There are a ton of budget-friendly things to do with your date. Learn something together like a new skill or try karaoke for an inexpensive (and super fun) date idea.
Attend a local sporting event cheer on the high school team or check out your local sports bar for trivia nights to impress each other with general knowledge.
1. Go on a scavenger hunt
Meeting up with friends as adults can be expensive. Thankfully, scavenger hunts are a great option that will leave your wallet happy.
Whether it’s finding a clown car or taking a photo of three fraternity houses, there are endless clues for all to enjoy! Plus, with apps like Let’s Roam, putting together a scavenger hunt is easier than ever.
The team-based nature of scavenger hunts appeal to our caveman roots and cognitive machinery.
2. Spend the day at the beach
Visiting a local beach can be a memorable and cheap date. Bring a blanket and some snacks to enjoy while relaxing and soaking in the sun.
If you’re looking for something more active, try bowling or a new workout class together! You can even find inexpensive dates at a local bar that offers free music or a cheap movie. Organizing a double-date can also be a great way to reduce the cost of a date.
3. Go on a bike ride
You can get a lot of exercise and see more of your town on a bike ride. Make it a group ride to stay motivated and have some fun with your friends!
If you need a break from all the pedaling, try visiting an art gallery or museum. Many local museums have free nights for couples. This is also a great opportunity to talk and bond with each other.
4. Go on a trivia night
Test your knowledge at a local bar’s trivia night. It’s a fun way to get to know your date while laughing and trying to impress each other with your trivia skills.
Psychics are usually inexpensive. Take your date to one and see what they can tell you about your future together. If they’re really into it, you can even schedule a follow-up reading.
5. Go to a movie
A simple movie night at home can be fun for a date. Find a new movie that you both want to watch, grab some popcorn and snuggle together!
Public gardens offer beautiful secluded pathways to enjoy nature at your own pace. They also often have a variety of plant life that you can explore and learn about.
Local high schools and colleges put on plays for free. You can even find improv shows that are pretty cheap too!
6. Go shopping
If you’re on a budget, you can still enjoy a shopping date. Go window shopping or even just browse the stores together.
A good way to bond with your date is to dance together. Whether it’s a group class or learning to dance in the privacy of your own home, this is a fun and cheap date idea.
A matinee show is a great cheap date idea. It’s cheaper than an evening show, and often has a much shorter line.
7. Go to a street fair
Spend a day at the fair and check out all the vendors. Eat some delicious festival snacks (like elephant ears!) and enjoy the atmosphere.
Take a community class together such as a pottery or glass art class. It’s inexpensive and you get to learn something new together!
Attend a sporting event – high school and local college teams are usually much more affordable than professional ones. Plus you’ll cheer for your hometown team!
8. Go to a thrift store
Thrift stores have great inventory and prices, but they also move stuff quickly. If a piece is marked with stains (like Sharpie marks or bleach splotches) don’t bother trying to clean it up – the stain will probably be there for good.
Shop the thrift store to find great deals on kids’ clothes, furniture and accessories for your home. Look for items with natural materials like wood versus veneer.
9. Go to a Farmer’s Market
Farmers markets offer a variety of benefits to their communities, from food to business and social gathering. These markets also promote local agriculture and provide farmers with a direct marketing outlet that cuts out middlemen.
Organize a double date with another couple for a cheap and fun night. Rent a movie, pop some popcorn, and grab some inexpensive boxed candy for a classic double date night.