Forget Restaurants Or River Cruises, These 7 Thrifty Date Ideas Will Impress Your Date Without Leaving Your Wallet Empty

Whether you’ve been married for decades or are trying to impress a new flame, taking your partner out for a date is a surefire way to keep the spark alive — or ignite a new one. But with “dinner and a movie” costing upwards of $100 in some cities, date nights can quickly become pricey. Don’t worry, though; there are plenty of ways to enjoy a fun and romantic date night without breaking the bank.

Now, cheap doesn’t necessarily mean boring. In fact, it pushes you to get creative with your planning, letting you come up with unique, left-field ideas that add that extra touch. Here are 7 affordable date ideas to try any day of the week.

Trivia Night at a Local Bar

Why not show off your smarts together? Many local bars offer free trivia nights. It’s a fun, engaging way to see how well you sync intellectually, all without spending more than the price of a pint.

Movie Night In Your Own Living Room

Who says you need a big screen to enjoy a blockbuster? Grab some popcorn, and a selection of your favorite candies, and cue up a movie on your streaming service. It's the perfect way to enjoy the cinema experience without the cinema price tag.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Nothing beats the simplicity and beauty of a hike. Whether it's a leisurely walk in a nearby nature preserve or an adventurous trek through the mountains, you'll enjoy stunning views and quality time together, completely free of charge.

Taste Test Challenge

Grab three varieties of your favorite snack from different stores and have a tasting contest. See who can pinpoint the best one! Or, for a twist, host a blind taste test with something fun like flavored jellybeans.

Bowling Night

Often overlooked, bowling is a fantastic budget-friendly date idea. Lace-up those quirky shoes, choose your lucky ball, and enjoy a playful competition. No bumpers needed – you’re all grown up now!

Cocktail Competition

Channel your inner mixologist and set up a DIY cocktail face-off. Gather some basic spirits, mixers, and a secret ingredient that everyone must use. Have fun mixing drinks and crown the best cocktail of the evening. It's a spirited way to spend your evening!

Monopoly Marathon

Board games are a fantastic way to spend an evening, especially when there’s a little wager involved. Play Monopoly and make a fun bet: loser buys dinner or drinks. It’s a great way to keep the stakes high and the fun rolling.