If you’re anything like me, you could use more date nights with your significant other, but the thought of hiring a babysitter and spending money going out can make you squirm.
Many of us were raised in a traditional style date night atmosphere that consisted of dinner and a movie, or some other activity that costs money. What about those times when you don’t have an extra $50-$100 for a date night? Everyone says you should have regular date nights, but those outings add up and can cause more stress than relaxation.
Well, have no fear my friends, I have scoured the internet as well as the far corners of my brain to bring you 28 of the best cheap date night ideas!
In order to make sure you actually have a date night, put the date on your home calendar and make sure you follow through with one of these ideas!
28 Great Cheap Date Night Ideas
Date nights are one of the most romantic things couples do together. They’re a chance to spend quality time together without distractions.
But sometimes, you don’t feel like going out on a date night. Maybe you’ve had a rough week at work, or maybe you just don’t feel like leaving the house.
Whatever the case may be, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a date night without leaving home. Here are date night ideas that won’t break the bank or require too much effort.
1. Cook Together
Cooking together is a great way to bond with your partner. Cooking dinner together is a great way for you to connect with each other and share your passions.
It’s also a great way to save money. You can cook inexpensive meals that are nutritious and delicious.
2. Game Night
One of my favorite date night ideas is a game night. Once the kids are in bed, fire up the popcorn machine and get out a game! From board games to card games, there are several great 2 player options to keep you laughing and having fun all night. Here are some of the games personally own and recommend.
Click the pictures to take you directly to the product on Amazon!
3. Go On An Early Morning Hike
With all the beautiful areas around us, schedule an early morning hike with just the two of you. Here in Arizona, there are countless trails to explore that are 20 minutes away from wherever you are. I’m sure there are nearby places for you to explore where you live that would make for a great date!
You may still need a sitter but the hike won’t cost you a thing!
4. Dinner By Moonlight
Have a date night where the two of you cook dinner together and eat outside under the stars by candlelight. You eat each night at the table or on the couch – now is the time to mix it up a bit. A change in scenery will be great and will give you time to enjoy the weather!
5. Listen To Music Together
Listening to music together is another great way to spend time together. You can listen to music that you both enjoy or that has meaning to you.
Music is a great way to express yourself and connect with others. Listening to music together is a great way you can do this.
6. Go Bowling During The Week
When was the last time you went bowling during the week? They usually have great specials and it’s super cheap! Many places also have ladies’ nights where ladies bowl for free! Check your local bowling alley and find the cheapest days.
7. Take A Walk
Taking a walk together is a great way to spend time together. You don’t need to go far; just take a short stroll around the block.
This is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature. You can talk about your surroundings, or you can simply enjoy the scenery.
8. Feed The Ducks
When was the last time you went to a local park or lake and fed the ducks? Grab a loaf of bread and head on out! Don’t forget to bring your inner child with you. 🙂
9. Plan A Trip
Planning a trip together is a great way for you to show your partner that you care. Planning a trip together shows that you plan ahead and think about what you want in life.
Planning a trip together is also a great way to get away from everything else going on in your life.
10. Do A Puzzle Together
Similar to game night, puzzles can also be relaxing and will encourage the two of you to work together. In addition, puzzles are quite cheap compared to other entertainment activities.
11. Play Video Games
Playing video games together keeps you engaged, which makes them interesting. Plus, you can bond over a common interest.
Video games allow you to escape reality for a while. You can choose to play games that are educational, such as math games, or you can choose ones that are more entertaining, such as puzzle games.
12. Visit A Museum
Many museums feature exhibits that include art, history, science, technology, nature, and culture. Museums range in size from small local institutions to large national museums. Each museum has its own set of offerings, depending on what it specializes in.
Museums are a great place to share stories and experiences with each other. The exhibits are usually interactive, allowing visitors to touch items and play games.
