the pressure off and just be silly for a minute. Sure, you’re adults now with all the adulting you can handle, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put those responsibilities aside for a bit and have a sleepover with your best friend. And who knows? It might just inspire a rousing game of Truth or Dare.
5.Game Night Unleash your competitive sides with a game night. And before you roll your eyes and think “boring!” take a moment and consider all the possibilities Twister has to offer. Okay, so maybe most board games aren’t as flirtatious as that, but the competition that traditional board games offers can be pretty stimulating. You might be surprised how having someone sink your battleship can get your blood rushing. And with an unending supply of games (expand to table games like foosball if that’s more your speed), you can each bring a unique choice to the (literal) table.
6. Give Each Other a Massage
It’s stressful being parents, and all that tension you’re holding in your shoulders and neck (you know what we’re talking about) is only going to get worse. A massage might just be what the doctor ordered. And if you’re not a pro, check out YouTube for instructional videos or just tell each other what you like. Once the massages are through, you’ll be relaxed enough to curl up together for a good snuggle.
7. Netflix and Chill (No, Really…Watch Netflix and Chill Out) With several streaming options including Netflix and Amazon Prime available for a small fee, the possibilities for movie night are endless. And while the “Netflix and Chill” movement of recent years suggests jumping straight to the nookie, a fun night in can really be about comfy sweatpants, a good movie or TV show, and some serious couch cuddling. If your tastes differ (he’s more GoldenEye and you’re more Golden Girls), write a few choices on slips of paper and then draw one to decide what to watch.
8. Getting to Re-Know You You’ve folded the last towel, walked the dog, scrubbed the pink marker stains off the couch, washed the mud out of tiny little jeans, put away the last toy, and started the Crock-Pot dinner for what seems like the millionth time this week. And somewhere in the middle of the survival mode you’re currently living, you’re hoping to make time for your partner, something that can take a back seat during this time in your lives together. It’s okay, you still love each other, but there are only so many hours in the day.
But making time for each other is important, and these date nights, however few and far between, are a way for you to connect during a time that can make you feel, well, disconnected. Take the opportunity to spend a date night every now and then getting to re-know each other, talking about things that have nothing to do with diapers or dry cleaners, mortgages or rent payments. Talk about each other, your hopes and dreams, hobbies and interests, your future plans together. Take a moment to revisit the kind of talks you had in the beginning of your relationship. If it’s hard to get the conversation going, take a few minutes to write starter questions on slips of paper and then draw them out one by one. Or grab a book made just for this purpose, like Questions for Couples: 469 Thought-Provoking Conversation Starters for Connecting, Building Trust, and Rekindling Intimacy.
Leaving the house for date night may feel like a distant memory, but we’ve got plenty of ways to have a great time with your partner on a date night at home. Go beyond Netflix and chill with these creative ways to connect. Read on for a list of date ideas that will make you feel like you’re out on the town in San Diego… from the comfort of home.
1. Schedule a virtual date with friends and/or other couples. Relax and catch up with each other as if you were at an actual dinner party. You can even schedule the call for when you're all sitting down to eat in your respective homes.
3. Listen to a Spreckles Organ Concert from home. Every Sunday at 2 p.m. you can enjoy the music of San Diego Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez as he plays on the largest outdoor musical instrument in the world. These no-cost webcasts are a gift from the City of San Diego and the Spreckels Organ Society.
5. That's amore, alright! Order pizza for takeout or delivery at the best pizza joint in your neighborhood. Bonus points if you pair it with your favorite Italian-influenced film.
6. Acclaimed San Diego chef Brian Malarkey is offering virtual cooking classes! These hour-long, interactive and engaging classes will take you through the creation of delicious meals step-by-step. On May 19th, the class theme is Kid-Friendly Favorites––a perfect choice for parents!
7. Read a book together you've always wanted to read but never had time for. Take turns reading to each other aloud. Keep it local with one of these great books that are set in San Diego.
9. Go on a virtual island vacation. Explore nearby Catalina Island's landing page with activities to experience the magic of Catalina from afar. Enjoy live webcam footage of the harbor, underwater views of kelp beds and local fish from the USC Wrigley Catalina Marine Reserve, a Bald Eagle Cam from a perch in Two Harbors and more. Then, dream together about a real trip you'll take to Catalina in the future.
