50 Cheap Date Ideas (Because Love Don’t Cost a Thing)
Whether you’re planning a date with a new prospect or hoping to reconnect with your long term partner, money can’t buy you love. No, really, it can’t (because things are a little tight right now and you’ve got a rent check to write). Fortunately, there are quite a few budget-friendly ways to woo the object of your affection. Here, a roundup of the very best cheap date ideas for a romantic experience with no risk of buyer’s remorse.
30 Anniversary Date Ideas That Aren’t Dinner and a Movie
1. Go to a Flea Market
Westend61/Getty Images
Cost: free
Quirky handmade goods, rare records, precious heirlooms…you can find it all at a flea market. Bring a date to browse one with you and you’ll both learn a little bit more about each other’s interests and style. (And if you’re in NYC, be sure to check out the famous Chelsea Flea Market.)
2. Go Swimming
Thomas Barwick/Getty Images
Cost: free
This one is decidedly more appealing during the warmer months, but swimming can be a fun activity for two at any time of year—provided you find a heated, indoor pool, that is.
3. Hop on a Tandem Bicycle
Hello World/Getty Images
Cost: $$
Rent a tandem bike and take it for a spin around town with your boo to explore the local sites. You’ll both reap the rewards of an endorphin-boosting workout and, besides, a bicycle built for two is totally a recipe for romance. (Seriously, Nat King Cole says so.)
4. Check Out the Botanic Gardens
PhotoAlto/Ale Ventura/Getty Images
Cost: $
As with museums, many botanic gardens have pay-what-you-wish days…and what could be more romantic than time spent smelling the roses and admiring the foliage with a special someone?
5. Go Hiking
The Good Brigade/Getty Images
Cost: free
Head to a nearby nature preserve or state park for a hike. The combination of fresh air and exercise is a known mood-lifter, and the activity is conducive to conversation, too—just be sure to pack some snacks, ‘cause hanger is the enemy of romance.
6. See a Drive-in Movie
Cavan Images/Getty Images
Cost: $$
Movie night at home hardly qualifies as a date and going to the movie theaters just means two hours spent not talking to each other. The solution? Head to a drive-in movie for a novel viewing experience that’s conducive to cuddling and conversation.
7. Enjoy Dinner Al Fresco
Guido Mieth/Getty Images
Cost: free
There’s no need to cough up a considerable chunk of change at a restaurant just to enjoy dinner out. Instead, prepare a fancy meal at home and serve the spread outside (patio, backyard, etc.) for a dining experience that feels every bit as special, and even more intimate.
8. Go Roller Skating
Lena Mirisola/Getty Images
Cost: free
Get ye to the roller rink (or local park) for a totally affordable—and possibly free, if you have your own skates—retro activity that basically guarantees hand-holding will take place.
9. Play Some Mini-golf
kali9/Getty Images
Cost: $$
Inexpensive and always fun, a round of putt-putt makes for an excellent first date—provided your chosen company isn’t subpar, that is.
10. Go to the Batting Cages
CHUYN/Getty Images
Cost: $$
You don’t need to be ready for the major leagues to enjoy time spent in the batting cages with your partner—namely because it’s the only place where you can strike out repeatedly and still have decent prospects for romance.
11. Take a Ferry Ride
Martin Bissig/TFA/Ascent/Getty Images
Cost: $
Board a ferry with your date and you’ll both be treated to some fresh air and an undeniably romantic scenic ride at a modest public transit price. Sounds like a winning cheap date idea to us.
12. See Shakespeare in the Park
Mike Coppola/Contributor/Getty Images
Cost: free
Shakespeare in the Park isn’t available everywhere, but if you’re lucky enough to live in a city that hosts the outdoor festival like NYC or Chicago, you should absolutely take advantage of the opportunity to see a top-notch theatrical performance for free.
13. Have a Sunset Picnic
Cecilie_Arcurs/Getty Images
Cost: $
A picnic in the park is always pleasant, but a bottle of wine and a beautiful view of the sunset can up the romance factor tenfold. As far as affordable date ideas go, this one is a no-brainer.
14. Go Window Shopping
Westend61/Getty Images
Cost: free
Take a trip to the fanciest shopping strip in town to look at all the pretty things and dream a little dream together. (No judgment if you drop a few hints while you’re at it.)
15. Visit a Sculpture Garden
dessardo feder/Getty Images
Cost: free
Enjoy the outdoors while admiring works of art in the open air of a picturesque sculpture garden. From bronzes to plant sculptures and trippy sidewalk art, you’re sure to encounter some conversation starters on your stroll. And if you’re in NYC, be sure to check out Socrates Sculpture Park and MoMa Sculpture Garden, both of which are free.)
16. Take a Joyride
Thomas Barwick/Getty Images
Cost: $
A carefree drive with no destination is oh-so romantic—especially if you collaborate on a playlist beforehand and, above all, steer clear of rush hour traffic.
