Finding time and childcare for dates

By the Just Single Parents editors · Checked 8 November 2026 · 2 min read

In shortUse the time you already have, like school hours or weekends when the children are with their other parent. Plan around half-terms early. In the UK, Tax-Free Childcare can help with the cost of registered childcare if you're working.

Key facts

Easy slot	School hours or a child-free weekend
Tax-Free Childcare	Up to £2,000 per child a year
Plan ahead	Check half-term dates with your council
Free date	A park walk and a coffee

Finding time for yourself is hard when you're raising children alone. A little planning goes a long way. These ideas help you make room for dating.

Get help with childcare costs

With Tax-Free Childcare, eligible working parents can get up to £500 every three months, or £2,000 a year, per child, towards childcare. It covers childminders, nurseries, holiday play schemes and before and after school clubs. Apply through Childcare Choices.

Source: Norfolk County Council: Tax-Free Childcare, checked 8 November 2026

Plan around half-term

In Cardiff and most of Wales, the February half-term is 8 to 12 February 2027, and the late May half-term is 31 May to 4 June 2027. Dates vary by area, so check your own council. Sorting childcare early leaves room for a date.

Source: Welsh Government: Approved school term dates 2026 to 2027, checked 8 November 2026

A school-hours date

Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is free and open every day from 10am to 5pm, so it fits neatly into school hours. No booking is needed. It's an easy, low-cost first date.

Source: Lincoln Park Zoo, checked 8 November 2026

Questions

Is it OK to date only when the kids are with their other parent?

Yes. Many single parents do. It keeps dating separate until you're ready.

Who can babysit?

Choose someone you know and trust well, like family or a close friend.

What if childcare falls through?

Just say so. Anyone worth dating will understand that plans change.