10. More early bird than night owl? Wake up before the kids for a coffee date. Many local coffee shops are offering curbside pick-up of their delicious drinks and pastries. For instance, Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe offers drink, pastry and breakfast menus with orders for pick-up. If your kids are early birds too, turn on the cartoons and escape with your partner to another room for your breakfast date.
14. Get zen with a couples' yoga workout. Vibe Flow Yoga is offering live online workouts via Instagram every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 a.m. To join in, simply head to Vibe Flow’s Instagram page, @vibeflow_yoga, and view their live story, or if that time frame doesn’t work for your schedule, try one of the classes posted on their YouTube channel, VibeFlow.
15. Clear some space in the living room and take an online dance class from local studio A Time to Dance. They're offering online classes ranging from Salsa to Blues Dancing to Bachata.
Regular date nights foster better communication, build resilience to get through the hard times and help couples remember why they fell in love in the first place. Don’t let staying home (and staying healthy) put a damper on spending quality time with your partner. Here’s how to bring the city to your living room and connect with your better half.
Hit the Books
The Works Seattle
Learning something new is more fun with a partner in crime! The Works Seattle offers many live and on-demand classes to take from home. From modern mixology, to how to grow a victory garden, to pickling vegetables and arts and crafts, there is a class for all interests. Can't make it to a class? Order a class kit and learn something new while your kiddos sleep peacefully. No experience required. Participating in a shared experience will keep on giving as you implement what you learned in class.
Get Crafty
AR Workshop Mill Creek
You can find all sorts of ideas on Pinterest or YouTube, but if you don’t have a crafty bone in your body, there's AR Workshop. They provide everything you need to create a custom painted sign and turn your “bored” into “boards” with easy and fun DIY kits to enjoy at home. Choose your design, paint colors and any customizations. Your complete kit, including stencils, wood, paint/stain, brushes and instructions will be shipped to your door. Order from locations in Seattle, Maple Valley, Mill Creek or Gig Harbor.
They say it takes two to tango. Prove them right. Sign up for an online dance class through one of Seattle’s local dance studios for a daringly different date night at home. Synch up with Salsa Con Todo’s classes via Facebook, or check out Exit School of Dance’s offerings online to make plans. With a smattering of pre-recorded and live classes, you're sure to find a time that works for you two.
If you thought life was a circus before, you’ve probably noticed it’s kicked up a notch during this at-home time. Embrace the insanity and take an online Circus at Home class with SANCA. Try your hands at juggling or partner acro foundations (talk about a metaphor!) to inspire laughter and connection. Or how about Wine & Whine? Pop a bottle (or not) and get down to it.
Top Chef
Toa Heftiba via unsplash
Challenge your partner to a cook-off with random pantry ingredients. It’s like hosting your own version of Chopped! What would you come up with if you were given a can of black beans, cinnamon, and green peppers? The sky is the limit. Select some obscure ingredients in your cupboard and let your imagination run wild. While you're cooking (and eventually eating) stream Canlis's Live, from the Dining Room piano concerts, playing weekdays at 6 p.m. via YouTube to add ambiance. It's an easy way to bring a night out to your night in.
Sweat it Out
Madison Lavern via Unsplash
Foster connection and get those endorphins flowing by taking an at-home workout class together. Feed your body, mind, and soul. Check out Fremont Health Club's Instagram classes to get your heart pounding, or try an online Zumba class with Salsa 'n' Seattle. Sweating together is a fun way to maintain some semblance of healthy routine during quarantine.
Staying home for an extended period of time conjures up dreams of traveling to faraway places. Make a date and start planning your dream vacation. Research the destination, including flights, accommodations, restaurants and activities. Add to the vacay vibe with a tropical cocktail kit you can pick up curbside (or have delivered) from one of your favorite local spots. Preorder a Mai Tai Survival kit from West 5, a painkiller kit from Navy Strength or margs from Gracia or the Westy to make it feel like you're already in paradise. Planning and dreaming provides a common goal, an escape from reality, and something to look forward to in the future.
Relax, Indulge, Enjoy
gefrorene_wand from Pixabay
Bring the spa to your house. Relaxing together after a hectic day with kids underfoot can become super romantic for any couple. Draw yourselves a bath and fill with bubble soap and calming essential oils, like lavender or jasmine. Break out the candles, turn on some music, and soak together. Try a new face mask or grab your favorite lotion and give each other massages. Pamper yourselves while connecting in a peaceful, rejuvenating environment.
