Over one hundred cheap date ideas that anyone can do. These easy date ideas are perfect for any lifestyle and can be adapted to your specific needs.
Make sure your date nights are PURPOSEFUL and PLANNED. Many of these cheap dates can be seen as normal daily activities but by doing them with the purpose and intent of being a date they become special. Turn off all your electronics, ignore phone calls (except from the babysitter if you have kids) and make sure you are present. Keep it inexpensive if you’re on a budget (or even if you’re not, I’d rather spend the bulk of my money on travel and unique experiences).
Try and do it without kids as often as you can. I know babysitters add up so do the at home dates often so that you can just do your date after the kids are in bed.
Make sure you have your dates scheduled in and budgeted for. We schedule in our dates when we plan our year in advance. They are nonnegotiable and only moved when absolutely necessary. Alright, here are two years worth of cheap dates to grow your relationship.
This post may contain some affiliate links. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! Full disclaimer here.
(1) Recreate Your First Date
Go back in time and recreate your first date. If it was a pricey first date then switch to cheaper alternatives.
Food
(2) Cook Dinner Together
Life gets busy and you often end up running around doing ten different things while you’re cooking dinner and sometimes only one person is cooking. Pick a new, unique, or favorite recipe and cook it together.
(3) Bake a Special Dessert
If you don’t have time for a full dinner or you want to do something a little different try baking something for dessert. Then you can talk and eat it afterwards! This chocolate cake is my go to.
(4) Create a New Recipe
Try being a chef for an evening and create a brand new recipe! Make it extra challenging by using only what you already have on hand, and you have to eat what you create.
(5) Make a Recipe Book
Write (or type) up all your favorite recipes and put them in a binder so that they are all written down and in one convenient place. Make sure you ask parents and grandparents for their recipes too!
(6) Ice Cream Sunday Bar
Set up an ice cream bar with all the fixings for a fun and easy date night. Take it a step further by making your own ice cream.
(7) Breakfast in Bed
Have a date morning instead of a date night by having breakfast in bed.
(8) Take Out Food Picnic
Go grab some inexpensive, delicious take out food and make it into a picnic. You can have a picnic at a park, in your backyard or even indoors if the weather is bad.
(9) Meal Prep Together
Prepare lunches or dinners for the next week ahead of time while spending time together in the kitchen. Alternatively you could make freezer meals to use at a later date on crazy busy nights.
(10) Homemade Pizza
Always a classic date night. Make homemade pizza and eat it with a movie with some root beer and popcorn.
Recipes to Try:
(11) Cooking Competition
Go out and buy ingredients with a preset budget. Then cook and compete. Film it to make it feel like you are on a real TV show. Then eat both meals and judge them honestly.
(12) Make and Decorate a Cake
Earlier in the day or week cook up some cake layers. Spend the evening decorating it with frosting, sprinkles, cookies etc. You can find inspiration and tutorials on Youtube and Instagram.
(13) Fondue Date Night
Have a dinner and dessert that is entirely eaten using a fondue pot.
(14) Wings and Sports Night
Make (or buy) wings and eat them while watching a sporting event! This would be especially fun if a favorite team is playing that night.
(15) Make Jam
Try your hand at jam making. It is a process and messy but the end result is delicious. The perfect way to spend quality time together.
(16) Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Making chocolate covered strawberries is fun but doesn’t happen very often. Spending the evening making lots so you have leftovers or enough to share if you really want.
(17) Cocktail/Mocktail Night
Experiment making a fancy drink or two to share. Just make sure you keep this in the cheap dates section and don’t go overboard on supplies.
(18) BBQ at the Park
Grab some hamburgers, hot dogs or inexpensive steaks and head over to a local park to BBQ it up while enjoying some fresh air.
Outside/Active
(19) Glow in the Dark Tennis
Go out at night with your tennis equipment and some glow in the dark paint. Break the glow sticks and put the liquid on the tennis balls. Then play a fun game of night tennis.