13. Reminisce Over Old Photos
My wife and I love to look through all the old baby photos of our kids and the goofy faces they made when they were younger. Who am I kidding, they still make goofy faces. Going through old family photos will help you two reconnect even if it’s just old photos from when you first started dating. Combine this with making dinner together and you’re bound to have a great night!!
14. Practice Yoga
Practicing yoga together is a great way you can both stretch out and relax.
Yoga is a wonderful exercise that helps you stay fit and healthy. Plus, it’s a great way to relieve stress. Yoga is a great exercise that will improve your health. It will also help you connect better with others.
15. Go Wine Tasting
Many establishments that offer wine tasting are just starting out and offer wine tasting for free or for a super low price. Check out your local establishments and see the best days and times to go without breaking the bank! Just a word of advice, don’t actually drink all the wine, you need to get home in one piece – responsibly!
16. Make A Family Photo Album
Making a family photo album together is a great way to take photos of your loved ones and memorialize them forever.
Family albums are a great keepsake to have. You can use them to remember special occasions, like birthdays or anniversaries.
17. Go To A Swap Meet Or Flea Market
Have you ever been to one of these markets? They have extremely interesting items for sale and the people watching are second to none. Make sure you both agree to avoid buying anything or set a predetermined limit on how much you will spend to avoid regretting your trip!
18. Attend A Concert
Attending a concert together is a great way to celebrate something special.
Concerts are a fantastic way to share music with friends and family. Plus, they’re a fun way to relax and unwind.
19. Learn A Dance Together Via YouTube!
There are countless dance routines offered on YouTube for free! You and your significant other could learn ballroom or even salsa dance routines from the comfort of your living room! If you don’t step on each others feet too much, you will have a blast learning some of these moves while spending quality time together!
20. Take A Cooking Class
Cooking classes offer many different ways to learn about cooking. Some focus on specific ingredients, such as gluten-free cooking, vegetarian cooking, or vegan cooking. Others may focus on techniques, such as baking, barbecuing, grilling, sautéing, or stovetop cooking.
Cooking classes are a great way to meet new people and create lasting friendships.
21. Paint Together
Break out those watercolor and acrylic paints! It’s time to get creative and paint something together – even if you’re not artistic. Bring out your inner child if finger painting is more your style!
22. Learn How To Play An Instrument
Learning how to play an instrument together is a great way to spend quality time together.
Learning how to play an instrument is a great way to develop your creativity. Plus, it’s an enjoyable hobby that allows you to express yourself.
23. Go Camping, In Your Backyard!
Do you have a tent and a couple of sleeping bags? Setting up camp out back with a campfire (avoid non-burn days) may be just the adventure you need! Add a couple of marshmallows to the mix and you have the ingredients for an awesome night! If you feel like letting the kids camp also, I wouldn’t blame you.
24. Start A Garden
Starting a garden together is a great way to grow vegetables and herbs.
Gardening is a relaxing hobby that teaches you patience and responsibility. Plus, it gives you a chance to spend time outside.
25. Have A Spa Day
Having a spa day together is a great way to pamper yourselves.
Spa days are a great way to relax after a long week at work. Plus, they’re an affordable luxury.
26. Create A Memory Journal
Creating a memory journal together is a great way to capture memories.
Memoir journals are a great way to record important moments in your life. Plus, they’re also a wonderful gift for someone else.
27. Create A Scrapbook
Creating scrapbooks together is a great way to create memories.
Scrapbooks are a great way to document important events in your life. You can include pictures, notes, and other memorabilia. Scrapbooking is a great hobby that everyone should try. If you want to get started, then start by making one for your children.
28. Do A DIY Project
DIY projects are a great way to save money and show off what you’ve got going on around the house. There are plenty of things you can do together such as building a bookshelf or hanging pictures on the wall.
Whatever you do, make sure you take time out of your busy life to strengthen your bonds. Without each other, this financial journey will be much more difficult. You both need to be on the same team and scheduling regular cheap date nights is a must!
If you know others who would benefit from these cheap date night ideas, please share them!
