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100 Cheap Date Ideas
Are you looking for a cheap date idea? Look no further! This blog post will discuss 100 different ways to have a fun and romantic date without spending too much money. We have you covered, from simple ideas like going for a walk or cooking dinner at home to more adventurous activities like hiking or visiting a theme park. So get your partner and get ready to have some fun!
1. Watch the sunset at the beach.
Sunset at the beach is a great time to go to the beach. It’s a great time to relax and let the stress of life wash away with the tide, which always seems more gentle after dark than during daylight hours. And it’s free.
2. Have a beach day.
A cheap date at the beach is a beautiful experience. You can do many things there, like swimming, snorkeling, boating, hiking, and fishing.
3. Go hiking.
Hiking is an exciting way to get some exercise and spend quality time with your spouse. It can be done in the city or the mountains! You can see beautiful nature while you’re hiking. While hiking, you’ll enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery and maybe even learn about yourself.
4. Have a picnic.
A picnic is a great way to spend quality time with someone you love. Taking your time and savoring each other’s company is essential, not rushing through it because there are so many other things to do. The important thing is that you are both comfortable and enjoying yourselves.
5. Have a game night.
Games are a great way to spend time with your partner or friends, but they can also be used for quick and cheap dates. You can play any kind of game you want!
6. Have a cooking challenge.
Cooking is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to have fun with your partner. Take turns making dishes you’ve never made before, and then compare notes on how it went!
7. Set up the back of your car or truck with cushions and blankets to go stargazing.
Get a blanket and pillows and snacks. You can do this in the back of your car, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try it on your roof!
8. Go beer or wine tasting.
Tastings are a fantastic method to get out of the house and try new beverages.
You can do this with your significant other, family, or yourself. If you’re looking for something more social than just tasting with one person, try going with a group of friends!
9. Go fishing.
Fishing is a great cheap date idea because it’s something you and your partner can do together. You can fish from a boat, pier, or bank.
10. Spend the day looking at open houses in your area, looking for your perfect home!
A great way to spend a day together is to visit open houses in your area and create your dream house. If you’re looking for a new home, this will allow you both to consider the location, look at the house itself and then get an idea of what kind of kitchen and bedrooms would be best for your lifestyle.
11. Visit a free local concert. (Many town park departments offer these events for free!)
Free concerts are a great cheap date idea. Many parks departments, libraries, museums, churches, community centers, and restaurants put on free concerts for their patrons.
12. Go ice skating.
Ice skating is a fantastic way to get some exercise and have a lot of fun. You can go public skating at a rink or ice fishing on a pond.
13. Have a scavenger hunt.
Make a list of what you want to include on your scavenger hunt. The items do not have to be expensive, but each one should be something that requires both parties’ participation.
14. Play a round of mini-golf.
Mini-golf is a fun activity for all ages and a great way to get some exercise. You’re working your arms, legs, and core muscles while playing mini-golf while having fun.
15. Make a fort and watch a film in it.
Why We Like It:
ยท It’s fun and easy and also kind of nostalgic.
ยท You can watch any movie you wantโit doesn’t have to be super long or anything (but if it is, you have even more time for snuggling). ยท You can do this at home or in a park, which means you can build your fort anywhere.
16. Try out a new recipe.
ยท Try a new ingredient
ยท Try a new cooking style
17. Have a paint night.
This is one of our favorite activities for couples! You can either go to one of those “paint-your-own pottery” places or gather some supplies at home and get creative together.
18. Visit a farmer’s market.
If you and your date are looking for an inexpensive date but don’t want to stay in and watch Netflix, visit a local farmer’s market.
19. Write a bucket list together.
ยท A bucket list is a checklist of activities you’d want to accomplish before you die, and it’s an excellent way for you and your partner to spend time together.
20. Have a Nerf war.
Playing with Nerf guns is a lot of fun. They’re safe, non-violent, and a great way to spend an afternoon together.
21. Get ice cream from your local farm.
This is a great way to get out of the house and enjoy nature while also enjoying some ice cream. If you’re lucky, they’ll have other things there like animals, bounce houses, and hayrides that are fun for everyone!
22. Bond over coffee or smoothies.
A cup of coffee or a smoothie can be a great way to unwind after a long day, and it’s also an opportunity for you and your partner to catch up on each other’s days.
23. Start a new hobby.
Learning a new hobby together can be a fun way to get closer to someone you care about.
24. Learn a new language.
You can learn a language accessible online or with a friend in person. You can also hire a tutor to teach you the language of your choice.
25. Wake up early to watch the sunrise.
Waking up early to watch the sunrise is a great way to experience nature and each other. There’s a certain magic in sharing these moments with someone you care about.
26. Eat dinner from food trucks.
Food trucks are a great way to get a cheap and delicious meal. They come in various varieties, with some upscale food you wouldn’t find in your average restaurant, while others serve more casual fare like burgers and fries.
27. Have breakfast in bed.
Breakfast in bed is a reasonably easy date to plan. All you need to do is cook some eggs and bacon, toast, or anything else you think your partner will like.