Put your green thumb to the test and plant a garden or flower bed. Many local nurseries and garden centers have adapted to the new normal, so you can hand pick flowers, herbs and veggies to start beautifying your yard. Browse City People's online catalogue, then place your order via email for curbside pick-up. If you'd like to check out the inventory at Swanson's make an appointment first, then head in to find your green-thumb inspiration. West Seattle Nursery combines these options, so you can make your garden grow...together. Gardening can be therapeutic and relaxing and provides a great way to connect with your partner.
Craft your dinner and movie experience around a theme! Choose a country, a period in history or a favorite sport. How about Italy? Cook your favorite Italian dish while watching Under the Tuscan Sun. Missing Seahawks football? Cook up some wings, nachos and grab your favorite beer and watch an inspirational flick like Rudy or The Blind Side. Choosing a theme offers a fun focus and gets you out of your usual routine. Psst... don't forget dessert. Sugar + Spoon has free next day delivery (use code SUGAR-19) on their edible cookie dough to make your night complete.
It’s no secret, the DMV is home to political powerhouses and mom bosses who manage to DO. IT. ALL. Now, some of these parents are sharing their experiences. Whether you’re looking for practical tips or just an empowering story for an exhausting and sanity-imperiling day, these DC mom blogs have got you covered.
photo: iStock
Angelica Kajiwara
Angelica, her husband, her mom and three kids are always up for an adventure! Whether it’s a family road trip in their RV, a weekend away at the newest family destination or a Tuesday at their scenic home in North Georgia, this fun-loving family shares the best, the real and the silliness of it all. Her roll-with-it attitude of, “If we can do it, you can do it” makes her blog a must-read (and her Instagram a must-follow).
Mama Instincts Carolina was born and raised in Costa Rica but moved to DC in 2011, when she got married. She is a mom that’s obsessed in researching what’s best for her kids, from foods to toys and anything in between. Her blog provides information about all things parenting, the different phases of child raising, recipes, travel tips, product recommendations and living a non-toxic lifestyle. She hopes her blog will help other moms in their journey, whether to help them make a decision of what non-toxic toy they should get or to realize that they are not alone in this journey.
Adventure Moms DC In 2017, Jen and Colleen launched Adventure Moms DC! They are moms who are on the go with their little ones exploring the DMV. They not only want to share their adventure experiences but also offer practical advice and honest reviewsThey find the adventure in every day to share with other families. BONUS, they love to share their fave STEAM adventures, introducing families to different aspects of the arts and sciences. Go adventure with them!
Capitally Frugal DC The mama behind this blog is Sarah, who compiles store deals, freebies, product reviews/giveaways, and everyday savings for families in the Washington DC Metro area. Check in daily to get the 411 on money saving in DC.
PWC Moms This site is all about keeping your family busy in fun and fantastic ways. Mom Kristina seeks out the events and activities in Prince William County and collects them into a calendar that gives you easy access to the best the area has to offer. You’ll also find giveaways, reviews, and more on this handy site that keeps an eye out for fun.
Housewives in the City Andrea is the Social Media-savvy mom behind this blog–and you can totally get a sense for her friendly personality through each post. In addition to social media tips, giveaways, and calls to connect and network with other fabulous women in the DMV, you’ll find posts that focus on practical parenting or Andrea’s own family adventures.
Kid Trips Parenting playgroups, travel tips, summer camps, and more! This blog is a great resource when you want to check on the goings-on around town. The folks at the Kid Trips blog gather local events they think you should know about, share ideas for simplifying your life, and host great giveaways. Check it out!
A Parent in Silver Spring Jessica McFadden is a mother of three children who loves providing her fellow Washington, DC-area parents with ideas for fabulous family activities, knowledge about local resources, useful information and entertainment. Her goal is to is to motivate readers to laugh, try something new, and find greater joy in their own families.
KidFriendly DC KidFriendly DC is a go-to resource for recreation with kids in the DC-Metro area. From the tried and true to the new and cool, find out where to go and what to do with the kiddos in the nation’s capital. You’ll find everyday play ideas, a calendar of events, seasonal activities, and more.
