Taking care of children is a hard job for any parent, therefore parents are probably the MOST in need of a little relaxation and entertainment. It’s easy to get lost in the constant demands of parenthood, therefore parents night out is an important aspect to consider.

A night out for mom and dad can be the perfect solution to maintaining their connection with each other. A good parents night out will also give them a short break from the kids.

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Many parents find this time to themselves rejuvenating and necessary to be the best parents (and partners) that they can be.

Most of the time, the largest hurdle to getting a proper (and enjoyable) parents night out is securing childcare. Once you take care of the childcare problem, you need a plan for the parents.

Top Ideas for Childcare

Whatever avenue is used for childcare, parents need to feel that their little ones are being well taken care of while they are out. Here are some ideas for finding childcare:

Family Members and Friends

This is an excellent source of short-term childcare. It is someone that the parents trust and that the children are already acquainted and comfortable with. It can include grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even close friends that are “like family”.

Traditional Babysitter

Fining a reliable sitter can feel like a daunting task for many parents. Thankfully there are now resources to make finding that perfect someone a little easier. Sites like Care.com or Nextdoor.com are good starting points to find a quality sitter that you can use for many more parents’ nights out in the future.

Multiple Babysitters for Children of Multiple Families

This is like a traditional babysitter but if mom and dad want to go on a double date with another set of parents, this is a great idea.

If the total number of children is relatively low, both sets of parents can split the cost of one sitter and all the kids get to play together. If there are numerous children, consider hiring a couple of sitters to make sure no one is getting overwhelmed while the parents are away.

Parents Night Out Events

There is a growing trend of various childcare providers, community centers, like YMCA, religious groups and sporting clubs offering a night out for parents while providing engaging entertainment for the kids.

This is a great option to use as most of the people watching or entertaining the children must pass a background check. They plan lots of activities (like movies, crafts and games) to make sure the kids are going to have a great time while the parents get their night out.

However, there are usually age requirement for the children participating but it depends on which facility is being used.

Other Parents in Your Circle

If there is another couple that has kids, why not offer to watch them in exchange for another night where they watch yours? It’s a great way to save money (since you are not paying an outside source), make sure the kids are with someone you trust and the children get the benefit are playing with others for the night.

Top Ideas for Parents Night Out

It’s a good idea to make a plan before the date of the parents’ night out arrives. Otherwise, it is easy to waste some of that precious child-free time deciding what to do. With a good plan, parents can optimize their time and really have a chance to enjoy themselves.

Many of these activities do not require wearing formal attire but sometimes it can be fun for parents to look nice for a special occasion. This is completely up to what the parents’ comfort level.

Here is a list of activities that you can do as a couple, on a double date, or within a larger group of friends:

Movie: This is a great opportunity to catch a movie that’s rated above PG and doesn’t star a cartoon character.

Concert: Loud music, crowds and (potentially) non-kid-friendly lyrics can make a concert the perfect escape for parents with a free night out.

Dinner: This could be casual or fine dining, just the couple or a group of friends. Regardless, this gives parents the opportunity to eat (and have conversation) without the interruptions that usually pop-up at the dinner table.

Drinks: Parents can try a fancy cocktail at the trendy new bar in town or unwind at the local pub with a beer. Either way, it can be a nice way to decompress.

Double (or more) Date: It’s nice to see other people, besides your partner and children, from time to time. See if another set of parents want to get together for a night out without the kids.

Wine tasting/Brewery Tour: Parents can try something new (and nearby) at a local brewery, distillery or vineyard.

Create Your Own Tasting: If there is not a nearby tasting room, you can create your own. Parents can pick a few brews or wines from the local specialty or grocery store and host their own tasting.

Couples Massage: This is a wonderful way for mom and dad to unwind and truly relax. Many places offer couples massages and spa packages that can help parents recharge and de-stress.

Theater show: Is there a play running that sounds interesting? Is there a musical coming to town that you don’t want to miss? A parents night out is a great opportunity to catch a show.

Karaoke: If parents really want a fun night out with other friends, Karaoke is one of the most entertaining options. While there are certainly larger crowds at bars, it can be difficult to overcome nervousness around strangers.
Thankfully, there are private rooms rentals specifically for groups looking to sing Karaoke together.

Cook a meal together: Cooking together is a good way for parents to reconnect with each other. They can take their time and try something new that doesn’t have to please the palates of their children.

Board game night: If other friends can attend, a game night is a fun way to recharge and connect with other adults.

Being a parent is a hard job for anyone. It is important for parents to take a night off, get out, and have fun. At the end of the night, the most important things are: the kids were safe and the parents had an enjoyable night out.

Did we miss your favorite parents night out idea? We would love to hear your comments below. Is there anything you like to do on parents night?