A few years ago, I did a quiz that helps you figure out your children’s love languages. I can’t remember exactly what the results were, but I do remember reading about quality time and feeling incredibly guilty. Well, guilty might not actually be the right word…enlightened, maybe.
At the time, I was a stay-at-home mom, so I should have had this in the bag, right? Nope. Just the opposite. I realized I spent a lot of quantity time with my kids, but quality? Not usually. Most of my time was spent occupying them while I tended to chores. And I realized we weren’t truly connecting the way they needed.
This realization changed my parenting. My husband and I began intentionally planning one-on-one time with each of our children, and I can honestly say that fewer things light them up like a date. There’s something about having one parent all to themselves with no other competing voices that helps that child feel seen and prioritized, especially when they have lots of siblings at home.
While we like to keep dates a regular thing on our schedule, I’ll also offer one thing that has been a game changer: In our house, dates do not have to be earned. They are not used as rewards. I’d even like to suggest that you offer a date to your child when they’re being particularly difficult.
And before you stone me, hear me out: Kids crave attention. Any attention. Even negative attention is better than no attention at all from a parent. And a lot of times when our kids are hard to love, what they actually need from us is the last thing we want to give: emotional connection.
Dates are such an easy way to do just that with our children. So, let’s dive into some kid date ideas! Here are a few of my favorite inexpensive kid date ideas for you to try:
KID DATES AT HOME
Late Night
One of my favorite ways to treat my big kids that requires virtually no planning is to let them have a “late night” with us. After all the other kids have gone to bed, they get to stay up an extra 30 minutes and choose the activity. We’ve watched sports or movies, played games, done art projects, and more. The beauty of this is that it can be spontaneous. They’re in the driver’s seat, so after a particularly hard day with a child, this is a great way to refill their cup!
Baking
One of my children absolutely adores being in the kitchen, and if we can find an hour alone to make some cookies or muffins together, he’s all in. This is an easy one to sneak in during a sibling’s nap time or if you’re short on time but want to do something to connect.
At-Home Spa Night
This one is especially fun for those girly girls. Grab some cheap nail polish, a face mask or two, and bust out the curling iron. Wear robes and throw some cucumbers on your eyes to be a little extra.
CHEAP KID DATES OUT
Walk, Workout, or Park Date
Last year, my oldest turned 10 and got too old for our gym childcare room. At first, I was really sad about this, but now, I totally look forward to Saturday mornings with him! We’ll walk the upstairs track and talk sports and school, shoot some baskets, or do some strength training if he’s feeling motivated. The activity isn’t exciting, but there’s something about moving together that opens the door for meaningful conversation. And I’m here for it. If you’re not members of a gym, a walk or bike ride around the neighborhood can be equally fulfilling! And for those younger kids, a one-on-one trip to the park where you put your phone down and PLAY together is a great option.
Dessert
The only thing better to a kid than time alone with a parent is time alone with a parent that includes a treat! One of our very favorite and very cheap ice cream dates is to Braum’s. Cones and sundaes are under $5, and there’s a full menu of other options if ice cream isn’t your jam. Other local dessert favorites for us are SmallCakes, Andy’s, Crumbl Cookies, and Bahama Buck’s.
Sonic Car Chats
Maybe it’s just my kids, but there’s something about a car ride that gets them talking. My oldest is especially reserved and not one to offer much when I ask him direct questions, but if we get a solo car ride together, he’ll start to spill. One of our favorite things to do together is grab a quick Sonic Happy Hour drink and hang together while we enjoy them.
SPLURGE KID DATE IDEAS
Perot Museum
Last year, my youngest was in transitional kindergarten, so he didn’t go to school on Fridays. We took that day to connect with each other, and, by far, his favorite place we went together was the Perot Museum. He’s a dinosaur lover, but there’s so much more there to explore besides dinosaurs. There are animal exhibits, engineering activities, gems and rocks, a sports hall, and even a young children’s play area downstairs. If science museums aren’t your kid’s thing, consider the zoo, an aquarium, or the Arboretum.
Manicures with Mom
This is another one of my daughter’s favorites. Many spas now have children’s seats or can use pillows to accommodate kids, and they’ll often offer to paint designs on little hands and feet. We really enjoy this date because it gives us lots of time to talk while we’re getting fixed up.
Mall
If you have a kid who’s a shopper, this one’s fun for one-on-one time. Most of our area malls have food courts, carousels or play areas, and plenty of kid-friendly stores to browse. We really like to do this before birthdays because they love to give me ideas! We’ll grab lunch, ride the carousel, get a free balloon at Nordstrom (shameless, I know), and they can make wish lists for back to school/Christmas/birthday shopping.
{Read More: Budget-Friendly Mommy & Me Date Ideas with Toddlers}
Do you make a point of connecting with your kids through dates? If you’ve got a great kid date idea I left out, tell me in the comments! I’d love to hear from you!