Alexandria Mom This site is a great resource to find out what’s going on in and around Alexandria. Primarily a catch-all calendar and local news source, this blog also has suggested summer reading lists for kids, family outing ideas, and more.
Very Busy Mamá The mama behind this blog is María José, a very busy mom of two. Her blog is a space to share things that busy mothers and women love, such as fashion, beauty, fitness, but often put aside when the children come along. She knows that many moms no longer have the pre-kids income or body and writes about working with what you have, how to shop your own closet and staying stylish on a MAJOR budget.
Clarendon Moms Angelica, part-time writer, blogger and a full-time devoted wife and mother, has lived all over the world but chose to make the Courthouse-Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington Virginia home. Her blog features practical tips and advice on pregnancy, parenting, family, cooking, career, health, wellness, beauty, books, entertainment with a focus on fashion, local events and other fun stuff.
Teach Mama A Reading Specialist, writer, consultant, and mom to a three kids, Amy Mascott shares tools and resources parents can use to become the best teachers for their children. On her site, you’ll find posts such as “Top 10 Ways to Talk to Kids About Books,” craft and DIY learning ideas, critical thinking ideas, and more.
Stimeyland Stimey is a stay-at-home mom, writer, and parent to three neurodiverse kids with a range of autism, ADHD, and SPD. Stimey herself was diagnosed with Asperger’s in early 2012 and writes candidly about her family’s experience, along with favorite and familiar topics like movies, parenting observations, and pop culture. Stimeyland was also selected as a top autism blog by both Babbleand The Stir.
The DC Moms This site offers a dynamic view of the world through the eyes of some of the savviest and most entertaining moms in the DC metro area. The DC Moms bring you news, reviews and reactions on an array of subjects including world events, family, health, culture, sports, home, fashion and more. What else? Try giveaways, date night ideas, local outings, and pretty much anything else you can think of.
Tots 2 Tweens This is a totally helpful online directory for parents in MD, DC, VA, PA & WV. Here, you’ll find everything from birthday party venues to summer camps to sports to music lessons and ideas for family fun in your area–plus, recipes, public school guides, and more.
DC Thrifty Mom Run by a thrifty mom who hates paying full price, DC Thrifty Mom is a great place to get the scoop on free or cheap happenings in the Washington DC Metro Area. Join the community of other thrifty moms and share budget-friendly events and cost saving tips.
Momastery The mom behind Momastery has had plenty of ups-and-downs; she is a recovering bulimic and alcoholic and her road to motherhood and who she is today included lots of struggle and learning experiences. Now, she blogs with a refreshing honesty and isn’t afraid to admit to mistakes and find the funny in everyday things. She writes about her faith, her family, and the importance of living a kind and brave life.
Hip Mama’s Place This is a helpful and fun online community of moms who love to shop, save money, and talk about anything woman. The site also features local Washington DC events, daily product reviews, parenting tips, cooking, craft ideas, technology trends, money-saving tips, coupon sharing and more.
MomTini Lounge On this awesome site, you’ll find tips and tools for “the business of motherhood.” Mom Amy has three active sons and is a nationally recognized source on parenting. On her blog, she writes about parenting tips, money matters, tech safety for families, and organizational ideas. You’ll also find recipes, Mom Inspiration articles, and lots more.
I’m Not the Nanny As the mom of biracial children, Thien-Kim has too often been mistaken for the nanny in DC area parks! Raising two Hapa children (Vietnamese-American and African American), she shares the fusion of these two cultures in parenting, food, and technology. She started her site as a way to share the challenges and joys of raising biracial children. It has evolved as she shares her foodie obsessions, journey towards a healthier lifestyle, and the latest tech and apps she’s addicted too.
—Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Guiomar Ochoa and Abigail Matsumoto
When was your last romantic date with your significant other? Was it a night out on the town or a candlelight dinner? According to a survey of 2,000 parents of school-aged children conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Groupon, it’s probably been a while.
The study examined the romantic lives of 2,000 parents of children aged 5-18 and uncovered seven in 10 reported that the romance in their relationship significantly decreased after having kids.
According to new research, the average parent hasn’t been on a romantic date in more than three years. 30% of the parents polled said it’s been so long, they don’t even remember when was the last time they went out, just the two of them.
The majority of the respondents say it’s something they want to change, as 81% say that they need to step things up and have more frequent date nights. More than half long for the freedom they had before they became parents.
