If you’ve been married 50 years, together for 6, or just getting ready for your first date, don’t worry about how you’ll afford all that “relationship stuff.”
There are a ton of fun, cheap date ideas! Remember, just because a date idea is budget-friendly does not mean it must be boring or lame. Here are X fun date ideas that won’t break the bank.
1. Snow Day
Try the following itinerary for a snowy day. First, play in the snow and make a snow person, snow fort, or snow angels. When you guys are frozen and tired, it’s time to drink hot cocoa and snuggle up under a warm blanket.
2. Go to a Play
Many communities offer free plays or dress rehearsals. Check your community’s calendar for any shows a local high school, drama club, or college may be putting on soon.
3. Do a Picnic
You both need to eat at some point; why not make it extra thoughtful with a packed picnic? Grab a reusable grocery bag and pack your favorite picnic snacks, such as crackers, cheese, salami, nuts, and dried fruit. Find a local park, sit in the backyard, or set up a blanket on your living room floor for an indoor picnic.
4. Work Out Together at The Gym
Show off your skills while getting in a good muscle burn. It’s fun to subtly flirt with each other at the gym because the other gym patrons don’t necessarily know you’re together. Don’t have a gym membership? Do your workout at home or go for a run together instead.
5. Join a Workout Class
Sign up for a dance or cardio class and get moving together. You may have access to a class if you’re a gym member. Otherwise, sign up for a trial membership at a local gym or studio that offers a class you’d like to try.
6. Old-school Date Fun
Remember the good old days at the Roller Kingdom? You can do roller skating limbo, candy land freeze, and hold hands like two junior highers in love.
7. Movies and Ice Cream
Cue up a movie marathon with one of your favorite genres, series, or trilogy. Then, whip up your favorite ice cream treat, like obnoxiously huge ice cream sundaes, to enjoy while binge-watching.
8. Play Hide and Seek
Take this classic kid’s game to the next level. Play hide and seek in a cornfield or the woods (just don’t get lost).
9. Explore Your Neighborhood
If it’s a lovely evening, go on a very long walk around your neighborhood at night. Enjoy the stars, sounds, and cool air while conversing.
10. Redbox and Chill
While there are no blockbusters to visit anymore (unless you happen to live in Alaska), the next best thing is a Redbox station where you can still pick up an actual DVD. Grab a movie, microwave popcorn, and watch a movie together at home.
11. Go Treasure Hunting
There’s a thrill to bargain hunting. Hit up a local estate sale, garage sale, or thrift store and see what fun treasures you can find together.
12. At-home Spa Night
Spoil each other with home treatments like bubble baths, exfoliating face and body scrubs, and foot massages. Turn the lights off, grab a few candles, and play relaxing music to set the mood.
13. Make a Romantic Dinner at Home
Choose a fun new recipe that you can cook together. Consider finding an appetizer, dinner, and dessert if you want to go all out. You can go grocery shopping together first, or one of you can have it prepped and ready to go.
14. Play Ping-pong
This is an easy date night idea if you have a ping-pong table at home. If not, you can grab a few paddles and ping pong balls and turn your kitchen table into a table for easy and cheap fun.
15. Go Bowling
Most bowling alleys have specials and fun things like black-light bowling with loud music. Bring your bowling shoes if you have them to save. You can also check out Groupon or similar coupon sites for local bowling deals.
16. Make a Milkshake
Grab ingredients to create a milkshake together. Make sure you decide on a flavor together, then pour it into one cup with one straw to share.
17. Go Yarn-bombing Together
Does your neighborhood or downtown need some extra fun decor? Try yarn-bombing. You’ll have to plan by crocheting or knitting designs to wrap around trees, street sign poles, and more.
18. Go on a Bike Ride Together
Getting out for some fresh air and a meandering ride can be a lot of fun. Choose a quiet neighborhood, park, or local dirt trail (if you have the proper bikes).
19. (Mom, Cover Your Eyes) Practice Kama Sutra
Want to spice up your bedroom life? Check out a book (they even have them at the public library), buy one, or look up some ideas online and get to work. Don’t forget to laugh when things get weird.
20. Go to The Hardware Store
Wander around and dream of everything you would do to your house if money were no object. $2,000 chandelier? No problem!
