$10 Dates That Will Boost Your Marriage

We all know date nights are so important to any marriage—but … budgets! Kids are spendy, babysitters are often spendier and date nights, well, those can cost hundreds of dollars if you go all out. But don't let that deter you. You must invest in the relationship that started your family. Time away from the kids allows you to partner together and thus, thrive through the ups and downs of life with kids.

My husband and I have found quite the variety of dates that are fun, allow for quiet conversation and, most of all, bring us together despite the craziness of these early parenting years. Read on for $10 dates that will boost your marriage, too.

Most movie theaters have "deal days" where tickets are significantly discounted. Near us, it's $5 Tuesdays. There are often concessions deals too, which are wonderful because what's the movies without a bucket of buttery popcorn? Dollar theaters are an option too, because a movie doesn't have to be brand-new to be enjoyable—especially when you're an exhausted parent who's already way too behind to know what's new anyways.

Almost every museum has a free night. Around here, it's First Fridays. There's no reason to spend a bundle when you can enjoy the same gallery for free. Often there will be a donation option, so toss your $10 in that bucket as a thank-you.

What's more romantic than a salty snack or sweet dessert and stroll by the water? Find a lake loop or river front and plan a walk and talk date with your partner. My husband and I love munching on ranch corn nuts, a flashback to our childhood, while getting in a few steps and catching up on life.

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Yes, you can go out to a restaurant and enjoy it while sticking to your budget. Ever since my husband decided to rein in his meal portions, we've been able to share on date nights, which also means half the final price tag. Half a burger and unlimited fries? Done and done! No one said it had to be fancy to be fun.

Back in the day, going on a drive was the ultimate date. Fill up the gas tank, pack a snack from home and head out on the open road!This is our current favorite since we recently moved to a new town and thanks to headphones and iPads/audiobooks we get to have date-like adult conversation while our kids are occupied in the back. Yes, no babysitter required!

When we were poor college students, my husband and I would take our school books to a coffee shop, sit by the fire, sip on drip coffee (free refills) and hold hands between turning pages. Now, we like to do the same thing but with a novel or magazine. Plus, with $10 at our disposable we can get something fancier than drip!

Call it boring, but coordinate with another family for a child swap night and then, return home and tackle a project together. It's not your traditional date, but the feeling you have after the garage is organized or a piece of furniture is refurbished will top all other dates!

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Local theater can be a new experience for moms and dads who are stuck in the loop of cartoons. Call and ask about Pay What You Can Night and plan your next date night for a discounted showing of the next classic or comedy.

Gyms have caught on to the wonders of childcare and often you can check in the whole troop for activities of their own while you and your partner exercise … or hit up the sauna or jacuzzi for an hour of peace and quiet. For just $10, our 3 kids can go for 2 hours and best of all, when we pick them up, they're worn out—which means an early bedtime and the continuation of date night at home.

Whether they like to play cards, golf, bake, hike or watch documentaries, plan a date all around THEIR favorite activity. It's fun to try new things and learn why our loved ones enjoys what they do. And, you don't have to join in 100 percent—when I "golf" with my husband, I actually just ride along in the cart and track his scorecard for him. It's still a night away from the kids and that's really what matters.