Getting alone-time can be a challenge when you have kids, but it’s one of the most important things you can do for your relationship. Fall is the perfect time to spend some quality kid-free time together with your partner. It’s cozy, it’s fun, and it’s here for a limited time only. So, call grandma or your favorite sitter and get that special date on the calendar. Here are a few cozy ideas that will guarantee a fun, seasonal time together.
1. Dine at a restaurant that specializes in local fare.
One of the best things about eating local is getting your area’s freshest and best in-season foods. So, take a page from Western New York’s biannual Local Restaurant Week—which happens to fall during the month of October—and visit a local dining establishment with your spouse. Bonus points if you eat somewhere completely new to you.
2. Shop for home décor together.
If you are a fall fanatic, there are few things more fun than decorating for the season. There are also several iterations of décor your home may see during this time—the initial “fall is here” décor of September, followed by the Halloween themed décor of October, and finally, the #sothankful #soblessed baubles of Thanksgiving.
There are so many fun new decorations that hit the stores every year, so grab your spouse and get shopping!
3. Cheer on your favorite sports team.
If you’re sports fans, take in a football or hockey game. Get tickets to a game or watch it on your favorite flat screen. If nothing else, it’s an excuse to eat snack foods at yell at things together.
4. Check out a fall festival.
Many cities and towns offer fun, local festivals to celebrate the season. Funtober offers a state-by-state guide so you can find events happening near you. From fall-themed festivals to others that just happen to fall during this time, there are literally thousands from which to choose.
5. Visit a haunted house.
A quintessential spooky October activity, visiting a haunted house together is a fun way to get your heart rates up. It’ll also make you feel like kids again and be a nice distraction from your adult responsibilities—like that giant laundry pile, which (let’s be honest) is much scarier than any haunted catacomb.
6. Enjoy some live theater.
In many areas, September traditionally marks the start of theater season, so fall is the perfect time to take in a show. However, you don’t have to go to Broadway to catch some amazing live performances. There are thousands of independent venues throughout the country. If you’re not already familiar with the theater community in your area, hit up Google and search for ones near you. Far from being an uptight stuffy time, attending a live show is a great way to laugh and loosen up.
7. Take in nature by going on a hike.
Fall is known for its beauty, roads are flanked in a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges and yellows. So take some time to get up close and personal with nature. Hit your favorite local hiking spot or find a new one to tackle together.
8. Go camping.
If you’re the adventurous type, spend a night with your love under the stars. Or, if you’re less adventurous but still want to sleep near nature, go glamping.
9. Take a foliage road trip.
If you really want to take in the season, and you have some extra time on your hands, take a fall-themed road trip surrounded by a wonderland of colors. Feel the wind in your hair, scope out the foliage, and visit areas known for their beauty this time of year.
10. Cozy up in a coffee house.
Take the snuggly factor up a notch by pulling up some chairs in your favorite local coffee shop. With soft music, ambient lighting, warm drinks, and comfort food, coffee houses are some of the best places to sit, relax, and just enjoy each other’s company.
11. Head to the farmer’s market.
Taking a leisurely stroll through a farmer’s market on a Saturday afternoon will make you feel like the carefree, relaxed couple you were before you had kids. Plus, you’ll be supporting local farmers and getting some amazing food out of the deal, too. Win-win.
12. Bake something sweet.
After hitting up the farmer’s market or apple orchard, bake a fall-inspired dessert. Whether your idea comes from Pinterest or grandma’s recipe box, whipping up something delicious from scratch will be almost as fun as eating it together.
13. Cook a meal.
Take your culinary adventures a step further and cook a fall-themed meal. With so many incredible fruits and vegetables in season this time of year, it’s a great time to practice your skills in the kitchen—without the pressure of also feeding a bunch of other people (Thanksgiving, anyone?).
14. Snuggle up by a fire.
Few things are as cozy as a fireplace in fall. You don’t even need to leave the house for this one. Don’t have a fireplace, find a bar or restaurant that has one and settle in.
15. Watch a scary movie.
If you like an adrenaline rush, grab some popcorn and catch your favorite scary flick. Load up your favorite on Netflix or check your local movie listings. If nothing else, it’s the perfect excuse to huddle close together.
16. Go back to school.
Fall doesn’t only mean back-to-school for the kiddos. If you and your partner attended college together, pay a visit to your former alma mater. Take in a football game, attend a speaker series, or just spend a day walking through campus and seeing what’s changed. There are few things as quintessentially autumn as a college campus in fall, so spend some time soaking in some of that energy together.
17. Build something together.
If you’re a couple who’s into DIY home renovation, fall is the perfect time of year to tackle a new project. Head to Home Depot, pick out some materials, and get to building. If that sounds too ambitious, however, you can always take on an easier project—like this Haunted House Chocolate Cookie Kit from Trader Joe’s.
18. Have a race.
If you like to get your sweat on, consider participating in a local road race together. From Turkey Trots to charity races, there is no shortage of events to be found this time of year. Ready to hit the pavement with your honey this year, this guide from Race-Find is a great place to start.
What are some of your fall date night activities to do with your love this time of year?
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