The moment you’ve been long waiting for as parents have finally arrived. Your kids are old enough that they don’t need a sitter! But after ten or so years of having to work around a babysitter, you might be a little short on ideas for what you should do with your newly found freedom as parents. If you are looking for some fabulous budget-friendly date ideas that you can do when you don’t have to worry about a sitter, here are some of my favorite ideas.

Cheap Date Ideas for Couples Who Don't Need a Babysitter Anymore!

 

Go for a late dinner

After sporting events and all those other commitments, it can be hard to find the time to sit down and have a dinner date with your spouse. Why not instead go out for a late dinner? It doesn’t have to be fancy, or the kind of restaurant you dress up for, even a dinner date at a sports bar can still be exciting. After soccer games have ended and it’s nine or even 10, head out for dinner with your sweetheart.

Want to know if your teen is ready to babysit? Check out these tips!

Meet for drinks

Family dinners are important to us, and since you no longer have a babysitter helping with mealtime, you might want to just skip right to the drinks! There are plenty of non-alcoholic options available if you want to try a mocktail or try a few new drinks together. 

Or, plan a coffee date. Planning a few short dates away from home will let you see how your kids do without the watchful eye of a babysitter and will help you address any issues that might arise while you are gone.

 

Attend a concert in your area

Concerts go pretty late, sometimes letting out at around midnight, depending on when they start. Why not stay out late when you don’t have to worry about being home to tuck your little ones into bed at night? Say yes to that band you’ve been dying to see, and enjoy some lawn seating at an inexpensive price point too! Most concerts, even well-known artists, have lawn seating for $20 or less!

 

Say yes to a friend’s party

This one costs you $0 out of pocket but is a date night that you won’t soon forget. When was the last time you could go to a party with adults? The next time you’re asked, GO! Your friends will love the chance to catch up with you, and it can be a great time to hang out with other adults for a change. You can turn it into a nice date night by spending the evening together without the kids.

Has it been a second since you've been out? Don't miss this!

The Grown Ups Guide to Going Out!

 

Hit the trails

If you’re looking for something active to do, why not hit the trails together? You don’t need any money to head to a local trail and spend the day hiking with your sweetheart! If you want to spend a little money to stay at a campsite, you can even turn this into a romantic overnight date if your kids are old enough to stay overnight alone. This is an excellent option for parents with responsible teenagers!

Don't miss these 5 hiking safety tips if you are just starting out!

 

Visit the local theatre

It won’t be quite like Broadway, but you can still see a great show at your local theatre! Check out the closest college or community theatre for great-priced shows and even some popular shows you can’t afford to see on Broadway! Our local theatre has performed Oklahoma, Wicked, and many other classics!

Want to find more fun and free local resources? Here are some tips!

Want more budget-friendly date night ideas? 

Here are 15 date night ideas under $15! 

These date ideas are inexpensive and perfect for couples looking to reconnect. Since your kids don’t need a sitter, you can easily do these whenever you find a spare moment!

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