Cheap Date Ideas
2.
Go Bowling: Bowling is
usually cheap, and many bowling alleys also have a snack bar. You don’t have to
buy any special equipment, either, since you can rent everything you need. The
rules are pretty simple, too, so it’s a fun activity even for those who have
never bowled before.
3.
Dinner for the Parents: This
is a great way to get to know each other’s parents and for the parents to get
to know the other parents. You and your significant other can cook a meal
together and invite both sets of parents over for dinner.
4.
Dog or Cat Show: If both of
you are into dogs or cats, this could be the perfect date. I’ve never been to a
cat show, but I’ve been to dog shows, and they were a blast. It’s fun to see
all the different breeds.
5.
Flea Markets or Thrift Stores: Hitting flea markets and thrift stores can be like a giant
scavenger hunt! Everyone’s sure to find something that sparks their interest:
books, antiques, retro clothing, vintage blue jeans, old cooking utensils,
jewelry, etc. A lot of big flea markets include snack bars, restaurants, and
live entertainment, too.
6.
TV Marathon: Find out
your date’s favorite old TV shows and buy or rent some videos. It could be I
Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show, Leave it to Beaver, Bonanza, or Gun smoke.
Have plenty of munchies on hand, along with some comfy floor pillows.
7.
Go on a Picnic: Sure, this
has been done over and over, but you can make your picnic special. Choose a
romantic spot, and include a bottle of wine. And don’t forget some great
background music.
8.
State Parks: I don’t
know how many state parks there are in the U.S., but I do know there are a lot
of them in my state. They’re great places to visit, and the entrance fee is
usually nominal. Some of the activities available might include swimming,
fishing, boating, picnicking, wildlife viewing, camping, hiking, biking trails,
and nature exhibits.
9.
Karaoke: If you have a decent
singing voice, invite your love interest to a karaoke bar and sing their
favorite song. Dedicate it to him or her once you get on the microphone.
10. Local Festivals: How many local festivals are held each year in your area? Wow
– we have all sorts here: The Arts in Black Festival, The Pepper Festival, The
Gnat Festival, The Watermelon Festival, The Peanut Festival, The Grits
Festival, Wiregrass Arts and Crafts, Calico Arts and Crafts, The Fall Festival,
and lots more. most festivals provide all sorts of food and entertainment, and
attendance is usually free or inexpensive.
11. Go out for Ice Cream: If you’re on a tight budget, take your date out for ice
cream. Ice creams, gelatos, and frozen yogurts are very inexpensive when
compared to an entire meal in a restaurant.
12. Fly a Kite: I used to fly kites every spring, when we got breezy days. It
can be a fun time for all ages, and kites are cheap.
13. Visit a Garden or
Greenhouse: Why waste money on cut
flowers when you can take your girl or guy to see an entire garden? If he or
she is into exotic plants, go to a greenhouse.
14. Fishing: It’s easy to get started with fishing, as you don’t need a
lot of expensive equipment or fancy baits. Make the old-fashioned scene and use
a cane pole and a can of worms. The sport itself might not be so romantic, but
many of the “fishin’ holes” are.
15. Mini Golf: Mini golf is cheap, and it’s a lot of fun. No special
equipment is required, and most courses are open at night.
16. Movie Night: Host a movie night for your date or partner. Provide a choice
of films, along with lots of snacks. Set up your kitchen as a “snack bar,” with
soft drinks, popcorn, candy, hot dogs, and nachos.
17. Skating: When I was a teenager, skating was popular for teen dates.
That was roller skating, and the skating rink provided music to skate by. Of
course, ice skating and roller blading would work just as well as date ideas,
too.
18. Breakfast Out: Okay, so you want to go out for a meal but can’t afford
dinner. Take your date out to breakfast! Breakfast is always the cheapest meal
served in restaurants. Check the weather to find out what time the sun rises,
and you coordinate your breakfast date with the sunrise.
