In today’s modern world, it’s hard to plan an interesting date that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Just going out to a nice dinner can muster up a bill of $100 or more (especially once the tip is included).
Luckily, we have a list of inexpensive date ideas – some free – to present you with. Check these out, ask your partner what he or she thinks, and get to planning!
Go Garage Sale Hunting
Garage sales can be a hit-or-miss. Homeowners could be selling useful items or weird knick-knacks. They could be selling unique art or plain-old-and-crazy stuff from the basement. You never know until you go!
For an inexpensive date idea, bring your partner along for the ride. Get some cash and pick out a few purchases together. They could end up being a staple in the house – or a great inside joke.
Visit the Library
Are you a book nerd? Is your partner? If so, there’s no better way to spend a quiet Saturday afternoon than in a library.
As most people know, libraries are almost always 100% free. Head on over and spend the day reading a book together. Ask one another questions and indulge in some conversations and debates on the chapters you’re reading. Call it a mini book club, if you will.
Search for a Food Truck in the Area
Everybody has to eat at some point, and planning out homemade meals everyday can get tiring. For an inexpensive date night, suggest going to a local food truck. The menus are always changing and the food is quite exquisite for a vehicle-cooked meal. Take a quick stroll around the neighboring city afterwards and let your inner explorer come out. Two-birds-one-stone kind of night.
Fly a Kite
Do you remember when you were a little kid and your parents would take you to the park up the street to fly a brand new kite? We often received kite presents for Easter, birthdays, and out-of-the-blue fun days. But guess what? As an adult, flying a kite is just as fun.
Pick a semi-windy day to get the best views – and we always suggest purchasing a fun and hefty kite. One that is bright enough to see in the sky but stable enough to ride the winds.
Build a Blanket Fort
An entirely free date – and one that masks in your creativity as a couple – would be to build a blanket fort at home. Gather the linens and pillows, set up around your living room furniture, and decorate the inside. Use anything handy in the house to keep it posted up. Pick a great movie, gather some snacks and beverages, and fall into the comfortable environment.
Visit a Local Farmers Market
Almost every household has some combination of fresh fruits and veggies in the house at any given time. Which is why going to the local farmer’s market is a win-win. Delicious varieties gathered from farms down the street. No pesticides or preservatives, the purest definition of fresh. And, it’s an activity you can share with your partner!
Sunset Bike Ride
If you and your guy or gal own bikes, this is the perfect Summer date night idea. Drag them out of the basement or garage and set ‘em up for a bike ride at sunset. Watch the beautiful colors in the sky transform into night and get some exercise in.
Camp Out in the Backyard
Renting out a campsite can cost a pretty penny. We’re talking hundreds of dollars for just a couple of overnights in a tent. So bizarre, especially when you can save some money and do it directly in your backyard.
Set up a tent, get the blankets and pillows, and dig out some flashlights. While you’re taking in the nice weather and cuddling up to your hunny, be sure to stargaze and roast some marshmallows. Really get into the camp-feel.