A good date needs attention, not a large budget. Research indexed by PubMed found that couples who shared novel, engaging activities reported better relationship quality than couples who completed a more familiar task.
Creating Connection on a Budget
The following cheap date ideas are easy to adapt to your town, schedule, and energy level. Choose one that gives you something to do together and enough room to talk.
1. Check out a garage sale
Even if you don't find anything worth buying at a garage sale, you'll still find items worth talking about. The weird, the unique, the just plain crazy, all of them and more are out there somewhere. It just takes someone like you and your partner to find them. Also, this is one of those fun date ideas you can make a tradition of year after year after year. And, you never know, you may find that one great item you can take to Antiques Roadshow.
2. Visit an animal shelter
If you're both thinking about getting a pet or two, head to a shelter. These animals just want a good home, and it's a great opportunity to bond with your partner by bringing some lonely animals joy and maybe even taking one home with you! I rescued our cat from an animal shelter and there is no better feeling in the world than giving a pet a warm, loving home to enjoy. And having a pet brings long-term happiness to the relationship.
3. Volunteer together
Is there a cause you're both passionate about? Or a new one you're inspired to help with? Doing what you care about is even better when you're doing it with someone you care about. It's a great way to connect and see the compassionate side of another human being.
4. Visit a public garden
If you and your partner are looking to take a stroll and enjoy some well-maintained spaces, then public gardens are a great option. They're peaceful, beautiful, and will let you enjoy their space at your own pace. Another idea is to go on a hike together or walk the beach. Any of these ideas makes for a great afternoon date. Watching the sunset is also a great way to transition from a day date into a fun or romantic evening.
5. Feed ducks at a pond
Head to a local pond and bring along some duck feed. Relax on the bank and take in the day with your partner while seeing how many ducks you can get to enjoy the day with you. When I was a child, my grandparents used to take us to feed the ducks. It is one of my childhood cherished memories and it can be a great date. Just make sure that what you feed the ducks is approved. In our day, we fed stale bread. Go online to make sure you do what's best for the ducks.
6. Go roller skating
If you're looking for something a little less daring than ice skating but still a good, cute date idea, try a roller rink. You might have to drive a little way to get to one, but you and your partner will get to enjoy a nice throwback while roller skating together beneath the lights and music. Holding hands was the best part of roller skating at a rink when I was a kid. I bet you'll enjoy it, too!
Keep a Few Low-Cost Ideas Ready
For another round of options, browse these adventurous date ideas and scale them to fit your budget.
Date Deck® gives couples 52 prompts at different price and adventure levels. Pick a card, make any adjustments you need, and spend the saved planning time together.
