51 Most Affordable Date Ideas to Help You Save in 2024
It has always been the thought that counts, and with the cost of just about everything on the rise, affordable date ideas are the key to keeping the fun and romance on a budget.
It’s not unheard of for an average dinner date to run you $100 or more, even for a fairly average place. But there are tons of first date ideas or stay-home date ideas to bring that spark to your relationship.
Getting a little creative can unlock a world of cheap date ideas or even totally free date ideas, so you don’t have to let the stress of inflation impact your relationship.
We know how crucial the act of dating is to new and longstanding relationships alike. Psychology Today reports as little as two hours of date activities a week leads to better relationship satisfaction, and no part of that date has to cost money to count.
This time alone together build up positive interactions to store in your relationship bank account (a fitting analogy) and a higher positive-to-negative interaction ratio is what helps the relationship stay strong. Even little things like taking a walk together or playing a board game can count towards your two-hour minimum.
If you’ve ever googled how to date without spending money? then this list is for you! Read on for some more creative and affordable date ideas.
Jump to Section
- Affordable Date Ideas Under $50
- Affordable Date Ideas at Home
- Affordable Date Ideas for Married Couples
- Affordable Date Ideas Outdoors
- Affordable Date Ideas for Teens
Affordable Date Ideas Under $50
1. Learn to Paint
Learning a new skill together is a great way to strengthen your bond, and paint and sip near you is the perfect affordable date idea. Sip on wine or beer while you tap into your creative side with a little guidance and support from an art instructor.
Check out paint and sip Boston, paint and sip Houston and paint and sip NYC (to name a few). Plus, once you get comfortable working with a given medium, you can continue your new passion project as an at-home date idea whenever you want.
2. Bust a Move
Set a romantic tone for the evening when you sign up for online dance classes from the comfort of your home or apartment. Learn professional methods for smooth rhythm and quick footwork as you and your partner discover the art of dance whether it be hip hop or salsa.
This affordable date idea is guaranteed to have you smiling and laughing as you discover who has two left feet and who belongs on Dancing with the Stars.
3. Browse Your Local Library
This affordable date idea keeps on giving if you end up taking a book home. Head to your local library and browse the latest releases or whatever has been catching your eye.
This is super cheap and easy to do. Even on a beautiful day, check out a book and find a seat in the shade to disappear into your book for a little while. You can even do a book swap with your partner for a fun way to get to know them and their interests better.
4. Visit an Antique Store
Going antiquing or thrifting can be immensely satisfying in a slow-burn type of way. You just might stumble across the perfect lamp or nightstand for your home remodel in the most unlikely places.
Even if you’re not shopping for a project, there are some really cool hidden gems from years past. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure!
This affordable date idea is perfect for when the weather isn’t nice enough to do something outside but you still want to be busy and productive. You can spend all day scouring a good antique market.
5. Explore New Food Trucks
Dining from a food truck is typically slightly more affordable than dining in at a nice restaurant. If you still want the feeling of going out to eat without the big bill, check out some local food trucks!
The other benefit to this affordable date idea is both people can have the type of cuisine they like in one place. Also makes for a wonderfully casual second date idea.
6. Get Dessert To-Go From Your Favorite Restaurant
You can save a lot of money by cooking at home, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a little treat! Rather than a whole night out of drinks, appetizers and entrées before dessert, which can get pretty spendy, simply swing by your favorite restaurant and pick up a to-go order of your favorite dessert.
The peanut butter pie from your favorite steakhouse is arguably the best part of the meal, and you sure won’t miss that overpriced steak with this affordable date idea. This is a great date idea in NYC, where the options are practically unlimited.
7. Play Trivia
Head to your local watering hole for trivia night to enjoy some friendly competition with your sweetheart. This affordable date idea is a super fun double date idea as well.
Choose a trivia theme that feels like your expertise and show off your knowledge over a beer or two. Plus, a lot of bars offer happy hour during trivia so snacks and drinks are discounted.
8. Teach Each Other Something
This can easily turn into a two-part affordable date idea, but teach your partner something new! Whether it’s a sport, cooking or cross-stitching, it translates to quality time together.
You just might find a shared interest, but at the very least you’re letting the person into a part of your world and vice versa.
9. Go Bowling
Another one of the OG affordable date ideas — bowling. A longtime favorite date night activity, head to your local bowling alley for a night of fun and laughter.
Even if you’re both bad at bowling, that’s hardly the point of a bowling date. Enjoy each other's company and do something you’re new at.
