Date Night on a Budget

Date night on a budget.  Date nights don't have to expensive or extravagant. Dating on a budget isn't hard, you just need to be flexible and creative. Don't limit yourself to specific days and times. Create new experiences and memories without breaking the bank. Check out these great ideas for budget-friendly dates.

Date night on a budget:

1. Be a tourist in your own town

Spend the day exploring your home town from a new perspective. Go places you have never been, sites you have never seen, or revisit places you haven't been in a long time.

2. Dinner and a movie at home

Instead of paying the absurd prices for a movie and dinner out, stay in. Try a new recipe and cook it together. There are so many ways to watch a movie - Redbox, Netflix and even Amazon. You can even make your own healthy snacks, that won't cost a fortune.

3. Try something new

What is something you have always wanted to do but haven't? Rock climb, DIY projects, pottery class, painting, play a sport, whatever it is, do it together.

4. Educational Date

Check out a museum, cultural center or even a science center. These can be really fun, low cost and you might even learn a thing or two. A lot of museums and cultural centers often have traveling exhibits that might only be in your area once in a lifetime.

5. Give back

Use your time together to give back. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, go for a walk and pick up litter, or my personal favorite - help out your local dog shelter. Who knows, maybe you'll come home with a new furry friend. Giving back can be rewarding on many levels and you get to give back while hanging out together.

6. Karaoke at a dive bar

Check out your local dive bar and sing some karaoke. It will only cost you the price of the drinks. Pick funny songs or ones that are special and sentimental to you.

7. DIY Spa day

Light some candles, put on some face masks and set up DIY foot spas. This may only sound fun for girls, but I assure you men will also appreciate the pampering.

8. Just be kids

Check out an arcade and play video games all day. Go roller skating like you did when you were a kid. Even better, spend the day at the park.

9.  Look at the stars

You could visit a planetarium, but I think spreading out a blanket in the backyard and staring up at the stars might be just a little more romantic. You may be surprised how memorable some quiet time together under the peace and tranquility of the stars can be.

10. Game night date night

Have a potluck with some friends and have a night full of laughs and friendship. After all, laughter really is the best medicine.

11. Go for a ride

Get those bikes out of the garage and explore. If you don't have a bike, most bike shops have day rental available. You get to spend time together and get a little exercise too. Win/win!

12. See a play

While going to the theater in the city can be expensive, local community theaters and high schools have wonderful productions and are significantly less expensive.

13. Putt Putt Golf

A little friendly competition on a date can be a lot of fun. Mini golf is typically inexpensive and is a lot of fun. It's one of those perfect first date things to do.

14. Open Mic Night

Restaurants, bars, and coffee shops often have open mic nights. They can be bands, singers, poets, or even comedians. These types of events are typically free, you will only be out the cost of the food or beverage. Inexpensive and always entertaining.

15. Take a class

Most community colleges and community centers offer one time or short commitment classes of all kinds. Cooking classes, yoga, art, etc. Whatever it is, you will learn something and be together.

16. Go Swimming

High school and community pools often have open swim time, several days a week. Swim, do cannon balls off the diving board, and afterwards you can relax with a nice soak in the hot tub, or some time in the sauna.

17. Bingo Night

Check out your local churches or community centers for bingo night. Often times there is a donation for a charity to play and you can win prizes. It's fun and gives back.

18. Go for a walk

Go for a nice long walk together. Explore a trail or even walk through your own neighborhood. Walking is known to bring out wonderful conversation. Take your pup and explore new dog parks.

19. Go to the beach

Whether it warm or cold, is there anything better than hearing the sounds of the ocean? Go for the afternoon and swim, build castles or play frisbee on the beach. After the sun goes down grab a blanket and build a fire.

2. Go for a hike

Hiking can be an amazing adventure with that special someone. Explore the great outdoors and the wonders of nature. Depending on the weather you could even try a snowshoe experience.

Ultimately date night is about you and that special person in your life. Put the electronics away, be creative and make amazing memories, while enjoying date night on a budget.