The most important thing parents miss about life pre-children is spending quality time with their partner. They are nostalgic about their lives before kids, wanting to have more sex, sleep in, travel, more, and simply having more alone time.
Though they may miss the lack of responsibility of their lives back before they had kids, 77% of those surveyed revealed they are happier and more fulfilled now that they have children.
Working parents look forward to spending time with their kids and family at the end of a long day. With making dinner as the number one thing parents reported looking forward to after a busy day at work, followed by tucking the kids into bed, reading bedtime stories, and snuggles.
In fact, even when it comes to how they spend their Valentine’s Day, 79% would rather spend the day as a family rather than one-on-one with their partner.
“As parents, it’s great if we can pull off a romantic date night experience with our partner on Valentine’s Day. However, it’s also about celebrating our other loves, too,” said Groupon’s Head of Experiences Brian Fields. “And when it comes to finding the perfect gift for all of your loves, our research shows that experiences are remembered nearly 40% more than physical things and leave people feeling nearly 20% happier.”
Maybe this survey will serve as the catalyst to get more parents to spend more time going out and doing something special with the one they love.
You can plan your kid’s social calendar like a pro. But when it comes to ideas for date night with your spouse … eh, not so much. Get back into the swing of spending time with your partner by snagging a great idea for date night from our inspired list of everything from date night ideas for home to date ideas that are free. The good news is, some of them don’t even require a babysitter! Keep reading to see them all.
Score a skilled sitter. Having a successful date night is all about the sitter. Find one who can handle your kids’ nighttime routine, so you don’t have to wait till they’re down (and you’re totally exhausted) before you hit the town. Simply hand them off and head out, knowing they’re in safe and competent hands.
Schedule the year in advance. Your calendar is full of commitments, but is the much-needed date night on there? Approach date night the way you would any other scheduling commitment, and we bet you’ll get a lot more of them! Pick a consistent date—like the 2nd Saturday of every month, for example—then book your favorite sitter for that date every month for the whole year.
Schedule a parallel movie night. If your kids are old enough, head to the movies with them, but then ditch them … when you split up to see different movies. Drop them outside the theater showing the latest kids blockbuster before wandering down the hall to see your movie pick. Plan to meet up in the theater lobby when the movies are finished.
Have an amazing dinner, at home. If you can't get a sitter or if it's not in the budget, try creating a fancy dinner at home. A few nights before, decide on a menu, whether it's an old fave, something new you've been wanting to try (maybe it's not kid friendly), or attempt to re-create a favorite restaurant entree. Then, on the night of, feed the kids and make it an early night (for them). Cook up your meal, and enjoy it with wine and quiet time.
Hit the gym. Take advantage of your gym’s childcare center, and schedule a workout date with your mate. Go the distance with a machine workout or take a class together while you’re there. Don’t forget a boosted smoothie post calorie burn, pre-kid pickup, to add an air of romance to the whole affair.
Try a birthday party date. The next time your half-pint’s got a drop-off birthday party scheduled, take full advantage. Drop him off, then explore nearby shops, restaurants and sights with your better half.
Trade sitting duties. Barter babysitting duties with your neighbors or besties and everybody wins! Plan a date, make the kid trade and enjoy your night on the town. Next month, it’s their turn for date night. The best part? Sure, your kid-load has doubled, but they entertain each other!
Find a local Parents’ Night Out. Museums do it. So do kiddie gyms and play centers. Churches and synagogues too. Dial into your area’s Parents’ Night Out offerings and then sign up your crew. They’ll be infinitely entertained, and you’ll get some much-needed Q.T.
Try an upstairs/downstairs date. This one’s all about territory. Parents in one half of the house, kids in the other. Everyone gets to do their thing, in their space. Set a timer to help the kids figure out where they can be and when.
Develop a date night jar. If planning the date is what holds you up, wade into the creative mire once then reap the benefits every time you and your honey go out. Take time to plan out a ton of dates. Write down your zany ideas on small pieces of paper and keep them in a mason jar. Then when the date night itch hits, pull one out, and make it happen!
Go on a day date. You schedule lunch meetings with co-workers, so why not try it with your spouse? Put it in your work calendar; then make it happen. A breakfast date, after you’ve dropped the kids at daycare or school, works too. Let’s do lunch!
