Check out some cheap date ideas (in no particular order)—good for new and mature couples. Having fun does not mean you need to blow your whole budget; it just requires some creativity. You can thank me later.

1. Have a picnic in the park. Breathe in some fresh air, feel the sunshine warm your face and take in the scenery. Pack some sandwiches, a bottle of wine and enjoy each other’s company. One of my favourite things to do in a park is to blow bubbles—a highly underrated activity, but one of life’s simple pleasures.
2. Cook a meal together. Instead of going out for an extravagant meal, why not cook (or at least try to cook) a gourmet meal in the comfort of your home? Play some soothing music, and cut, dice, and simmer until your delectable concoction is ready to eat. Set the mood by using a table cloth, some fresh cut flowers from your garden and candles.
3. Go in-line skating or biking. Get some exercise with your special someone and explore the trails in your neighbourhood. Stop off at the corner store for a refreshing slush or ice cream.
4. Watch movies the budget-conscious way. While renting movies at your local movie store is still cheaper than paying full price at a theatre, there are still cheaper options. Your local library likely has a whole collection of new and classic movies that you can rent for free with a library membership. Or wait until the movie you want to see hits the cheapie theatres.
5. Visit your local farmers’ market. A great way to take a leisurely stroll and people-watch, a farmers’ market provides an enticing array of sights, smells and sounds. Snack on some kettle-cooked popcorn and pick out some fresh produce for your next meal while walking hand-in-hand with your loved one.
6. Take a mini road trip. Close your eyes and point to a place on your local map; this is your destination for the day. Fuel up, pack some snacks and enjoy the journey. A road trip brings out the spontaneity and adventure you might need to spark up the relationship.
7. Enjoy breakfast, coffee, or lunch. Dinner is by far the most expensive meal when dining out, so try to save a few dollars by going out for breakfast, coffee or lunch instead. A breakfast/coffee/lunch date allows you to enjoy the daylight hours together. Or if your date is going badly, it provides an excuse to leave early as in, “Oh, I have some errands I need to run.”
8. Volunteer at a local charity or event. Not only will karma thank you for volunteering your time for a good cause, a volunteer date is a good ice-breaker (i.e. none of the awkward silences typical of a dinner date) if this is a new relationship as you will be focusing on a task. Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people.
9. Build or make something. Whatever project you decide to tackle, make sure the two of you are both participants. Whether you decide to build a simple birdhouse, bake cookies, or paint a room, the point is to have fun together while working towards a common goal. Enroll in some DIY classes at your local hardware store to kick-start your project or give you some ideas.
10. Go to the zoo. Unless you have little ones at home, you likely haven’t gone to the zoo for many moons. A visit to the zoo will bring out the little kid in you and provide an excuse to admire the pretty animals and eat cotton candy.
11. Go for a walk. On the beach, on trails, or in your neighbourhood, walking is an excellent way to get some fresh air and exercise. Walking makes you slow down and notice things that you normally would be oblivious to. Some of my best conversations were had during walks.
12. Play masseuse for an hour or two. Nothing like some tender loving care to re-kindle an old romance, or provide an excuse to put your paws on each other for new lovers. Purchase some inexpensive massage oil and work your magic. Make sure you both are comfortable and respect each other’s limits.
13. Watch the stars. Star-gazing is one of the most romantic things to do. You, your sweetheart, and a blanket in the dark. Bring a bottle of wine for some extra fun.

***

This post is featured on FIRE Finance.