(20) Hike
Hiking is good for the body and the mind and doing it with a loved one makes it extra special. You can talk while you hike and bring along your furry friends to exercise them too.
(21) Play Fetch with a Dog
Speaking of furry friends you can also take them to the backyard or a park and play with them together. If you don’t have a dog ask a friend to borrow theirs for a few hours.
(22) Workout Together
Get your body moving at the gym or at home! There are tons of youtube workouts that you can try at home.
(23) Play a Sport
Play any sport out there from tennis, badminton, racketball, basketball to football, soccer and on!
(24) Go on a Walk
A simple date is to go on a walk. Make sure you hold hands to make it extra romantic.
(25) Go Stargazing
Take a couple blankets and a treat then drive outside the city. Lay down and watch the stars make their nightly debut. There are even apps you can download that will point out the constellations!
(26) Have a Picnic
Pack a yummy lunch or dinner and head out to a park or nearby trail to eat it.
(27) Go Camping
Get outside for a longer period of time by camping on an overnight date!
(28) Go for a Scenic Drive
If you want to enjoy nature without being in it, go for a drive on a scenic loop somewhere. This is especially great during the fall to see the changing leaves.
(29) Make S’mores
Make s’mores for a yummy date night. Go into the canyon or stay at home over roasting marshmallows over a fire pit, a fireplace, an electric stove top, or purchase fire in a can.
(30) Bike Ride
Go out for a bike ride as a fun date idea. Perfect for a cool spring day.
Save Money on Date Nights:
(31) Beach Trip
If you’re lucky enough to live in driving distance to the beach then head out for a few hours of sandy salty fun.
(32) Toss a Ball Around
This one is so easy but it gets you up and lets you talk at the same time.
(33) Mini Road Trip
Drive to a city you’ve never visited or an attraction you’ve always wanted to see. Keep the drive at 5 hours or less to make it a mini road trip.
(34) Visit a State or National Park
Take a couple hours and explore a state or national park near you that you haven’t been to yet or you want to go back to.
(35) Visit a Local Lake
Another fun outdoor activity is to visit a local lake. You can walk around it, picnic near it or go swimming if it is warm enough.
(36) Do Yoga
Another fun cheap dates idea is to try your hand at yoga, it is harder than it looks. This is another great one to use youtube for if you don’t want to pay for a class.
(37) Go Fly a Kite
If it is a windy day out, grab an inexpensive kite and take it out for a spin.
(38) Watch a Sunrise or Sunset
Get up early to watch the sunrise or watch the sunset in the evening. Go somewhere with a view to appreciate it fully.
(39) Go Fruit Picking
Go to a self pick farm where to can harvest berries or apples. Then make a dish or dessert using what you picked.
(40) Go Swimming
Head to a community pool and go for a swim together.
(41) Go Hammoking
Head out to the forrest or the mountains and set up a two person hammock. Then cuddle and enjoy the fresh air for a while.
(42) Skating or Roller Blading
Depending on the season grab your roller blades or skates and hold hands as you go.
(43) Tandem Bike Ride
Similar to a regular bike ride but so different at the same time. It takes some getting used to and is a great way to learn to work as a team. Many outdoor outfitters will rent equipment.
(44) Fishing
Grab some fishing poles and gear and get ready to… sit and talk. And maybe catch a fish or two. Make sure you’re catch and releasing unless you plan on eating the fish.
(45) Hot Springs
Slip on a swimsuit and visit a local hot spring.
(46) Feed Ducks
Head to over to a pond or field where ducks frequently hang out and feed them a couple spare pieces of bread.
At Home
(47) Game Night
Get out a couple of your favorite games and spend a couple hours playing. Make the rivalry even more fun by saying the loser has to do dishes the next day or give the other person a massage.
Pedranti Favorites: Pandemic, Rage, Bohnanza
(48) Read Together
Read a book out loud together. Switch off by chapters so both people read.
