The Kid Date Box

Has a babysitter ever cancelled at the last minute — or you wanted to get out, but there was no sitter to be found? It’s happened to us more times than we can count. Date night matters (it’s not just fun, it’s one of the best things you can do for your marriage), but without a sitter those plans tend to fall apart — and taking the kids to a restaurant usually means chaos instead of romance. So we came up with a simple fix: a Kid Date Box that keeps the littles happily busy so you and your spouse can actually talk, connect, and enjoy your date — no babysitter required.

Why the Kid Date Box Works

Here’s the secret: kids at a restaurant aren’t the problem — bored kids are. Give them something new and engaging to do, and suddenly you and your spouse get what you actually came for: uninterrupted conversation and a little romance. This box is the key to dating your spouse way more often, even in a busy season of life. Carisa from Messes to Memories designed the adorable printables that make it both cute and functional.

How to Make a Kid Date Box

The box itself is just a small container filled with a few things to keep your kids entertained. We grabbed a small one from the dollar store — nothing too big, so it doesn’t feel ridiculous to carry into a restaurant and it tucks right into a large purse or bag.

Print the labels, prep the games (below), and fill your box with things that are quiet, mess-free, and age-appropriate — ideally things you won’t mind losing or getting a little ruined. We filled ours with books and small toys, straws, stickers, a small tub of play dough, a favorite treat, a few odds and ends, and the printable games.

The Printable Games

The printable games are the real magic — cute, easy to prep, and genuinely fun for the kids.

Mismatched Monsters (for Toddlers)

Cut out each monster, then snip along the lines dividing their heads, bodies, and feet. Your toddler gets to mix and match to create silly new monsters. Our little guy loves this one and begs to go out just so he can play it again!

Head, Body, Feet (for Older Kids)

For older kids, the Head, Body, Feet game is a giggle-filled creativity booster. Cut the printable and fold the paper along the lines. The first person draws from the head down to the neck in the “Head” section (a faint line shows where to stop). Without peeking, the next person continues from the neck down to the start of the legs, then passes it on for a third person to finish the legs and feet. Unfold the paper to reveal your hilarious creation!

Tips for Using Your Kid Date Box

• Save it for date nights only. We only break out the box when we’re heading to a restaurant, so it stays new and exciting each time instead of becoming an everyday toy.
• Keep it quiet and courteous. Choose items that won’t be loud or distracting to other diners.
• Match it to your kids’ ages. Swap in age-appropriate toys and games so every kid stays engaged.

More Ways to Keep Dating With Kids in the House

Date night doesn’t have to stop when you become parents. Here are a few more ways to protect your couple time:

• 35+ At-Home Date Night Ideas (for the nights you’d rather stay in)
• Sharing the Mental Load in Marriage
• How to Overcome Differing Parenting Styles

Kid Date Box FAQs

Find a few things your kids love, prep those printable games, and you’ll discover you really can enjoy a night out with your spouse — even with the kids along for the ride. Happy dating!