10. Rent Canoes (or Kayaks)
If you live near a body of water, switch things up and rent canoes or kayaks for a new experience. This affordable date idea is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, plus it requires a little bit of communication and coordination with your partner.
Whether you prefer canoes, kayaks, paddleboats or stand-up paddle boards, the idea is to get a little exercise and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Affordable Date Ideas at Home
11. Explore the Culinary Arts
Good food can be expensive! After all, you’re paying for years of training and the freshest ingredients. But you can still enjoy some phenomenal food and drinks from the comfort of your home, with the added bonus that you will improve your own cooking skills.
Online cooking classes and online mixology classes bring the leading experts into your kitchen for an easily digestible lesson on a subject of your choosing.
From chewy homemade pasta, smothered in slow-simmered sauce to spicy Indian street food or a perfectly smokey old fashioned after a fruity sangria from scratch, the world of possibilities is vast with this affordable date idea.
12. Do a Puzzle Together
Puzzles are a great way to occupy your hands and your mind in a way that doesn’t involve doom-scrolling or binge watching Netflix. Order a new puzzle online for an affordable date idea you can do at home.
Turn it into your Friday night ritual and enjoy a drink while the two of you chip away at a 1000 or 2000-piece puzzle. This can be a really romantic indoor date idea for a rainy day.
13. At-Home Spa Day
Pick up a few skincare products and enjoy an at-home spa day for a super relaxing and affordable date idea. It doesn’t take much to create a spa-like ambiance — a few candles, some soothing music and dimmed lights will have you kicking back in no time.
Give your partner a massage or DIY facial with whatever products you have on hand. This is an incredible Valentine’s Day date idea if you’re on a budget.
14. Have a Game Night
Board games used to bring the family together, now they’re seldom played. Plan an evening of chill date ideas and light-hearted competition with your lover by playing board games together. Have a few options to choose from and enjoy the challenge with this affordable date idea.
15. Make a Date Jar
Most people are at least vaguely familiar with date jar ideas, but if you’re not, the premise is that you write down a bunch of affordable date ideas or tasks so when it’s Friday night and you’re not sure what to do, you can pull out the date jar for inspiration.
The jar can contain any of your favorite activities from making a homemade Italian feast at home to playing a round of golf or exchanging massages.
16. Have Dessert in Bed
When was the last time you had a little treat in bed? Act like a kid again, just for the night, with this easy and affordable date idea.
Whether you make dessert or pick it up from a local spot, get cozy in bed and turn on a show while you enjoy a sweet treat that you can’t help but feeling a little naughty about.
17. Binge Watch a New Show
Nothing is cozier than a long afternoon and evening on the couch, binge-watching your favorite show. There’s nothing quite like that feeling of dying to know what happens in the next episode, so go ahead and indulge that for a night with this easy affordable date idea. Bonus points for stocking up with your favorite snacks.
18. Have a Bake Off
Nothing hits the spot quite like a freshly baked sweet treat, warm from the oven. Host your own bake-off at home for an affordable date idea that can be done just the two of you or as part of a fun double date.
Everyone bakes up their best baked good or their take on a classic recipe and you can enjoy a handmade treat with a cold glass of milk while you debate whose was better.
19. Build a Blanket Fort
It doesn’t matter how old you are, a blanket fort will always be fun. Enjoy a throwback to childhood by building a blanket fort and enjoying a movie on your laptop or board games inside. This affordable date idea is super easy and cozy for a night at home.
20. Play Dress Up
Turn your living room into a runway and model your latest purchases for your significant other. Enjoy a glass of wine and rate each others’ looks as you take turns trying on fun outfits.
Make things a little nostalgic by pulling out an outfit you wore on your first date or some other significant day from years past. This affordable date idea will have you giggling and admiring each other in no time.
21. Have a Wine & Cheese Night
Put together a smorgasbord of snacks to enjoy on your patio or your couch together with a glass of wine. This fun and affordable date idea makes you feel like you’re enjoying charcuterie at a swanky restaurant.
There’s no wrong way to do it, so include all your favorite sweet and savory items for a well-rounded snack-turned-meal. Explore some creative charcuterie board ideas for inspiration.
Affordable Date Ideas for Married Couples
22. Look Through Old Yearbooks
Take a trip down memory lane together with this affordable date idea that is sure to have you smiling and maybe even shedding a tear or two. Pull out old yearbooks or photo albums for a wonderful date idea for married couples.
Not only is it fun to take a look back at names and faces you haven’t seen in a while, but you just might find yourself inspired to call up a long lost friend.
