Relationship experts agree that couples — especially those with children — should make date nights a consistent part of life.
Benefits from time spent alone (but together) can include: better communication, fun without the kids, a boost in romance, stronger commitment, and stress relief. There are many ways to spend a date night in the Lake Travis area, but planning for even just once a month likely will require a little schedule juggling.
First Things First
You’ll first have to figure out childcare if your children aren’t old enough to stay home alone for a couple of hours. If grandparents or other willing family or friends are available to help, this makes things much easier when planning. If you don’t have a go-to babysitter, there are other options to look into:
- Hourly drop-in child care for evening hours, such as that provided by Kid-E-Shack in Lakeway is one idea. Rates start at $10 an hour with discounts offered for multiple children.
- Some churches and businesses offer parents night out opportunities. Your children can spend an evening playing or hanging out with friends while you and your significant other have your own brand of fun. Join business or church email lists to get information when these events take place.
- Neighborhood social network sites are a good place to start if you’re looking for a babysitter. Also, websites like www.care.com offer help when searching. For example, information on caregivers specifically affiliated with colleges and universities can be found on this site.
Something Different For Date Night
Dinner and a movie remains a popular way to reconnect with your spouse. But if you’re looking for something different, there are other ways to enjoy your evening in the Lake Travis area.
Take a cooking class – Faraday’s Kitchen Store offers cooking classes where you can watch a chef-instructor demonstrate techniques while cooking recipes to sample. Classes cost about $50 a person. Check their website for class dates and availability.
Bring out your inner Monet – Painting with a Twist has evening classes. Registration buys you instruction, canvas, brushes and paints; you bring the refreshments. See their website for pricing and upcoming classes.
Try your foot at something new – The Dance Institute offers dance classes for couples. You can purchase a group of classes or just drop in. See their website and click on “adult dance” for more information.
Concerts, wine events, hikes or watching a sunset over Lake Travis are other ideas. If scenery counts for anything, you’re well on your way to a great date night just by staying close to home.
Put it on the Calendar!
Just as doctor appointments, dance recitals and volunteer commitments are a priority, get date night on the calendar and reconnect with the one you love.
Whether once a week or once a month, we hope these ideas will help get you started on a night of fun for the grown-ups in the family.