101 BEST Cheap Date Ideas for Affordable Fun

Looking for a great way to enjoy quality time with your main squeeze without spending much money? 🙂 Good news – here are 101 cheap date ideas that are perfect for any time of year! These dates are a great opportunity to create special memories without breaking the bank.

My boyfriend and I are always trying to find new things to do together. We’re both big quality-time people and love fun date ideas! BUT always going out for dates can be expensive!! So we absolutely LOVE doing cheap dates. Fancy dinner dates where we get to dress up are fun and all, but when you’re with your person, you really don’t need to spend a bunch of money to have a great time.

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SO – here’s a list of date ideas that you can do for relatively cheap! I’ve broken it out between at-home date ideas for cozy days indoors and out-and-about date ideas for when you want to get out of the house. Some of these are free date ideas while others you can still do on a budget. Hopefully it’ll inspire some dates for you! Don’t let money stop you from having fun – there are plenty of ways to have a good time on a budget 🙂

This post is all about 101 cheap date ideas.

Table of Contents

AT-HOME CHEAP DATE IDEAS
OUT-AND-ABOUT CHEAP DATE IDEAS

AT-HOME CHEAP DATE IDEAS

When the cold weather sets in, we always focus on finding a budget-friendly way to do something fun. It can definitely be a bit of a struggle because we’re more limited with being indoors. Cheap summertime dates are SO easy because there’s so many activities we can do in the nice weather! We would take walks, hike, play tennis, picnic… now, not so much. I don’t hate the rain, but it sure does make dates outdoors less enjoyable.

We usually have to get a little creative and find new ways to entertain ourselves when the weather is dreary. This list is definitely how we’ll be getting through the fall and winter. Don’t let the cold weather get in your way 🙂

1. Make your own personal pizzas

A fun way to cook and enjoy a meal together. Super easy – just grab dough, sauce, and whatever toppings you like.

2. Play video games together

Try an online game or classic video game! My favorite is It Takes Two!! SUCH a good couch co-op adventure!

3. Build a blanket Fort

Revisit your inner child by building a fort and watching movies together.

4. Movie marathon

Set up a movie night with popcorn and candy. Pick out the movies in advance. Very fun around holidays (ie. spooky szn).

5. Binge-watch a TV show

Pick a series and spend the night binging it! Limited series are the BEST for this.

6. YouTube karaoke

Sing your hearts out with karaoke videos on YouTube. Check out Sing King!

7. Learn a dance together

Follow a dance tutorial on YouTube or TikTok!

8. Do an at-home science experiment

Have fun with simple science projects from childhood.

9. Bake and decorate cookies

A sweet way to spend time together. Bake from scratch or buy sugar cookies and frosting.

10. Create presentations on something silly

Pitch your ideas to each other for laughs. Check this Reddit thread for inspo around fun powerpoint night ideas.

11. Do a puzzle together

Try a 3D puzzle for an extra challenge! Those are my favorites.

12. Create a time capsule

Fill a box with items and notes to open in the future. Put in cute keepsakes from your relationship.

13. Take online personality tests

Learn more about each other with fun quizzes. Some great quizzes: 16 Personalities and Enneagram.

14. Do crosswords together

Compete or collaborate on crossword puzzles! You can get a free trial of NYTimes or Apple News for a digital version.

15. Write a bucket list

Plan future adventures and goals together. Pinterest board if that’s your style 🙂

16. Plan out a vacation

Built out your next trip together. Pick out your dream hotel and key activities.

17. Set up an indoor picnic

Lay out a blanket and enjoy a picnic inside. Sitting on the floor can be fun!!

18. Play GeoGuessr

Explore the world virtually with this fun game. A way to see new things without traveling.

19. Compete in a card game olympics

Have a card game tournament.

20. Play a board game

Enjoy a game night in your living room. So many great board games for two!

21. Do a blindfolded tasting challenge

Get different brands of the same food and drinks. See if you can guess which is which, blindfolded!

22. Have a cook-off challenge

See who can make the best dish. Choose to either make the same or different dishes.

23. Read a fiction book aloud

Do character voices for added fun.

24. Set up a scavenger hunt

Create clues and hide items around the house for each other. See who finishes first!

25. Create a vision board

Plan your future with a visual collage. What are your dream homes, cars, and lifestyles?

26. Learn magic tricks

Impress each other with new magic skills.

27. Do an at-home spa day

Pamper each other with face masks and massages. Light a candle for the vibes.

Share memories and stories! Walk through your different eras.

29. Make playlists for different vibes

Curate music for different moods – sunny road trip vs a romantic dinner?

30. Have a romantic dinner

Cook and set up a nice dinner at home. Put on light jazz and light some candles for the ambiance.

31. Watch stand-up comedy shows

Find comedy specials on streaming services or YouTube.

32. At-home bowling

Use empty water bottles and a softball. Hallways are great for this.

33. Nerf battle

Have a playful Nerf fight!

34. Nerf target practice

Set up targets and compete.

35. Learn a new language

Start learning a language together. Duolingo is such a great app for this!

36. Do a themed cooking night

Choose a cuisine and cook a themed meal.

37. Play truth or dare

A classic game to get to know each other better 😉

38. Try the 36 Questions to fall in love experiment

Answer deep questions together. This is a great way to reconnect!

39. Follow a painting tutorial

Paint along with a video for an at-home paint & sip.

40. Make a scrapbook

Collect and organize memories in a scrapbook. You can get pretty cheap prints via Shutterfly!

