Military deployments are one of the not-so-fun aspects of being a military spouse. Your loved one might be away for a few months to a year in a foreign country or on a ship and communication is unreliable. Meanwhile, you’re at home running the household, looking after the kids, and making sure your service member keeps his or her eyes on the mission by not worrying about what’s going on at home. When they finally do return – thank God! – it’s time to reconnect, spend time together, and have some fun. Call the babysitter and get inspired by these 10 military homecoming date ideas:
Have a Picnic
Pack your loved one’s favorite foods and head to a local park to bask in the sun. Bonus points if you live near a beach!
Discover Local Foods at the Farmer’s Market
Most communities have at least one farmer’s market on the weekend. Aside from picking up locally-sourced fruits and vegetables, you can start your day by enjoying a cup of coffee and breakfast together from one of the many food vendors.
See a Movie at the Drive-in Theater
One-up a movie date by taking a step back in time and head to a drive-in. Not only is this more intimate as you don’t have to worry about the guy next to you getting up constantly, you can also bring your own snacks and feel free to talk throughout the film.
Check Out a Museum
Enjoy a cultural experience by strolling through the halls of your local museum. Many museums also offer free entry to military families – check here to see if a location near you participates in the Blue Star Museum program.
Take In the Scenery and Go Hiking
Not only will you get in some exercise, but you’ll also enjoy an adventure together free of digital distractions.
Plan a Night In
Date nights don’t have to mean leaving the comfort of your home. Instead, get dressed up and cook a meal together at home followed up by a movie or game. The dishes can wait.
Take a Cooking Class
Food always seems to be the center of a celebration – take it up a notch and learn something new by enjoying a cooking class! You’ll not only bond over a new experience, but it’s also a great teambuilding exercise.
Participate In Paint Night
Explore your creative side by signing up for a couples paint night. These events set the scene as there’s typically food, wine, music, and camaraderie as you learn from an artist – you even get a souvenir to take home with you.
Go Golfing
Mini-golfing that is. This is a classic date night and a good time to enjoy some healthy competition.
Plan a Weekend Vacation
After a military deployment, sometimes both you and your spouse need to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life to reconnect and reset. Find a bed and breakfast in a nearby town you’ve been wanting to explore or rent a hotel room in your city for a staycation. The possibilities are endless.
Kristen Baker-Geczy is a communications specialist, active duty military spouse, and former MWR marketing coordinator. She was also deployed to Southwest Asia as an Air Force contractor.