35 Ideas for Inexpensive Date Nights

Can dating really be inexpensive? We’ve all heard about going to the bookstore, looking around at the books, and sipping a coffee. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it can get old pretty quickly. Here are a few ideas for inexpensive date nights.

35 Ideas for Inexpensive Date Nights

Outdoor Date Ideas

1. Go for a nice romantic walk in the park. Depending on how much exercise you want, this could be anywhere from a nice stroll around the neighborhood to a long stroll at the park.

2. Learn a new sport or hobby together. Obviously, depending on what sport/hobby you choose this could be inexpensive or expensive. Playing Frisbee is inexpensive while playing golf is a bit more expensive.

3. Go to the beach. While you may not live near the ocean, most people live near some body of water (river, stream, lake, ocean…) Just stroll leisurely along, holding hands and talking.

4. Go on a hike. Whether you enjoy the forest, the mountains, the desert, or some other terrain, lace up those hiking boots and head out together.

5. Take a boat ride. Do you have a local ferry? Why not take a ride on the ferry and just enjoy each other’s company. Enjoy more outdoor activities? Take a canoe ride.

6. Take the kids to the park and then sit there and enjoy each other’s company. Yep, once again, I want you to actually talk to each other. Please, no work or kiddo talk.

7. Go geocaching. Never heard of geocaching? Check it out here.

8. Go letterboxing. What’s letterboxing? Think low-tech geocaching. Find out more here.

9. Go walk the dog. Ok, granted, if you don’t have a dog, this is rather difficult. But, if you have a dog, go walk the dog together.

10. Go play putt-putt golf. Who didn’t do this back “in the day”?

11. Go camping. If you don’t have camping gear already, you can borrow some from a friend, rent some gear, or just sleep under the stars.

12. Go backpacking. Start with a short backpacking trip if you’re not used to carrying a pack. If you’re an old pro, pick a location that you’ve been wanting to go and hit the trail.

13. Go climbing. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced climber, rock climbing is a fun activity to do together. You can climb indoors or outdoors. Climbing gyms often offer specials for first-time visitors which include the gear.

Out and About Date Ideas

14. Go to the dollar movies. You’ll want to grab a bite to eat before heading over to the theater. The movie theater popcorn and drinks cost and arm and a leg, so eating something before you go out keeps the date inexpensive.

15. Go out for dessert. Eat dinner at home and then go out for a fancy dessert. When you go out to eat, you’re never really hungry for dessert anyway. Why not take the opportunity to enjoy some of the delicious desserts that you’ve always wanted to taste, but never had the room to try.

16. Go to a museum or local exhibit. Most cities have museums or exhibits that are either free or inexpensive to visit.

17. Take a drive. You don’t need to know where you’re going. Just hop in the car and go. (Keep in mind the cost of gas these days.)

18. Visit some historic monuments. Most cities have some historic attractions that are free/inexpensive to see.

19. Go to a local college/high school production. Look in your newspaper to see what productions are being put on by the local colleges and high schools. These are usually quite good and inexpensive.

20. Go to a matinee dinner theater. The matinees are usually less expensive than the dinner time shows.

21. Go to a local sporting event. If you both enjoy sports, have fun remembering the good ole days and attend a college or high school sporting event.

22. Attend library or local concerts. Once again, look in your local newspaper to find any library or local concerts or events.

23. Sign up for dancing lessons together. There are all kinds of different dancing classes offered in most cities.

24. Go window shopping. You can head over to the mall or take a walk downtown.

25. Go to the ice cream parlor. Remember doing this way back when???

26. Go bowling. Watch out for the times when they offer specials to cut down on the costs.

27. Go out to your favorite restaurant. The key here is watching for coupons or going at lunch rather than dinner.

Date Night In Ideas

28. Rent a favorite movie (or new movie). Pop some popcorn and cuddle in bed or by the fireplace.

29. Have a picnic. Pack up a picnic basket and surprise your sweetie with a nice lunch/dinner at the park (or at work one day). If you have little ones, you could have a picnic in your room or in front of the fireplace after you put the little ones to bed.

30. Set up the patio for a night of dancing and looking at the stars. Start off with a nice relaxing, romantic dinner. Put on some of your favorite music. Watch the sunset, look at the stars, and dance the night away.

31. Have a game night. Put out snack type foods (no cooking tonight), and enjoy playing your favorite games.

32. Prepare a romantic dinner together. This is one time when two chefs in the kitchen can be a lot of fun.

33. Play 20 questions. Has it been a while since you sat down and truly talked? Why not play 20 questions with each other and get to know each other all over again?

34. Stage a treasure hunt for your significant other. This one takes a bit more planning, but can be a lot of fun. Leave clues that lead to more clues that finally lead to a special something for your significant other.

35. Spend a romantic night in. Start the day off with a little note to your spouse letting them know that something special awaits them tonight. Tuck notes in their briefcase, gym bag… giving them more hints. Have a note on the door when the arrive home. Enjoy the evening….

As you can see, the possibilities are endless. I could keep going, but I think you get the idea. Do not let your lack of money (or time) take away from your relationship. Sometimes something as simple as helping your loved one with a task that they are working on can help you reconnect. Whatever you do, just enjoy the fact that you are together. Don’t take that time for granted.

Do you have ideas for free or inexpensive date nights? Leave a comment below and tell me about them.