21. Go Ice Skating
If your city’s ice-skating rink is open year-round, look up their schedule and attend an open skate. Teach each other new tricks, hold hands, and enjoy snuggling up together when you get too cold and need a break.
22. Build Something Together
Get crafty and try building something you’ve always wanted to try. Ideas might include a birdhouse, dog house, tree house, go-kart, sandbox, etc.
23. Go Canoeing
Rent a canoe or kayak from a local outdoor store and head to a reservoir, river, or lake. Don’t forget your swimsuit and life jacket, just in case you fall in!
24. Go Camping
Enjoy the great outdoors together with a camping adventure. Use your gear or borrow a friend’s tent and sleeping bags. Then, choose a state park, national park, or other nearby campgrounds you’d like to explore.
25. Go Hiking
Choose a hike that’s challenging and offers beautiful views. Depending on the length, you might pack a lunch and extra water to enjoy when you reach the halfway point.
26. Go Fishing
Catch your own dinner or enjoy a little catch-and-release together. Grab a fishing permit, a pole, and folding chairs, and head to your favorite fishing hole.
27. Find The Best Happy Hours in Town and Make The Appetizers Your Meal
Who says eating (and drinking) out has to be expensive? Find your city’s happy hour specials and check them out for yummy options at a steal.
28. Try Something Totally New
If you’re unsure what to do, browse a coupon site for inspiration. You’ll find things you don’t usually do at a discounted price.
29. Go to a Trapeze Class
For a fun new challenge, why not try a trapeze class? If your local area offers such as class, get ready for straps, harnesses, and flying through the air.
30. Have Friends Over and Play Board Games
Who says date nights have to be just the two of you? Grab your favorite board game and invite some friends you know you’ll have a blast playing with.
31. Browse an Antique Store
Old objects have stories and history. Peruse a vintage store and discuss the past lives of the things you see for sale. Get as creative as you’d like for a good time.
32. Play Tennis at a Park
Many city parks offer free courts for tennis. Grab your rackets (or head to a thrift store and pick up two) and go play your heart out.
33. Go to The Neighborhood Pool
Whether that’s a city pool, a friend’s pool, or a blow-up pool in your backyard, throw on your suits and cool off in some water. You can also try a local river or lake.
34. Fly Kites
If it’s a windy day, what better way to spend it than flying kits? You can try building a kite first or grab a cheap one at a local store and find a good hill or open space for launching it.
35. Test Drive an Expensive Car
If you want to feel fancy, try driving that costly car on your wishlist. Drive it together and dream about owning it yourself.
36. Go on a Brewery Tour
Find out what tours businesses in your city offer and try one out. Or create your own tour and walk or bike around while checking out local brews. Don’t like beer? Try wine tasting instead.
37. Go Thrifting or Garage Sale-ing Together
Give each other a challenge before heading out shopping. For example, you can each choose an outfit for the other that you’ll wear out to dinner that night.
38. Do a Breakfast Date
Breakfast is the least expensive meal option (and tastiest if you ask me). If it’s the weekend, you might also find what restaurants offer delicious brunch deals.
39. Sign Up for an Online Cooking Class
If you want to master a new cooking style, find a cooking class online that you can join or look up an inspiring YouTube video. Grab all the ingredients and get to work trying something new.
40. Play Strip Poker
Grab some cards and layer up your clothes before starting with strip poker. Need help to play poker? Do a quick search on Google to get some rules set in place.
41. Find a Free (Or Very Cheap) Class and Take It Together
You might find a local community space, such as the library or a coffee shop, that offers classes to learn something new. Ideas include budgeting, knitting, art, painting (with or without wine), and beyond.
42. Go for an Ice Cream Date
Grab a scoop or two of your favorite ice cream in a cup or cone. Then enjoy it as you walk around and talk together.
43. Find Cheap Sporting Event Tickets
High school, college, and club sports may offer free or reasonable entrance fees to come to watch. Choose a sport based on your interests and the current season.
44. Go Star Gazing
Drive up to the highest point in your city, spread out a blanket, and then gaze up at the stars.
45. Go to The Animal Shelter and Pet The Animals
Some local shelters will even let you take the dogs for a walk together. (Beware: you might end up with a new pet!)
46. Teach Each Other Something
You probably know something your partner doesn’t, and they probably know how to do something you don’t. This is the perfect opportunity to teach each other and have fun doing it.
