Fancy dinners and concert tickets add up, especially when you're trying to get to know somebody new. We would all love to be able to splash out big on every fun date, but unfortunately, that's just not the lifestyle most of us can afford to live. But you shouldn't have to choose between wooing the attractive human of your dreams (or even just the attractive human of the moment from Hinge) and paying rent. That's where affordable date planning comes into play. Or, you can take things a step beyond "affordable" into "cheap"—or even hop two steps ahead into free date territory. (If you're looking for at-home date ideas, we've got those too.)
Cheap dates (that don't feel cheap) aren't just for people in those early stages of relationships. Long-term couples still need a steady supply of good date night options, especially if they're sticking to a budget or just not into fancy schmancy expensive dinners. To help out literally anyone looking to have a fun date night on a budget, we've put together the ultimate guide to dating that's actually affordable. Plenty of these date ideas don't require more than $20, but most of these won't cost you a penny. From creative second-date options to outdoorsy adventures that only require a little bit of spare cash and the right attitude, these are the best inexpensive date ideas.
Do A Puzzle Together
You and your S.O. already fit together like matching puzzle pieces, right? Why not get inspired by that cutesy metaphor and do an actual jigsaw puzzle together?
Look Through Old Yearbooks
You already spent plenty of your parents' hard-earned money on these hardbound keepsakes and, once enough time has passed, they're actually really funny and adorable to reminisce over. Meet up with your most funny/embarrassing/brag-worthy yearbooks and take a trip down memory lane together.
Take A Ferry Ride
Relocate your date to the nearest ferry if you want a change of scenery. Aim for an unexplored area for a longer day trip, or try a short round-trip ride for a first date where you're still—literally and figuratively—testing the waters.
Visit a Pop-Up
Some of the most fun and experimental stuff is available at pop-ups. Whether the owner's just starting out or testing the market for a new type of food/drink/item, these "here today, gone tomorrow" mobile stores are often inexpensive. Either way, it's a fun-filled experience seeing what's out there.
Make Something
Paint and sip bars are a fun experience, but they can sometimes get pricey and you don't always have control over what you make. So recreate something similar at home, whether it's a fun DIY project you guys have been thinking about, to buying a brush and a small palette to make something for the wall.
Visit the Library
Granted, not every library sports the spectacular views like this one in New York, but it's a totally fun (and underrated) place to go. Listen to a local speaker or take a class! Participate in a book club or group reading! You know, borrow a book or movie! You'll find stuff to do, promise—especially if the library is connected to a school or university.
Play Paintball
Whether indoor or outdoor, playing paintball with friends, strangers, or just the two of you can be a fun, enjoyably messy activity—especially if you're both competitive. Check out local offerings, which can be as low as $10-30 if you bring your own paint. Just, you know, go easy on the loser!
Write Each Other Love Letters
If your relationship is at a point where you're exchanging L-bombs, lean into the romance vibes and write each other heartfelt love letters. And if it's not, write each other heartfelt like letters, even if it just means explaining what caught your eye in their Tinder profile.
Buy a Lottery Ticket
Drop a dollar on a lottery ticket and spend the evening imagining what you'll do with your winnings. You can plan dream vacations, describe your ideal mansions, or take a turn for the real and open up about the student loan debt you still need to get out from under—whatever feels right.
Glamp Where You Are
Set up a tent in the backyard, roast some marshmallows, tell spooky stories by a campfire—you got a romantic, at-home camping experience. Or live the #vanlife by decking out your backseat as a cozy, indoor-outdoor hang. Either way, it’s the thrill of the outdoors without leaving home, minus the bug bites.
Volunteer
S.O. with a heart of gold? Find a local charity, like a soup kitchen or a pet shelter, and volunteer for the day. Studies say that acts of generosity increase well-being and happiness, and couldn't we all use some more of that?
Go Stargazing
When's the last time you actually put your phone down and looked up? Grab a blanket and try to find your favorite constellations. If you need some guidance, you can download apps like Star Tracker.
Browse a Book Store
Learning about the books that made someone who they are can be a great way to get to know each other’s likes and dislikes. Heading to a bookstore and browsing the pages is totally free, and a little more active than just a coffee shop. Plus, maybe they also had a childhood Harry Potter obsession so you can feel OK coming clean about yours.