23. Do a DIY Project
For some, tackling a home improvement project might sound like the opposite of a good time, but for others, the sense of satisfaction in accomplishing a task together is a worthwhile reward.
Have you been meaning to clean out the garage for months or you swore you were gonna re-paint the guest bathroom but haven’t gotten around to it? Set aside a day to check these items off your to-do list as a team.
This relatively affordable date idea might not sound romantic, but it’s all about spending quality time together and the sense of accomplishment when the job is done.
24. Cook Dinner Together
When was the last time you both worked together to make a lovely meal? Instead of cooking for your partner, cook with them. Buying your own groceries is generally more affordable than eating out and you probably will have some leftovers.
Find a couple of recipes online that sound intriguing and work together to figure out a new dish that you both will love. This is an affordable date idea that still gives you the feeling of going out to dinner as you sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor over candlelight.
25. Plant a Garden
Add some serious curb appeal by planting a little garden with your spouse. This affordable date idea gets you out enjoying the fresh air and working on a worthwhile task.
Whether that’s making multiple above-ground planters and filling them with veggies and fruits or a cute little herb garden in decorative pots, this affordable date idea will continue to pay off as you enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labor.
26. Write Love Letters
If you’ve been together a long time, it’s always nice to be reminded of how much the other person loves and cherishes you. And what better way to do that than by writing it down?
Think of it like re-writing your wedding vows. This affordable date idea will really have you both feeling loved and cared for. Sit in separate rooms and tenderly craft a letter to read aloud or swap with your partner.
27. Go to a Drive-In Movie
Just like the olden days, drive-in movie theaters still exist. This easy and affordable date idea gets you out of the house for a classic and cozy evening watching a nice film together. Pack your favorite snacks and drinks for maximum enjoyment.
28. Enjoy a Sauna or Hot Tub
If you are lucky enough to have your own hot tub or sauna at home, this becomes the easiest affordable date idea ever. If not, head to your local fitness club or sauna club for an afternoon of wellness together.
You’ll feel like you’ve left the spa when you’re done with a few rounds in the sauna or a nice long soak in the hot tub.
29. Take a Workout Class Together
When was the last time you went to the gym together? This affordable date idea turns an everyday, often solo task into a fun morning or afternoon.
Sign up for something that’s a little out of your comfort zone like cardio kickboxing or Zumba, then enjoy the laughs and a good sweat with your spouse. The endorphin rush will ensure your day starts on the right note.
30. Make Patio Drinks
Make the most of what you’ve got by turning your patio into a swanky rooftop bar or charming bistro. Simply mix up a cocktail or mocktail and maybe light a candle, then kick back and enjoy the view.
With hectic schedules, it can be easy to forget you’ve got a great setup right in your backyard that can be just as relaxing as going out for a drink.
31. Attend a Comedy Show
Nothing adds light and love back into your relationship like sharing a good laugh. For an affordable date idea, head to your local comedy club for an open mic night and take in some new talent.
You can always turn this into an at-home date idea by streaming a new comedy special.
Affordable Date Ideas Outdoors
32. Take in the Sunset or Sunrise Together
There’s something so magical and awe-inspiring about watching the sun come up or slowly sink beneath the horizon. The sky fills with pastel hues of cotton candy pink and purple or blazing orange and everything around you seems to melt away.
Sit in a park, on the water or in your backyard and watch the sunrise or sunset together for a totally free date idea that doesn’t skimp on romance.
Enjoy a beverage and maybe a snack together and just take in the beauty of nature, uninterrupted. Ramp up the romance by turning regular picnic date ideas into a sunset picnic.
33. Visit an Animal Shelter
Head to your local Humane Society for the ultimate affordable date idea. Some shelters allow you to take pups on walks or runs as a way to get them exercise and socialization.
Even if all you can do is hang out and give treats and kisses to these fur babies, it’s a guaranteed way to make your day.
Donating your time to a worthy cause while enjoying quality time with your lover is a win-win, and who knows? You just might click with one of the animals and find yourself with a new member of the family!
34. Stroll Around a Garage Sale
You don’t have to buy anything, but chances are you’ll come across some amazing deals or at the very least some interesting items that spark a conversation.
This affordable date idea is perfect for a beautiful Saturday or Sunday morning stroll around the neighborhood.
35. Go Hiking
Even if you don’t live in a mountainous state, there are stunning wooded trails or canyon beds calling your name on a beautiful, sunny day.
Enjoying a hike with your partner is a super affordable date idea that will leave both of you in a great mood thanks to the endorphins.
Tackle that challenging trek you’ve been eyeing or just enjoy a beautiful stroll around the lake.