Meet up for a late date. Make a kitchen rendezvous with your S.O. once the kids are asleep. On the menu? A decadent dessert with drinks to match over candlelight. Shall we say 10 p.m., by the sink?
Challenge yourself with a purse dump. Planning isn’t your thing? No problem. Let the contents of your purse be your guide. Dump out your cash, count it up, then plan out an evening at that price. Only have 75 cents? It sounds like a scenic walk might be the perfect date at that price. Less than $5 in your wallet? Splitting a froyo it is! You’ll be surprised at how creative the two of you can be!
Use playdate time wisely. Sure, the dishes need to be washed and the laundry in the dryer is getting more wrinkled by the minute. But that can wait. It’s time for an impromptu date. Send your kiddo off to her playdate, then you do you—popcorn and a flick, cook a foodie fest—whatever you and your partner enjoy doing, now’s the time.
Meet in the mini-van. If your family vehicle has screens, then this is the date for you. Once the kids are asleep, head to the backseat with your favorite movie, buttered popcorn and a blanket for snuggling. Don’t forget the baby monitor in case you’re needed. Lights, camera, action!
Play a board game. This is a classic at-home date night idea that never gets old. Pick something that might be too advanced for your little kids, or play a good round of rummy, poker or any of your other favorite card or board games.
Uninterrupted conversation? Who knew that existed? Family time is swell, but sometimes it’s nice to line up a sitter to spend time in a kid-free zone. Whether you swap stories over a meal or bond while touring some of the city’s most architecturally significant buildings, we’ve rounded up low-key, sitter-worthy ideas for adult fun. Enjoy the sound of silence!
Dine with a view at River Roast
There's so much to love about River Roast . . . where to start? The concept, if you can't guess by the name, is roasts. Not the type smothered in gravy . . . not that we'd turn our shoulder to that. Think more like a roasted chicken. There are six different meat, fish and veggie roasts that live on the menu everyday and one rotating roast a month. For the month of October, that's a Pork Shoulder served with sauerkraut and root veggies. The coolest part? They carve your dinner right at the table.
Some non-roast notables on the menu: Fried Olives stuffed with chorizo (sounds weird, but trust us on this one), charred Curried Cauliflower and the Golden Gobbets, which are seasoned fried chicken strips served with an adorable Smurf-sized jar of honey that would make Pooh weep tears of joy. The incredibly friendly staff managed by Jay Schuster, brunches on Saturday and Sunday with a live jazz backdrop and the sweet view with outdoor seating overlooking the hustle and bustle of the Chicago River round out the reasons why we heart River Roast.
Side notes: For brunch, go with Chilaquiles. But, bring a bus load of people with you as they are uber generous with their portions on this one. And, River Roast just sweetened the deal by adding a S'mores Ice Cream Sandwich that tastes just like the bonfire classic and an Adult Sundae Fundae with Guinness ice cream, whisky cherries, rum pineapple, bourbon butterscotch and potato chips.
A family that crafts together stays together. For a darling date-night-in or a bonding crafternoon with your kids, check out our favorite crafts below. They’re known to make hearts swell.
Crepe Flowers Create a bouquet of flowers with your little one. It requires three easy-to-find materials and takes less than 15 minutes. The best part is that these flowers last forever, meaning you and your kiddo never “forget” to water them. Click here to get Red Tricycle’s very own tutorial.
“Date Night” Jar “Letting the popsicle sticks decide” is also a fantastic, stress-free and diplomatic way of choosing an activity. All you need is a clean jar, popsicle sticks, a black pen and decorating materials of your choice like ribbons, stickers, paint, etc. Write your activity ideas like “Watch a movie, go to the park,” or “Get ice cream” on the sticks. Keep the jar on the side and whenever you’re ready to spend time together, pull out a stick and go! If you have time, be extra creative and color the popsicle sticks thematically so that you can use the jar for date night ideas with your partner too.
Crayon Candles What a great way to take all those colors your kids “don’t like” and turn it into a beautiful craft that’ll warm up any room. You will need to grab a bag of shredded wax, candle wicks and candle holders, which can be easily found at any Michael’s store, but the end result is worth it. Pst – Don’t forget to add fragrance to really spice up the experience! Get the full tutorial over at ramannoodles’ Instructable’s page.
