Free & Cheap Date Ideas (That Will Get You Out of the House)

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

Volunteering is not only a great way to serve the community but it is also a great way to do something together that you may have never thought about. Think of some of your passions and find an organization that can use an extra set of hands.

Visit a winery

Did you know that some wineries offer free tastings. For example at San Sebastian Winery in St. Augustine, FL you can taste up to 6 wines for free. If you want more for under $15 you can buy a bottle to enjoy on the outdoor deck. Smaller wineries are your best bet so do a search for wineries near you and try something different. This probably one of the fancier cheap date ideas. And it is still under budget. Or make it a weekend and take a drive to wine country near you. One of our faves is Hudson Valley Wine Country

Groupon or Other Deal Sites

Groupon is the best thing that has ever happened to this budget loving girl. If you don't know what you want to do just browse Groupon. There are a ton of great deals for activities and events. They even have an option to look for date night ideas. Fancy a paint and wine night or even a show. Groupon has you covered.

Go to a Baseball Game (or other sport)

Sign up for alerts from your favorite baseball team or even check out minor league and local teams. You can easily score tickets for under $10 or even free. Just stay away from the $15 beers if you don't want to bust your budget.

Take a Dance Class

Most dance schools offer free or discounted introductory lessons so why not. Even if you have two left feet it is a great way to connect. If anything you will laugh your way all the way home and have great memories about that one time you tried to learn how to do the tango.

Sign up for a 5K

The couple that works out together ….. Yeah. I don't know if I agree with that however training for and running a 5K can be a great way to connect without the huge commitment of a marathon. If anything your next date might be a 10K or the NYC marathon. I mean it could happen.

Go Bowling, PingPong, Pool

Pick your poison and check out when your local bowling alley or pool hall has a deal. Most places have deals on weekdays which makes it a great option if you need a break on a Tuesday.

Go Out for Ice Cream

Whether you're in high school, your 20s or in your 70s, sharing an ice cream sundae makes for a great date.

Go on a Photo Shoot

Instahusband, Instawife, Instaboo… whatever you want to call it. Grab your phone or camera and take photos of each other.

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

The beach is always a good idea. Except when it is bitterly cold. But even in the spring and fall when the temperatures drop grab your warmest clothes, bring a blanket and cuddle together while watching the waves crash.

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

If you are more of a night owl here are some cheap date ideas for a night on the town that will not break the bank.

Go to Happy Hour

With great deals on drinks and even food Happy Hour is a great way to enjoy a few drinks and food without breaking the bank. Do a search for happy hours near you or keep an eye out for happy hours at some of your favorite restaurants. For example I found a Happy Hour in Miami that not only had half price drinks but offered free appetizers with the purchase of a beverage. Talk about win win.

Go to a Comedy Show

Comedy Shows are a great way to unwind. Most comedy shows are relatively inexpensive however make sure to read the fine print regarding drink minimums. Improv shows or shows held at your local water hole might be the best best as they don't usually include a cover. And what is better than laughing your butt off. Nothing in my book.

Go to a Broadway show

Broadway shows are expensive. And unless you are getting standing room or rush tickets it is pretty easy to break the bank. However consider Off Off Broadway Shows, your community theater or even the local high school. There is so much talent out there that you may forget you're not sitting in a theatre in New York City.

Visit an Art Gallery

Art and free champs. Count me in. Sign up for the newsletters and you will get an email anytime a gallery is hosting an event. It is a great way to enjoy art, get some free champs and develop an appreciate for new artists that you may never heard of. How cool would it be if several years from now you can say year I remember when….

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?

Going out on a date does not have to break the bank. The key is to spend time with each other. And who can put a price on that? While flowers, champagne and chocolates are nice so is spending quality time with each other. So next time you are stumped on what do, get creative, get up and get out.

-Taima

If you liked these ideas don't forget to share and pin these cheap date ideas for later.

Looking for date night ideas that won't break the bank. These fun cheap (or free) date nights will have you enjoying quality time with other even when you are trying to save money. Don't let your budget get in the way of your romance? Check out these tips and go on that date.

Comments

Keri says

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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
  
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  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.