Cheap and Unique Date Night Ideas

Going out to dinner and a movie is overrated and can often be quite expensive.

If you’re interested in more creative ideas for a fun date night that will wow your special someone without you needing to spend a fortune, you have come to the right place.

There are so many unique activities out there that either cost absolutely nothing or that are very cheap. Plus, these ideas are perfect for you whether you are going on a first date and need to make a good first impression, or if you are taking your husband or wife out for a fun activity to spice up your lives a bit. Regardless of your budget, there are plenty of fun date ideas compiled below. Check them out!

Also, keep in mind that if an activity is not free, it is a good idea to look for coupons or discounts before heading out. Sometimes there are certain days where you can score a big discount, or there may be a coupon available online that can drastically reduce the price as well. Doing a quick internet search may be all you need to find some great deals.

Sporty Date Ideas

Participating in a sport or other activity that gets you and your date moving can be a great idea! This kind of activity can spark some healthy competition, help you to get to know your date better and it can count as exercise do you don’t have to hit the gym later. It definitely cannot get better than that! Here are a few ideas:

• Go bowling.
• Head to the driving range to hit some golf balls.
• Ride bikes around your town (bonus points if you ride a tandem bicycle).
• Play tennis or racquetball.
• Roller skate of longboard around a local park.
• Try out an exercise class together. (Just imagine how entertaining a yoga or Zumba class could be with your date.)
• Take a dance class.
• Go mini-golfing.
• Challenge each other to a game of soccer or basketball.
• Head to a batting cage and see who can hit the most baseballs.

Foodie Date Ideas

Everyone loves food, so it makes sense to make it a focal point of your date! You do not have to make reservations at the fanciest restaurant in town to make your date happy. In fact, it is usually the food trucks or local dives that you visit that make the best memories. Head out on one of these dates and you will not be disappointed:

• Visit a farmer’s market and fill up a bag with fresh produce.
• Head to a unique ice cream shop and share a sundae.
• Find lunch-hour specials at restaurants and head out for a lunch date.
• Go to a coffee shop and order each other a new drink.
• Make sandwiches and take them to a park for a picnic.
• Find a food truck neither of you have tried before.
• Look up wine or beer tastings in your area (some places even offer them for free).

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At-Home Date Ideas

You do not need to go anywhere to create a fun date. In fact, you can even stay home and have a great time! There are tons of different activities that are perfect for a rainy day or a day where you both would simply rather stay home. So, invite your date over, or tell your partner you are staying in for the night, and try out one of these ideas:

• Find a free cooking video and set up your own cooking class at home.
• Host a board game night. (You can keep it just the two of you or invite a bunch of friends over for even more competition.)
• Have a video game competition.
• Cook your date a homemade meal and surprise them with it served by candlelight.
• Watch your favorite childhood cartoons or movies together.
• Set up a tent in your living room or backyard for some impromptu “glamping.”
• Quiz your date with riddles you found online or in a riddle book.
• Put together a puzzle while listening to a podcast or music.
• Have a baking competition by both making a dessert and having a friend determine the winner.

Artsy and Unique Date Ideas

Want to do something art-related or cultural? Looking for something totally unexpected and new? This can be a great way to spark up fun conversations and try something different. Plus, you can learn more about your date or partner’s favorite hobbies and interests, and you may discover new things about yourself as well! These ideas are bound to make for a great activity:

• Try out photography together in a unique location. (Whether you have a fancy camera or just use your phones, you are sure to have a great time!)
• Visit a free or low-cost art exhibit.
• Walk the dogs at an animal shelter together.
• Go to a free outdoor concert.
• Head to a thrift store to look at all the unique items you can find.
• Enroll in an educational class. (Usually local colleges or community centers have free or cheap classes you can take!)
• Volunteer at a soup kitchen.
• Sing at a karaoke bar together.
• Go people-watching at the mall or a carnival.
• Act like tourists and visit a historic site in your local area.
• Head to a museum. (Lots of museums offer free or discounted entry on certain days, just check beforehand.)

Outdoorsy Date Ideas

Get some fresh air and head outdoors for a fun activity. There are lots of free outdoorsy dates that can help you to connect both to nature and your special someone! Plus, most of these ideas are completely free. Check them out:

• Find seashells on the beach.
• Go for a scenic drive.
• Rent a canoe or paddle boat and head to the lake.
• Pick fruits or vegetables at a local farm.
• Take an umbrella and go for a walk in the rain.
• Go hiking.
• Grab a blanket and some snacks on a clear night and go stargazing.
• Feed the ducks or birds at a pond.
• Wake up early to watch the sunrise with a breakfast picnic.
• Go sledding or have a snowball fight on a snow day.

Of course, going to dinner and a movie can still be fun, but there are so many other date ideas that are less expensive and that can help you to get to know your date even better. Now that you have a whole bunch of different cheap date ideas that are sure to wow your date without breaking your bank, it’s time to ask that special someone out and have some fun!

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