Looking for a great way to enjoy quality time with your main squeeze without spending much money? 🙂 Good news – here are 101 cheap date ideas that are perfect for any time of year! These dates are a great opportunity to create special memories without breaking the bank.
My boyfriend and I are always trying to find new things to do together. We’re both big quality-time people and love fun date ideas! BUT always going out for dates can be expensive!! So we absolutely LOVE doing cheap dates. Fancy dinner dates where we get to dress up are fun and all, but when you’re with your person, you really don’t need to spend a bunch of money to have a great time.
SO – here’s a list of date ideas that you can do for relatively cheap! I’ve broken it out between at-home date ideas for cozy days indoors and out-and-about date ideas for when you want to get out of the house. Some of these are free date ideas while others you can still do on a budget. Hopefully it’ll inspire some dates for you! Don’t let money stop you from having fun – there are plenty of ways to have a good time on a budget 🙂
This post is all about 101 cheap date ideas.
ROMANTIC & SWEET AT-HOME CHEAP DATE IDEAS
When the cold weather sets in, we love to focus on finding budget-friendly ways to do something fun. I actually love a good at-home date when its rainy or cold outdoors… feels so romantic to be bundled up inside with your favorite person. Even though summertime dates are easy to plan in the nice weather, cold weather dates inside can be just as enjoyable 🙂
1. Make your own personal pizzas
Grab some pizza dough, pizza sauce, ALL your fav toppings, and go crazy!! This is one of my favorite lazy dinner dates 🙂 Such a fun way to cook and enjoy a meal together.
2. Bake and decorate cookies
Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, you can’t go wrong with baking cookies!! I like to come up with a theme and make it a bit competitive—like whoever makes the best cookies wins a fun lil favor from the other person.
3. Do a themed cooking night
Pick a cuisine (like Italian, Japanese, or even fair food?? yum LOL) and go all out – food, drinks, music, and even outfits if you’re feeling extra. It’s like a cute lil vacation without leaving your kitchen.
4. Create a new recipe
Time to channel your inner chefs! Start off the date by grocery store together and picking out all the ingredients – this is a fun part of the process in itself. For an extra challenge, try to choose a recipe that’s in line with the season 🙂
5. Draw self-portraits of each other
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Not for me, I’m not artistic,” have no fear! No art skills needed! Just grab a pen and paper and try to draw each other – it can be SO funny, chaotic, and fun to keep as a memory.
6. Set up an indoor picnic
Who said picnics were only for sunny days? Lay out a blanket in your living room, prep some snacks, and pretend you’re picnicking in a field (minus the bugs). Bonus points for fairy lights!! You could always pair this with a movie night or game night inside.
7. Watch a live-stream concert
If you and your partner share the same taste in music, this is a great option for a cheap date idea! Find an artist you both love (or discover a new one!) and stream a live concert. Best part about this is you can dance around your living room and still get in bed by 10pm 😉
8. Movie marathon
There’s a good chance you’ve already thought of this one, but I had to include it for good measure since it’ll never get old! Pick a theme—cheesy rom-coms, thrillers, or Disney classics—and binge away. Don’t forget a fun snack and drink to go along with it!
9. Binge-watch a TV show
If TV series are more your jam, choose a new series to dive into together and see how far you can get in one night. A GREAT option for this is a limited series! If you like thrillers, some of our recent watches are Hijack (Apple TV) and Behind Her Eyes (Netflix).
10. Watch stand-up comedy specials
Don’t want to pay for a comedy show? Stream one instead! TONS of good stuff for free on Netflix and plus, laughing together = underrated relationship glue.
11. Read a fiction book aloud
Take turns reading chapters to each other and add dramatic voices for the characters. You can even start the date by visiting your local library together and picking something out!
12. Print out coloring sheets
Find printable coloring pages online, grab crayons or markers, and get cozy while you color. So nostalgic and really channeling that inner child.
13. Follow a painting tutorial
Put on a Bob Ross video or a painting tutorial on YouTube, grab some cheap canvases, and paint along together. Best part of this cheap date idea is you’ll have works of art to display at the end!
14. Make a scrapbook
Scrapbooks are such a great way to go down memory lane together!! It’s the perfect date for anniversaries or sentimental milestones in your relationship. Print your favorite photos, grab stickers and washi tape, and put together a scrapbook you’ll look back on again and again 🙂
15. Create a vision board
Couples that go the distance often spend time dreaming and creating their future together. So, whether it’s for your dream house or your 5-year plan, get crafty and make a vision board to manifest the life you want.
