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35 Affordable and Fun Date Ideas: How to Enjoy Your Sweetheart Without Spending a Lot of Dough
Just because you are low on cash does not mean you need to be low on fun. Try some of these affordable date ideas. All will give you memories for a lifetime.
Just because you are low on cash does not mean you need to be low on fun. Try some of these affordable date ideas. All will give you memories for a lifetime.
1. Enjoy a picnic in the park
Sandwiches, lemonade, and fresh fruit from the local market under a sunny sky - always romantic and wonderful for an afternoon of conversation and fun.
2. Matinee movies
Matinee movies often cost a few dollars less than the nighttime shows. Go in a little early, and instead of dinner and a movie, make it lunch and a movie.
3. A BBQ potluck
Bring out the grill, buy some cut choices of meat, and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of grilling and good times.
4. Visiting the local museum
Many local museums cost little or even nothing to visit. Find out more about your area by visiting history, art, and science museums throughout your region. Some may include shows, planetarium shows, or tours.
5. Camping
If your sweetheart loves the outdoors, this may be the perfect date.
6. Visit the local pet store
Really lacking cash? For a quick date activity, visit the local pet store and check out the puppies, pets, and fish. Think of it as a one-stop petting zoo.
7. Walk at night under the moonlight
Always a romantic treat!
8. An original moonlight serenade
Are you musically inclined? Compose an original song for your love, and serenade them under the moonlight.
9. Share a banana split at the local diner
Can't afford to buy a full dinner? Have dinner at home and just opt to share a romantic dessert.
10. Make your own banana split sundae
Can't even afford the diner? Use ingredients already in your fridge to make your own sundae surprise for your sweetie.
11. Make pizza from scratch
Another fun cooking together idea - making pizza. Buy toppings that each of you love, or be adventurous and go crazy with zany toppings. This is also a great idea if your date's children will be around.
12. Have a video game date, complete with microwavable popcorn
A personal favorite for my husband and myself. An afternoon of video game madness and yummy popcorn.
13. Film your own music video on Youtube
Craziness and music - a fun date combination if your date has a diva flair.
14. Visit the local library
Many local libraries have free film clubs, local art displayed, and a variety of fun programs. Look up your local library and see if they have any interesting events coming up.
15. Attend a community concert event
The local theater, university, or church may have upcoming plays, choral concerts, and other events that might be free or low cost.
16. Help out at a local soup kitchen
If your date is a charitable soul, helping out regularly at a local soup kitchen may be a great way to bond with them while helping those in need.
17. Volunteer at the nursing home
Another great idea if you and your date like to help the needy. During the holidays, local churches and schools often carol around the local nursing homes. If you or your date play an instrument, an impromptu concert may also be a great way to combine good times with helping others.
18. Make your own band and have a jam session
For the musically inclined, an intense jam session can lead to serious passion.
19. Visit the county fair
Always fun, the county fair and local carnivals offer a variety of rides, shopping, and yummy treats like candied apples and elephant ears.
20. Visit the local zoo
Some zoos have special discount rates during non-peak seasons. Call ahead and find out when they have specials.
21. Set up a modeling session for your date and paint a portrait of her/him.
If you are artistically inclined, set up a room as a modeling session and create a memorable (or maybe not so memorable) portrait of that moment in time.
22. Have a fun photo shoot at an outside location
For the less artistically inclined, a fun candid photo shoot will yield a reel of great memories.
23. Cheese and fruit at the beach
Pack a little basket of cheeses and fruit and feed them to your date on the beach. Romantic.
24. Watch the sunrise
25. Watch the sunset
26. Dance under the stars to music pumping from your car
If you cannot afford to visit the local club or dance hall, take your car to a secluded spot and crank up the music. Dance with your love under the stars in the music hall of your own making.
27. Visit an art gallery
Visit local artist galleries. Even if you cannot afford to purchase any of the artwork, most artists are happy to show your their work with the hopes that you will spread the word of their gallery to others.
28. Share a sandwich at a local cafe
If you are not famished, you and your date can share a sandwich at a local outdoor cafe' then stroll on in happy merriment.
29. Share a cappuccino at the local coffee hot spot
30. Make a snowman together
Rediscovering childhood joys is a great experience for most couples.
31. A romantic evening by the fire
Romantic music playing, the crackling of a fire, and the warm embrace of the one you love makes for a wonderful date indeed.
32. A campfire and s'mores
Who can resist the yummy gooeyness of marshmallows and chocolate smashed between two graham crackers?
33. Horse-riding
34. Get in your car and drive to nowhere
Without any thought to destination (though keeping an eye on the gas gauge), just enjoy a drive in the country, city, night, or day, with your date, and stop spontaneously at any place along the way.
35. The swingset
Swinging in a swing set reclaims a more carefree time.
