20 Fun Date Ideas You Can Do for Free
Discover 20 fun date ideas you and your spouse can do for free to reconnect now that the kids are grown and no longer living at home.
Becoming an empty nester is a big life change, and a meaningful one. For years, your days revolved around practice schedules, school events, and nonstop “what’s for dinner?” questions. As much as you loved that season, it didn’t leave much room for just the two of you.
Now the house is quieter, your time is more flexible, and you finally have the chance to shift from being parents back to being true partners.
This season is the perfect time to reconnect, rediscover what you enjoy together, and make space for fun again. It’s time for some intentional date ideas. Simple ways to spend time together, strengthen your relationship, and enjoy this new chapter side by side.
Date Ideas That Cost $0
1. Create a Shared Bucket List
Grab a blank notebook, sit down together, and let yourself dream a little. Without school calendars or schedules to worry about, what have you always wanted to do?
To get started, think about things like:
- Trips you’d love to take
- Movies you’ve been meaning to watch
- Home projects you want to tackle
Writing it all down helps turn those “someday” ideas into a real, shared plan for your future together.
2. Dinner and a Movie – At Home
The difference now? You don’t have to wait for the kids to go to bed or worry about “age-appropriate” ratings. Pick a film you both actually want to see, dim the lights, and enjoy the theater experience without the $15 popcorn price tag.
3. Watch a Sunset
It sounds simple, but when was the last time you sat still long enough to watch the sky change colors? Find a local overlook or just sit on your front porch and appreciate the quiet beauty together.
4. Eat Outside
Move your morning coffee or your evening meal to the patio. Fresh air changes the mood of a conversation and makes a regular meal feel like a special event.
Fire up the grill and cook out together, leave the phones inside, and enjoy your time together.
5. Take a Drive on a Country Road
Pick a direction and drive. Let the scenery dictate the mood. Without a destination in mind, the journey becomes the date, allowing for hours of uninterrupted music or talk.
6. Take a Walk Around Your Neighborhood
Stroll at a pace that suits you, not a toddler or a teenager. Notice the houses you usually drive past in a rush. It’s the perfect time for “low-pressure” chatting. Don’t forget to wave at the neighbors as you pass by.
7. Visit a Flea Market
Wander through rows of vintage treasures. It’s a fun way to spark memories (“My grandmother had that!”). You don’t have to buy anything, unless you find something you can’t live without.
8. Take a Spontaneous Day Trip
With no one at home waiting for dinner, you can go wherever the wind blows. Visit a small town two hours away just because it has a famous bakery or a quirky museum.
9. Stargaze in Your Backyard or a Nearby Park
Lay out a blanket and look up. There is something about the vastness of the universe that encourages deep, meaningful talks about life, faith, and the future.
10. Dinner and Conversation – At Home
Cook a meal together using only items you have in the fridge and pantry. Cooking together involves teamwork as partners. Put your phones away and concentrate on each other. Laugh and have a good time, unplugged.
11. Have a Dance Party in Your Living Room
Blast your favorite music and dance like no one is watching, because, for the first time in decades, no one is! It’s a great way to let loose and laugh.
12. Plan a Future Trip
Spend an evening researching your “big” dream vacation. Look at hotels, menus, and maps. The anticipation of a trip can be just as fun as the travel itself.
13. Game Night – Without Kids
Dust off the board games and get ready for game night. Whether it’s a competitive game of Scrabble or a long hand of Gin Rummy, a little friendly competition keeps the spark alive.
14. Enjoy an Evening Around the Fire Pit
The family version usually involves sticky marshmallows and chaos. Make this an adult version: a glass of wine, a warm blanket shared between you, and the mesmerizing crackle of the wood. Throw in the marshmallows if you’re a fan.
15. Listen to a Podcast or Audiobook Together
Instead of watching TV, listen to a compelling story or a deep-dive podcast. It gives you something new and interesting to discuss once the episode ends.
16. Visit Open Houses
Even if you aren’t looking to move, touring open houses is a fun way to see how others live and get inspiration for your own “unstuffed” home. It’s like a real-life version of HGTV.
17. Rearrange or Refresh a Room Together
Now that your home is yours again, reclaim the space. Spend an afternoon moving furniture or swapping out old “kid-friendly” decor for something that reflects your current style. It makes the house feel like a fresh start.
18. Go to the Beach or Lake
Visit the water without the bags of sand toys and extra towels. Just bring two chairs and a book, and enjoy the tranquility of the waves. Extra points if you pack a lunch.
19. Explore a Local Park or Walking Trail
Find a trail you’ve never hiked before. Being in nature together reduces stress and allows you to enjoy the physical rhythm of walking side-by-side.
20. Have a Device-Free Evening
Put both phones in a drawer for four hours. Without the distraction of scrolling or checking in on the adult kids, you’ll find that the quality of your connection skyrockets.
You don’t need a fancy restaurant or a big budget to reconnect after the kids leave home. Simple, thoughtful time together can make a big difference. Try a few of these fun date ideas and enjoy rediscovering each other as a couple in this new season of life.
