Nathaniel and I recently had a moment that made me realize something: we were in a bit of a date rut. You know the one. The “let’s just grab dinner and then scroll on our phones” rut. Or the “we’re both exhausted from chasing Ginny and Adam around all week, so let’s just crash on the couch and watch Netflix” rut. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good Netflix binge. But I miss the days when we’d go on spontaneous, fun dates that left us feeling like we were meeting each other for the first time all over again.
So, I decided to shake things up. I wanted to plan dates that made us feel like we were falling in love all over again, without having to book a plane ticket to Paris (as much as that sounds amazing). Here are a few date ideas around Orlando that are perfect for reigniting that spark and feeling like you’re on a first date, even though you’ve been married for years. Trust me, it works.
1. Mini Golf, But Make It Fun
Who says mini golf has to be just for the kids? We took Ginny and Adam to a mini golf course a few weekends ago, and honestly, it was more fun than I expected. Afterward, Nathaniel and I decided to hit up one of Orlando’s grown-up mini golf spots—putting a little more us into the night. Think glow-in-the-dark mini golf at the Pirate’s Cove, or even a round of boozy mini golf (yes, it’s a thing!) at one of the local places with cocktails involved. There’s something about a little friendly competition that brings out the best in a couple. We were laughing, teasing each other, and honestly? It felt like we were on one of our early dates again—before the stress of laundry, bills, and kids’ homework weighed us down.
2. An Evening at Leu Gardens
Okay, stay with me here. You might be thinking “a garden?” But trust me, this is not your average stroll through a park. Leu Gardens is absolutely gorgeous, especially in the evening. Nathaniel and I went there one night just to wander around, away from the noise of the city, and it was magic. The soft glow of the lights, the fragrance of the flowers—it’s almost like the world slows down for you. Plus, there’s something about walking hand-in-hand through a beautiful space that makes you forget about all the “mom” and “dad” responsibilities for a little while. You’ll actually talk, reconnect, and maybe even sneak a kiss or two without your kids photobombing you. Just saying.
3. Themed Dinner at a Local Spot
I can’t be the only one who loves a good themed dinner, right? Orlando has some seriously cool restaurants that do more than just serve food—they transport you to another world. From the fun, quirky vibe at T-Rex Café to the sophisticated atmosphere at The Edison (which has this swanky, vintage vibe perfect for a grown-up night), there’s something about dining in a setting that makes it feel special. Nathaniel and I love to pretend like we’re on a date night in a far-off place, getting lost in a new theme or vibe. Bonus points if you get all dressed up, even if it’s just for the fun of it.
4. Take a Cooking Class Together
You know what’s sexy? Cooking together. No, seriously—think about it. When was the last time you and your partner actually made something together from scratch? (And I’m talking about something that’s not grilled cheese.) There are a ton of cooking classes in Orlando that range from learning to make fresh pasta to perfecting your sushi-rolling skills. Nathaniel and I tried a cooking class on a whim, and it turned into one of those moments where you’re both trying not to laugh while you struggle through the recipe, but at the same time, you’re working together as a team. It’s sweet, it’s fun, and at the end of the night, you’ve got a delicious meal to share, and I’m not going to lie—I might’ve gotten a little extra flirty when he fed me the first bite of the dish we made together. Just saying.
5. Night at the Drive-In Theater
Sometimes it’s nice to get away from the usual, right? We recently went to the Silver Moon Drive-In in Lakeland, and I forgot how perfect a drive-in movie is for a date. There’s just something so nostalgic about it. You get to cuddle up in the car (no need to leave the comfort of your own seat) while munching on popcorn, and the best part? No kids running around (unless you’re into that whole “bring your kids on a date night” thing, which, hey, no judgment). The whole vibe of a drive-in theater is retro and chill—and with the cooler weather we’ve been having, it’s the perfect excuse to throw on cozy sweaters and enjoy a movie under the stars. I promise it’s not just a throwback—it’s a whole new kind of experience.
6. Scavenger Hunt Around Downtown Orlando
Okay, this is where the fun gets a little wild. Nathaniel and I loved doing a scavenger hunt around downtown Orlando. There’s this super fun app called Let’s Roam, where you can set up a scavenger hunt with clues and challenges around the city. We did one that took us all around Lake Eola, and it was so much more fun than just walking around aimlessly. We were competing against each other (with Ginny and Adam cheering us on from the backseat of the car, naturally), but the best part was discovering parts of downtown that we’d never paid attention to before. Plus, it gave us plenty of chances to be goofy, laugh, and yes, maybe even be a little competitive.
So, if you’re like me and feeling a little stuck in the “mom and dad” routine, try something new—something that’ll remind you of those first-date butterflies. Whether it’s a mini golf tournament or a scavenger hunt around town, there are endless ways to reconnect and have fun as a couple. Life is busy, but it’s so important to carve out time for just the two of you. After all, you can’t remember the “before kids” days if you don’t make a few new memories along the way, right?
And trust me, it feels pretty great to remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.