[Little] Girls Night Out
Once a month we give our kids the opportunity to have a one-on-one date with either mom or dad. Not only do they receive a few hours of solo attention, but they also get to choose from a proverbial menu of activities. A few weeks ago, A and I were on deck for a girls night out. I threw out a handful of ideas for our special night, but she insisted on spending the evening doing “something girly“.
We dolled up and went straight for the mall, Sephora specifically, to add a touch of glam. We shopped and then grabbed burgers and fries at my favorite patio in Louisville, The Sea Hag at The Village Anchor. A told me no less than ten times that this was the “best night ever!” It will be hard to top…
No, But Seriously, #Blessed
I treasure these one-on-ones with all of my babies, and watching A transform from baby to toddler to little girl over the last four years has been downright magical. She is absolutely the biggest character I’ve ever known with a heart and soul 3x the normal size. She shines so incredibly bright. I can’t even articulate, without choking up, what an incredible privilege it is to call her ours.
Mama and Me – 20 [Little] Girls Night Out Ideas
Do you have a little lady in need of a girls night out with her mama? I’ve dreamt up 20 [little] girls night out ideas broken down below. The bold items on the list are tried, true & approved by none other than Aria herself.
Something Girly
- Shopping – mall, outlets, Ikea – anywhere will do as long as she gets to swipe the card and hold a bag.
- Dinner & Drinks – and by drinks, I mean milkshakes, a fountain soda pop, or even water in a fancy glass.
- High Tea & Scones – in Louisville we have a tea parlor that brings tea parties to life for girls and women of all ages. If you’re a Kentucky girl or visiting the area, be sure to check Sisters Tea Parlor & Boutique.
- Makeup + Glam – The ladies at Sephora are so sweet and willing to glam up a little princess with some sparkle blush and gloss. It takes all of 5 minutes and doesn’t require a purchase, although I’m sure it would be appreciated.
- Pedis + Manis – A’s favorite of them all. For the price of a polish change, many nail salons will clip, file and paint tiny fingers and toes while mama gets the real deal.
Something Sporty
- Roller Skating – I’ve only checked this item off with N, but it’s on the Little GNO list for A. If you’re lady is little or a first-timer, be sure to ask for a skate-trainer [balancing pvc pipe on wheels].
- Evening Swim – if you’re kids are anything like mine, “watch this” accompanies every jump into water. Give them your undivided eyes while they show you a cannon ball 100 different ways.
- Mama & Me Fitness – anything from yoga to zumba to power walking will start healthy habits and get your booties moving.
- Mini-Golf – this is fun for all ages regardless of gender.
- Bowling – bowling is a family favorite activity in the winter. The kids usually bowl one game and eat less-than-healthy bowling alley food. Be sure to check for glow-bowl nights or kid-friendly prices!
Something Creative
- Movie Theater – going to the movies is a super special one-on-one treat for our kids since everyone is at different ages and interests. STC and N have gone on several occasions and A has had a day date at the theater with her grandma.
- Kid’s Theater – My uncle took me to see Beauty and the Beast at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati when I was a little girl. I got dressed up and thought it was over at intermission. This is one item I can’t wait to check off the list with all my kids. Louisville mamas: check out Derby Dinner Playhouse, StageOne, and The Kentucky Center for a list of kid-friendly shows and dates.
- Paint Class – Louisville friends – Whet Your Palette in Anchorage offers everything from painting classes for children to summer camps. Not a Louisvillian? Call a local Painting with a Twist/Corks’n’Canvas Franchise to see if they have a kid-friendly class on their calendar.
- Pottery Painting Class – Similar to the painting class listed above, however if you can track down a place that lets you actually make the pottery, this GNO would be an even bigger hit! In Louisville, The Artist in You offers both painting and clay-building opportunities.
- Plant flowers/Grow a Garden – take your little one to a local nursery to pick out flowers and veggies to tend to over the spring and summer. Plant together and watch them grow.
Something Free
- Outdoor Concert – check your local city guide for free outdoor concerts.
- Library + DIY Book Club – visit the library and check out a longer book to read together. Optional: Discuss over milkshakes and cookies.
- Slumber Party – kick Dad out of the room for the night, pop some popcorn and curl up in the big bed for a movie and slumber party.
- Cooking/Baking – give your daughter control of the menu and whip up a dinner and dessert to feed to the entire family.
- Play a Game – whether it’s Barbies, tea party with her best stuffies, cards or an actual board game, it will be one-on-one time she’ll treasure.
We are always looking for fun ways to bond with our babes and as they grow older, the list will grow longer. Have an idea to add? Leave it in the comments below!
I’ll be spending the next day deep-diving in memories of the last four years and jotting down all the ways I wish I was more like Aria. Her first birthday post doesn’t even come close, but it’s a good place to start if you want to know more about our sweet + sassy daughter.
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