It can be a challenge to figure out date ideas with on a budget – especially with kids, pets, work and a home constantly demanding attention. But it's always important to prioritize your own relationship. Here are some cheap date ideas to help!
Here are our creative date ideas for squeezing in a little “us” time when moments AND money are both a little bit limited.
When you’re planning a night out with a long-term partner, creative ideas pay off in more ways than one. Unconventional outings are easier on your wallet AND their unexpected nature can help spark some excited anticipation into the relationship. Here are a few of our picks that are more creative, and less expensive, than the usual dinner-and-a-movie.
Plan an outdoor outing
Try taking a hike, a walk through public gardens, or a walk along the beach for some quiet time with each other. A picnic in the park is also next to free, or try renting a paddle boat at a municipal lake. If the season is right, go berry or apple-picking and then make your own treats. During summer, a water-balloon fight is a fun way to cool down, especially when you have a whole family to keep busy.
Connect while trying an interesting sport
Holding hands while roller-skating or ice-skating can be an adventurous way to get closer. Other good sporting activities for cheap date ideas include rock-wall climbing or go-kart racing. Head over to the batting cages or driving range and show your partner the correct stance to hit a baseball or golf ball. If you’re feeling really bold, rent a gun at a local shooting range. For a more traditional date, get inexpensive tickets for a minor league game and cheer on the home team.
Put a new spin on classic cheap date ideas
Instead of heading to the movie theater, look for drive-in movies near you. Your date will be impressed by the extra effort, and it'll likely cost less than a conventional spot. Instead of going to a fancy restaurant, bring the fancy restaurant home with a candlelight dinner. Make sure that your place is clean first; the effect will be ruined if you two are eating in the midst of clutter. Cook a nice dinner that shows effort – you could even call their parents to get recipes for their favorite dishes.
Expand your horizons
Cultural activities can show your artsy side without breaking the bank. Poetry readings and art galleries are usually free, and museums generally have one night per month where entry is complimentary. Other inexpensive cultural activities include planetarium shows, aquariums, zoos and high school/college plays. Also, check for free local concerts in your area.
Try something completely off the wall
Look into your community activities and see if they have any classes such as dance, cooking, or massage. Reminisce about your childhood by taking your date to play pinball. If you live in an area where television shows are filmed, it is free (and sometimes the shows even pay audience members to go) to watch a filming.
Comedy clubs are another entertaining gig to keep in your arsenal of cheap date ideas. For a totally free community-focused date, send your loved one on a scavenger hunt through places in the neighborhood that have been significant to your relationship.
Test your skills at pool. One of the best cheap date ideas Nate and I ever came up with was going to a local pool hall, which is ironic because we're both terrible at the game. Despite their sometimes smoky atmosphere, they are a laid-back place to talk. Most towns have farmers’ markets or street fairs on a weekly or monthly basis. These can be fun to tour and sample the wares without spending a lot of money.
Call your local winery or brewery and ask about tastings or tours; these are usually free or inexpensive. Find out if you have any interesting factories in the area. Chocolate factories, cheese factories, and even tortilla factories can be interesting to tour. If you’re the crafty type, stay home and build something together. Try painting or drawing with chalk on the sidewalk. Make these adorable DIY mini gift boxes together. If you’re handy and have some free time, build stilts and go for a walk!
Join a new world-wide fad
Our obsession with geocaching has only strengthened over time. People around the world hide waterproof caches discreetly in public places and then give clues to help other people find them. These boxes contain a small journal (or roll of paper) and sometimes tiny trinkets. This addicting activity caters to people’s secret childhood desires to be pirates and search for hidden treasure, an oh-so-romantic pastime that can uncover interesting items and secluded spots.
Cater to the individual
Think of a hobby that the other person is really into and create a date based on that. I once took Nate to a museum of model railroads because he mentioned that he had model railroads as a child. In return, he took me to a Thai food restaurant because he knows that's my favorite food. Pay attention. Those little things matter.
If you're still looking for ideas, search the internet for information about your city. Check out Yelp or ask friends for help finding activities around you. Dates don’t have to be expensive to be fun. Don’t make things too complicated, and always be flexible.
After all, spontaneity is sexy.
What are you favorite cheap date ideas?