47. Take Photos of Each Other
Your social media profile pictures may need to be updated. Spend an afternoon photographing each other. Brainstorm fun places to take pictures before you get started.
48. Research Your Local Train and Bus Lines
Depending on your location, a local train might go up to the mountains, or a cheap bus ride might get you to a beach. Either way, it’s worth looking into. This can become a fun, low-key day trip or overnight weekend adventure.
49. Open Mic Night or Improv
Open mic nights or improv are fun if you just want to watch or join the action. You can also find a Karaoke bar to sing at too. Or attend a comedy night somewhere.
50. Volunteer Together
If you know a local charity that needs extra help, volunteer yourselves. Check out church announcement boards or talk to your local homeless shelter or food bank to see what they need.
51. Babysit Together
Do you guys love kids? Why not have fun watching some kids and may even make some cash in the process (or simply give a parent a much-appreciated break)?
52. Make a Time Capsule
Gather your favorite objects, letters, newspaper articles, etc., to add to a time capsule. Then, think of a fun place to bury it that you can uncover in 10 years.
53. Take Advantage of The Season
Maybe it’s carving pumpkins, decorating the Christmas tree, or hiding Easter eggs. No matter the season, there’s usually something fun happening.
54. Go Through Your Old Yearbooks
Tell your partner all about your high-school days. What a fun date night idea to reminisce and learn more about each other.
55. Reminisce About Your First Date
First dates can be a mix of fun, romance, and awkwardness. Reflect on all your favorite parts and what was going through your head on that first date.
56. See How Creative You Can Get
For creative date ideas, take turns planning dates that have a $10 limit. Taking turns takes the pressure off of one person always planning dates and opens up a new world of creativity with the budget limit.
57. Train for a Race Together
Sign up for a race together if you love running, swimming, or cycling. Keep each other accountable and train together to reach your goals as a team.
58. A Book Club for Two
Try a two-person bookclub. Select a book, check out a copy for each of you from the library, and then discuss it as you go.
59. Paint a Room Together
Have a room you’ve wanted to upgrade? Pick out a fresh or fun new paint color together and go for it.
60. Take Dance Classes Together
Depending on your city, you can find swing dancing, tap dancing, square dancing, ballroom dancing, and more. Choose the one you’d like to learn and sign up for. Alternatively, learn n your living room with a YouTube video.
61. Make a Pizza at Home
Pizza is a crowd-pleaser and can be fun when made at home. Make your pizza dough from scratch, or grab a pre-made version at a grocery store. Pick up your favorite cheese, sauce, and topping, and enjoy.
62. Write Out The Story of How You Met
Grab a notebook and pen or open a document on a computer. Then discuss it out loud and write out your story.
63. Talk About Your Future Together
For a romantic date night idea, make plans for a bright future together. Discuss your hopes, dreams, and goals together.
64. Write Love Letters to Each
Turn up the cheese and write each other letters. You can write stories, create poems, or whatever sounds like fun to you both. Then, if you’re up for it, read them to each other.
65. Do a Puzzle Together
Pull out a puzzle you haven’t done in a while or find one at a local thrift store to work on together.
66. Wash The Car and Flirt With Each Other
On a hot day, throw on swimsuits and see what body parts you can use to wash the car. (Beware of nosy neighbors and keep it PG for their sake.)
67. Draw Each Other
Close your eyes and draw each other. Yes, eyes closed. Laugh at each other’s masterpieces when you finish.
68. Do Yoga Together
Most yoga studios offer free yoga, or you can find a class online to do at home. It’s fun to go together and pose. Don’t worry; the worse you are at yoga, the more fun it is.
69. Play Frisbee
Toss a frisbee around in your backyard or at a park. Or invite some friends and start a game of ultimate frisbee.
70. Pretend You’re in a Movie
Play out your favorite cheesy movie moments. For example, if it rains, go outside, get soaking wet, then run to each other, embrace, and kiss passionately (of course) for like 5 minutes, at least.
71. Pick Fruit
This is a good one for the summer and falls months. Head out to pick berries, apples, or whatever is in season near you.
72. Go to a Friend’s Art Gallery or Art Exhibit Opening
Dress up and head to a local art museum or hall. Talk about your favorite art pieces and what you like about them.
