Let’s face it, watching a movie at the cinemas can get boring after a while, especially if you’ve been dating for a long time now. If you need help coming up with date night ideas that do not have to be expensive, check out this list I’ve made.
1. Go on a Picnic
Enjoy a romantic picnic at the park if the weather is nice. Go out in the late afternoon when it’s no longer hot outside and the wind is cool. Pack your favorite snacks and drinks, spread out a blanket, and enjoy the outdoors. If it’s too cold or rainy, you can set up a cozy indoor picnic in your patio.
2. Build a Campfire
Spark some romance with a backyard campfire. If local regulations will keep you from building an outdoor fire, gather around your indoor fireplace or make microwave s’mores for an added fun twist.
3. Indulge in an AYCE Buffet
Treat yourselves to an all-you-can-eat buffet. I mean, why not. Golden Corral is a budget-friendly option with a wide variety of delicious foods to enjoy without burning a hole in your pocket. Golden Corral adult prices for the buffet range from $12 to $17, with dinner being the most expensive of the lot. Don’t worry, you won’t spend no more than $44 for a satisfying dinner with drinks for two people (tax included).
4. Have a Spa Night
Oh you can absolutely create a DIY spa experience at home. Pick up face masks, mani-pedi supplies, and massage oils from the drugstore for a pampering session. Who needs to spend a few hundred bucks at the spa? Make it more intimate and do it yourselves at home.
5. Learn a New Skill
Try out a new hobby together such as origami, drawing, or card tricks and enjoy laughing at your initial (failed) attempts.
6. Take a Day Trip
Even a short drive to a neighboring area can feel like an adventure when the experience is shared with your favorite person.
7. Volunteer Together
Volunteer at a local soup kitchen, clothing drive, or other community initiatives. Helping others together can be a rewarding and bonding experience, and it’s a memory you both will cherish for a long time.
8. Visit the Zoo or Aquarium
Spend the day at a zoo or aquarium. Check out those adorable animals and enjoy the experience of discovering new species together.
9. Take a Dance Class
Sign up for a dance class and don’t worry even if you’re both complete beginners. Learning new moves together can be a fun and memorable experience, and besides, by taking dance lessons you’ll impress others at future events.
10. Be a Tourist in Your Hometown
Check out your hometown’s landmarks and attractions as if you’re seeing them for the first time. This can be a refreshing way to appreciate where you live.
11. Stay in a Bed and Breakfast
Book a night at a bed and breakfast or rent an Airbnb for a cozy getaway that feels like a mini vacation.
12. Go Out for Dessert
Skip dinner and head straight for dessert. Indulge in sweet treats and discover new favorite desserts together.
13. Commandeer the Jukebox
Take control of the jukebox at a local bar and choose danceable yet familiar tunes so you can sing along to your favorite songs.
14. Tour a Brewery or Winery
If there’s one available, consider visiting a local brewery or winery to learn about the brewing or winemaking process and enjoy some samples along the way.
15. Stargaze Together
Find a quiet spot with a clear view of the sky. Lay on a blanket and see how many constellations you can spot together and try to guess their names.
16. Go Out for Some Karaoke
Sing your hearts out at a karaoke bar. Private rooms are ideal for belting out your favorite ballads without an audience.
17. Go Camping
Spend a night under the stars but if a campground isn’t accessible, set up a tent in your backyard for a similar experience.
18. Train for a 5K
As a couple, you should set a fitness goal together and one way of doing that is by training for a 5K run. That way you can motivate and support each other as you progress.
19. Try Rock Climbing
This can be tough but also a lot of fun. Visit a local climbing gym and challenge yourselves with some indoor rock climbing. It’s a great way to build trust in a fun way.
20. Go Bowling
Hitting the lanes for a fun night of bowling is another date night idea to consider. After all, a little friendly competition can make the date more exciting.
21. Take a Wine Tour
Check out a local winery or create your own wine tasting at home. Be sure to pair with some cheese for an authentic experience.
22. Watch the Sunset
Enjoy the natural beauty of a sunset together – it’s a classic romantic moment for a reason.
23. Go for Some Ice Cream
Visit an ice cream parlor and take a stroll together hand in hand out in the open air as you both savor your ice cream.
24. Hit the Beach or Go Skiing
Whether it’s sun and sand or snow and slopes, spending the day at the beach or skiing can be a perfect date. Don’t forget the hot cocoa if you choose the latter.
25. Go on a Hike
Schedule it on a weekend morning so you can immerse yourselves in nature and each other’s company. It’s a great way to get exercise and connect.
26. Have a Themed Movie Night at Home
Pick a movie and create a themed night around it. For instance, watch “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and enjoy croissants and coffee, or “Sweet Home Alabama” as you munch down on some comforting apple pie.