I don’t know about you but the best date night ideas are the ones that I don’t have to plan. My husband and I try to make a point of having a weekly date night, but often we need it to be simple enough that we can enjoy each other’s company without needing a babysitter, and yet fun enough (or planned enough) that we don’t end up falling asleep on the couch just watching TV. We have tried to alternate who plans date night each week and this typically works for us for awhile, but every once in a while, it’s nice to just be handed a list of pre-planned ideas and decide what activity we’ll be doing each week. And because I’m way into seasons, it’s even better if the date night is themed/seasonal (in my opinion).

So, because the first official day of Fall is next week (September 22nd for those of you who are wondering), I thought I’d compile a list of Autumn-themed date nights–simple and yet fun enough for mom and dad to do something a little unique without needing a babysitter or to spend too much money. I hope they bless you and your spouse over the next few weeks as the nights get chillier!

Autumn Date Night Ideas for Mom and Dad

Take a walk together (or sit in the backyard) and enjoy the changing leaves: Whether you simply sit in the backyard (or your front porch) and enjoy the changing leaves together, or perhaps you ask a neighbor to watch the baby monitors for 30 minutes and go take an evening stroll after the kids are in bed, use the time to reconnect with one another and appreciate God’s creation in all it’s colorful splendor.

Make a Fall cocktail: You can find some ideas here, but there are so many good ones to make! If you don’t drink (or are pregnant) I always find apple cider and La Croix to be a refreshing Fall mocktail.

Watch something spooky: If you know me well, you know that my threshold for spooky is basically Harry Potter so pick out a favorite that works for you and enjoy a movie night together. Some of our go-tos might be Fall themed baking shows, Harry Potter, Casper, or It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.

Try baking a Fall dessert: Maybe try something a little out of your comfort zone like Apple Cider donuts or Pumpkin cheesecake–something that both of you would be very excited to eat after you make it.

Do a Fall “paint night” together: Some ideas for this could include picking out a Fall scene to try painting together, or attempting to paint Pumpkins together, no matter how simple or elaborate you want to get.

Light a fall candle and have a game night: Board games by candlelight? Yes, please.

Have a bonfire in the backyard: Maybe you have an actual bonfire setup, or even just a fire pit (or maybe a large candle could count too?); whatever it is, put on your sweater, light a fire outside and catch up with each other. You can level up this idea by adding s’mores, a yummy beverage or even hot dogs if you haven’t had dinner yet.

Sip some hot apple cider and read together: Cozy up on the couch with a warm blanket, hot apple cider and a couple of good books and simply enjoy being in each other’s presence and reading. If you want to get creative with this, you can pick a book to read out loud together and read from it every few days or every night before bed. Matt and I did this once with Harry Potter and it was quite fun.

There you have it, friends. 8 Autumn Date Night Ideas for Mom + Dad that will get you excited to connect with one another, without either of you having to do the planning. You’re welcome 😉 and happy Fall!