Skip the Fancy Dinner and Try One of These 10 At-Home Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day

When you've got little ones at home, it's normal for things to feel a lot less romantic than they used to. While nurturing your relationship with your partner is important, when your first baby is born, you trade nights alone together for sleepless nights, diaper changes, and lots of tears (most likely from you and your baby).

There's a certain beauty that comes with watching the person you love become a parent, and in many ways, parenthood can bring you even closer together. But it can also mean that things like Valentine's Day slip your mind or even seem unimportant because you're so focused on taking care of your little one. If you don't have a sitter or you're too tired to go out this Valentine's Day, you don't have to give up entirely on the idea of a romantic evening.

Take it from a mom of three — there are plenty of ways to connect with your spouse in the comfort of your own home. Here are some of my favorite at-home date night ideas that are perfect for Valentine's Day.

It's More Important Than Ever to Connect

As a mom of multiple young children, I know how easy it is to push date nights aside when you're in a season of parenting little ones. Not every couple has the luxury of getting a sitter or even having family watch their kids so they can go out. But that doesn't mean it's not important to find other ways to connect.

Reconnecting with your spouse after having a baby isn't as simple as going out to a fancy dinner or planning a weekend getaway. Whether you just had your first baby or you're raising several little ones, it seems like any time you spend with your partner takes extensive planning and preparation.

It's not just about relaxing or taking a break with your spouse — research shows that increased quality time leads to positive changes in romantic relationships. The time you spend together is what will allow you to weather the storms of parenthood as a team.

At-Home Date Ideas for Valentine's Day

The best part about spending quality time together as a couple is that it can truly happen anywhere. So whether you're too tired to go out this Valentine's Day or you're brand-new parents at home with a newborn, here are some at-home date night ideas to help you connect and enjoy a night together.

Enjoy a Romantic Movie Together

A movie night at home is a romantic and laid-back choice for Valentine's Day. Keep things on theme by choosing a romantic movie you can both enjoy. Grab the popcorn, candy, or your other favorite movie snacks before settling in.

The most romantic films of all time include classics like “Casablanca”, “Gone with the Wind”, and “When Harry Met Sally.” You can even see how many of the films on this list you've seen and have a movie marathon.

Feed the Kids Early and Order Take-Out

There's certainly nothing romantic about chicken nuggets or mac and cheese, but who says you have to eat when the kids do? If you've got little ones at home with you on Valentine's Day, give them a kid-friendly dinner and then send them off to bed so you can enjoy a fancier meal.

This could look like cooking steaks or ordering sushi — no matter what you choose, enjoy having a meal that you don't have to worry about your kids saying no to.

Play Board Games

Board games can be a fun way to connect with your significant other, whether you choose a collaborative game or a competitive game. It doesn't matter what game you choose to play as long as it's something you both enjoy.

Keep things simple by playing a game of cards or a classic like Monopoly. Alternatively, there are plenty of games out there specifically for date night that you can pick up at stores like Target. Prepare a favorite drink or snack for the two of you to enjoy together while you play.

Have an Indoor Picnic

Picnics are no doubt one of the most romantic outings, but when you can't get to the park for a date, you can have an indoor picnic that's just as romantic. All you need is a blanket, some pillows, and a tasty meal.

Throw your most comfortable blanket on the floor of your living room (or even the floor of your patio if you have one!), add some pillows, and put on a playlist of your favorite love songs. You can enjoy your picnic with a full meal or some favorite snack foods and treats.

Bring Out Your Inner Bookworm

Reading together is an underrated activitity that can actually be pretty romantic. Put on an instrumental placelist, pour a couple of glasses of wine, and grab a favorite book.

You can read separate books snuggled up on the couch together and have a perfectly romantic evening. But you also might be surprised how relaxing and romantic it can be for one of you to read aloud to the other.

Complete a Puzzle

If the idea of spending an evening completing a jigsaw puzzle doesn't thrill you, you're not alone. But doing a puzzle together can actually be fun and challenge you both in the best ways.

For the couples looking for something a little more exciting, try variations like the jigsaw puzzles from the Magic Puzzle Company, which do a magic trick when you finish them. Target sells plenty of puzzle options, including some from the Magic Puzzle Company.

Spend Time in the Kitchen

Cooking together is a fantastic way to bond and reconnect with your partner. You can keep things simple by chatting while throwing together a favorite recipe, or try something new that you haven't made before.

There's something surprisingly romantic about making something from scratch with your partner, like pizza dough. There are many easy recipes that even beginners can make and it gives you time to talk and connect while you wait for the dough to rise.

Get Crafty

You don't have to be an artist to enjoy doing a craft with your significant other. Working with your hands is a great way to unwind and you may be surprised how much fun you have.

There are lots of paper crafts that require very little materials or preparations, or you can purchase craft kits specifically designed for couples to create together. It doesn't have to be complex — painting your own mugs or wine glasses is one of the simplest options and you'll even end up with a keepsake to remind you of your time together.

Pamper Each Other

Pampering isn't just for spa days. It can also be a great way to spend time together as a couple. Take a candlelit bath together, massage each other's shoulders, or even put on matching face masks. Afterall, guys need skin care, too!

You can make the night even more romantic with matching robes, champagne, and gourmet chocolates.

Enjoy a Sweet Treat

Even if you're spending the night at home, no Valentine's Day would be complete without a sweet treat. Depending on what you and your significant other prefer, you can share a box of chocolates from the store or make a dessert at home.

Some options that are perfect for Valentine's Day include chocolate covered strawberries, red velvet cheesecake, or rocky road fudge.

You Won't Always Have Dates at Home

For some, having to stay home on Valentine's Day can be a bummer. Remember, this season of parenting won't last forever and before you know it, you'll be able to go out to dinner every once in a while or enjoy a night away. Until then, make the best of the time you have and find ways to connect with your significant other no matter where you are.

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