As a dad of four, I know firsthand how easy it is to get swept up in the hustle of everyday life. Between school drop-offs, practices, recitals, and a full calendar of family events, the individual moments with each of our kids can unintentionally take a backseat. That’s why we’ve started prioritizing something simple but meaningful: parent-kid dates.
These don’t have to be fancy. They don’t have to break the bank. But they do have to be intentional.
We’ve seen that when we carve out time for each of our kids, the conversations are deeper, the laughs are louder, and the memories stick. Our kids light up when we say, “Hey, just you and me today.” It tells them they matter, and that we seethem—even in a house full of siblings.
Here are some of our favorite date ideas, broken down by age and personality, so you can start making some one-on-one memories too.
👦 Date Ideas for an 11-Year-Old Boy
1. Go-Kart Racing
Perfect for thrill-seekers. Try K1 Speed if there’s one near you. Make it a friendly competition—winner picks where to grab ice cream afterward.
2. Sports Game Night
Check your local high school or minor league teams—basketball, baseball, soccer—whatever they’re into. Grab some snacks, wear team colors, and just be fans together.
3. Arcade + Pizza Night
Who doesn’t love a good throwback? Let them school you at air hockey or a few rounds of Mario Kart. Try places like Round1 or Main Event.
4. Build Something Together
Pick a project from Home Depot Kids Workshops or find a LEGO Creator set and build while you chat.
👧 Date Ideas for a 9-Year-Old Girl
1. DIY Spa Night
Pick out face masks, paint nails, and have a playlist of favorite songs going. Grab supplies at Target or a local beauty store. Bonus: let her do your nails too. Yes, even if it’s glittery.
2. Baking Date
Head to the grocery store together to grab ingredients for cupcakes, cookies, or cake pops. Let her lead the decorating and then deliver extras to neighbors.
3. Mini Shopping Spree
Give her a $10-$20 budget and hit up Five Below, Target, or even a local bookstore. Let her pick one treat and one gift for someone else.
4. Art Adventure
Paint pottery at a local studio or grab canvases and watercolors from Michael’s. Spend the afternoon painting together.
👦 Date Ideas for a 7-Year-Old Boy
1. Train Ride Adventure
Look for local scenic railways or even a short ride on public transit just for fun. Add in a hot chocolate stop to make it a true journey.
2. Backyard Campout
Set up a tent, roast marshmallows (use the BBQ if you don’t have a firepit), and tell silly stories under the stars.
3. Science Experiment Day
Head to Steve Spangler Science or grab a KiwiCo crate for hands-on fun. Make slime, volcanos, or try fun baking soda experiments.
4. Indoor Obstacle Course
Build one with couch cushions, string, cones, or painter’s tape. Time each other and give out silly awards.
👧 Date Ideas for a 5-Year-Old Girl
1. Library + Hot Cocoa Date
Visit your local library, let her pick out books, then head to a cozy spot for cocoa. Libraries often have storytime events—double win!
2. Fairy Garden Creation
Grab a kit from Amazon or local nursery. Put it together while talking about her favorite magical creatures.
3. Princess Day Out
Dress up and visit a bakery or take a walk downtown like royalty. Bonus points for you if you wear a crown too.
4. Dance Party and Dress-Up Night
Let her pick out your outfits (within reason), turn on her favorite music, and dance like no one’s watching.
💡 Quick and Low-Cost Ideas for Any Age
- Walk and Talk: Sometimes a walk around the block leads to the best conversations.
- Donut Morning Before School: Start the day early and stop by their favorite spot.
- Picnic in the Backyard: Pack sandwiches, sit on a blanket, and talk about your favorites.
- Movie Night Swap: You pick a movie for them, they pick one for you—watch both with popcorn.
❤️ Why These Moments Matter
They won’t always remember the exact details of each “date”—but they will remember how they felt.
They’ll remember that they were important enough to get your time. That mom or dad chose them for the day. These memories are deposits in their emotional bank accounts—and they matter more than you know.
So if you’ve been feeling the parenting overwhelm (same), just pick one kid and one idea. Put it on the calendar, keep it simple, and let them know this moment is all about them.
Because in the end, it’s not about the activity—it’s about the effort.