41. Draw self-portraits of each other

Have fun drawing each other’s likeness. Use whatever medium – paint, markers, colored pencils…

42. Take a virtual tour of a museum or zoo

Explore museums or zoos online for free!

43. Print out coloring sheets

Relax and color together.

44. Try couples challenges on TikTok

Complete popular TikTok challenges!

45. Create a new recipe

Experiment in the kitchen with new dishes together.

46. Do an Airbnb experience online

Airbnb has a bunch of virtual experiences that are great for couples! Magic shows, cooking classes, you name it.

47. Pass the painting challenge

Get two canvases and trade them every 5 minutes. See what you two come up with!

48. Watch a live stream concert

Enjoy live music from home! So many great shows on YouTube.

49. Do a talent show

Show off your hidden talents to each other!

50. At-home taste test

Chocolate, candy, wine are all good choices for this!

OUT-AND-ABOUT CHEAP DATE IDEAS

Whenever we feel like getting out of the house (aka when the weather is super nice), we love finding budget-friendly ways to enjoy ourselves. There’s always great opportunities to explore our surroundings and try something new without spending a lot of money. Whether it’s a day date outdoors or a fun night out in the city, these ideas are perfect for creating memorable experiences together!

51. Picnic at a local park

Pack a lunch and enjoy a romantic stroll and picnic at your favorite spot.

52. Bike ride in a nearby park

Enjoy the great outdoors with a bike ride in a scenic area.

53. Go stargazing

Grab a blanket and find an open park to lay it down at night. Look for the different constellations!

54. Visit the local library

Spend a day date exploring books and works of art at your local library. Pick books out for each other!

55. Take a day trip to a state park

Explore the beauty of a nearby state park together. Bring snacks for the car ride 🙂

56. Grab ice cream

Get ice cream at a local shop and walk around afterward.

57. Explore a local museum

Many museums offer free museum nights that are perfect for a fun, budget-friendly date!

58. Watch the sunrise or sunset

Look for a great vantage point – a park, beach, or high point ina your neighborhood – and watch the sunrise or set together!

59. Attend poetry readings

Check out a local coffee shop or bookstore for poetry readings.

60. Go to a baseball game

Look for cheap nosebleed seats on a weekday. Share a beer and a classic stadium hot dog!

61. Take a scenic drive

Enjoy the city lights or a scenic area. Make sure you have a solid playlist!

62. Drive around new neighborhoods

See beautiful homes, find new favorite spots, and get inspiration for your dream house.

63. Visit a local college

Explore the campus and its attractions. Go on a free walking tour for fun!

64. Explore open houses

Check out open houses in your area to get some interior design inspo.

Share a few drinks for cheap during happy hour!!

Visit a few coffee shops and share a few different drinks and pastries.

67. Snack run

Go to the grocery store and pick out a few new fun snacks to try together.

68. Play tennis or pickleball

Head to a local court for a fun game of tennis or pickleball.

69. Have a beach or lake day

Spend the day relaxing by the water, swimming or sunbathing. Don’t forget sunscreen!

70. Go on a geocaching adventure

Discover hidden treasures using geocaching.

71. Volunteer together

Spend time giving back to the community by volunteering for a cause you both care about.

72. Do yoga or pilates outdoors

Practice yoga in a park or scenic area. YouTube has GREAT tutorials – our fav instructor is Move with Nicole!

73. Go on a run together

Get active and enjoy a run together in a nearby park or trail.

74. Play arcade games

Have fun playing old arcade games!

75. Go on a hike

Explore hiking trails and enjoy the great outdoors.

76. Walk around a farmers market

Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of a local farmers’ market. Pick up some fresh produce to eat together after!

77. Explore a botanical garden

Visit a nearby botanical garden and enjoy the beautiful plant displays.

78. Go to a drive-in movie

Enjoy a movie night at a local drive-in theater. Bringing your own popcorn, candy, and drinks is a great way to save!

79. Take a dance class

Find affordable dance classes or workshops in your area. Check Facebook for free events.

80. Attend a local/free festival

Enjoy the festivities and entertainment at a local or free festival. A simple Google search or browse on Facebook is an easy way to find these.

81. Visit a local observatory

Check out the stars and planets at a local observatory. Super romantic way to spend a night!

82. Explore a local farm

Spend a day visiting a nearby farm and learning about agriculture. Say hi to the animals 🙂

83. Play lawn games

Go to a nearby park and play lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball, or spikeball!

84. Visit a free art installation

Explore public art installations around your city.

85. Go for a romantic stroll

Enjoy a leisurely walk through a scenic area or park.

86. Check out a local open mic night

Support and discover local talent at an open mic night at a coffee shop or bar.

87. Go thrifting or find garage sales

Thrift shops and garage sales are great places to find unique and quirky items! Super budget-friendly too.

88. Explore a historical district

Take a self-guided tour of a historical district in your city.

89. Play board games at a coffee Shop

Bring your favorite board games to a local coffee shop and play together.

90. Forest Bathe

Immerse yourselves in nature with a relaxing walk in the woods.

91. Explore city murals

Take a tour of colorful murals and street art in your city.

92. Take photos of each other in a new location

Turn into photographers for a day! Use your phone to capture a few cute shots in a photogenic area.

93. Explore a local historic landmark

Visit a historical site or landmark in your area.

94. Have a BBQ at a nearby park

Grill up some delicious food at a local park with BBQ facilities.

95. Art gallery hop