73. Bake a Cake Together
Bake a delicious cake from scratch and feed it to each other.
74. Make Each Other Breakfast in Bed
Take turns on the weekend making breastfast for each other in bed. Pick out each other’s favorites and get up early to feed them when they wake up.
75. Be a Tourist in Your City
Roam around like you don’t know what’s happening and try to see your city differently. Try something new or that you haven’t done in a while and feel like a tourist.
76. Experimental Food Challenge
Pretend you’re on a food show and pick out ingredients for the other person (use as many ingredients as possible that you already own). Then you each try to cook something edible. Sweet and sour corn muffins? Sure!
77. Try a Scavenger Hunt
Spend some time planning a scavenger hunt around town or in your house. Leave something (like a sweet letter) at the end of the trail for your partner to find. Take turns doing this for each other.
78. Take Online Relationship Tests
Gain some valuable insight into your relationship strengths and weaknesses. The Love Languages one is specifically suitable and can be a great conversation starter.
79. Binge-watch a New or Favorite TV Show
Pick a TV show and then watch episode after episode. Are any Dexter, Breaking Bad, or True Blood fans out there? (I’ve heard Homeland is fantastic too!)
80. Get To Know Each Other Even More
You might think you know each other well, but if you’ve been together for any length of time, some of the answers from the beginning of your relationship might be out-of-date. Don’t assume you know your partner so much that they’re not allowed to grow or change their minds.
81. Pray or Meditate Together
This will make you feel very close and can also be intimating and make you feel vulnerable, but try it. Find a meditation video or book to get started.
82. Tell Each Other Why You Like/Love Each Other So Much
This is another thing that’s easy to take for granted in relationships (you say, of course, we love each other!) But, really telling each other? And why? Worth a shot.
83. Make Life Lists
Create lists of things you’d like to do together and separately (goals and dreams). Then, share them and get some of the plans in the works!
84. Break a Record
Look at the Guinness Book of World Records and see which record you two should try to break together. It’d be fun to try, even if you don’t break the record.
85. Dream About Your Dream House
Look at Pinterest and dream about what your home would be like if you had no limit for spending. Save your favorites for inspiration!
86. Be a Kid Again
Remember when $5 seemed like SO much money? It can go pretty far in an arcade. Go to the arcade to play skeeball, air hockey, and video games.
87. Hit Golf Balls at a Driving Range
Grab a bucket of balls and see who can hit them the furthest. Take turns cheering each other on and get competitive.
88. Go to a Midnight Movie
Remember when you used to go to midnight premieres as a kid for new movies? See what movies are coming out soon, and snatch some late-night movie tickets.
89. Pretend You Don’t Know Each Other
Read for some role play? Try this one: get dressed up fancy and meet in the bar or at an event.
90. Make a Mix Tape Together
If you no longer have the equipment, don’t worry. You can also create a Spotify playlist. Pick all your favorite songs that remind you of your partner.
91. Play Basketball
Grab a basketball and play a game of one on one. Many city parks have free courts or you can go to a local gym or school with indoor space available.
92. Visit Open Houses
Look at dream house status real estate. Enjoy the snacks the realtor provides, and imagine what it’d be like to live in the home of your dreams.
93. Find a Cheap Psychic and Get a Reading
Ask a local psychic what your future together holds. Be ready for anything!
94. Give Each Other Haircuts
Yep, I went there. It could be fun. (I’m still trying to convince my husband to let me try giving him a haircut)
95. Make Wishes in a Fountain Together
Find a local wishing well and take turns throwing pennies. You guys can decide whether you want to share your wishes.
96. Watch YouTube Videos All Night
Prank videos or kitten videos for hours?! Yes. It’s amazing.
97. Stay up All Night Talking
Channel your inner teenager and talk the night away together. Mix in some snuggles or kisses if you need a break from talking.
98. Climb a Tree
Is there a tree in your town that looks like a lot of fun to climb? Spend an afternoon seeing how high you can get in the tree together.
99. Go to a Bar and Cheer for a Team
This one could get expensive, so don’t drink; drink beforehand or ensure it’s during happy hour.
100. Bbq
There’s nothing better than a barbeque on a hot summer day. Grab your favorite grilling items and relax with some quality time together in the backyard as you cook. Don’t forget the watermelon!
