Let’s be honest: summer with kids is basically a full-contact sport. If you’ve spent the last few months breaking up sibling squabbles over the TV remote, sprinting to investigate suspicious silence, and wondering if you’ll ever finish a sentence without being interrupted by a snack request—congratulations, you survived! Now, with school on the horizon, you might finally have a shot at some actual grown-up time with your partner. (Remember them?)
To celebrate, we’ve rounded up a list of quirky, wallet-friendly date night ideas right here in McKinney and Frisco. Because you deserve a night out that doesn’t involve stepping on LEGOs or watching the Paw Patrol movie for the 47th time—and you definitely don’t need to drop a fortune to have fun.
1. Picnic at Bonnie Wenk Park (McKinney)
Pack up some snacks (bonus points if you sneak in a fancy charcuterie Laura-style ), grab a blanket, and head to Bonnie Wenk Park. By dusk, it’s cooler, quieter, and you can actually hear each other talk. Total cost: $15–$20 for snacks and drinks.
Pro tip: Grab takeout from a local spot—support small biz and skip the dishes!
2. Evening Walk at Frisco Commons Park
Take a stroll, hold hands (gasp!), and finish up with ice cream or coffee from a nearby café. It’s simple, sweet, and under $15.
Bonus: No one will ask you to push them on the swings. Bliss!
3. Legacy West Outdoor Movie Night
Check the schedule for their free movie nights. Bring your own snacks or split a dessert nearby. You’ll feel like teenagers again—except you’ll be home by 10. Budget: $20–$25.
Foodie Fun (Because you deserve more than leftover chicken nuggets)
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4. Happy Hour Hop
Hit up a local restaurant during happy hour. Share apps, split a dessert, and toast to surviving another summer. Most places offer deals so you can eat well for $25–$30.
Extra credit: Try somewhere new from our business directory and tell us your favorite!
5. Food Truck Date
Track down a couple of local food trucks, sample something adventurous, and rate your bites. It’s casual, fun, and supports local entrepreneurs. Expect to spend $18–$25.
Indoor Escapes (A/C Included)
6. Coffee Shop & Bookstore Browsing
Order your fanciest lattes, wander the aisles, and pretend you’re in a rom-com. $15–$20 covers drinks and a treat.
No one will spill juice on your book here!
7. Bowling or Mini Golf
Channel your inner child (without your actual children present). One round plus drinks is usually under $28.
Winner gets bragging rights—or the last slice of pizza at home.
Seasonal Specials
8. Fall: Pumpkin Patch for Two
Visit a local pumpkin patch, sip hot cider, and take those cute “we’re still fun” couple selfies. $20–$25.
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9. Winter: Christmas Light Drive
Cruise the best local light displays with cocoa in hand. (Check our Christmas map for the best routes!) Around $15–$20, including treats.
10. Spring: Farmers Market Stroll
Shop for fresh goodies, then picnic at a nearby park. $20–$25, and you’ll feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie.
Real Parent Tips (Because We Get You)
Timing is everything: Early evenings or weekend mornings work great—especially if you can swap playdates with friends or enlist grandparents.
Keep it close: Pick places near home so you spend more time together and less in traffic.
Babysitting hack: Trade with another family, or plan dates during kids’ activities for built-in childcare.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need a big budget or a fancy babysitter to reconnect with your partner. You just need a little creativity, a dash of local flavor, and the willingness to ignore the laundry for one night. Try one (or all!) of these ideas, and let us know your favorites—we love hearing your stories! Have an affordable date night you love? Let us know and we'll add it! Email Lauralui@macaronikid.com.
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