16. Browse old photos or camera rolls
Since most of our photos are digital now, this is such an easy date! Spend some time scrolling through your phone or laptop and looking at old photos and videos. Tell each other the stories behind your favorite moments. The great thing about this date is you get to learn more about your partner!
17. Plan out a vacation
Even if you’re not traveling soon, planning your dream trip can be such a bonding activity. It’ll also encourage you both to work towards making that dream vacation a reality!
18. Create playlists for different moods
Curate playlists for specific vibes – chill mornings, a future road trip, your wedding (👀). This is one of the little things I absolutely love doing with my boyfriend!
19. Take a virtual tour of a museum or zoo
If you’re both itching to learn but stuck inside, do a virtual tour! Explore the Louvre or a panda sanctuary without leaving your couch. A lil educational but lots of fun!!
20. Do an at-home spa day (face masks + massages!)
Light candles, grab your fluffiest robes, and pamper each other with face masks, massage oil, and a calming playlist. This is the perfect way to spend a Saturday night in after a busy week.
21. Learn a new language on Duolingo
Couples who learn together, stay together! Pick a language you both want to try, and see who can learn the most phrases by the end of the night.
22. Pick up some magic tricks
I’m a sucker for magic tricks so this is one of my favorite ideas for affordable dates. Look up beginner-friendly tricks on YouTube and put on a mini magic show for each other. All you need to start is a deck of cards!
23. Cook and set up a romantic dinner
This is a classic date idea if you’re on a tight budget! Light some candles, set the table, and play soft background music. Whether it’s spaghetti or takeout, the effort is what makes it feel special.
24. Write a bucket list
Dream big together!! Whether it’s skydiving, starting a garden, taking a dance class, or getting a dog – write it all down and get excited to do it all!
25. Create a time capsule
This one is for the sentimental ones out there – fill a box with love notes, photos, little objects, or predictions for the future. Set another date on the calendar to open it and update it! It’s always crazy to see how far we’ve come and what has changed.
PLAYFUL & COMPETITIVE AT-HOME CHEAP DATE IDEAS
While I love a romantic date, I also LOVE a good date at home that’s just fun! The best part about being in a relationship is having a built in best friend to do things with. So this section is all about at-home dates that are more playful. They might bring out the more competitive sides of you!!
26. Do an at-home science experiment
There are SO many fun science experiments you do with simple things you might already have at home! Make slime, DIY lava lamps, or vinegar + baking soda volcanoes. Who says science can’t be a lil romantic? LOL.
27. Learn a dance together
Pick a TikTok or YouTube dance tutorial and try to nail the moves. This can be a lot of fun even if neither of you is great at dancing!
28. Play video games together
Try to find a co-op video game that will have you working together, like Overcooked or It Takes Two! Or, get a bit more competitive with something like Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. Although video games themselves might not be cheap, spluring a little for the first time means unlimited fun later!!
29. Play truth or dare
A classic, and for good reason! Keep it flirty, funny, or deep—it’s totally up to you. If you have a hard time actually coming up with these, you can always use ChatGPT to help haha.
30. Try the 36 Questions to Fall in Love experiment
Google the list and take turns answering. You’ll be surprised how deep and vulnerable it gets in the cutest way.
31. Take online personality tests
Find out your love languages, Enneagram, or MBTI types – then discuss! I did this on a first date once and it was actually a fun way to find out lots about them! Some great quizzes: 16 Personalities and Enneagram.
32. Do crosswords together
Print one out or do one online. Work as a team or race each other! You can usually get a free trial of NYTimes or Apple News word games if you’re looking for a digital version.
33. Compete in a card game Olympics
Play several card games in a row (War, Speed, Uno…) and keep score. Loser owes the winner dessert or a massage!
34. Make mini clay sculptures together
Get a little mini clay kit and use Pinterest to look up some inspo for clay sculptures! This is such a great idea for fun date nights that are more low-key – just getting time to chat while being crafty.
35. Play a board game
Break out some of your favorite board games! This is also a great, cheap double date idea – you and your partner can team up against another couple and see who comes out on top!
36. YouTube karaoke
Get a couple of drinks in ya and then have a full-on concert in your living room. YouTube has TONS of free karaoke tracks you can sing along to. Check out Sing King!
