Fun Mother Daughter Date Ideas

Spending some one on one time with our children is so vital to maintaining a strong and healthy relationship. This list of fun mother daughter date ideas may give you the inspiration you need to make that time a reality.

Mother Daughter Dates

I was reminded not too long ago of the importance of spending some one on one time with our children. Time spent together at home or heading out for a mother daughter date, are both opportunities to bond with our little girls.

My daughter and I needed to make a Meijer run for a few groceries one day and we actually had some time to kill before needing to pick up my son.

So instead of rushing about to check everything off my list, we decided to take our time and casually stroll through the aisles for a change. Aisles that we didn’t even need to go down.

We took some time to smell some pretty candles, check out the cake display in the bakery department (one of her favorite things ever) and then stopped on over to say hello to the goldfish swimming about in the aquariums near the pet supplies area.

After about 40 minutes of walking around and talking we finally checked out and she finished up with a ride on Sandy the horse.

As we held hands and walked to the car she said “Mommy, thank you so much for taking me to Meijer! I had such a nice time together.” Talk about a blow to my heart! Other than the penny I paid for the horse ride, I didn’t even buy her anything.

She genuinely needed some one on one time that badly that even a trip to the grocery store with just the two of us meant so much to her.  

The Importance of Mother Daughter Activities

Although I definitely wasn’t looking at it like this at the time, I realize now that any amount of one on one time together can be an opportunity to create sweet moments and memories, even if it’s not a specifically planned mother daughter activity.

Before her little brother came along my daughter was used to lots of mommy daughter day trips and date nights! I didn’t really have to think twice about making sure we spent that special time together. It just happened naturally.

After my little man arrived on the scene and my time became divided that no longer happened as easily. Nowadays we generally do things as a group of 3 unless Daddy is home and then it’s a family outing.

Over the last couple of years my husband and I have become very aware of both of our kid’s needs to have that special time with each of us individually and try to purposefully plan dates with each of them on a somewhat regular basis.

And let me tell you those mother daughter dates (whether they are at home or day trips out and about) can make a world of difference in strengthening our relationship!

I think we can all remember what it’s like to have the undivided attention of someone we love. There is nothing quite like giving that one person all of your attention, all of your smiles, and all of your heart, and receiving the same in return.

It is always my hope that this time together will bring my little one some joy and let them know how much I love and appreciate them, but I feel like I am the one always on the receiving end of the blessings.

Fun Mother Daughter Date Ideas

I just wanted to share some fun mother daughter date ideas that my daughter and I have enjoyed together over the last couple of years (and some we’ve yet to try, but are looking forward to).

If you are looking for some new ideas for a day out (or in…. ahem, thank you quarantine) with your little lady please give them a try! Each of these are inexpensive or free ways to spend time together.

Mommy Daughter Day Trips

1. Enjoy A Local Park

Go for the playground or the walking trails. Both are a sure way to get in some exercise and smiles.

2. Library and A Special Treat

There’s something special about the library and almost every child I know enjoys stopping by to check out some new reads! Check out some new books to read together and then stop in at a bakery, frozen yogurt/ice cream shop for a sweet delicious treat.

3. Shop For A Mommy and Me Outfit

Go shopping together for a Mommy and Me outfit. I know that Old Navy, Gap, Carter’s, and H&M have been known to have these. Or make it a challenge and see what kinds of matches you can find on your own.

4. Nursery or Garden Center

You could always stop in at a nursery or garden center to enjoy all of the unique and beautiful flower and plant varieties! Encourage your daughter to pick out a flower or vegetable/fruit plant to plant and take care of at home. There’s nothing wrong with teaching a little bit of responsibility along the way 😉 .

5. Bookstore and Cafe

Browse a new or used bookstore for some good deals on a favorite hobby/topic, then find a café for some delicious smoothies. You can never go wrong with smoothies, my friend!

6. Attend an Open Gym Night

Check out a local gymnastics facility to see if they offer “open gym nights”. Even when my daughter is not currently enrolled in classes, our gym will allow you to come enjoy the facilities on special evenings for a small fee.

7. Pass Out Pictures or Goody Bags

If you have an artsy girl, take a walk in the city nearest you and allow her to hand out pictures she has created to people as you walk by. If art isn’t really her thing, just prep some goody bags to hand out. My husband and daughter did this one about a year ago and they still talk about it. They both had so much fun interacting with the people they met along the way.

8. Movie and Restaurant

A classic movie and dinner date is always a winner. Occasionally during the summer months theaters will play older family movies that you may have enjoyed as a child. This would be the perfect opportunity to reminisce while creating new memories with your daughter.

9. Fruit Farm or Pumpkin Patch

Depending on the time of year you could take a trip to a fruit farm or pumpkin patch. Or find some big hills to go sledding down in the winter months! Getting outside to enjoy God’s creation is without a doubt a sure way to bond and create memories.

10. Shopping For a Family in Need

The weeks leading up to Christmas are known for offering a wealth of opportunities to meet the needs of others. It is the season of giving, after all. However, there are many ways to help families in need throughout the rest of the year as well. Food pantries typically accept donations year round, and local churches can easily put you in contact with a family who could use some groceries or assistence.

11. Make Homemade Cards

Make some cards to pass out at a senior center or assisted living facility to brighten up the residents day!

12. Farmers Market

We once drove out to a unique farmers market. The freshly churned peanut butter, apple varieties we’d never heard of and hummus were delicious. We ended the day by finding a picnic table and sharing a chocolate bar. We were both all smiles =)

13. DIY Craft Store

Stop in at a local DIY craft store to create a clay masterpiece or painting, or keep it simple and go on a walk together in search of the perfect rock to paint/color/decorate and use it as a “thankful rock”.

Mother Daughter Activities At Home

This past year has been quite the change from the norm for the majority of us thanks to a crazy 2020. If you’re looking for some mother daughter activities during quarantine or just something fun to try at home on the weekend check out these ideas below.

1. At Home Spa Day

Any girly little lady will enjoy a nice spa treatment. Do each others hair, paint your nails, and look up a fun DIY homemade facial to try together.

2. Bake a Cake

Look through some old cookbooks or check out Pinterest for a tasty looking treat or cake to bake together.

3. Ride Bikes

Obviously this one will depend on the weather, but if it’s a decently warm day get out to enjoy a bikeride together! At our house as long as it’s above 50 degrees and not pouring down rain we’re game for a bike ride or walk. If you don’t live on a safe road you can always take your bikes to a nearby park trail or high school track.

4. Picnic

Prepare some yummy food together (you could even try some homemade ice cream, yum!), and gather up a blanket for a backyard picnic (or living room picnic if need be)!

5. Arts and Crafts

If your daughter enjoys being creative, have some arts and crafts time together. Paint, draw, color, build, create. Just have fun doing something that she enjoys together.

6. DIY Project

Working on a DIY project together can be anything from repurposing an old piece of furniture to simply painting and rearanging a bedroom. Tackle something big or small, fancy or simple. Just make sure that you’re enjoying each other’s company and working hard to perfect it together.

7. Movie and Popcorn

Pop your favorite popcorn and sit down to relax and enjoy a sweet or funny movie.

I hope this list of mommy daughter date ideas gives you some fresh ideas to try! If you have any to share with the rest of us please do! I’ve learned that it doesn’t take much effort or money for our daughters feel special and loved. All it takes is time.