101. Play Soccer
Get some exercise and enjoy some friendly competition by playing soccer together. Grab a ball and play in the backyard or a local park.
102. Try a New Food Truck
Explore your local area for new and exciting food trucks and try something new for a fun and unique date night experience. Or try going on a food truck tour and sampling some of everything.
103. Write Each Other Love Letters
Take time to express your feelings for each other by writing love letters. You can exchange them over a romantic dinner or surprise each other by leaving them in a special place to find.
104. Buy a Lottery Ticket
Get your adrenaline pumping by trying your luck with a lottery ticket. Who knows, you might just win big! Talk about what you’d do if you won the lottery.
105. Build a Blanket Fort
Tap into your inner child and build a cozy blanket fort together. Add some pillows and fairy lights for extra ambiance.
106. Take a Ferry Ride
If you’re near a body of water, take a scenic ferry ride and enjoy the beautiful views.
107. Go Window Shopping
Take a stroll through a nearby shopping district and admire the window displays. You can even pretend to plan your dream home or wardrobe together. When you’re done, you can also run your errands together to check some things of the to-do list.
108. Relax in a Jacuzzi
Book a hotel room with a jacuzzi or borrow a friend or neighbor’s hot tub for the night. Spend the day or evening relaxing.
109. Look for a Spectacular View
Find a local lookout point or rooftop bar to enjoy a beautiful view together. Bonus points for finding the view at sunrise or sunset.
110. Find Your New Happy Place
Explore a new location, like a local park or hiking trail, and find a spot that makes you both happy. Return to it whenever you need a peaceful getaway.
111. Visit The Library or a Bookstore
Spend the evening browsing books, magazines, and movies at your local library. You can even challenge each other to find the most exciting book. See if your library offers readings to attend as well.
112. Play Paintball
Have some high-energy fun by playing paintball together. It’s a great way to release tension and release steam. If you want something less painful (if you get hit), try laser tag instead.
113. Taste Test a Favorite Food
For example, pick up a variety of chips from the grocery store and have a taste test to find your new favorite flavor. You can also do this with chocolate, ice cream, etc. For extra fun, try making it a blind taste test.
114. Glamp Where You Are
Set up a tent or hammock in your backyard and create a comfortable glamping experience with blankets, pillows, and snacks. Don’t forget the marshmallows!
115. Hobby Swap
Share your hobbies with each other by trying out each other’s favorite activities.
116. Find a Cookie or Chocolate Factory Tour
Take a tour of a cookie or chocolate factory and indulge in some sweet treats.
117. Have a Wine and Cheese Night
Pair different types of wine with cheese for a sophisticated and fun-tasting experience.
118. Pull Up to a Drive-in Movie Theatre
Enjoy a classic movie experience by watching a film at a drive-in theater.
119. Discover Dive Bars
Explore your city’s nightlife by visiting local dive bars and enjoying drinks together.
120. Go Mini-golfing
Challenge each other to a game of mini-golf and see who comes out on top.
121. Coordinate a Potluck or Brunch
Invite some friends over and coordinate a potluck dinner or yummy brunch. Everyone can bring their favorite dish, and you can enjoy a fun and delicious meal together.
122. Grow Something Together
Plant a garden or start growing some herbs together. It’s a fun and rewarding activity that you can do together.
123. Rock Climb Together
Challenge yourselves and try rock climbing together. It’s a great way to build trust and teamwork. If you don’t have gear or experience, it’s best to head to an indoor climbing gym
124. Sign Up for Trivia Night
Test your knowledge by signing up for a local trivia night. You can work together as a team and enjoy a fun and competitive night out.
125. Start Your Chess Master Journey
Learn how to play chess together and challenge each other to become chess masters.
126. Have a Backyard Cocktail Hour
Experiment and create your cocktail recipes and enjoy them in the comfort of your own backyard.
127. Seed Bomb a Particular Spot
Make seed bombs and toss them in a unique spot that needs extra love and attention.
128. Explore a Nearby Town or City
Take a day trip to a nearby town or city and explore the sights, sounds, and culture.
129. Go to a Park Where You Can Feed The Ducks
Enjoy a relaxing day at a nearby park where you can feed the ducks and enjoy nature. Remember, ducks should eat whole grains and seeds, not bread!
130. Take a Community Education Class Together
Learn a new skill or take a class together at a local community center.