28. Visit a local gallery or museum.
This is a great way to spend time with your partner and learn something new! Most museums offer free admission on the weekends, so you can save some cash by heading out mid-week.
29. Go to a driving range.
Find a driving range near you. You can search for “driving range” in your area on Google or Yelp.
30. DIY something new.
DIY projects are a great way to spend time together and can be cheap and easy. You can also make them creative and fun!
31. Create a scrapbook.
Scrapbooking is a great, inexpensive date idea.
32. Go antiquing or trifling.
Antiquing is a fun activity to do with your partner. It’s also an excellent way to spend time together and can be a great way to find unique items for your home.
33. Go for a bike ride.
Biking is a great way to see the city and get some exercise. If you’re new to biking, just take it easy and don’t push yourself too hard. You don’t want your first bike ride together ending up in an emergency room!
34. Attend your town’s high school football game.
Sports events, such as football games, are a fantastic method to spend time with family and friends. If your town has a high school football team, it’s sure to be an exciting experience!
35. Go berry picking.
Berry picking is a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors with your significant other. You can pick berries all year round, but certain times are better than others.
36. Attend a church service.
If you’re looking for a cheap date to have you and your partner learning something new, I highly recommend attending a church service with your significant other. Some churches offer free services.
37. Go to the gym together.
Going to the gym together might be right up your alley if you’re just looking for a cheap date. You can make it even more fun by seeing who can beat their last running times or lifting records.
38. Swim in a waterfall or spring.
You can go swimming in a waterfall or spring. If you’re not allowed to do that, then swim in a lake.
39. Have a fondue night.
Fondue is the perfect date night idea because it’s cheap and easy to make.
40. Make a time capsule.
Take a box you don’t mind throwing away or use an empty shoebox.
41. Tie-dye.
Tie-dyeing is a cheap and fun way to create one-of-a-kind items that will surely be a hit with your friends. You can make shirts, pillow covers, bags, and more!
42. Volunteer at your local shelter.
Volunteering at your local shelter is a great way to have fun and help others simultaneously.
43. Go an open mic night.
It’s a great way to get quality time with your loved one without having to go out or shell out money for tickets.
44. Visit a zoo.
Zoos are a great place to go on a cheap date.
45. Play bingo.
It’s a fun game for all ages and a great way to meet people! You can play at home or at a local bar (the latter being the more fun option).
46. Create a vision board.
A vision board is a board with pictures, words, and phrases pinned to it that represents what you want in life.
47. Put together a giant puzzle.
Find a giant puzzle online. Many vendors sell them, usually inexpensive (around $20 or so).
48. Have a water balloon fight.
This summer, while visiting California, I was lucky enough to find an entire park dedicated to water balloon fights.
49. Visit an aquarium.
Visit a local aquarium.
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50. Make homemade ice cream.
The supplies you need are straightforward and won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
51. Go to a drive-in movie.
Another way to save money on your date is to watch a movie.
52. Have a bonfire.
Having a bonfire is a great way to spend time with your partner.
53. Go camping.
Camping is a great way to experience nature. You can take a walk on the beach, go swimming in the ocean or play with your dog.
Camping is also very cheap.
54. Have a Wii Game Night.
Wii games are a good option if you want an entertaining evening at home and spend as little money as possible. They’re low-cost but still fun and stimulating.
55. Start a YouTube channel.
If you have a unique talent or interest, there are plenty of ways to turn it into a profitable business.
56. Go window shopping.
Window shopping is a great way to get out of the house, see new places and experience different things. Plus, it is cheap!
57. Go roller skating.
Roller skating is a fun activity for couples. It’s inexpensive to spend time together, and it’s great exercise!
58. Go to the arcade.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive date that’s fun and easy, consider going to an arcade.
59. Go to the batting cages.
It’s fun, and it is cheap!
60. Go to a car show.
If you’re a car enthusiast, this is a great way to see all vehicles from the past and present.
61. Run in a relay race or marathon.
Why not participate in a relay race or marathon if you’re looking for something different? You’ll be sure to have fun with this one!
62. Learn how to surf.
There’s nothing like the thrill of riding a wave on your board, especially when you’re doing it with love.
63. Go kayaking or canoeing.
Kayaking and canoeing are great ways to explore nature. Consider taking your date on one of your area’s many rivers, lakes, and natural areas.
64. Visit a local festival.
A local festival is a great way to enjoy the sights and sounds of your city or town in a fun way.
65. Go to a shooting range.
A trip to a shooting range is another cheap date idea that can be super fun.
66. Take a dance class (look on Groupon!).
There are plenty of ways to learn how to dance, and Groupon has a great selection.
67. Visit a trampoline park.
Trampoline parks are a great option if you want something active and outdoorsy.
68. Take a road trip and listen to your favorite music.
This is an excellent option if you and your date are both music fans.
69. Consider going for early bird specials at breakfast.
They’re a great way to get in on a good deal, and it’s fun to eat at an early hour.
