
It?s not hard to go out for a date night and come back with your pockets a little lighter, especially if you stick to a traditional night out with a meal out and then an activity. Sometimes your pockets might end up a whole lot lighter!
Sure, you probably have a few standard, less expensive date night alternatives that you switch it up with from time to time, but maybe some fresh new ideas would spice things up a bit. Here are a few inexpensive date night ideas to help you save money.
Starlight Date
You and your date could walk under the stars at the beach, if you are lucky enough to live near one. But if you don?t, get creative. You could meet at a nearby park for a hand in hand, moonlit walk. If that isn?t an option, maybe you could camp under the stars in your own backyard. Or, leave your partner a note, or send a text, to meet somewhere for a nighttime stroll.
Plan a Game Night
This could be done a variety of ways. [easyazon_link keywords=”Video games” locale=”US” nw=”y” tag=”wisedollar-20″]Video games[/easyazon_link] could be an option, but thinking old school might bring back a little spark. Pick out some two player [easyazon_link keywords=”board games” locale=”US” nw=”y” tag=”wisedollar-20″]board games[/easyazon_link] to choose from and fix a few snacks, or build a puzzle together.
Take a Class
Almost any list of inexpensive date alternatives will include this. But don?t limit it to a cooking class. Your date could be interested in photography or pottery. Explore the options available at recreation centers and even some retail stores where you live. Pottery and other art classes are becoming a more popular choice for date night.
Visit a Flea Market
A fun way to reconnect with childhood memories is to visit a flea market or antique shop. You might even learn a thing or two about each other that you didn?t know before. Plus, you don?t even have to spend any money or buy anything on this date night.
Get Silly Date
Yes, I said get silly. Make blanket forts and defend them with [easyazon_link keywords=”nerf guns” locale=”US” nw=”y” tag=”wisedollar-20″]nerf guns[/easyazon_link]. Or, get out some silly putty and Slinkys. Run through the sprinklers. Blow soap bubbles together or try out a hula hoop or a jump rope. Play hopscotch. Visit a hobby store for more silly or fun ideas. There are no limits, and no rules.
Get Physical
You don’t have to workout at a gym to get some exercise. You might even be able to get your sweat on during your next date night. Take your date outdoors with a Frisbee or a kite. Or, go for a bike ride or a hike. Sledding might be an option, depending on where you live and the season. Another good choice could be roller skating or ice skating. Or basketball ? touching is allowed. 😉
Plan a Tech-Free Picnic
When having a dinner date, you don?t have to go for the obviously overused candle lit dinner. You could plan a backyard picnic, an indoor picnic, or a park picnic. But whatever you do, keep your phones shut off so you can focus on each other. Well, maybe you could take just one photo?
Dessert Only Date
A date doesn?t have to include dinner and dessert and a movie. Instead, you can save money on eating out by going out for dessert only. Or, you could fix a special dessert together and stay in for a movie.
Obviously the activities mentioned in this article are only a small sampling of ideas you could try for a fun but less expensive date night. The point is to think outside the box so you don?t bust your budget. You should try it – it can be fun out there!
How do you save money on date night? Have you tried any of these suggestions? What are some of your favorite go-to options for an inexpensive date night?
Photo courtesy of: PublicDomainPictures