Reading Time: 4 minutes 8 Best Ideas for a Date Night within Your Budget
This is a collaborative post by Alice with tips for date nights on a budget.
Dating can be expensive, but couples don’t have to break the bank on each outing. Dates are a part of most relationships, and each outing is supposed to be special. The following are eight date ideas for those on a budget.
Budget-Friendly Date Ideas
1. The Hike
You can try going on a hike. All you need to do is find a city or state park where you can hike. Most of the time, these parks are free for the public, so all you have to do is get there. Remember to wear appropriate clothing for the hike, and try to choose a location that is scenic for a maximum romantic effect. This kind of date works best for couples who love the outdoors and like being active.
2. Get Creative
Another date you can embark on with your partner is a creative date. This date doesn’t require you to go out. You can stay in if you want. All you need are two canvases or drawing pads and the right tools to draw or paint. Let your creative juices flow. Paint each other or people in each other’s lives. You’d be surprised how much fun and budget-friendly this can be.
3. The Picnic
Most of us know what a romantic picnic is, because it just never gets old. These dates are versatile and can fit most budgets. Couples that want to go all out can purchase artisan cheeses, expensive wine, and other pricey additions while couples who want to be a little more economical can certainly do so. An economical picnic can consist of items like sandwiches and homemade wine, which only requires a little patience to be made, but will still be romantic.
4. Meaningful Conversation
Perhaps one of the most economical options is to simply have a conversation. Couples can use this opportunity to talk candidly about the future or other issues that have not been brought up. There are many partners who are so busy that having a long conversation is nearly impossible, so enjoy this time as much as possible. Since you’re saving so much, you could splurge on a gift as long as it is relatively inexpensive, like some healing stones, which could be the cherry on top of any conversation.
5. The Drive
Couples who are lucky enough to have roads or highways near scenic settings may want to consider enjoying a little of what this world offers by taking a scenic ride. It may be a good idea to pack a few healthy snacks to avoid leaving the road too often. Grab a camera, or take a phone to ensure that any moment worth remembering is captured. Don’t be afraid to stop a few times to take pictures if the setting looks right. Be sure to choose a meaningful playlist to make the date feel much more personal.
6. A Memory Trip
Another wonderful and thoughtful date is one where the couple sets out on an adventure to visit all the places that mean something to them. This could include a place where they first met or a place where they first shared a kiss. Try to add all those relationship milestones into the date plan. This kind of date is not only romantic but allows the couple to see how far they have come in their relationship, which may help strengthen them.
7. The Fun Attraction
Sometimes, the best dates are wonderful attractions nearby. Every city or town has a few attractions nearby, like corn mazes, fairs, botanical gardens, you-pick farms, and many other similar attractions. Most of the time, these attractions are budget-friendly, so they should fit into anyone’s budget. It is important that the attraction could be enjoyed by both and not just by one, or the date might seem a little one-sided.
8. The Photo Album
Most of us take pictures to remember important moments in our lives, but sometimes, people don’t have the time to look through them. Couples who don’t know what to do for their date night and want to do something economical may want to consider a day of reminiscing with the help of photo albums. Try to use these moments to connect with the photographs and remember what was going on. It can be a great deal to have some wine ready or have a meal planned to make the night even more romantic. Make sure to cook dishes that are cherished by both.
Hopefully, these budget-friendly and romantic date ideas work for couples looking for options. The key to pulling off a budget-friendly date is to make sure it is emotionally honest because that is what makes the date special.
Rachel is an Austin blogger, educator, mom, wife, young breast cancer survivor writing about health, saving money, and living a happy life in Austin, Texas.
Rachel has written for HuffPost and Hometalk and has been featured on KXAN, Studio 512, Fox 7 Austin, and CBS Austin.