Valentines Day Ideas: Parents’ Night Out Drop Off Childcare

Trying to save a few bucks by skipping out on a baby sitter doesn’t mean you have to be cooped up every Friday night, dreaming of sassy restaurants with plush furniture. Many places in New York City offer drop-off times, especially around Valentine’s Day, that allow you and your date to have some play time while the little guys are having a good (and safe ) time, too. Plus, drop-off services won’t leave your wallet as empty as that baby sitter of yours, you don't need to worry about paying for the car service home, and your kids will have so much fun they'll think it was their party night, not yours.

In honor of Cupid, skip the Netflix and try one of these happenin’ spots for a night on the town that’s fun for you and the kids. We've listed the Valentines Day event, but most of these places do a Parents' Night Out Event regularly, so check them out for now, or for later.

NYC Explorers Movie Date Night
Friday, February 13, 5-10pm ($40 per child, ½ off for siblings)
388 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn
718- 625-6923 www.nycityexplorers.com

Sneak away to the extravagant (and nearby)Thomas Beisl or Convivium Osteria for a lovely meal while your kids of any age enjoy the playspace, a movie on NYC Explorers’ big screen and some pizza. Since you’ve got a solid 5 hours, you might want to squeeze in a flick for yourself at the UA Court Street Stadium 12 or BAM Rose Cinemas on Lafayette.

Playgarden Parent Date Night
Friday, February 13, 6-9pm (Annual Members free, Members $20 per child, Non-Members $40 per child)
95 Franklin Street
212-965-9717
www.pl aygardennyc.com

The Playgarden coaches take your kids for an eco-friendly 3 hours of play, pizza and a movie. Meanwhile, you can indulge yourself at any of the neighborhood’s many luxurious restaurants, like Landmarc Tribeca or Nobu. You can even wear that “special occasion” outfit you’ve been saving, without any fear of it getting spit up on or ruined by restaurant crayons.

To reserve your spot, RSVP with the date, child’s age, name and emergency phone contact to rsvp@playgarden.com .

NY Kids Club Pajama Party
Friday, February 13, 6:30-9:30pm ($50 per child, if non-member)
38 East 22nd St. 212 375-1100
169 Amsterdam Ave. 212 721-4100
182 Henry Street 718 228-0800
www.nykidsclub.com/

You might be dressed in glitz and glam for your night out, but make sure your little guys are decked out in their favorite PJs for this party. Kids 2.5 to 12 years old play in the gym, munch on pizza, make crafts and s’mores, and are read stories to get them ready for bed just in time for you to come scoop them up.
To reserve, call or drop by one of the above three NY Kids Club locations.

Mamalú Free Friday Movie Night
Friday February 13, 4-9pm ($15 an hour per child)
232 N 12th St Brooklyn
718-486-6312 www.mamalunyc.com

The free movie starts at 6:30pm, but the fun can begin as early as 4pm for Mamalu’s drop-off service. Nannies take kids ages 1-7 on their own movie date, complete with a snack. We love Relish, but with all that time, you can head over to just about any ‘hood you’d like to explore for a night out with your hunny.

Drop-Off service requires 24 hour advance reservation. Contact scheyla@mamalunyc.com.

West Side YMCA Parents’ Night Out
Friday February 13, 6-9pm ($25 per child, open to public)
5 W. 63rd St
212-875-4218
www.ymcanyc.org

The Westside YMCA is providing professional child supervision for children ages 4-10 for this special Valentine’s event. Kids will play games and enjoy some refreshments and pizza while you can play in Lincoln Center at the opera, the ballet or shop and dine in the Time Warner Center.

For more information and to register, contact Abbey Robarge at 212-875-4218.

With so much excitement and running around, the kids might pass out early enough for you and your date to have a little fun that maybe isn’t pizza-related or too G-rated.