37. Nerf battle
Turn your apartment into a battleground. Hiding behind furniture is encouraged. Make sure to wear activewear because it can get sweaty!!
38. Nerf target practice
Make a target board out of paper or cardboard and take turns seeing who has the best aim.
39. Do a puzzle together
This one’s relaxing AND satisfying. Sip tea, chat, blast some good music, and try to finish it in one night. For an extra challenge, try a 3D puzzle! Definitely one of my favorites.
40. Do a blindfolded tasting challenge
There are SO many ways to do this one! One version is to gather all different brands of the same food (ie. freezer mac and cheese) and have each other guess which one is which blindfolded. Sometimes the answer might surprise you (like which cheaper versions actually taste better).
41. Create presentations on something silly
Pitch your ideas to each other for laughs. Check this Reddit thread for inspo around fun powerpoint night ideas.
42. Do a talent show
Take turns showing off your best (or worst) talents. Juggling, accents, singing. You could even send videos to your friends and family to have them judge who wins!
43. Try couples challenges on TikTok
Couples on TikTok are honestly so creative sometimes! Spend a little bit of time scrolling through trends and pick ones that seem fun to you. Some are filters with challenges, others are “who is more likely to,” etc.
44. Play GeoGuessr
GeoGuesser is an online game that drops you anywhere in the world and you have to randomly guess where it is! I’m horrible at it, but at least it’s a fun time. Try it out together if you haven’t – new games are always fun to experience with your favorite human!
45. Build a blanket fort
There’s something so special about putting up a blanket fort in the middle of your living room. It’s such a great place to cuddle up, watch movies, and break up the routine a bit.
46. Set up a scavenger hunt
This cheap date idea might take a little more brainpower from both of you! Hide notes or small surprises around the house and lead your partner on a lil love quest.
47. DIY couples trivia game
Make a quiz with fun facts about each other and see who remembers the most. Questions can be like “when’s the last time I cried?” or “what’s my favorite happy hour spot?” Winner gets a prize, of course.
48. Create a mini “bookstore date” at home
For all my bookworms out there, this one is for you! Pick out a few books (either in your inventory or from your local library), grab cozy drinks, and “recommend” reads to each other like you’re browsing together.
49. At-home bowling
A round of bowling can actually be quite pricey these days! But with a few empty water bottles, a soft ball, and a little creativity – you can make your own lane at home. Surprisingly fun – and surprisingly hard.
50. Make mocktails and rate them
Invent 2-3 mocktails (or cocktails!) each, give them cute names, and score them like you’re judges on a show. Pair this with a nice dinner cooked together and you’ve got a fancy date on a budget.
51. Do an Airbnb experience online
Airbnb has a bunch of virtual experiences that are great for couples! Magic shows, cooking classes, you name it. They also tend to be more affordable than actually going in person to these types of experiences – perfect cheat code to a cheaper date night!
52. Pass the painting challenge
This was a trend on TikTok a while back. How to do it: get two canvases and trade them every 5 minutes. See what you two come up with!
OUTDOORSY & ADVENTUROUS CHEAP DATE IDEAS
Whenever we feel like getting out of the house (aka when the weather is super nice), we love finding budget-friendly ways to enjoy ourselves in the great outdoors! There’s always great opportunities to explore our surroundings and try something new without spending a lot of money. This section is all about cheap date ideas that are for those who are more outdoorsy and adventurous.
53. Picnic at a local park
Picnics are a classic date idea, but for a reason! They’re a perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors when it’s nice out. Pack a lunch and bring a blanket to your favorite spot (mine is at a public garden nearby… so cute). Add a speaker for music or bring a deck of cards to keep it playful.
54. Ride bikes through a pretty trail
I love a good bike ride – they are a great way to explore your city! If you don’t have your own, you can usually find affordable prices to rent one for a few hours. Ride through scenic paths, explore hidden corners, and maybe bring a few snacks / drinks to enjoy on breaks.
55. Play tennis or pickleball
The best thing about tennis or pickleball are that the courts are free! You can also get a budget-friendly pickleball set for two on Amazon or check out your local thrift shops for rackets.
56. Go on a geocaching adventure
If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge, go geocaching together! Download the app and start hunting for hidden treasures around your city! It’s a pretty fun scavenger hunt.