Grow Something Together
Local parks and public gardens often offer volunteer hours in the Spring and Fall where you and your date can get your hands dirty while giving back to the community. Plus, it’ll be amazing to come back a few months later to see that your seeds have fully bloomed—just like your relationship.
Start Your Chess Master Journey
Chess is a great indoor activity that you probably already know the rules to but that you can become really good at by checking out some masterful tips on YouTube. Get sophisticated with your date by playing a game, and maybe even learning some badass moves. It’s a real queen’s gambit of a date move.
Learn a Dance
Gain some new moves by having a living room dance class. YouTube the steps you’ve always wanted to learn—be it a tango, a TikTok trend, or a Texas two-step—and spend some time learning it together. You can learn a new skill, break a little sweat, and have something to laugh about when you inevitably start out a little clumsy.
Have a Backyard Cocktail Hour
Why fight the after-work masses when you can mix up a pitcher of your favorite mixed drink, bust out the fancy glasses, and have a chill outdoor happy hour on your patio or in the backyard? It’s a way to wind-down the day and get to know each other without having to worry about who’s getting the tab at the end of the night.
Guide a Walking Tour
Grab some coffees, pick a neighborhood that means something to you, and take your date around to the best shops, hang-out spots, and park benches that you love. It’s more active than just a sit-down date, but still allows for plenty of talking and walking time. Plus, ample opportunities for casual hand-holding.
Try Couple's Yoga
A yoga class is always more fun (and way less awkward) when you know someone also attending. Either check out a yoga class together (plenty of parks and rec centers offer or affordable classes) or try a couple-specific yoga session. Those fun couples' poses could be an interesting way to get your body moving.
Shoot Pool Together
There's nothing like a little friendly competition to get the sparks flying. Dust off your piggy bank for some quarters, head to your local dive bar, and get to shooting pool. Make it a little more exciting and have the loser of the game buy the next round of drinks. You can even play dumb and act like you don't know how to hold the pool cue (*wink, wink*).
Attend an Open House
While we don't necessarily recommend buying a house together straight away, we do recommend checking out a local open house as a fun, free date idea. Check out listings in your area, find one that excited you both, then act as prospective buyers. We're sure this date will illicit some important convos about your future, too.
Stroll Around a Farmers' Market
Wake up early on Saturday or Sunday, grab a coffee, and head to your local farmers' market. You don't actually have to buy anything, but if you do, take comfort in knowing that the prices at the farmers' market are typically less than at the grocery store. And you're supporting small businesses!
Find a Walking Tour
If you live in a bigger city, there's a good chance you can find a guided walking tour, either for free or pay-what-you-wish (just make sure you bring some cash or your tour guide). It's a great way to get our of your neighborhood and learn more about your hometown from someone who is enthusiastic about it. Plus, you can scout out even more date spots.
Have a Bonfire
Weather permitting, a cozy bonfire is a great (free!) way to spend time with your significant other. A roaring fire under the stars with a few blankets is the perfect excuse to snuggle up to one another. If you really want to impress, grab a few provisions for s'mores and hot chocolate.
Plan a Scavenger Hunt
Pull a Leslie Knope and put together a scavenger hunt for your significant other. You can place clues in significant locations to your relationship, like where you two met or your first date spot, and test their memory. This one may take a bit of additional planning, but it's a thoughtful date we guarantee your loved one won't forget any time soon.
Go on a Run
Hear me out—this isn't a great date for everyone, but if you love to be active, a run could be a fun, free way to spend more time together. Take your partner on your favorite running route or have them show you theirs. It might be nice to know a little more about your partner's daily routine.
Play Video Games
If your partner loves to game, ask to join them in their next session. We promise you don't have to actually be good at video games to enjoy playing them with your beau. For the ultimate co-op experience, we recommend playing It Takes Two, available on all major gaming consoles. Just don't blame us if your teamwork isn't as great as you thought.
Try a Groupon
When in doubt, check Groupon out. The site has everything from bowling and mini golfing to sky diving and pottery classes all offered at steep discounts. You can even use Groupon for discounts at fancy restaurants and bars. Definitely peruse the site before you shell out lots of money on your next date.