When is the last time you had a date with your partner? If you're like me sometimes you can't remember. When you live in an environment like Bucks County, with so many date-worthy dining places it can be a real bummer when you can't get out.

My dining choices are often narrowed down to the place with booster seats and macaroni. I waited for years to finally try Honey in Doylestown because I didn’t have a sitter. On my birthday last year, the stars finally aligned and a Parents Night Out or PNO was scheduled for the same night I wanted to go to dinner and I was not disappointed. In case you don’t know about PNO let me fill you in. PNO is where a child-friendly place like a gym or museum offers designated child watching times, where you can drop your children off, for a fee and they will watch them while you go out. This service is typically cheaper than babysitting and often includes some sort of programming meant to make the night fun and educational. I love it because it feels like the kids get a night out too.

This past week we used the PNO at the child watch at our local YMCA. They had organized a swimming themed party with kid-friendly fish movies like Shark Tale and The Little Mermaid and made fish crafts. The kids were also treated to goldfish and a pizza dinner. The cost was less than $40 for the night for two kids. For parents with no family around to help with sitting, PNO can be a lifesaver.

We used our PNO to try out the new Mediterranean place in Doylestown, and by new, I mean several months old but new to us. We ordered one of everything, then strolled around town having adventures just like when we met in college. We walked around the corner to Cyborg One and stumbled upon a game night, then walked through The Doylestown Bookshop and found a packed- book signing for Arun Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. After that, we walked past The County theater to see if there were any movies we wanted to see that might line up with another PNO. Finally, we were drawn into The Zen Den by music. We stopped in and grabbed cold chai lattes and sat by the window as we listened to the band. The music was great and the people watching was spectacular.

We saw another couple seated near us, the woman from the couple was somebody I’d seen around town at kid meet-ups and my gym, she raised her glass and said, “parent’s night out right?” “Yes,” I said, “It’s the best.”

I’ve been married for nearly ten years and that night I felt like I was dating again. Roaming town just seeing what was happening, with no set agenda was a blast. At the end of the night, we sauntered back to the YMCA hand in hand and picked up our children, who begged us not to go. They protested, saying that none of the other children had to leave. It was a successful night, where we got to feel like parents and partners again. Thank goodness, we have found the joy of PNO.

Want to try PNO?
The Newtown Athletic Club – They have their own spin on PNO called Kid’s Night Out. Every Saturday night from 6 to 9 p.m. Pre-registration is required. The Newtown Athletic Club is located at 120 Pheasant Run, Newtown.
Central Bucks Family YMCA – PNO is planned every other week this summer. Each night is themed with different movies and crafts. Dinner is included in the price. The CBFYMCA is located at 2500 Lower State Road in Doylestown.
Spring Mill Country Club – Offers a Parent’s Night Out for Golfers, they watch the kids for two hours of kids golf camp, while parents get to play put-put golf and use the driving range, adult beverages are served on premises. Spring Mill Country Club is located at 80 Jacksonville Road, Ivyland.
Little Gym – The Little Gym offers a PNO called Parents’ Survival Night on select Friday and Saturday Nights. The kids get to have fun with games and Legos while the parents can enjoy a movie, right next door or a meal in one of the nearby shopping centers. The Little Gym is located at 1661 Easton Road, Warrington, PA.

Presented by The Dance Academy