After a summer of zero routines, jam-packed schedules, and family adventures, the thing I looked forward to most was reconnecting with friends for a mom’s night. But the last thing I needed was a hangover—especially with new client contracts kicking off and a more structured work schedule ahead. I also wanted to stop starting my mornings in a scramble and instead build a routine that felt energizing.
That’s why I pulled together this list of mom-night ideas that truly refueled me last year.
Idea 1: Recharge Through Mindful Mom Moments
Some of the best nights were the ones where I simply made space to be. Some weeks, I joined guided meditations with other moms to release stress and anxiety. Another time, I hosted a rejuvenation day at my house, complete with yoga, gluten-free eats, sauna sessions, and even a cold plunge. I also tried a Mexican temazcal ceremony for the first time (you can read about it on the blog).
Finding calm and inner peace lowers stress without leaving you drained. I’m especially excited to try a sound bath for moms this week—it’s a reminder that a mindful mom night can bring huge relief to a busy mind.
Idea 2: Get Moving (and Laughing!) With Active Gatherings
One of my favorite discoveries was swapping typical “nights out” for active ones. Think ladies’ kickball games, easy-going tennis matches, or other low-pressure sports. I’m not looking to join a competitive league, but I’ve found that combining exercise, fresh air, and laughter with friends leaves me feeling more connected, energized, and satisfied than a night at the bar ever could.
Idea 3: Incorporate Sports or Social Game Nights
Game nights are another winner. One highlight of the year was our “Adult Olympics”—think silly challenges like grabbing marbles from baby tubs with your toes, transferring M&Ms with straws, or timed beer pong rounds. Structured fun adds just enough focus to keep everyone laughing and engaged.
Other favorites: our ladies’ March Madness bracket (sorry, dads—you’re benched), and hearing about my friends’ Mahjong tournaments. And after listening to Taylor Swift on the New Heights podcast, I’m even tempted to try Fantasy Football one year!
Idea 4: Have Fun With Themed Social Events
Nothing breaks routine like a good themed party. One I’m especially looking forward to is a denim-and-diamonds night. I love how our school auction always has a theme—it gives everyone a playful excuse to dress up, reconnect, and laugh together.
Some other crowd-pleasers: denim and diamonds, pink-and-white parties, hoe-downs, and yes—Adult Olympics, where you can spin it into a battle of the sexes or even a “Parade of Nations” by having each couple represent a country. Themes build instant connection and fun without the pressure.
Idea 5: The Art of Conscious Consumption
This one is still a work in progress for me, but I’ve learned a few things: getting through the first hour without alcohol often sets the tone for the whole night, alternating drinks with water helps more than anything, and choosing activities where alcohol isn’t the main focus makes a huge difference.
Concerts, cooking classes, and art nights all give moms a fresh way to connect. On ski trips or active getaways, the physical movement balances out the impact of any drinks. When I was in Italy, I loved seeing everyone start with a spritz and then switch over to water—it was a reminder that less really can be more.
Some of my favorite alternatives: Katy Perry’s De Soi and Hiyo drinks, both recommended by other moms. My current approach: if I’m not rested or at my best, I skip alcohol entirely, and if I do indulge, I make sure it’s truly enhancing the night. At the end of the day, alcohol is a depressant, and keeping it light helps me wake up recharged instead of depleted.
Your Path to Rejuvenated Mom Fun
Mom nights don’t have to leave you wiped out. Whether it’s mindful relaxation, active play, games, or simply choosing sips with intention, you can design nights that fuel your body and soul.
What I’ve found is that when I put out an idea, other moms are usually game to try something new, too. We put so much effort into recharging our kids—why not ourselves?
Check out MomShine for more ideas to feel your best, and don’t forget to share what’s working for you. After all, when we shine, everyone around us benefits too.