17. Go to a Free Concert
Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images
Cost: free
In case you missed it, research has shown that listening to music releases feel-good chemicals in the brain that promote feelings of closeness. In other words, if you and your love interest share the same taste in music, a free concert is a foolproof and cost-effective way to connect.
18. Visit the Beach
SolStock/Getty Images
Cost: free
The calm and quiet of the beach during off-season is perfect for intimate conversation—just take a hard pass on anyone who lists such walks as a favorite activity on their dating profile, ‘cause their company might not be so stimulating.
19. Try a Food Truck
lisegagne/Getty Images
Cost: $
Take a stroll downtown with your SO and try a new food truck along the way for cheap eats and a casual dining experience that beats the stuffy atmosphere of a restaurant by far.
20. Have a Cookout
VioletaStoimenova/Getty Images
Cost: $
If it’s a summer date idea you’re looking for, a cookout in the backyard or local park is a no-brainer. Fire up the barbie and enjoy some pleasant conversation, fresh air and sunshine throughout the cooking process, plus good grilled eats at the finish
21. Go Out for Ice Cream
alvaro gonzalez/Getty Images
Cost: $
Here, a nostalgic activity that will help both parties connect with their inner child while indulging in an ice cream cone that satisfies their sweet tooth. It’s also perfect for a first or second date. Go to an ice cream parlor or hit up an ice cream truck and enjoy your treat in the sun—either way, you get bonus points for sharing.
22. Go Stargazing
Stephanie Reis/Getty Images
Cost: free
Take your date to a spot that’s free of light pollution, so you can appreciate the beauty of the night sky together. Just be sure to bring a blanket in case the ground beneath is damp, ‘cause a wet bum can seriously kill the mood.
23. Check Out a Street Fair
MesquitaFMS/Getty Images
Cost: free
In the warmer months, street fairs are a common occurrence that boast loads of free entertainment, social vibes and cheap eats to boot. Dig into some corn dogs and funnel cake and relish the lively atmosphere with your better half.
24. Visit a Farmer’s Market
Nick Rains/Getty Images
Cost: $
Before you enjoy a home-cooked meal al fresco, hit the farmer’s market for a sunny outing that features fresh, seasonal produce. Use your budget-friendly, farm-fresh findings to cook a romantic dinner together and you’ve got a recipe for success
25. Go Birdwatching in the Park
Mayur Kakade/Getty Images
Cost: free
Nature enthusiasts should plan a date watching the avian life at a nearby park or nature preserve. It’s a quiet and intimate activity with calming vibes that will surely bring two lovebirds close.
26. Check Out a Garage Sale
Steve Prezant/Getty Images
Cost: free
Stroll your neighborhood together one weekend and you’re sure to encounter a yard sale or two. It’s fun to browse the miscellaneous assortment of goods and while there’s no obligation to buy, you might just discover a really good bargain.
27. Check Out a Comedy Night
Mike Powell/Getty Images
Cost: $
Research, like this 2015 study published in Personal Relationships, has found that shared laughter can both ignite romance and keep the spark alive. Fortunately, you don’t have to spring for pricey tickets to a headlining act to enjoy the science-backed benefits of humor—just take your date to an open mic night at a comedy club (we like the Comedy Cellar and New York Comedy Club) so y’all can yuk it up without breaking the bank.
28. Go Bowling
Westend61/Getty Images
Cost: $$
Depending on where you live, bowling can be a bit of a splurge but if you keep an eye out for promotions and discount weeknight deals, it’s a fairly cost effective way to have a whole lot of fun. In fact, my partner and I just enjoyed a date night at one of Bowlero’s three NYC locations, so I can personally report that the food was spot-on and the experience was a blast (despite the shameful fact that I had to use bumpers for the first two games). Best of all, you don’t need to live in the Big Apple to get in on the action, since Bowlero has over 300 locations all over the country and you can explore all the current offerings and deals here.
29. Visit an Animal Shelter
Camille Tokerud/Getty Images
Cost: free
What better way to bond with your bae than by petting and holding sweet, cuddly rescue pets? Who knows, you might even find one you want to bring home, but regardless, interacting with the animals will give you all the feels.
30. Go Out for a BYOB Dinner
Smile/Getty Images
Cost: $$
Dinner at a restaurant is a classic and often prohibitively expensive date idea but hear us out: There’s a good chance you can cut the cost in half by finding a local BYOB joint. In fact, the restaurant industry marks up alcohol like nobody’s business (30 percent above retail cost, on average), so you might be surprised to discover that romantic ambiance and the luxury of someone else’s cooking is well within your budget if you bring an affordable bottle of vino from home (or skip the booze entirely).
31. See a Psychic
urbazon/Getty Images
Cost: $
If you’re wondering where you and your sweetie will be in the next five years (and aren’t we all?), head to the local psychic for a glimpse into your future with your better half in tow. You’re guaranteed a fun date experience—provided you take the reading with a grain of salt, that is.
