Life is expensive and the last thing you want is more damage to your bank account. A fancy restaurant or nice bottle of wine sounds good, but there are lots of low-key ways to impress, too. Here are 20 dates to go on that are romantic and inexpensive.
1. Take a Walk
Walking is a great way to catch up and get to know your neighborhood. Go hand-in-hand down a park trail or pier, or bring your pets to make it a double date! It’s also fun to travel somewhere different and explore new ground together.
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2. Go for Breakfast
Breakfast is often the more affordable option, which makes it an ideal cheap date. Start the day together over a healthy serving of pancakes.
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3. Get to Know Each Other
Learn more about each other with the question game. Card games and online prompt lists have dozens of get-to-know-you questions that include everything from childhood memories and aspirations to would-you-rather and what-ifs. Meet up, bring some snacks, and get even closer!
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4. Visit the Library
The library doesn’t get enough credit. You have access to free movies and books, passes to museums and events, and a wide range of free classes. Check out your local library’s schedule and plan something with your date.
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5. Board Game Night
Even if they’re buried in the basement, just about everyone has a board game. Ask your date to bring one too and make it an evening of good fun…just don’t play Monopoly.
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6. Get Cooking
If a restaurant isn’t in the cards, cook with your date at home! You can follow an online tutorial, take a page from a cookbook, or share a family recipe. It’s the perfect way to bond and learn something new.
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7. Backyard Camping
Pitch a tent in your backyard, grab some snacks, and have a campout. Backyard camping is an inexpensive way to share a night under the stars and it’s even better if you have a firepit.
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8. Try a Food Truck
If you’re looking to save some green without sacrificing quality, look no further than a food truck. You get affordable options, a chance to walk around the neighborhood, and quality time with your date.
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9. Stargaze
Go for a drive away from all the light pollution and gaze up at the night sky. You may be surprised at just how many stars await you outside the city.
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10. Open Mic Nights
Comedy nights, karaoke events, and poetry readings happen more often than you think—and for cheaper than you think, too. Go online and take a look at upcoming shows in your area.
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11. Drive-In Movie
Gone are the days when traditional movie theatres were cheap dates, but drive-ins thankfully came to the rescue. It’s up to you how to enjoy it, but there’s always the option of relaxing in your car or making it an outdoor adventure.
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12. Window Shop
There’s no shame in window shopping if you’re on a tight budget. Even if you’re not, perusing local shops with a date is fun anyway!
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13. Put a Puzzle Together
A puzzle is an enjoyable way to engage in conversation, listen to some music, and just be with each other. Plus, there’s the added satisfaction of completing something together.
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14. Head to a Bookstore
Bookstores provide a ton of insight into your date. You learn about their interests and which authors they’re drawn to, and it’s a great place to share your fascinations, too. Secondhand bookstores are also a terrific way to shop on a budget.
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15. Video Games
There’s nothing like retro fun, and what better way to indulge than video games? Head to an arcade or plan a game night at home to engage in friendly competition—or a two-player game so you can work together. Free video game rentals are always available at the library, too!
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16. Watch a Sunrise or Sunset
Watching a sunrise or sunset together is nothing short of romantic. Head to a good spot or hike to a vantage point for the best view possible.
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17. TV Night
Sometimes all you want to do is veg, so why not extend a lazy day invite to your date? Streaming services often have a free catalog to browse through and your local library has movies and TV shows to rent for free.
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18. Meet at a Cafe
A coffee shop is an easy, inexpensive hangout spot. Shoot the breeze over a cup of joe and some goodies, neither of which will break the bank.
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19. Cheap Shopping
Flea markets and garage sales are a godsend for those looking to save money. Bring your date along to see what treasures you can find, even if you don’t take any home with you.
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20. Plan a Picnic
Picnics are timeless, romantic dates that you can make entirely your own. You can go where you like, eat what you want, and spend all day with a person.
