Cheap Date Night Ideas

cheap date night ideas

It’s the weekend, which typically means (for those of us that are lucky) quality time for relaxing, with family, or, hopefully, with a significant other. But, when on a budget, you may feel trapped in your home. The good news is that you can still enjoy special time together without overdrawing your bank account. You just need some cheap date night ideas, and I am here to help.

It’s been commonly stated that 50% of marriages are likely to end in divorce, but Time magazine showed us the bright side recently in this article titled, “Divorce Rate in U.S. Drops to Nearly 40-Year Low” posted late last year. In the article, Time writer Abigail Abrams shared data showing that the U.S. divorce rate has actually dropped for the third year in a row while marriage rates have increased. While this is great to hear, it does not take away from the fact that marriage, and all relationships for that matter, take work. But, when money is tight, it’s hard to imagine how you can keep the chemistry alive when you feel confined to your house. Because I’ve been there, I put together some cheap date night ideas that you can use with your significant other this weekend:

Cheap Date Night Ideas:

1. Turn Your House Into a Spa.

Couples massages sound fabulous, but they certainly are not cheap. Instead, turn your house into a spa and give each other massages. Play relaxing music, light some tea candles, give some foot rubs and put some bubbles in the bathtub. Have kids? Ask a friend or family member to take them for the night so that you have the house all to yourself.

2. Make That Fancy Dinner at Home

Nothing beats a night out for a delicious and fancy dinner, but your bank account may disagree. There is no denying that it is cheaper to just eat at home. But, you don’t have to necessarily sacrifice the fanciness. If you want to really give that “going out” effect, make a little menu for you and your partner to look over. Make it even more realistic by incorporating a choice of a fish or white or red meat. Include an appetizer and dessert. Peruse your cupboards for items you may already have (spices, herbs, etc.) and base your recipes off ingredients you already mostly have. Then, take a trip to the grocery store together to buy the ingredients you need and cook the meals together. Dessert can simply be a low-cost ice cream or cake.

3. Go Out to a Local Play

Many areas have local and smaller theaters that are just begging for you to attend. You will likely be pleasantly surprised at how much you will enjoy the show put on by local actors. Additionally, you could attend a high school play together. This not only supports the students but gives you another cheap date night idea.

4. Take a Hike

Of course, I mean this in the literal sense. Not only will you be promoting healthy activity together, but spending time in the woods encourages you both to unplug and only focus on each other and the beauty around you.

5. Go Camping

Have an entire weekend to yourselves? Go camping. It is really cheap to go to a campsite and pitch your own tent. Not to mention, camping is also a great way to bond. My beau and I like to make up our own games as entertainment when we go, so we are never bored. Plus, we laugh about the silly things we do or talk about later, which helps to strengthen our relationship even more.

6. Go On a Late-Night Picnic

Keep the adventure and excitement alive by choosing a spot nearby to go on a late-night picnic. You don’t even need much; just picnic on the roof of your car and look at the stars together. If you live near a lake or pond, park yourselves there. Play the 20 questions game, which is where you have an idea, person, or thing in mind and the other person has to guess what it is in 20 questions. You’d be surprised at how fun this simple game can be with your significant other.

7. Go for Breakfast Instead

Cheap date night ideas do not have to occur at night. Breakfast is much cheaper, so you can still enjoy going out to eat together without the added costs. Coffee dates can even be your entire date.

8. Play Games

Dust off your favorite board games and tap into your inner youthful self by playing board games together. You could even invite friends over and have a double-date, if you will, by hosting a game night at your house. Another game option would be to play tennis, basketball or other sports either at your local community center or parks.

The above are just a few ideas to help you save money while also enhancing your relationship. What would you add to the list? 

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