131. Go to The Beach
Spend a day at the beach and enjoy the sun, sand, and waves together. If you aren’t near the ocean, find a local lake or river beach
132. Find Live Music
Find a coffeehouse or park with live music or attend a concert by a local band.
133. Go on a Ghost Hunt
Explore some local haunted spots together and see if you can spot any ghosts or paranormal activity.
134. Find Out The Free or Reduced-price Days for Local Attractions
Go to your local planetarium, zoo, aquarium, or museum. Enjoy some educational fun together and learn something new.
135. Go to Bingo Night
Try your luck at a local bingo night and enjoy a fun and social night out.
136. Go to IKEA
Explore the aisles of IKEA and find inspiration for your home decor. You can even enjoy some Swedish meatballs while you’re there.
137. Spend an Hour at a Pet Cafe
Spend some time with cute and cuddly animals at a local pet cafe.
138. Go to a Local Event
Attend a local festival, convention, fair or amusement park in town.
139. Go to Costco/ Sams Club/ Trader Joe’s and Eat All Their Samples
Enjoy some free samples and explore the aisles of your favorite wholesale stores.
140. Try a New Restaurant
Pick a country’s cuisine that neither of you has tried, and give it a shot. Try something new by exploring a fresh cuisine together.
141. People-watch
Find a busy spot in your city and people-watch together. It’s a fun and exciting way to observe the world around you.
142. Clean up The Neighborhood
Make a positive impact in your community by cleaning up a local park or street together.
143. Play on a Playground
Tap into your inner child and play on a playground together.
144. Go on a Drive Around Town and See Where You End Up
Take a spontaneous road trip and see where the road takes you.
145. Find Cool Science Experiment Videos on YouTube and Try Them Out
Try some fun and educational experiments by finding YouTube science experiment videos and doing them together.
146. Go to a Local Fundraising Event
Support a good cause and enjoy a fun event together by attending a local fundraising event.
147. Go Foraging
Look for edible plants and berries and make a meal with them.
148. Play an Interactive Game
Download an app or game in which you have to walk or travel around the real world to achieve goals in the game.
149. Go Ziplining
Get your adrenaline pumping by going ziplining together. It’s a fun and exciting way to enjoy nature.
150. Get Some Coloring Books and Color
Unwind and relax by coloring together. You can even compete to see who creates the best art.
151. Learn About Local History and Visit Some Historical Spots
Learn something new about your city’s history by visiting historical spots together.
152. Go to a Rodeo if You Can Find One
Enjoy a fun and unique date by attending a local rodeo.
153. Go to a Car Show
Explore your love of cars by attending a local car show together.
154. Buy Lego Kits and Put Them Together
Tap into your inner child and enjoy some fun by assembling Lego kits together.
155. Go to a Shooting Range
Test your aim and enjoy some fun by going to a shooting range together.
156. Learn a Language
Challenge yourselves and learn a new language together. It’s a fun and rewarding activity that you can do together.
157. Donate Blood Together
Give back to your community by donating blood together. It’s a meaningful way to spend time together and help others.
158. Go to an Escape Room
Enjoy a fun and interactive challenge by going to an escape room together. If you don’t have one in your city, make your own at home.
159. Play Video Games
Tap into your inner gamer and enjoy some video games together. You can even compete to see who comes out on top.
160. Turn Your Living Room Into a Club
Create a fun and lively atmosphere by turning your living room into a club. Add some music, lights, and snacks for a memorable date night.
161. Plan a Future Trip Together
Start planning and researching for a future trip together. It’s a great way to dream and bond together.
162. Start a Blog Together
Start a blog together and share your thoughts, experiences, and interests with the world.
163. Go to a Trampoline Park
Have some fun and exercise by going to a trampoline park together.
164. Go to a Local Market
Explore the farmers Market, holiday market, or craft bazaar. Enjoy some unique and handmade goods.
165. Go to a Pottery Class
Get your hands dirty and create your pottery by taking a pottery class together.
166. Have a Nerf War
Get active and have fun by having a nerf war, water gun, or water balloon fight together.
167. Finally, Don’t Forget To Keep Your Eyes Open for New Adventures
Keep your ears (eyes) peeled on social media sites for free events around town, or ask your friends if they have any ideas for the best cheap date night ideas.
What are your favorite cheap date ideas?
