There are so many lovely day time date ideas that can be enjoyed during the summer months.
If you have children the idea of spending a day without them might seem a little selfish... but let me reassure you, it absolutely is not. In fact, it was during a day time date that my husband proposed to me!
There are so many reasons to plan the odd day time date with the person you love. Many could argue that as parents you are going to actually get the “best” of each other during the day. If you are sleep deprived the evening time may be difficult because your mood and energy are much lower.
A late night can also make the following days (or days) really difficult in terms of getting back into a routine. Sometimes it's just not worth it. Babysitters might just be in more plentiful supply if you choose to go during the day too.
The people you trust with your children probably have busy social lives themselves.
There are so many lovely day time date ideas that can be enjoyed during the summer months. So get planning because you deserve a bit of couple time!
1. Head into town for the day
There is something wonderful about hopping on public transport with the intention of killing a couple of hours in the city centre however you choose to. You can pop into your favourite bars or coffee shops, head to a nice park, take in a movie or go for a really nice meal and avail of a cheaper lunch menu. It will be bright when you are making your way home and it’s really just got.... something. you’ll be quite happy to look forward to relaxing for the evening when the kids go to bed.
2. Enjoy a festival together
There are so many day time festivals to choose from this summer. Some focus on gardening, the outdoors and cooking while others are music and art related. They almost always involve some kind of pretty outdoor venue and gorgeous food and drink options so it is a really lovely idea for a day time date.
3. Picnic and swim
You know those lovely beaches and lakes around Ireland that are packed with families on a nice day? Well, head there! Feel no guilt about being sans kids and choose a picnic spot that you would never be comfortable settling at if the kids were in tow. Pack a picnic and take a dip together. Magic!
4. Do something adventurous together
Go canoeing down the Liffey or horse-riding together. Something completely out of the ordinary that will provide tonnes of laughs and some well-deserved excitement.
5. Go to a matinee show
It could be a day-time movie or a theatre show you would both enjoy. Enjoy the novelty of seeing it during the day and stop for some nice food before or after it. You’ll want to wear a sign telling people you’re actually parents – it’s brilliant!
6. Enjoy an afternoon in the garden together
Seriously, take your mother/sister/friend up on their offer of dumping the kids at their house and enjoy a day in your lovely home together. Crack open a bottle of wine, make some nice food and blast your favourite tunes without a care in the world.
7. Go shopping together
Perhaps you need shoes and your partner needs a jacket but the priority is usually kitting out the children. Enjoy an afternoon shopping leisurely with no sense of having to rush, race and think about the children’s schedules. The novelty of holding hands walking around a shopping centre is amazing. Throw in a frothy coffee and something sweet and you’ve got yourself a perfect afternoon.
Tracey is mammy to four-year-old Billy and is also expecting baby number two any day now. She is a breastfeeder, gentle parent and has recently lost five stone so healthy family eating is her passion! You can follow her on Instagram.
