You’d love to go on a hot air balloon or travel around the world with your beau, but sadly, those glamorous ideas are just not in the budget. You need cheap date ideas that are still romantic and fun for couples.
Luckily, there are many ways to spend quality time with your significant other that are cost-effective. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can enjoy each other’s company on a budget while still keeping the romance alive. Here are 18 cheap date ideas that promise to be both affordable and sweet.
1. Picnic in the Park
Who needs a five-star restaurant? Pack a blanket and a basket full of your favorite foods and snacks. You can then enjoy a laid-back afternoon in the park with your main squeeze. The people watching is one of the best parts!
2. Watch the Sunset
Nature offers plenty of cheap date ideas for you to enjoy. For instance, you can find a great spot in your city to watch the sunset. Whether it’s a beach, a rooftop, or a hillside, the stunning views create a perfect romantic backdrop.
3. Free Days at a Museum
Many museums offer free admission days, so keep your eyes and ears open for one near you. Take advantage of these opportunities when they come up, especially if it’s at a museum you’ve never explored before. You and your beau can soak in some culture and history together.
4. Hiking
If you both enjoy the outdoors, take a scenic hike in a nearby forest preserve. Create a challenge along the way like finding the most unique leaves, or spotting birds or wildlife. Be sure to also bring snacks and mugs full of coffee or hot chocolate.
5. Visit a Farmer’s Market
Stroll through a local farmer’s market hand-in-hand to pick up fresh ingredients. For a bonus affordable date idea, you can use these ingredients later to cook a romantic meal at home!
6. Cooking Together
There are plenty of cheap date ideas you can do right at home. Why not pick a recipe that both of you would like to try and cook a meal together in your kitchen? This can be fun and intimate as you have to work together in tight quarters. Don’t forget dessert!
7. Movie Night at Home
Thanks to streaming, there’s a world of entertainment on your TV. Create a cozy movie night with plenty of blankets and a big bowl of popcorn. Be adventurous and watch something together that you’ve never seen before.
8. Volunteering
Spend time together while giving back to the community. Plant trees in the neighborhood, or go to a shelter to play with and walk the cute dogs. You’ll bond and come even closer together by being selfless.
9. Coffee Date
Sometimes a simple coffee date is all you need. Find a quaint café and spend time chatting over a cup of coffee. This is an especially great idea if you’re early in your relationship.
10. DIY Spa Night
Turn your home into a spa with a warm bath, some essential oils, candles, and relaxing music. Take turns giving each other massages. Who knows where the night will lead?
11. Bike Ride
Use your date as an excuse to get more exercise. Go for a bike ride together in a scenic part of your town or a nearby trail. You can even pack your bikes in the car and visit a town you’ve never seen before.
12. Visit the Library
Spend a quiet afternoon browsing books at your local library. Look around together and see if you can each find a new great read to bring home with you. As a bonus, many local libraries also host free events.
13. Karaoke Night
Do you do a killer rendition of “My Heart Will Go On?” Show off your chops by hosting a karaoke night at home. It’s fun to be a little silly together, so pick a few tunes, set out drinks, and have a blast!
14. Star Gazing
You already know that watching the sunset is a cost-effective date idea. However, you can also spend time together at night. Drive out to a spot away from city lights, and spend the night star gazing. Bring a telescope if you have one, or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.
15. Organize a Scavenger Hunt
If you’re creative, then you can come up with many cheap date ideas. For instance, you can create a list of items to find on a scavenger hunt. Look around your house for the items together, or do the hunt outside, taking plenty of pictures along the way!
16. Ice Cream Date
Everyone loves ice cream! Enjoy a simple date by grabbing some ice cream at a local parlor and taking a walk with your cones. Grab plenty of napkins, so you don’t make a mess!
17. Do a Craft Project
Get creative together by painting together, working together on a home improvement project, or making some kind of craft project. If you’re married, it might also be a fun idea to sit down and put together your wedding photo album.
18. Attend a Local Event
Check out your local community for upcoming events or festivals. Many of these are free and offer you a chance to explore new and fun activities together. You can even go to a school play or sports game, even if you don’t have children.
Make a Date
These cheap date ideas show that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to have fun in your romance. Sometimes, the simplest dates are the most meaningful. The important thing is you’re spending time with someone you genuinely love being around.
Read More:
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Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.