Love is in the air and you are making plans to take that special someone out on a date.
You are taking the chance to get to know them better, have fun, and maybe find your “happily ever after”.
If you want to impress your date, but don’t quite have the funds for a fancy seafood dinner or a sunset cruise, we are here to help!
These 25 fun date ideas will ensure you have a great time without breaking the bank!
25 Fun (and Inexpensive) Date Ideas
Call up your sweetie because we are about to lay down some creative and cheap date ideas. No matter your budget or your style, you are sure to find an activity that’ll impress your date!
1) Go Thrifting
Visit your local thrift stores and see what kind of crazy looks you can put together. See who can find the weirdest/funniest/oldest object!
2) Take an Intro Yoga Class
Many yoga studios offer a free class or discounted rates for your first time. Sweat it out with your date by signing up for a class!
3) Go for a Bike Ride
If you have your own bikes, this date idea is completely free! Tour your city or hit the trails for a fun day outside. Bike rentals are usually inexpensive as well.
4) Take a Hike
Do an online search of the best trails in your area and find a beautiful hike for you and your date. Choosing one with a great view is always a plus!
5) Sing Your Heart Out at Karaoke
Find a bar or restaurant that has a karaoke night and have a singing battle with your date. It is usually free, aside from drinks, making this a super cheap date idea!
6) Visit a Sculpture Park or Art Gallery
Some cities have free sculpture parks and art galleries open to the public. Do a search to find the closest one near you. Be on the lookout for discounted nights and special events as well.
7) Binge Watch a New TV Show
Who said you can’t just “Netflix and chill”? Find a new show you both have been itching to check out, and make a night of it. Grab the popcorn!
8) Go to a Matinee
Did you know that theaters often offer discount movie tickets during certain times during the week or weekend? Check out your local movie theater for matinee rates (typically during the daytime or on Sunday) to catch a cheaper show.
7) Have a Picnic
An oldie but a goodie, going for a picnic is an inexpensive and romantic option for you and your date. Grab some of your favorite snacks and visit a park for a chill date idea.
8) Have a Staycation
Who says you have to go anywhere to have a vacation? Hit up some of the popular sites in your town for the full experience – and be sure to try something new!
9) Volunteer for a Good Cause
Show your compassionate side by volunteering with your date for a good cause. Check out local animal shelters, soup kitchens, and more to volunteer your time for an hour or two. This is a date that is both fulfilling and fun.
10) Visit an Arcade
If there is an arcade in your area, grab your date and some cash and I have a fun day of games. Nothing better than a little healthy competition!
DC here – one thing that is becoming really popular is bars with arcade themes. I was at one recently here in the Twin Cities and it was PACKED. Would definitely recommend.
11) Catch a Strike with Bowling
Bowling is one of those classic date ideas, and for good reason! It is quite inexpensive, easy to learn, and loads of fun! Just remember to bring socks!
12) Rent a Canoe or Kayak
Depending on where you live, having a date on the water can be an inexpensive option. Rates are typically $10 per hour, per boat, or you can save money by sharing a boat. How cute!
13) Dive Bar Hopping
If you and your date are into more hole-in-the-wall places, it can be fun to go searching for your area’s most unique dive bars. See what kind of cool places you can find (and weird drinks to try).
14) DIY Food Tour
Know of some local spots famous for certain foods? Make your own “Food Tour” by hitting up a few places for “the best burger in town” or “famous milkshake”. Keep it cheap by only grabbing a small bite at each place.
15) Cooking at Home
This date idea is great for couples, or once you have gone on a few dates already. Grab some tasty ingredients from the grocery store and make a romantic dinner at home, for just the two of you.
16) Go Fruit Picking
If it’s in season, see if you can find local farms or orchards to go fruit picking. This is an inexpensive date idea that allows you to get a little fresh air and come away with some tasty treats.
17) Local Comedy Show
The more obscure, the better! Check out your town newspaper or do a search online to find some hilarious (and cheap) comedy shows in your area.
18) Mini Golf
Another classic but always loads of fun. If you have a miniature golf course in your town, this is a great option!
19) Visit a Psychic
Want to see what the future holds? Go visit a psychic to get your palms read, or see the future in her future ball. This is usually an inexpensive (and spooky) date idea.
20) Rock Climb
Depending on where you live, a rock climbing date can be quite affordable. If you fancy yourself being athletic, this can be a fun and thrilling date idea.
21) Hit the Beach
If you live close to the shore and the sun is shining, hit the beach! Going to the beach is completely free and can be quite romantic and fun!
22) Snag a Tasty Dessert
Don’t have money for a full meal? No problem! Make it a late night by grabbing a delicious dessert (and maybe a few drinks) with your date! Share a dessert to make it even more romantic.
23) Test Your Knowledge with Bar Trivia
Bars and restaurants often offer fun trivia nights for free, or for a small cost to enter the competition pool. Topics range from music trivia, to Harry Potter, to famous quotes. Do a search online to find trivia nights in your area.
24) Game Night with Friends
Take the pressure off with chill group date with friends. Each date can bring their favorite game and see who gets the most points!
25) Art Contest
If you or your date has art supplies lying around, find some art tutorials online and have your own art contest. Get creative and see what you come up with!
Related:
- 14 Things You Can Do to Save Money This Week
- 10 Ways to Save Money When You’re Living Paycheck to Paycheck
- 5 Ways to Save Money on Fun Splurges
Do you have a favorite date idea to add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
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Really nice list great tips, thakns for sharing
Dive bar hopping can be very fun. I’ve done that several times with my girl. Just make sure you get an Uber.