Fun date ideas when you have a low or no budget
It can be expensive to go on dates.
That is particularly true for the first few thrilling dates when love prospects completely push any thoughts of your shrinking financial account from your mind. Yet, there are many possibilities for cheap dates to avoid a knockback to reality at the ATM the morning after a night with a terrific date.
When you have a low or no budget, these fun date ideas are fantastic for inexpensive first dates or cost-effective second dates. Furthermore, they can help keep the spark alive in long-term relationships. So if you want to have the time of your life with somebody new, your partner, or your spouse, keep reading our article. We are sure that you will find many great ideas you want to try as soon as possible.
Paige Bond is a Marriage Counselor who specializes in helping individuals, couples, and ENM relationships with concerns about jealousy, relationship anxiety, and insecurity.
As a jealousy expert, she hopes to help people opening their relationship tame the green eyed monster so they can feel secure and love with ease.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to get started today.
Have a picnic
For a picnic, you can cut costs on drinks by purchasing a cheaper bottle of wine (I’m a big fan of Aldi, sue me) or some beverages you like and making some snacks and simple meals to bring along. The beauty of picnics is that simple, inexpensive adventures can still be enjoyable over and over. After all, it is already romantic to see someone take the time to prepare a few things for dinner outside.
So grab your favorite blanket and head out. Get a small speaker to play your favorite music and enhance the atmosphere, pack a cooler or picnic basket with your favorite snacks, and settle comfortably while the sun sets on the horizon. Oh, how romantic 😍!
Cook together
Instead of eating out or paying for expensive culinary lessons, make a brand-new meal at home with your partner. If Italian is your favorite type of food, learn how to prepare similar meals at home. You can search for a recipe with precise directions or attend a free online course.
You can even make your favorite childhood dish if neither of you feels comfortable in the kitchen and if you constantly question yourself and your cooking skills. Preparing different meals, even frozen ones, will be fun and could spark some conversations about your childhood. Moreover, when you set the table, don't forget to pick up some candles for a nice, romantic setup. Your partner will highly appreciate your attention to detail.
Work with a relationship therapist to set your relationship up for success!
Go camping
The best part about camping is that you can design your adventure. Are you both looking forward to spending an evening outside🌳🏕? Then prepare your supplies to spend a romantic night under the stars. If you live in Florida and can travel, research the best camping spots in the state.
There are many great spots in the state that you and your partner can enjoy together. If your budget is tight and you can’t travel but still want to impress your lover, you may set up camp in your backyard. You can have the night of your lives with a bottle of wine, your coziest jammies, and suitable treats. Best part? If you have enough or want to sleep in a comfy bed, go inside.
At the same time, if everything else fails, build a blanket fort in your living room using cushions and lamps to create a romantic atmosphere. After all, you are never too old for a blanket fort. Prepare some yummy snacks and refreshing drinks in advance, and voila! Your perfect date night on a budget can begin.
Visit local attractions
Even though it may seem strange, spending a day in your town or city as a tourist can be lovely. Romantic even! And just because it feels odd to be a tourist in your town, it doesn’t mean there aren’t many inexpensive things in the area that you haven't done. So now is your chance to do them in great company.
Therefore, search the internet for free or inexpensive tourist attractions in your area to see what results come up, or simply browse the local tourism websites for some ideas. Also, keep in mind that some attractions offer discounts to residents. Hopefully, this is one of the fun date ideas on a budget that will help your partner see you and your city with new eyes.
Organize a movie night
Pros of having a movie night: You have endless movie selection possibilities today.
Cons: With so many applications and choices, looking for movies to stream may be confusing.
You might spend more time choosing what to watch than watching a movie on your date. The solution: have a romantic movie date at home with a twist. Make it into a fun game of chance instead of browsing for an hour to find anything to watch. Use a randomizing app that incorporates all your streaming providers, filter your choices by category and rating, and "shuffle" your selections for the best movie recommendation.
Feel like your sweetie focuses more time elsewhere than on your relationship? Don’t let jealousy plague your love.
Go for a walk together
Do you think a stroll around the park or on the beach is too obvious? We recommend you reconsider your position. Such an idea is not only cost-free, but if done well, it can be incredibly romantic. A peaceful stroll might be an excellent opportunity to have a wonderful conversation and learn more about one another. If you have been a couple for some time, it can also be a perfect opportunity to have a quiet moment together away from household distractions.
Also, if you want to make an impression, you can stop along the route for an ice cream or a takeout coffee. And if you are both focused on working out and staying in shape, plan a hike or a bike ride as something more interesting.
In conclusion
Not having the budget you wanted for a date doesn’t have to sink your ships. As you can see, there are still plenty of fun date ideas to have a romantic day or evening with your favorite person. After all, as the saying goes: Love doesn’t cost a thing!
Paige Bond (She/Her)
Paige Bond is a Couples Therapist who specializes in helping individuals, couples, and ENM relationships with concerns about sexual intimacy and relationship anxiety. She is also:
the founder of Couples Counseling of Central Florida,
the host of the Stubborn Love podcast
and the creator of the Jealousy to Joy Journey to help people pleasing millennials navigate non-monogamy.
She’s invested countless hours of hard work and dedication into her therapy practice studying what helps build secure relationships - in monogamous ones and otherwise.
