Dating can be expensive. Between dinner, movies, and all the other activities couples like to do, it’s easy to spend a lot of money on a single night out. If you’re looking for some fun and affordable date ideas, look no further! In this blog post, we will discuss several inexpensive date ideas that allow you to focus on each other. So get your partner and get ready for a night of fun!
Picnic in the park: It’s a classic for a reason. Pack up a meal or some snacks and head to the park on a nice day. You’ll likely enjoy some nice scenery and some decent people watching as well!
Browse at a book store: A great way to get to know someone is by getting to know their interests. What better place to do that than at a bookstore? Browsing together should spark some discussions. You could even pick out some books you think the two of you might enjoy to read together and discuss.
Bike a nearby trail or around town : This is another activity that’s perfect for a beautiful day. Bonus: it’s free!
Cook a “fancy” meal together: Instead of going out, why not stay in and cook a meal together? Pick something that you wouldn’t normally make grab a bottle of wine and save money by skipping the restaurant.
Play a video game: There are some great casual video games you can play together like Overcooked, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, or Mario Kart.
Go out for dessert: Adding dessert on top of a meal out can be expensive, but you can save money by only going out for dessert. Have dinner at home and go out to your favorite restaurant for something sweet. It’s also a lot easier to get a table after the dinner rush is over.
Rent a movie: Another classic frugal date night made even easier by the plethora of streaming services available. Rent something or watch something on a service you already have with a bowl of popcorn.
Drinks on the patio: Sometimes it’s nice just to sit out on the back patio with a drink and talk. We do this regularly on it’s own, or while barbequing.
Play a board game: You may not know this, but board games have evolved a lot since you were a kid. There are some great options for a night in and the games you like can be replayed for many date nights to come! Check out playbettergames.com for new ideas!
Stargazing: If you can get away from the city lights a night under the stars can be a very romantic setting to get to know someone or discuss your future plans.
Visit a museum or art gallery: If your in the city and stargazing won’t work you may have a museum nearby you can visit. Many of them operate on donations or are completely free of charge.
Rent a canoe: If you’re near a lake or a river, why not spend the day on the water? You can often find good deals on canoe rentals and it’s a great way to get some exercise too!
Start a puzzle: A great option for those winter nights when you don’t want to leave the house. Puzzles are usually pretty cheap and can provide hours of entertainment. Find one with a theme you both like or make your own!
Take a walk: This one doesn’t require much explanation. A simple, peaceful walk is always nice. Find a trail trail that you have never explored and see where it takes you!
Window shop: A great way to spend an afternoon is by window shopping. You don’t even have to buy anything! It’s a fun way to explore new neighborhoods or stores and get some ideas for things you may want to save up for in the future.
Volunteer together: There are a lot of great ways to volunteer together. Spending time giving back to your community is always a great way to spend an evening or weekend afternoon!
Take a dance lesson: Ballroom, swing, salsa… there are so many different types of dance lessons you can take. It’s a fun way to learn something new together and maybe even impress some friends on the dance floor later!
Go to an open mic night: Not a performer yourself, why not be the audience for someone else? This is a great way to support up and coming artists, and there are usually at least a couple of standout performances during the evening.
Play tourist in your own city: This can be a lot of fun, especially if you don’t do it often. There are usually some free walking tours available or go explore an area you’ve never been to before. Just make sure to research first so you’re not wasting time wandering around looking for something that’s closed!
Check out an outdoor concert or movie screening: These are often free or have very low ticket prices. It’s a great way to spend an evening without spending too much money!
Whether you’ve been together for years, or are just starting out, spending quality time together is the most important part of any successful date night. I hope these frugal date night ideas will help you save money while still enjoying each other’s company. You don’t have to sacrifice date night because you’re on a budget, you may just have to get creative. What are you waiting for? Pick one of these ideas and enjoy the experience together!
