Are you trying to live frugally and save money?
That doesn’t mean you can’t plan a great date.
Romantic dates don’t have to break the bank. If you plan them properly, you can have lots of fun without spending much money at all. In fact, some dates can even be completely free!
In this article, we’ll give you our best cheap date ideas to woo your partner with.
Romantic Cheap Date Ideas You and Your Partner Will Love
Not sure where to go on your next date? Here’s some inspiration.
1. A Picnic
The first item on our list of cheap date ideas is a classic.
A picnic a great idea for a chilled date, as long as the weather allows for it. For many couples, it’s a go-to spring or summer activity.
If the sun is shining, grab a blanket and some food and head to your local park. You don’t have to shell out on expensive snacks and drinks, though. If you like, save money on food by putting together a picnic hamper at home.
Don’t forget entertainment, too. If conversation dries up, the last thing you want is to be sitting in silence. Bring some Bluetooth speakers so you enjoy some music together while you eat, and a ball or a Frisbee to play with.
2. A Pub Quiz
If you love trivia, try a pub quiz.
You and your date can team up and test your general knowledge against that of other players. With categories like history, music, news, politics and pop culture, there’s bound to be something you’re good at.
These games are usually free, or very cheap, to play. Plus, if you win, there may even be a cash prize!
If you don’t it’s still fun to play. It makes a difference from just a normal night of drinking, and gets you working together as a couple.
3. Board Games
Board games aren’t just for rainy nights at home, they are great cheap date ideas, too!
Playing a game of Scrabble, Monopoly or Cluedo together will bring out your competitive sides. Games like these can bring you closer together. As you laugh and play, you may even learn some new things about each other.
It doesn’t have to be a classic board game. It could even be something completely new, that neither of you have ever played before. Head to your local toy store and see what you can pick out.
If board games aren’t your thing, try working on a puzzle together.
If it’s a particularly difficult, large or intricate one, you’ll have a sense of achievement when you manage to complete it together. To mark the occasion, you could even glue it together and frame it when you’re done.
4. A ‘Falling in Love’ Interview
Did you know that there are certain questions you can ask your partner to make them fall in love with you again?
A psychological study determined 36 specific questions that will trigger a feeling of closeness and intimacy between two people.
The questions are separated into three sets. In the first, they begin rather simply, with questions like ‘would you like to be famous?’
The second set of questions begin to probe for more detail, asking what roles love an affection play in your life, and how you feel about your relationships with your parents.
The third set of questions will begin to draw the two of you even closer together. You’ll have to say the things you like about each other, what you have in common, and what you’d like them to know about you.
To finish the task, you and your partner then have to look into each other’s eyes for two to four minutes.
This is one of our favorite cheap date ideas because it can be done just about anywhere. You don’t even have to go out to make it special.
This can be a fun experiment for any couple, whether you’re on a second date or have been together for years. Give it a try, and see if it works for you.
5. Painting Pictures Together
How often do you get in touch with your creative side?
Painting a picture with your date is a good chance to do that. Now, there’s a fun, different way to get arty. ‘Paint-and-drink’ bars are popping up all over the world, and surging in popularity.
At these bars, you can sit down with a drink and a canvas, and create your own version of a given painting. If you’re not the artistic type, don’t worry. Instructors guide you through it, and there’s no pressure at all.
You and your date can enjoy a few glasses of wine or craft beer as you paint, then compare your work at the end of your session. No matter how your paintings turn out, you’re sure to have fun!
If you like, you can even switch paintings at the end of the night as a gift. That way, each of you has a thoughtful token of the evening.
6. A Museum
For many of us, museums are places we were forced to visit on boring school outings or family vacations. However, if you haven’t visited one since, you’re missing out. They can be perfect places to put cheap date ideas into action!
A trip to a museum will spark conversation between the two of you, as you discuss the exhibits and what they mean to you.
See what special exhibits or workshops your local museum has to offer. There’s bound to be something the two of you will like.
7. A Bake Off
The Great British Bake Off has been hugely successful, with lots of us addicted to watching people bake sweet and savory treats for the judges. You could bring that excitement into your own kitchen with your date.
Set your own baking challenge. The two of you can battle it out to bake the best cookies, cupcakes or biscuits. At the end of it, you can judge each other on taste and presentation, with playful criticism. Best of all, you can enjoy eating the fruits of your labor!
This is one of the best cheap date ideas to do at home. All you’ll have to pay for is your ingredients.
8. A Fitness Class
If you’re running out of cheap date ideas, try a workout together.
Find out what each of you like to do in the gym. Whether it’s running, weight lifting or yoga, you can come to a compromise and find something that works for both of you. See what classes your local gym has scheduled, and sign up for one together.
You could even try something completely new. Be adventurous and pick something you wouldn’t usually do. Aerial yoga, kickboxing and CrossFit are all popular fitness class trends for this year.
Going out of your comfort zone together can be great fun. It also gives you an excuse to try something that you might not usually do on your own. Besides, if neither of you have tried it before, no one can be blamed if one of you doesn’t like it.
Gym memberships can be expensive, but there are plenty of cheap ways to join classes like these. Most gyms will allow free trials or introductory classes, especially if you bring a partner. Our tips for saving on gym memberships can help you out here.
9. Community Events
Take a look at what’s going on in your local community. You might be surprised at some of the events on offer.
You could find farmer’s markets, seminars, theater productions, art exhibitions, food fairs, and more. These events are often free or offer entry by donation.
They’re a good excuse to get out and see something new, so why not get involved with your date? You’ll meet people, try new things, and have fun, too.
10. Stargazing
The stars have always been associated with love and destiny. That’s why checking them out is one of the most romantic cheap date ideas there is.
All you’ll need is a blanket to lay on and some clear night skies. If you’re in a city with lots of light pollution, drive out to a quieter, more rural area. That way, you’ll be able to see much more.
If you want to impress your partner, you could do some research on astrology beforehand. Then, you can woo them with your knowledge of the constellations and what they mean.
If not, you could bring along a map of the stars or a book so that you can learn together. To set the mood, bring some speakers, some music, and some hot drinks to keep you warm.
Make it Special
If you want to make the occasion extra special, you could surprise your date with a gift.
Going shopping for presents may sound like it defeats the point of coming up with cheap date ideas, but that’s not the case. There are plenty of ways to give gifts without spending too much money.
To impress your date and save money and the same time, see our gift ideas for any occasion.
