Once you have kids it’s easy to get lost in parenthood. Dating, or even just dating your spouse, becomes a chore and gets put to the side.
My husband and I have talked to many couples over the years who struggle to set aside time for a date night. One of the excuses we have heard over the years are due to a lack of date ideas outside of dinner and a movie.
Because we are really passionate about marriage (he is currently going to school to be a marriage and family therapist and we are both pre-marriage counselors) we tend to get called upon for date ideas outside of the norm.
Here are five local date ideas that don’t require you to leave the east valley and will make setting up your next date night a breeze. Also, if you need any additional local date ideas, don’t hesitate to DM me on Instagram; I have many more ideas for you than just these five.
XO,
Amanda
Axe throwing
A few great options are Class Axe Throwing in Tempe, Social Axe Throwing in Gilbert, and Fun With Knives in Mesa. Each of these places requires an advanced booking but gives you an hour or more of fun! Also, many of these places offer additional activities, food, and beverages. It’s guaranteed to be a night you won’t forget.
Budget hack: Get a GetOutPass just for date nights to make it affordable! With more than 60 attractions included in one annual pass, it pays for itself in one date night, and they have Lumberjaxes as one of their activities. Use code “xoxoEVM” for the best rate on a GetOutPass always (right now, it’s $25/person with that code!).
Mini Golf
If you’re a couple that enjoys doing an activity together, then this is the right date night activity. You are guaranteed to have a bunch of laughs together over the experience. A few places you should check out are Imagine 3D Mini Golf in Gilbert (indoor), Golfland in Mesa (outdoor), Swingin’ Safari Mini Golf in Chandler, and Fat Cats in Mesa, Gilbert, and Queen Creek (indoor).
Budget hack: Pogo pass offers free daily golfing at Fat Cats, again, making it a FREE DATE! Use code “eastvalleymoms” for the best deal on this pass!
Paint night
These have been some of my husband and my favorite date nights. I love painting and tend to take it seriously. He, on the other hand, is a good artist but painting isn’t his thing (see the picture for proof). Nearby places to check out are Pinot’s Palette in Gilbert, Painting With a Twist in Gilbert or Tempe, or Wine and Design that is at varying locations in the east valley throughout the week.
Theater/ comedy club
Depending on what you and your date enjoy, the theater or a comedy show are great nights out! The east valley doesn’t disappoint with locations for either activity. Some locations to check out are JP’s Comedy Club in Gilbert (FREE admission with your GetoutPass!), Mic Drop MANIA in Chandler, Hale Theater in Gilbert, Higley Center for the Performing Arts in Gilbert, and Queen Creek Performing Arts Center in Queen Creek.
If you feel like splurging on a touring Broadway show or see the ASU school of music, dance, and theater, ASU Gammage in Tempe is the best!
Scavenger Hunt
If you’re in the mood for solving riddles and enjoying a longer experience together, an east valley scavenger hunt is great. You can compete against others while doing a photo scavenger hunt through Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, or Gilbert with Operation Scavenger Hunt. Do a mystery picnic with riddles through downtown Tempe with AmazingCo. You can also solve puzzles, complete challenges, and explore the city by doing a scavenger hunt with Let’s Roam in Gilbert, Mesa, or Chandler.
Again, there’s lot of these around-town scavenger hunts offered as part of your GetOutPass, making date nights so affordable.
If you’re looking for tips on getting a babysitter, be sure to checkout Amanda’s other post: how to find a last-minute babysitter.