(49) Movie Night
Another classic date night is a movie night. Watch a new movie or an old classic. Spice things up by doing it… naked.
(50) Look At Pictures + Photo Albums
Spend a while reminiscing while going through old photos and photo albums. If you don’t have any photo albums spend the evening making some.
Related Posts:
(51) Massages
Grab a bottle of massage oil and give each other massages. It feels so good and is less expensive than paying a professional.
(52) Work on a Project
Tackle a project from the honey-do list together. Maybe its planting a garden, hanging up pictures or refinishing a piece of furniture.
(53) Video Games
Bond while playing a video game together. The best cheap dates use items that you’ve already spent money on in the past.
(54) Create a Bucket List
Sit down and write out all the crazy adventures you hope to do together in your lifetime. No adventure is too big or too small.
(55) Art Night
Paint and draw together, and be sure to include fancy drinks to make it extra special. This is another great date to use Youtube tutorials.
(56) Teach Each Other a Skill
Think of a skill that each of you is especially good at and teach it to the other person.
(57) Recreate Tik Tok Video’s
Go on the new app Tik Tok and recreate funny videos. This post has more instructions for a Tik Tok date.
(58) Blanket Fort
Build a big blanket fort, bring in lots of treats and watch a movie.
(59) Scripture Study
Study the bible and other religious texts as a couple to strengthen your faith and your relationship at the same time.
(60) Youtube Karaoke
Sing to each other romantically, or just make complete fools of yourselves and die laughing as you sing horribly!
The Home Depot
(61) Plan Your Next Vacation
Spend the evening planning your next big vacation: where, what and with who. Plan out a rough budget for how much you’ll need and your plan to save money up.
(62) DIY Spa Night
Have the luxury of a spa night in your own home. Try face masks, body scrubs even a manicure and pedicure.
(63) Have a Themed Night
Pick a place like Paris, Disney, Italy, or the beach and plan a whole night around it. For example Italy: spaghetti, mopeds and gelato!
(64) Craft Night
Pick out a craft or two off of Pinterest or Youtube then make it together. If it doesn’t turn out well, turn it into a “Nailed It” meme.
(65) Q+A Date Night
Look up as many lists of questions to ask a significant other as you can, they are everywhere on Pinterest or try googling them. It is a great way to get to know more about the other person.
Here are several I found and saved on my marriage Pinterest board.
(66) Write Your Love Story Down
Take some time to remember all the details of your love story and write it down for your future generations to read and know more about you. I think this is so cute.
(67) Babysit Together
Help another couple keep their dates cheap and babysit for them. Plus then you get to play with someone else’s cute kids.
TIP: If you have kids swapping babysitting can be a great way to cut costs on your own cheap dates.
(68) Take a Bath Together
Draw up a relaxing bubble bath with candles and flower petals and maybe a cocktail/mocktail or two. So romantic.
(69) Binge Watch Your Favorite TV Show
Instead of a movie, turn on your favorite TV show to watch together and settle in for a few hours of entertainment.
(70) Film Your Own Movie
Instead of watching a movie film your own instead. Get creative and see what you end up with. If it sucks, nobody ever has to see it.
Crafts to Make:
(71) Learn a New Language
Learn a new language together and use each other to practice with. It can be your own private language when you need to have a secret conversation around others.
(72) Puzzle
Get a large puzzle and talk as you put it together.
(73) Trivia Night
Find trivia questions about a topic you both enjoy then see who gets the most answers correct.
(74) Declutter a Space
Pick a problem spot in your house and organize it. Go out and buy any supplies you need and feel good at the end of the night.
(75) Set Up a Scavenger Hunt
One of you sets up a scavenger hunt for the other person then spend the evening getting to the end goal.
(76) Prank Dates
Go and play a prank or two (harmless ones!) on a close set of friends.
(77) Make a Music Video
Pick a song and go hog wild. The crazier the better, it will be something you can laugh at for years to come.
(78) Host a Party
This one takes some planning but set aside a night to have friends over for games or just talking. Make it potluck style so you aren’t providing all the snacks.
