Dates are supposed to help people connect through fun and conversation. Whether you’ve just started dating, have been married for years, or just want to have fun with a friend, many go-to date ideas like dinner and a movie or drinks at a bar get expensive. If you’re looking to up your fun factor without blowing your budget, try these low-cost date ideas:
Paint-by-number kit
Paint-by-number kits aren’t just for kids anymore. Hop on Etsy or Amazon for order a pair of of canvasses for an easy, creative at-home date. For an added sentimental touch, order a customized kit designed from a photo of the two of you.
Cocktail making kit
Avoid the cold and the crowds by staying home and mixing your own cocktails (or mocktails!). You don’t even have to be a mixologist. Companies like the Cocktail Box Co. send you all of the specialty ingredients for classic cocktails moscow mules and mojitos while Shaker & Spoon focuses on specialty cocktails. To keep it cheap, use liquor you already have on your shelf or buy some minis!
Game night
Bring out each other’s competitive side (if you dare!) with a game night. You can play games you already own, borrow them from the library, or even purchase a new game for much less than the cost of a dinner out. Some popular two-player games include Jaipur, Splendor Duel, Fox in the Forest, and Patchwork. If competitive games are more likely to make different kinds of sparks fly, seek out a cooperative game like Paris: La Cite de la Lumiere or Code Names Duet.
Take a hike
Get fresh air and your endorphins flowing with a hike in a new location. You can stay close to home at a local park or go further afield. The Hiking Project and AllTrails are great resources for choosing a hike of the right length and level of difficulty for both of you. They also come with the option to use GPS to follow the trail since nothing sours a hiking date faster than getting lost.
Attend a free local event
Experience something new and see what your community has to offer by attending a free local event. Depending on where you live or the time of year, you could go to a festival hosted by your town, attend an author talk at your local library, or listen to free live music at a winery. Your options will be limited which might encourage you to try something new together that you wouldn’t have picked otherwise.
Try a new sport
For those couples who like a little competition, trying a new sport together can be fun. Pick a sport with a low startup cost like basketball, soccer, badminton, or disc golf and play some one-on-one at your local rec center. Raise the stakes with a friendly wager: the winner picks the next date!
