Fun & Unique Date Night Ideas for Parents

Thanks to our busy schedules, the kids’ routines, and our over-tired lives, it can be difficult to plan a date night with our spouse. And while there’s nothing wrong with sitting on the couch together watching Netflix, sometimes the best way to reconnect is to try something new.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, make February the month when you prioritize date night. Book a baby sitter (or ask grandma and grandpa to take the kids) and create a date night experience that neither of you will forget. We know how few and far between these can be, so you need to make them count which is why we’ve created this unique list of special activities you can try.

Work to Escape Together

If you think putting together IKEA furniture or painting the living room is a test to your marriage, how about trying to escape a room filled with hidden clues within a certain amount of time? It may not sound romantic, but we think couples will love coming together to try in an escape room.  Not sure where to go? Check out the Escape Manor. They host rooms at various locations across the city. Some are spooky and scary (if you and your partner love that thrilling feeling) while others are more mysterious.

Throw Axes

Nothing says “I Love You” like throwing an axe. Isn’t that how the saying goes? Contact BATL Ottawa to book a day and time for your small group of two, or try a walk-in time on Friday nights and the weekend. We love how unique this is as a date night experience. This is a great activity for couples who love a competitive activity.

Go to the Theatre

When was the last time you and your partner went to the theatre? And we don’t mean that movie theatre trip when you took the kids to see Coco. This year, try making time for live theatre. Live theatre is a completely different experience and being able to sit together, engaged with the performance that is on the stage, is a fantastic way to spend date night. Check out the upcoming line up at The Ottawa Little Theatre this winter and spring. Shows like Dead Accounts and A Street Car Named Desire may catch your eye.

Take a Cooking Class

We love the idea of taking a cooking class together for date night. It reminds us of those evenings when we would spend extra time cooking a gourmet meal together that didn’t involve chicken fingers. Urban Element offers classes throughout the month and C’est Bon Cooking has a class specifically for couples taking place each month.

Lace up your Skates

A romantic skate on the Rideau Canal followed by tasty Beavertails could be the perfect Ottawa Date Night activity. There are various outdoor skating rinks across the city to check out (we’ve written about them before!) and choosing a spot like at Lansdowne or the Canal where you can also grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant is easy. Don’t forget that Winterlude is also happening until February 19th, so you may find additional outdoor activities. We love that The Grand Pizzeria has an Ice Bar every weekend during Winterlude where you can enjoy seasonal cocktails and roast marshmallows by the fire.

Create a Date Night at Home

We understand that booking a babysitter or leaving baby behind isn’t always easy, so if you can’t get away just the two of you for date night, try making a date night at home this Valentine’s Day! Order in your favourite meal after the little ones go to sleep, or try one of the special Valentine’s Day meals being prepared for take-out at local shops like Epicuria or Red Apron both of which offer three course menus that sound delicious.