57. Volunteer together
I love the idea of volunteering together as a date because you can find a cause you both care about and spend time giving back to your community. It’s so incredibly meaningful to bond over something that helps support others around you!
58. Do yoga or pilates outdoors
Bring your mats to a park and follow a flow video under the sky! You can also look on Facebook Events or Google to see if anyone is doing a free session outdoors that you can both join.
59. Run together
Active dates are good for both your emotional, mental, AND physical health. So why not go on a run together? Early morning or golden hour, take a jog around your favorite park or trail.
60. Forest bathe
Okay so you might be thinking… what? Taking a bath in the forest? Haha. Forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku, is the practice of immersing yourself in nature completely. It’s all about slowing down and being present, which is a great way to spend intentional quality time with your partner.
61. Go on a hike
Going on a hike is such a classic outdoorsy cheap date idea! Find a trail (highly recommend using AllTrails), pack water and snacks, and take in the views together.
62. Walk around a farmers’ market
Farmers’ markets are such fun dates because there’s so much to explore without having to pay! Windowshop around the stalls, hold hands, sample fruit, and buy flowers for each other.
63. Stargaze together
Lay out a blanket, cuddle up, look at the night sky together, and connect. AHH!! This is definitely one of my favorite summer cheap date ideas. It’s so romantic.
64. Attend a free fitness class
Check your city listings! There’s often free yoga, pilates, or Zumba in parks! Class pass also usually has an introductory free trial which will let you go try out classes for free.
65. Visit a local farm
Farms are so fun!! What a great day date. Go pet animals, pick fruit, and breathe in that fresh air. Feels wholesome in the best way.
66. Play lawn games
Go to a nearby park and play lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball, or spikeball. This could also be a fun way to meet other couples and make new friends together!
67. Have a BBQ at a nearby park
Grab your fav BBQ foods and find a park that has public grills you can use. Make sure to bring all the best toppings for your hot dogs and burgers. Definitely a fun one for summer.
69. Go paddleboarding
You can usually find paddleboard rentals for cheap at a local lake that rents them out or a sporting store! This is such a fun way to be on the water (if you don’t have a boat LOL). Recommend doing this at sunset for it to be even more romantic!
70. Take a day trip to a state park
If you’re craving time to disconnect from the world, go visit your nearest state park! They’re the best places to reconnect with nature. Hike, take photos, and have a deep convo on the drive back.
71. Have a beach or lake day
Pack sunscreen, snacks, and a towel! Whether you’re swimming or just tanning, this is PEAK summer date energy. You could even bring a few books to read together.
72. Explore a botanical garden
Wander through blooming paths and take dreamy photos. It’s like walking through a real-life fairytale.
FUN & CASUAL OUT-AND-ABOUT CHEAP DATE IDEAS
Sometimes, it feels like every time we leave the house it’s at least $40 spent on something. BUT – it doesn’t have to be that way!! There are so many fun and casual out-and-about cheap date ideas to do. Whether it’s a day date at the museum or a fun night out in the city, these ideas are perfect for creating memorable experiences together!
73. Attend poetry readings
If you’re looking for something cozy to do in the fall, go and find a local coffee shop or bookstore hosting an open mic! Grab a warm drink and plop down to enjoy some poetry together.
74. Go to a baseball game
Baseball games are SO fun for spring and summer!! Even if you don’t love sports – it’s about the cheap seats, stadium snacks, and fun energy. I love a good stadium hot dog!
75. Explore a local museum
Often, museums aren’t cheap! BUT – you can always look to see if they have a free museum night. It’d be such a romantic date night being able to wander and learn together.
76. Art gallery hop
Look up art galleries near you and put a date on the calendar to stroll through them. This is such a fun way to see new art with your favorite person while connecting with local artists near you.
77. Take a scenic drive
Long drives are the best when it’s with someone you absolutely love spending time with. Cue up a playlist with your favorite songs and go exploring! City lights at night or fall leaves during the day = chef’s kiss.
78. Drive around new neighborhoods
Pick a fancy neighborhood and “house hunt” just for fun. Who knows, maybe that million dollar home that you spot will be the one you share someday! Always fun to dream together.
79. Visit a local college
The best thing about most college campuses is that they’re WALKABLE! Meaning it’s way easier to actually just park your car and spend the rest of the day being spontaneous. Go and visit their library, sit in the quad, grab some campus food, and people watch!
