A new survey has revealed the perfect date activities and locations for single parents looking for love – with a staggering 89% admitting they would rather meet early in the morning
Forget leisurely dinners and late-night drinks. The new sweet spot for romance for single parents is 10am and lasts exactly 48 minutes.
A new survey found that 89% would rather meet after the morning school run with coffee shops (71%), walks on the beach (53%), and parks (50%) the top locations for dates. Nearly a third thought it was the golden hour for love with less crowds (36%) and less pressure (29%) making it easier to connect, according to the study by Even, the dating app designed for single parents. Additionally, 72% of those who tried morning dating said they were more likely to meet for the second time than with evening encounters.
And with the average single parent saying they have just 2.4% of their week to dedicate to finding love, daytime romance was also viewed as a good way of making the most of available time with less pressure to dress up and no need to pay for childcare.
The vast majority (81%) find it helpful to combine every day tasks, including walking the dog or doing physical activity, with dates. Even’s dating and relationship expert Sarah Louise Ryan said: “Single parents exist in a different time zone. They’re often up before dawn, and by midday, they’ve already done a full day’s work – school runs, packed lunches, the morning meeting.
“With 89% of single parents open to morning dates over late nights, 10am isn’t early – it’s prime time. Single parents are the unsung superheroes of the dating world – resilient, emotionally intelligent, and deeply intentional with their time. So bonding over breakfast, when you’re fresh, unfiltered, and fully present, might just be the key to building real, lasting love.”
The survey results highlighted a stark contrast between date and evening meetups, with 72% saying the traditional date night caused stress. Four in 10 admit that evenings are expensive, especially with the cost of childcare (27%), while 48% say they need to prioritise getting their kids fed, homework sorted and off to bed over a date. Single parents can meet others looking for love by downloading Even for free.
The perfect morning date
1. Coffee and croissants
Simple, low pressure and low cost. With Even’s data revealing that 27% of single parents prefer dates that require minimal planning and outlay, a drink and a pastry after the school run is ideal.
2. Dog walking date
Tick off a daily chore, do a little exercise and spend some time with someone new. The perfect blend of routine and romance.
3. Bookstore break
Meet at a bookshop, grab one of your favourite reads and share why you love it, or browse together while swapping stories about what you like to read and why. It’s a relaxing way to learn more about someone.
4. Yoga and a smoothie
Whether you’re beginners or regulars, it’s a good way to connect without too much pressure to chat.
5. Farmers’ market stroll
A great glimpse into someone’s lifestyle – what they like to cook and how they interact with other people. Plus you can get some shopping done at the same time.