(79) DIY Drive In
Project a movie on your house or just watch it on your laptop but watch it in the trunk of your car.
(80) Play the Newlywed Game
Ask questions like “who’s a better cook” or Who’s the better driver” and see what your answers are.
(81) Spend the Day in Bed
If you can swing it take a whole day or a whole morning to stay in bed, be lazy and just talk about life.
(82) Staycation
Plan a vacation that doesn’t require going far but instead happens right at home or right in your town.
(83) Tie Die Something
Grab a white t-shirt or socks or a sweatshirt and a tie die kit. Then go crazy!
(84) Take Random Quizzes Online
Find random quizzes about anything online and take them all. Compare results and have fun!
(85) Wash Your Car
Rather than taking your car to the car wash, save some money and wash it yourself!
Going Out
(86) Ikea Date Night
The ultimate cheap date while going out is Ikea. Shopping, free childcare and cheap but delicious dinner all in one spot!
(87) Farmers Market
The farmers market is such a fun place to walk around. You can get samples, buy unique products and inexpensive produce all while supporting local farmers and artisans.
(88) Local Festival or Community Event
Go to a local festival or event to support laical businesses and enjoy an inexpensive evening out.
(89) Garage Sale Hunting
Find a couple garage sales in your area and renovate a room of your house or see who can get the best deal on something amazing.
(90) Volunteer Together
Service makes you feel good and helps others. Try volunteering in a soup kitchen, homeless center or go pick up trash.
Travel Tips:
(91) Local Sightseeing
Be a tourist in your own city. What is the most iconic thing in your city? If you haven’t been, go do it!
(92) Coffee Date and Talk
Visit a local coffee shop and each get a drink to enjoy. (Mine would be hot chocolate!) Then sit and talk while you enjoy being out.
(93) Visit Downtown
Go downtown and explore. See what new places and activities you can discover or just walk around and window shop.
(94) Go to a Museum
There are so many cheap and sometimes even free small museums out there. Find one and explore it together.
(95) Visit a Bookstore
Go to a bookstore and see what books are out there. Maybe pick one out that interests you both that you can read together. Or find and read your favorite children’s books.
(96) Photoshoot
Get all dolled up and go take photos together. Try finding murals in your city or go into the countryside and taking photos in nature.
(97) Roleplay
Pretend you don’t know each other while out and you’re meeting for the first time. See where the night takes you.
(98) Day Trip to a Nearby City
Visit a nearby city or town that you’ve never been to and walk around. Try doing the most touristy thing there.
(99) Visit a Thrift Store
Go thrift store shopping with a small budget and see you can find the best treasure. Or dress each other up in the most ridiculous outfits.
(100) Test Drive Fancy Cars
Dress up and go to a nearby car dealership and test drive a car or two that is outside your price range.
(101) Go to a Sporting Event
Go to a local sporting event. Basketball and baseball games in particular are extremely affordable.
(102) Visit a Pet Store
Visit a pet store and look at all the cute animals. Bonus points if there is an attached shelter or puppies for sale that you can play with. To keep all these as cheap dates just make sure you don’t buy a pet to keep it cheap.
(103) Donate Blood Together
Another great cheap date idea is to go to a local hospital or blood drive and give blood together. Big plus is free snacks afterwards!
(104) Random Acts of Service
Go to the store or walk around your downtown area or the mall and find ways to do random acts of service. Buy someones coffee, hold open a door, carry someone’s groceries to their car. The options are endless.
Cheap Date Ideas for Any Budget
There you have it, over 100 cheap date ideas for your inspiration. That is over two years worth of dates! So have fun and build your relationship without breaking the bank.
What are your favorite cheap dates to do as a couple?
There’s so much to do together! My husband and I enjoy our hikes and working out together! 🙂
Yes there are so many options. Sometimes a list is great to jog your memory or help you think of a date idea you wouldn’t have thought of on your own.