12 Interesting Date Ideas That Are Fun & Cheap

Dates are fun! Learning new things about each other, exploring new places and enjoying that romance.

Whether you're on your first date or have been together for years, there's that special something about going on a date, but... they can come with some hefty price tags. Especially recently with inflation and rising costs for almost everything.

The good news... you can have some amazing dates that cost little to nothing. And often, they can be more meaningful and memorable than that expensive dinner at the most popular restaurant in town.

Here's are some ideas for your next date that are sure to bring you closer together while not breaking the bank.

1. Perfect Picnic Spot

Sub sandwiches, watermelon, baked beans, and lemonade. Your taste buds and your partner will thank you. You will learn more about each other while sitting on the blanket, indulging in great food and company. Take care of your mind and body with fresh air, sunshine, and peaceful scenery. Picnics allow you and your partner to unplug, save money, relieve stress, and improve your mood. Plan your favorite, easy meal and take your date to your favorite place in town – or country.

2. Volunteer Together

Do a Google search to come up with a charity to help. Call them to see what they’d benefit from. Volunteer your time to help organize or raise awareness. Help raise money for their charity, do a bake sale or hold a car wash. Get creative to come up with valuable ideas for them. Plan it for the day, or the month. You never know what you’ll accomplish together during this bonding experience.

3. Raid the Fridge and Pantry

Might not be a good one for a first date if your fridge or pantry is looking like a tornado hit, but this can be a fun one even if you only have a few items. Take a look at what’s inside and figure out something that you can cook or grill up. It’s a great way to be creative together, use up some of those odds and ends and hopefully have a great meal at the end or at least something to laugh about together.

4. Pitch a Tent

Ah, tents. Is your relationship up for the intense challenge of pitching a tent? Surrounded by stunning nature, you’ll have a fun adventure. Let the whispering creeks, glistening lakes, and swaying meadows be your mental reset. Take this time to lay by the fire with your partner or cook s'mores together. There is nothing like reconnecting under the stars. Find a place for your tent: a campground or even your own backyard. Enjoy spending time together.

5. Meditate Together

A balance of mind, body, and soul is important. Finding that balance will enhance your relationship. It will carry into how you handle situations and how you appreciate and love your partner. Meditation is a great source to improve peace, grow your self-awareness, and learn how to manage your stress. There is something beautiful about sitting or laying with your partner, developing mediation skills together. You will feel closer after your session, ready to take on the day together.

6. Be a Kid Again

Bring back the love and laughter from your childhood. Pick out one of your favorite childhood movies and gets your popcorn popping. Find your biggest blankets and work together to make a love fort. Enjoy your snacks and snuggling up with your favorite person – releasing your love hormones. Let your childhood come flooding back as you share it with one of the most important people in your life. Open discussions of your favorite childhood memories, discovering more of who made each of you the person you are today.

7. Keep It or Ditch It?

Sometimes it can be hard to let go of things. But with a little help, it may make things easier and you’ll get a few laughs while doing it. Go through your drawers and closets together and figure out what you want to keep and what you've been holding onto way to long. Donate, sell or toss what you no longer need and you'll feel a weight lifted off of you while having fun doing it.

8. Spend a Night Stargazing

When's the last time you actually put your phone down and looked up? Grab a blanket and try to find your favorite constellations. If you need some guidance, you can download apps like Star Tracker. Turn up the romance with some special treats and drinks, any maybe even some flowers or a favorite poem. Enjoy building your connection underneath the stars.

9. Go "Thrifting"

Ah, a thrift store can make for a fun, and cheap, date. There are different, exciting things you can do at a thrift store. Decide how you two want to do it. Will you pick each other’s full outfits to wear for the rest of the day, or see who can do a full outfit for themselves for the cheapest price? One thing is for sure, laughter and seeing your partner in a simple atmosphere will remind you why there are strong feelings there. Building on the foundation you’ve already set. Get thrifting!

10. Blind Taste Test

Blindfolds are a hit for couples. Let’s put it to the test. Get your blindfold and place it on your partner. Give them items to taste – things that you have put together and prepared for this date. Have your partner guess what the food item is. Watching your love taste different foods, feeding them – or being fed by your person – adds a deep, sexual connection. Spice things up. Where will the blind taste test lead you?

11. Go on a Hike

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Enjoy the peace and rediscover yourselves, surrounded by the beauty of nature – and your partner. Find a nearby location or search for a place you have never experienced before. Grab your tennis shoes, hiking clothes, and head out. Don’t forget to pack your favorite snacks and water. Stop to look at all nature has to offer, the elegance of the scenery. Pay attention to how it feels to be together in tranquility. Where will your hike lead you and your relationship?

12. Play Some Board Games

Board games are an overlooked date idea. They are a fantastic way to save money and relax at home – especially for those who work and do activities outside the house. Low key and lighthearted afternoon or evening with your love is always needed. Brew some sweet tea and make finger sandwiches, drag out a favorite board game. Be careful, Monopoly is known to cause major conflict in relationships. With hundreds of board games, you’re never going to tire of this date.

There you have it! Some date night ideas that cost little to nothing, but can result in stronger connections and lasting memories.

Looking for more memorable activities to do together? Check out It's a Date which includes 52 memorable activities for couples to do together, plus a keepsake date diary to capture all your special moments.

Any of these ideas also pair great with a good conversation deck. The prompts in these decks keep the conversation going and will help you learn new things about each other no matter if it's your first date or you've been together for years!