Spring is nearly upon us (or is, for you lucky southerners), so how about keeping the spring in your marital step with one of these fun dates:

1.  Frolic Among the Animals.

Those of us with kids often think of spending a day at the zoo with them. But what about visiting without them? Think of it: no diaper bag, no goldfish, no warm, mushy sandwiches in a backpack. Enticing, isn’t it? Before we had kids, we loved to visit the Seattle zoo, gaze at the giraffes, and saunter around at a leisurely pace. This can still be a fun date-and, if you’re members-it can be inexpensive too.

2.  Tiptoe Through the Tulips.

We lived in Green Bay, WI when our first son was born. As you’ve no doubt heard, the winters are brutal. Cold doesn’t even begin to describe it. For my birthday, my husband took me (and our baby) to the Mitchell Park Conservatory in Milwaukee. For an entire afternoon, I basked in the warmth of the tropical dome and enjoyed the orchids and hibiscus. A conservatory is a great springtime reminder of the beautiful weather right around the corner.

3.  Take A Ride on the Wild Side.

Okay, so this one is my least favorite, but lots of other couples love to spin and coast and fly. Visiting an amusement park with your spouse is an entirely different experience than visiting with kids (and cheaper!), so buckle in and get ready for the ride of your life.

If you’re not familiar with something like this in your area, get Googling!  Find out what’s available within an hour or so. You may be surprised to find a brand-new favorite date spot.

Photo credits: *saipal, John-Morgan, and david.nikonvscanon