I am a cheap date. I don't like to spend money. So I am always looking for cheap date ideas.
We have been married for over 10 years so I would like to think we have this cheap date business down. When we first were married I was drowning in law school debt. But that didn't stop us from going out. Instead we got creative and made the best with what was around us. We worked with our budget and made it a point to come up with cheap date night ideas. Extra points when it is free.
If you are anything like me and cannot phantom spending $100 for date night keep on reading.
Free Or Cheap Date Ideas
Go Out for Breakfast
Skip the expensive dinner and opt for Breakfast out at your favorite diner or cafe. Not only is it a great way to start your day but it is way cheaper than lunch or dinner. This may very be my favorite cheap date idea. I mean who doesn't love breakfast.
Volunteer
Visit a winery
Groupon or Other Deal Sites
Go to a Baseball Game (or other sport)
Take a Dance Class

Sign up for a 5K
Go Bowling, PingPong, Pool
Go Out for Ice Cream
Go on a Photo Shoot
Cheap Date Ideas for the Outdoor Enthusiast
If you love the outdoors than finding cheap date ideas is easy. But just in case you need a bit of inspiration here are some of my favorite.
Go Hiking
Hiking is a great way to spend quality time with each other. And the best part. Most hiking trails are free. AllTrails is a great site that will help you find trails near you. Choose a trail based on your level of difficulty and prepare to spend a day outdoors.
Need some inspiration. Check out my guide to Hiking Muir Woods. It is by far one of the best hikes right outside of San Francisco.
Go Camping
If a weekend getaway at a fancy hotel is out of your budget then consider going camping. There is something about being in the middle of the woods with that special someone that can really put the spark in the relationship. If you do not have your own camping gear ask around. I have found that a lot of people have camping gear that they do not even use. This will help to cut down costs.
Play Hide and Seek In the Woods
Maybe Camping and Hiking is not your style. But you still can get outdoors and play a little game of hide and seek in the woods. I mean why not.
Plan a Picnic
When the weather is nice eating outside is probably one of my favorite things to do. I know we are talking about ideas to get out of the house but even when the weather is less than ideal a picnic is always a great way to connect over a glass of two buck chuck and something you made with love.
Go Kayaking.
Did you now you can go Kayaking in NYC for free. Yeah no kidding. If you don't live in NYC do a little research near you. You will be surprised how affordable renting Kayaks can be.
Go for a Walk
It's that simple. Get lost in your own neighborhood. If you live in an urban area do a little bit of window shopping. If you are in the suburbs wander the neighborhood and admire the houses.
Go for Bike Ride
Even if you do not own bikes, renting bikes is relatively cheap. Pack a picnic, plan a route and set out on a day long adventure.
Go to the Beach
Plan a Snow Day and make Snow Angels
Forecasts says snow. What better way to spend the day then to play in the snow, make snow angels, build a snowman. Afterwards warm up with a cup of hot cocoa at your favorite neighborhood cafe.
Cheap Date Night Ideas
Go to Happy Hour
Go to a Comedy Show
Go to a Broadway show
Visit an Art Gallery
Go to the Movies
The movies can be expensive. However did you know you can get $5 movies at any AMC theater on Tuesdays. Also look for dollar movies and matinees where ticket prices are cheaper. Going to the movies definitely does not have to break the bank.
Date Night Ideas for Married Couples
Whether you have been married a day, a month or 50 years it's always a great idea to mix things up and do something outside of your comfort zone. So here are some ideas to keep you on your toes.
Go Roller Skating or Ice Skating
The adult in you is probably saying absolutely not. But the kid in you is getting a little excited. Look for deals at the skate rink near you. You can usually find deals during off hours. In NYC for example you can ice skate for free in Bryant Park. You just need to bring your own skates.
Recreate your First Date
Get creative. Set a budget and recreate your first date. Not only is this a great way to reconnect but it is also a great way to relive one of the best moments (I hope) of your life minus the awkwardness.
Break a World Record
Search the Guinness Book of World Records for a record to break and break it. There are so many I am pretty confident you will find something fun to try.
Cheap Date Night Ideas in NYC
Have Drinks at a Rooftop
I wouldn't normally recommend a rooftop as the drinks are usually pretty pricy however did you know there are several rooftops in NYC that have happy hour. You did not read that wrong. You can check out the list here. Cheap drinks with a view. Sign me up.
Ride the Ferry to Rockaway
Ferry rides on the NYC Ferry are only $2.75 and you can buy drinks on board. Chose from any of the 6+ routes. My personal fave is the Rockaway Route as you are rewarded not only with views of the city skyline and statue of the liberty but you get to pass by Coney Island which I love. Take a roundtrip or get off and enjoy the beach in the summer. Pack a picnic. Have dinner on the beach. See how many of these cheap date ideas you can fit in just one whole day. Hehe.
So are you a Cheap Date?
-Taima

Keri says
These are awesome ideas! We absolutely love Groupon. It’s usually a great way to try something new in the area that we likely wouldn’t risk paying full-price for.
Taima says
Groupon is the best. I have done some awesome things because of Groupon. Especially when we travel. We save so much money too. I don’t think we would do half the things if it wasn’t for Groupon.