The weather may be cooling down, but that doesn’t mean you should sit at home in your trackies every night from now until spring arrives in September. Making an effort to go out with your partner for a regular date night ensures you don’t slip into the humdrum of spending every night on the couch – co-ordinate diaries to pick a free night, then book the babysitter ASAP! Here are some fun date-night options which don’t cost a lot but are sure to inject a little romance into your day-to-day lives:

• Schedule in a feel-good flick

  Get a bellyful of laughs when you head to see a funny film like Date Night, starring comedians Tina Fey and Steve Carell. The title couldn’t be any more appropriate! We can all do with a little escapism, so choose a movie that’s got substantial feel-good factor to ensure you walk out with a lasting grin on your face. Don’t forget coffee and cake afterwards together.

• Secure a nook at a boutique bar

  Boutique wine bars are just the secluded venue for couples to cosy up and canoodle. They have an intimate ambience and are quieter than regular bars and pubs, making them the perfect spot to reconnect with your beloved. Share a platter and some cocktails, and settle into your nook for a chat – without the distractions of home like the pull of housework and the incessant blaring TV.

• Wander the art gallery by night

  Some art galleries (such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ Art After Hours program) stay open later on certain nights, so meet up after work for a romantic wander. Appreciate the beauty of the latest exhibition, or just visit the permanent collections – the gallery will be far less crowded than daytime, making for a more personal experience. No school groups or crowded guided tours in sight!

• Wind down with wine

  You’ll need to walk or grab a cab home afterwards, but doing a wine appreciation course together is a refined way to spend an evening with your partner. And you might just learn something while you sip your pinot noir! Signing up and paying for the full course in advance will also make you reluctant to cancel on each other with those old “I’m too tired to go out” or “I’ve got work to do tonight” excuses.