70. Go ax throwing.
Many cities now have ax-throwing bars, where you can rent a set of axes and then throw them at a target. It doesn’t get much more fun than that!
71. Fly kites.
You can find kites at any store that sells them, or you can make one yourself.
72. Look for rocks and then paint them.
Go out and look for rocks. This should be easy enough to do in an urban area!
73. Visit a local school play or performance.
The local school play is a great place to show your love for the arts and get out of the house on a Friday night. It’s also an excellent opportunity to bond with your significant other by sharing laughs at how terrible the acting is and being unapologetic about it.
74. Go bowling.
Bowling is a fun, affordable activity to do with your loved ones. Bowling alleys are inexpensive, and you don’t have to worry about your date spending money on you.
75. Take advantage of the reduced rates on weekends.
You can go to the movies for cheap.
76. Challenge each other in video games.
Find a video game that you both enjoy.
77. Mini road trip.
A mini road trip is a great way to spend time with your sweetheart. You can plan it and leave on Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon.
78. Have a photoshoot.
What’s better than just taking a photo of two people in love? Take a series of photographs that tell a story!
79. Have a trivia night.
You could even do this with your friends, family, or significant other if you feel courageous (and bored).
80. Go out for dessert.
This is your best bet if you’re looking to keep things simple and cheap and still have a good time. You can go to any local places or restaurants serving food.
81. Have a spa night.
Invite your partner to a spa night.
82. Go sledding.
Sledding is a great way to exercise and have fun with your date. If you live in a place where snow is not abundant, there are still plenty of places you can go sledding.
83. Watch fireworks.
Fireworks are a great way to celebrate the new year, weddings, and birthdays.
84. Play IKEA Hide-and-Go-Seek.
This is a fun way to spend time together, try something new and get away from the norm. It helps you bond with your partner by trying something you’ve always wanted to do (even if it is just making a silly video).
85. Visit a restaurant or bar during happy hour.
If you’re looking for cheap date ideas, consider going out during happy hour. This allows you to try new things at discounted prices while getting out of the house.
86. Visit an animal shelter.
If you want to do something that won’t cost an arm and a leg, consider visiting an animal shelter. You can volunteer there, too!
87. Make a love note to each other and then read it.
If you’re feeling a little shy, writing love letters is a great way to express your feelings. It’s also perfect for those of us who like to think before speaking or are getting used to expressing our emotions verbally (like me!).
88. Bake and decorate a cake.
Baking a cake is one of those things that seem complicated, but it’s pretty easy. If you can make muffins and cookies, you can bake a cake.
89. Write out your goals for the future.
This is a perfect idea if you have never done it before, and it’s important to do this every year to see how close you are to achieving your goals. I also recommend doing this with your partner so that they can help keep you accountable and make sure that you stay on track!
90. Visit a carnival.
Carnivals are one of the most fun and affordable date ideas you can have. You can spend less than $40 and have a great time. The best part is that they give you plenty of opportunities to get creative with your date.
91. Have a wine and cheese night.
Wine and cheese go well together, so it’s no surprise that they make for a classic combination. This is especially true if you’re going for a romantic evening.
92. Find a dive bar.
Dive bars are the best for cheap dates. Dive bars are perfect if you and your date are looking for a great time but can’t afford the high-end restaurant scene.
93. Go rock climbing.
Rock climbing is an excellent way to get a good workout and see some beautiful sites. It’s often free or cheap if you want to go with a guide, but even if you don’t know how to climb, many places will still teach you over time.
94. Eat takeout by candlelight.
Go somewhere you’ve never been before.
Order something you’ve never tried before. If you like it, great! If not, no big dealโat least you tried something new.
95. Reminisce by going through old photos and yearbooks.
Going through old photos and yearbooks is a great way to reminisce. You can do this with your partner.
96. Make fun ice cream sundaes.
If you want to impress your date with this date idea, try making actual ice cream sandwiches: just take two slices of bread and put some chocolate chips in between them before freezing them.
97. Try the samples at Costco.
Costco is an excellent place to go on a cheap date. Why? It has samples! You can try new foods, get free samples, and even try new products you may not have thought about buying.
98. Go to the local river or lake for a swim.
Swimming is a great way to relax and get some exercise. It’s also one of the best cheap date ideas out there.
99. Attend a local fundraiser or charity event.
Attending a local fundraiser or charity event is one of the most fulfilling ways to spend an evening with your significant other. You will be doing something good for others, supporting a local business, getting involved in your community, and making new friends all at once!
100. If you have the time, go for a barbecue with your friends or alone.
This is a great idea because it’s inexpensive, and you can enjoy cooking, eating, and laughing together. If you don’t have many friends nearby, consider inviting some online friends for the evening!
You may not be able to afford expensive restaurants anymore, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy each other’s company. Whether going out for an expensive dinner or spending time together at home watching a movie, there are plenty of ways to show your love without breaking the bank.
100 Cheap Date Ideas
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