80. Explore open houses
Whether you’re seriously looking or just want to see for fun, go see some open houses! You can talk about what you like, don’t like, and all the things you want in your dream home.
81. Visit a local bar at happy hour
Happy hour deals are the BEST! Pick a cute spot with drink specials and outdoor seating. A great excuse to get a lil dressed up too.
82. Hop around coffee shops
If you’re a coffee / tea fanatic, spend an afternoon exploring a few coffee shops near you! You can create your own coffee tour – share pastries, try fun drinks, and rank them all.
83. Snack run
Go to the grocery store and each pick three mystery snacks for the other to try. Taste test at home or in the car (and then go get more of your favorite LOL).
84. Go to a drive-in movie
With everything going on streaming services today anyway, movie theaters can be a bit boring. SO… spice it up and go to a drive-in movie! One of the best things is you can bring your own snacks and drinks hehe.
85. Window shop in a fun shopping area
Window shopping in an area with cute boutique stores is a fun way to get your shopping kick fulfilled without spending money!
86. Attend a free festival or fair
Check community calendars for food, art, or cultural festivals. There’s always something fun happening. Pro tip: follow their pages on social media so you’ll never miss a free event!
87. Visit the observatory
Okay, observatories are so romantic to me! I love the idea of being able to look at the stars closely together. You can totally pair this with a nice sunset walk or picnic beforehand.
88. Visit a free art installation
Your city probably has random public art exhibits! Make a map of them and wander around to see all of them. Fun way to get both your steps in and see some art!
89. Go for a romantic stroll
Pick a pretty neighborhood or waterfront path and just walk and talk. Simplicity is so underrated. I love doing these with my partner most nights in the summer!
90. Check out a local open mic night
Open mic nights are a great, cheap idea for a first date! Music, comedy, or poetry – will definitely give you something to talk about. Plus you never know what you’ll hear!
91. Explore a historical district
Play tourist in your own city!! Are there areas that you’ve avoided since you know it’ll be crowded? Go for the day with your partner just to experience it all again. Read the plaques. Take pics. Learn a lil something!
92. Play board games at a coffee shop
Some cafés have board games you can borrow and sit at! Could definitely be a cute Saturday morning activity for a slow day. Go grab lattes and play for hours. It’s cozy and casual.
93. Visit a local arcade
I LOVE arcade games!! Something about bouncing around, playing silly games, collecting tickets to trade in later is sooo nostalgic and flirty. You can load up a card with some plays for not too much!
94. Find books at the library
Pick out books for each other, browse the shelves, and sit down to read side by side. Kind of a cute way to show how much you might know about them and their interests!
95. Play Mini Golf
Okay this one is classic date energy!! Flirty competition, goofy moments, and maybe a cute lil kiss if you win 😉 Some courses have discounts if you go on weekdays instead!
96. Go thrifting or find garage sales
Thrift shops and garage sales are great places to find unique and quirky items! Super budget-friendly too.
97. Take photos of each other in a new location
Turn into photographers for a day! Use your phone to capture a few cute shots in a photogenic area.
98. Find a free workshop or class
Many community centers, libraries, and stores offer free workshops or classes on a variety of topics! This could be a fun way to learn a skill together that you can continue to do after the fact 🙂
99. Chalk the sidewalk together
Channel your childhood together by getting colorful chalk from the dollar store!! Pop outside on a dry day and draw silly messages or doodles outside. Super wholesome AND you leave cute surprises for strangers!
100. Cloud watch in the park
Lay on your backs and point out silly cloud shapes! Sounds chill, but you’ll end up giggling and chatting about the most random stuff.
101. Get disposable cameras and explore the city
You can get most disposable cameras for under $15! Make it your mission to fill it ALL in one day and then go get it developed so you can look at them on your next date 🙂
102. Grab ice cream
Ice cream and a little walk together is such a low-key date and perfect for cooling off in the summer! You could always share a cone too – adorable and budget friendly!! haha
103. See live music at free concerts
This cheap date idea is PERFECT for summer! There are so many events that happen with free music, you just have to look. Use Facebook Events, EventBrite, or Google to find outdoor concerts or performances in parks.
104. Take a self-guided walking tour
Download a map or app and go explore! Self-guided walking tours are PERFECT for any couple that might be new to a city, or just wants to get immersed into their own city! Make sure to BYOS (Bring Your Own Snacks).
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