20 Frugal Parent & Child Date Night Ideas

When I think about how many Saturdays my children have left in my house until they leave for college, it reminds me to do whatever I can to make memories with them and prayerfully mold their character.  

Granted, my children are only three and five, but I feel the precious time slipping away already and I know their little lives will pass before me in the blink of an eye.

I want my kids to enjoy their childhood and feel that as parents, Hubs and I are not only godly role models, but also fun to be around.  

Over the years I’ve been gathering ideas to implement when my children are “old enough”, and one of my favorites includes the beloved mother/son and daddy/daughter dates.

While we love our family dates and time spent as a together as a whole, it is crucial for opposite sex parents and children to connect and forge a strong bond.

Too often in a family, the boys will share a bond, and mothers and daughters have common interests, making it easy for those family members to connect and build wonderful memories.

But sometimes we have to be intentional about building into the lives of children of the opposite sex, and create situations that foster laughter and memory making.

Parents, when you “date” your child, you are placing importance and value on your relationship, communicating in many ways your love and acceptance of the fragile life God bestowed upon you.  

Dating your child should be fun for all, with memory making the ultimate goal.  While some activities for child dates may not be your personal favorites, stretch beyond yourself and resolve to have fun with your child no matter what.

You can remember what it’s like to be silly, doubled over in laughter, and carefree.  

So grab the calendar and these 20 frugal family date ideas, as you plan to build into the hearts of your little loves.  After all, making memories doesn’t have to be expensive!

Mother/Son Dates

1. Take a class at Home Depot. 

2. Tour the fire station or police station.

3. Create a mini-golf course in the backyard and challenge each other to a game.

4. Build a model car or train.

5. Go to a minor league sporting event {it’s so much cheaper!}

6. Get a bug box, a book about bugs, a magnifying glass, and head outside to explore some creepy crawlies.

7. “Teach mom how to_____?” Let your child teach you about his favorite hobby or subject.

8. Visit a small, local airport, take a tour and watch the planes take off.

9. Attend a Mother/Son date night at Chick-Fil-A, complete with fun activities that promote bonding.

10. Play laser tag.

Are you a mom in need of more FUN ideas for around the house?  Check out our FUN Mom Challenge with FREE Printable Pack, full of ideas to help you intentionally create fun each day with your children.

Daddy/Daughter Dates

1. Take her fishing.

2. Go berry picking and have a picnic afterwards.

3. Karaoke {you can rent a machine, find a place to sing, or simply sing to her favorite songs on the radio!}

4. Teach her how to use tools and build something together.

5. Enjoy a high school play for inexpensive entertainment. 

6. Take a craft class at Michael’s with her {dads, you can do this!}.

7. Create an at home art party; complete with painting supplies, canvas, and a variety of  art supplies. 

8. Attend a Daddy/Daughter dance at your local rec. center.  {Visit their website for other family fun ideas.}

9. Have a princess tea party with her and her dolls.

10. Take her shopping and pick out a special outfit for her to wear, reminding her that her inner beauty from the Lord will enhance her outer beauty.

No matter what the activity, enjoy each others company, laugh and have fun!  Make bold memories that inspire the phrase, “Do you remember when….?” for years to come!

Need More Ideas to Connect with your Children?

Visit Take Back Your Family in 2015 for a challenge to carve out precious time for your loved ones and how to have fun as a family!  

What’s your favorite Daddy/Daughter date or Mother/Son date?

How do you intentionally build into the lives of your opposite sex children?

Share with us in the comments below!

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Sarah Ann

Hello, new friends! I'm Sarah Ann, author at Faith Along the Way, and lover of deep conversations and authentic friendships. I am a perfectly imperfect wife and mom, but am saved by grace. With a child on the Autism Spectrum and one wild toddler, there's never a dull moment in my house! Bargain hunting, promoting health and Young Living Essential Oils are my favorites. I'd be honored if you visited my home on the web HERE, where I inspire hope, encourage faith, and celebrate families!

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