This was touched upon briefly during my Valentine’s Day series, but I wanted to talk again about budget friendly date ideas. Why? Because it’s important to keep the romance going in your relationship. And contrary to popular belief, you do not have to break the bank to impress. I don’t think you should have to either.. and I have never expected much. I don’t want all of that, anyway. Flowers die and I don’t really wear jewelry. There are plenty of ways to show someone that you love them without spending money.
Daytime dates are a great example of a frugal date idea. Lunch is usually less expensive than dinner and most movie theaters offer matinee prices.
Other frugal date night ideas include:
* Have a picnic in the park.
Eating sandwiches together might not sound like a recipe for romance in any other setting, but packing a simple lunch and enjoying it in a beautiful natural setting can be a really special event. To make it even more special, make it a surprise. Pack the picnic basket, sneak it into the car, and ask your partner to go for a ride without sharing the destination until you’re there.
* Check out free or low-cost concerts.
In the summer, many cities have a free concert series in the park. You might also find live music for cheap at your local civic center or at fundraisers. This is a great way to broaden your musical horizons together.
* Play miniature golf.
Mini golf courses can be found in any city and many smaller towns. It’s easy to play, even if you’ve never played real golf. And it may be better if you’re not a golf pro – the worse you and your partner are at it, the more laughs you’ll get!
* Visit an art gallery or museum.
Some offer free admission, and you can get into many others for just a few bucks per person. This makes a great date for those who are just getting to know one another, because it provides plenty for you to talk about.
* Check with the local college campus for events such as movie showings, plays and sporting events. Some events are free to the public. Others charge admission, but even if you don’t qualify for the student discount, it’s usually quite reasonable.
Other ideas? Take advantage of your local community. Go to the park, a lake, or nearby beach.
Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or married- dating doesn’t have to be expensive. Keep it simple, keep it frugal.