32. Try Indoor Rock Climbing
John Fedele/Getty Images
Cost: $$
You don’t have to be a risk-taker to enjoy the thrill of scaling the wall at an indoor rock climbing gym. Your chosen company will see what you’re made of (and vice versa) and the resulting adrenaline rush will surely spice things up during the wind-down phase of the date.
33. Go to an Arcade
Photo by Roo Lewis/Getty Images
Cost: $
The friendly competition found in video games can really spice things up, but we suggest you pick a date-worthy venue for the entertainment. Take your SO to an arcade where you can get your game on in an atmosphere that’s decidedly livelier than your living room.
34. Go Thrifting Together
Solstock/Getty Images
Cost: $
There’s room in every budget for a little thrifting, and a seriously fun shopping experience can be had at a used clothing store. Try on enough vintage looks and quirky get-ups together and you might end up taking home something you truly love.
35. Go to the Library
Sam Edwards/Getty Images
Cost: free
Is it just us, or do libraries make the perfect setting for a love story?
36. Craft Together
Haoming Luo/Getty Images
Cost: free
Team up with your SO and tackle a craft project together. You’ll both enjoy the creative activity and bonding time, and there’s nothing more rewarding than having made something yourself. (Psst…If you’re in need of inspiration, check out these adult crafts and DIY ideas.)
37. Volunteer
Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images
Cost: free
Research has shown that volunteering makes people happier; make a date of it and you’ll both benefit from the shared experience and the rush of feel-good hormones it brings.
38. Check Out a Museum
Andrea Chu/Getty Images
Cost: free
Take advantage of a free or donation-only day so you and your sweetie can soak up some culture on the cheap. (Most museums have them and sometimes there’s even wine!)
39. Make It a Trivia Night
Santiago Felipe/Stringer/Getty Images
Cost: $
Find a local bar that’s hosting a trivia night so you can impress each other with general knowledge whilst enjoying a frosty beer (i.e., the only expense you have to account for, since participation is typically free, and nobody will tell if you bring your own bar nuts).
40. Head to a Coffeehouse
urbazon/Getty Images
Cost: $
Depending on where you live, you might not have to travel too far to find a cool cafe that serves up more than what’s on the drink menu (think: live music, movie nights, etc.). Bonus points for leaning into the 90s nostalgia by wearing your favorite plaid shirt and a pair of Doc Martens.
41. Go Gallery Hopping
JGI/Tom Grill/Getty Images
Cost: free
If schedules didn’t align for a free day at the museum, just go gallery hopping instead. In most cities, there’s no cover charge to browse art galleries—and if you’re lucky, they might even be serving free wine.
42. Binge-Watch a Show Together
Olga Rolenko/Getty Images
Cost: free
To make this feel more like a date, as opposed to just an ordinary Sunday, we suggest changing out of sweats and serving food and drinks that fit the theme of the show. (The Watcher comes to mind as a candidate.)
43. Have a Bake-Off
Westend61/Getty Images
Cost: $
Compete against your SO for the title of Star Baker on an at-home date that’s sure to heat things up and deliver some pretty sweet results.
44. Hit up Happy Hour
Jetta Productions Inc/Getty Images
Cost: $
Shoot some pool, throw back a few cheap drinks and fill up on budget-friendly bar food. Yep, there are happy hour deals to be had at your local watering hole, so schedule your rendez-vous for the right time of day and cash in.
45. Go to a Matinee
PhotoAlto/Frederic Cirou/Getty Images
Cost: $$
Movie tickets are annoyingly expensive, but if you opt for a matinee showing you and your date can cozy up at the theaters for a much better price (and even justify the overpriced bucket of deliciously buttery popcorn).
46. Go to a Bathhouse
Westend61/Getty Images
Cost: $$
Spend a few hours languishing in the wading pools, saunas and steam rooms of a local bathhouse with your SO and you’ll both enjoy a relaxing spa day for pennies on the dollar.
47. Tour Model Homes
Mint Images/Getty Images
Cost: free
You might not be looking to buy at the moment, but there’s nothing stopping you from critiquing the decor of every model home in town—and with your better half in tow, we promise it’ll be a blast.
48. Go to a Reading
Marc Romanelli/Getty Images
Cost: free
Leave your phones at home and head to a local bookstore to catch a slam poetry performance, an impassioned delivery of an excerpt from someone’s memoir, or any spoken-word for that matter. (Hint: No matter what’s on the program, it’s guaranteed to be better than side-by-side scrolling of your Insta feeds.)
49. Tour a Brewery
Hello World/Getty Images
Cost: $$
For some 21+ fun, skip the dive bar and bring your date to a microbrewery instead, so you can learn about all things beer while enjoying some complimentary cold ones along the way.
50. Start a Scrapbook
Manu Vega/Getty Images
Cost: $
Bond over shared memories from the honeymoon phase of your relationship with a hands-on activity that promises to spark creativity and bring back that loving feeling in the blink of an eye.