If you are trying to save money, live frugally, or are simply just broke, then these fun cheap date ideas are just for you!
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My husband and I have always been pretty good at being frugal and saving money. I feel like some of our friends and family might even consider us “cheap”.
We like to think of ourselves as frugal, however. We simply don’t spend when it’s not necessary but will still “splurge” on the things that actually matter to us.
When it comes to dates and dating, we are pretty simple people. We can have fun being in each other’s company by taking a walk at the park or going for a drive to explore a new place.
We have never been into fancy overpriced restaurants and we will go to the movies only on 5 dollar Tuesdays. Why pay more than we need to right?!
Anyway, being frugal when it comes to these things will definitely be worth it in the long run. If you are looking on ways to save, then why not include saving money on dating?
Here are 10 fun cheap date ideas for when you are broke or trying to save money.
1. Have a Picnic
The first cheap date idea on the list is having a picnic! A picnic is romantic and very much affordable.
All you need is a nice picnic blanket, some snacks or homemade lunch, perhaps some wine or other beverage, and your partner! I love going on picnics with my husband because they are so easy, fun, and we get to spend time outside together!
You can have a picnic at your local park, the beach, or even your backyard!
2. Take a Scenic Drive
Another cheap date idea is to go on a romantic scenic drive! You can play some of your favorite music, have great conversations, and enjoy the scenery.
You can also plan ahead of time and see if there are any cool stops to stop along the way and take some photos!
Our favorite scenic drive to take is the 17 mile drive along Pebble Beach in Monterey, CA. We love stopping by the ocean and sitting out on one of the benches to look out for a few minutes. It’s absolutely beautiful!
3. Go on a Hike
Another great way to spend time together with your partner is to go on a hike. Not only is it a great time to spend time together, but it’s also a great way to get some exercise!
When we first got married. my husband and I went on kikes quite often. We also hiked a lot when we were just dating. In fact, my husband proposed to me on a hike in the Santa Cruz mountains!
Going on a hike is usually free unless you have to pay a small fee to get in a state or national park, usually only a few dollars.
4. Go to the Library
Okay, so I feel like this one might not be for everyone, but my husband and I love going to the library together!
Going to your local library is free and you can spend time reading or you could check out some free movies to watch later at home. I think it’s pretty fun to walk around the library to see what you can find.
5. Go out For Dessert or Coffee
Instead of going out for lunch or dinner, opt for a coffee or dessert date instead. It’s more simple and affordable, plus you still get to go out and enjoy a small treat together!
Going out for coffee or ice-cream and sitting outside people watching is definitely one of our go-to dates.
6. Cook a New Recipe Together
For the days that you don’t feel like going out, you can still have a fun date night at home!
Find a fun fancy new recipe that you’d like to try and make it together! You can play some music and enjoy making a meal together. Then, you can enjoy your delicious meal right in the comfort of your own home.
7. Go to Happy Hour
If you don’t want to give up going out for drinks, try looking for the best happy hours in your area. You can take your date out for a couple of drinks, have great conversation, and enjoy each other’s company without having to pay full price for drinks.
8. Seasonal Activities
Seasonal activities are some of the best dates, in my opinion. There is always something you can do year-round!
During spring and summer, try going to your local farmers market or finding free live music. During fall, there are always pumpkin patches and fall festivals. In winter, you can go ice skating or take a walk downtown to see all the Christmas decorations.
There is always something seasonal out there to do!
9. Stargaze
Another very romantic and cheap (pretty much free) date is to stargaze. You can drive somewhere at night when the sky is clear and watch the stars.
If you have a telescope this would probably be even more amazing, but even without it would be fun and very romantic! You can take snacks with you too in case you are out there for a while.
10. Have a Movie Night
And finally, one of the most common dates my husband and I have (especially now due to the pandemic) is having movie nights at home.
Yes, I know many might find it boring BUT if you guys are both introverts like us, then you understand just how amazing it can be to stay home and watch a movie.
We love watching a movie at home with some snacks and cuddling up on the couch together!
These are just some our our favorite cheap date ideas to save money. We actually enjoy doing all of these things and hope you do too! What are some of your favorite cheap date ideas? I would love to hear!
Sincerely,
Denise XOXO
Related: How to Save Money on a Low Income
