Being a new parent is hard. If this is your first baby, date-nights probably look a little different, or maybe non-existent. I hope this list of Charlotte Date Night Ideas helps open the doors to some new ideas on what date nights can look like post-baby.

As a seasoned mom, I’ve done life after baby three times. With my first, who was born in October, I remember not wanting to leave the house for fear she would get sick; and my delivery was rough. Recovery took weeks. I didn’t feel like myself until at least six months after. I don’t think we went on a date night her entire first year.

With my second, I was a bit more confident, her birth was much easier and already having a toddler, life had to move forward. There was preschool to get her to and playdates to have. We were a bit better about date nights, but they still happened infrequently. We got a date night subscription box which helped, that I’ll share about below.

By the time baby number three came along, I was woman down after a c-section. He was an extremely difficult baby, which made getting out for date nights even harder, but also a necessity for my sanity. We made it a priority to get out every couple of months or do date nights at home.

Romantic Charlotte Date Night Ideas

Wine Tasting

Over Covid we did one of these virtually through SkillPop. It was super fun and relaxing to stay home and be in our PJs, plus having the baby monitor nearby was clutch. I don’t know if they have these online anymore, I’m sure you can find it on Masterclass or something, but there are plenty of places in Charlotte to pop out for a quick wine tasting date if you want to get out of the house!

Cooking Class

I’ve heard great things about Chef Alyssa’s virtual cooking class. The cool thing about Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen is that she’s based out of Charlotte, so you can do in-person classes for a Charlotte date night idea as well! She also has classes for kids and teens, does catering and has a meal delivery service. So if you don’t feel like cooking your own meal, just order it in!

Spa Night

We love a good spa night at home. Get yourself some stones for a hot stone massage. We have a set of regular ole massage stones, but they can be tricky. It takes oven mitts to get them out of the microwave and you’ve got to wait until the temperature is just right. I came across this electric set from Amazon, and how brilliant. Adding to cart. Set up a Spotify playlist, light a candle and make some water with fresh slices of fruit. If you want to make it real fancy, grab some spa robes and prepare to be relaxed.

Low-Key Date Night Ideas Charlotte

Date Night Subscription Box

We used Datebox after our second was born and wanted to prioritize date nights, but didn’t necessarily want to go “out”. There are over 100,000 date nights that can be delivered right to your door with everything you need to have a fun date night at home. Not only does it come with everything you need for the date, but they even include a date-night playlist and a shareable snack! It’s a like an adult Kiwi Crate.

Outdoor Picnic

Can I just say, this is on my date wishlist. The kids are at that age where they aren’t young enough to be stuck in their crib, and they aren’t old enough to be disinterested. They will 100% be joining any date night at home that we have. Especially if it’s as cool as I imagine the The Gathering Picnic Co. would be! There are a few outdoor picnic places around, but this one looks top notch.

Game Night

I feel like this could be a fun group date! Especially if you all have little babies that you can set up a pack ‘n play in the next room and put them to sleep. Or maybe you all live close by and can bring a monitor that has a signal that reaches. There are pros to having tiny little babies. I’ve been there. If you want a quiet night in, set up a game night just for the two of you. Our favorites are scrabble and monopoly for a quiet game night.

Restorative Charlotte Date Night Ideas

Couples Massage

This is another date night wish list. Or heck, who who needs a date, I’d by myself. I literally asked the owner if she’d open one in the Lake Norman area. We don’t have any cool spas here. Mood House would be my go-to for a couples massage. A great way to wind-down and relax. Some other favorite spas are Ahlara in Mooresville, or we have a great massage therapist that will come to your home. Reach out and I can get you her number.

Hire a Personal Chef

Ok, also on my list. Maybe I made this blog post for me?! I think it would be so fun and restorative to have a personal chef come in and make you dinner. Romantic, restorative and the easy button. Who wants to make dinner after a sleepless night and long day with a newborn? I have a few suggestions: The Tiny Chef farm-to-table, she’s a chef and sommelier and she’ll do private lessons if you opt for a romantic Charlotte date night in.

Elizabeth’s Bliss– I know friends that have personally used her and highly recommend.

Go for a Walk

This is very, very basic, but can be SO restorative. Take the monitor with you if you have little ones asleep. Walk around the block. Enjoy nature. Take a deep breath. You’re doing a great job.

Expecting or just welcomed a baby? We’d love to work with you!