36. Go Fruit Picking
In the fall, apple picking is all the rage, but all summer long you can pick berries for a sweet summer pie or just to snack on. This affordable date idea gets you in touch with nature and you feel like you have a fun little mission to accomplish together.
There are usually farms that offer all-you-can-pick berries for a low cost, but if you know of a secret spot in the woods with the juiciest berries, by all means!
37. Listen to Live Local Music
Depending on where you live, chances are good there are free concerts in the park or some variation of that happening in the spring and summer months.
They may not be Grammy-award-winning artists, but there’s something special about live music. Hang out at the bandshell or amphitheater and enjoy the free concert for an easy and affordable date idea.
38. Try Roller Blading
Try a bit of a physical challenge when you’re looking for affordable date ideas. Instead of walking or running, bring out your old, dusty rollerblades that you bought and intended to use several years ago.
It doesn’t have to be rollerblading specifically — roller skating, skateboarding or even biking apply here. Bike to get ice cream for a cute date idea for teens.
39. Attend a Street Fair
With the weather warming up, there are sure to be tons of outdoor markets and fairs for you to attend. This seemingly mundane task can be a fun affordable date idea with your partner.
Whether it’s strolling through the weekly farmers market or exploring the latest art fair, you never know what you might stumble across. Even if you’re not out to shop, you’re getting fresh air and exercise.
This could be a phenomenal date idea in Los Angeles where it seems to be farmers market season all year round.
40. Have a Bonfire
There’s something so relaxing and romantic about the warm golden hue of a crackling fire. From a crisp Autumn evening to a perfect summer night, it’s always bonfire season.
You can always include hot dogs and s’mores if you want to make it an affordable dinner date idea, but just hanging out by the fire under the stars is enough to set the tone for a magical evening.
41. Play Pickleball
The sport of pickleball is gaining popularity and new community courts and leagues are popping up all over town. In most cases, you can show up to community courts and play for free, you just have to wait your turn.
This makes for a fun team dynamic and a heart-pumping affordable date idea. You just might be the dream team and crush every team that dares to challenge you!
Affordable Date Ideas for Teens
42. Take a Pottery Class
Get your hands dirty with a new skill like pottery! There are tons of community classes that make for an affordable date idea where you can get into your creative side.
Make cute coffee mugs or other funky designs and paint with fun glazes for a memorable and cute afternoon together. You can take home your pottery creations for a fun keepsake, too.
43. Snack Swap
This affordable date idea is perfect for picnics or at-home movie nights. Before the date, head to a grocery store, ideally something like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods; anything that leans artisan or niche.
Choose your favorite salty/savory snack and your favorite sweet snack (maybe a beverage too?) and your date will do the same. Meet up for your date and present your favorite items to the other person and they will present theirs to you.
Enjoy them together in the fresh air or snuggled up watching a movie on Friday night. You can set parameters like the items must be from that given grocery store’s own brand.
44. Go Mini Golfing
Mini golf is one of the original affordable date ideas that has been around forever. Head to your local mini golf course for an evening of fun and competition with your sweetheart. It's a wonderful way to enjoy a nice summer evening together without breaking the bank.
45. Learn a TikTok Dance Together
There’s always something new trending and to give credit where credit is due, some of these trending dance moves take serious skill!
Devote an hour or two to nailing your performance together on a new TikTok dance for an affordable date idea for teens.
46. Make Milkshakes at Home
Turn your kitchen into a swanky ice cream parlor and make homemade milkshakes. The perfect treat to enjoy on a summer night. Add in fresh berries or get really decadent and make your own version of the chocolate cake shake.
This affordable at-home date idea is the perfect nightcap. You make the rules, so you can also opt for banana splits or ice cream sundaes instead.
47. Do a Blind Taste Test
For another TikTok trend, have a blind taste test at home. This is a funny and affordable date idea and you can make it whatever you like. Blind taste test sodas, chicken sandwiches or whatever sounds good.
You’ll want at least three options of whatever food or beverage you choose to keep things interesting.
48. Go to the Movies
Another old-school date idea, going to the movies can still be considered an affordable date idea. Even though famously the snacks and drinks at the theater cost an arm and a leg, you can always sneak in a treat from home or have a filling dinner before you go.
In many cities, there are special movie theaters that exclusively play old movies that have already left theaters and often the tickets are cheaper.
49. Sing Karaoke
While you might not be old enough to get into a karaoke bar, you can still enjoy a fun karaoke night at a friend's house. This fun and affordable date idea (or double date!) just calls for a bit of bravery and a microphone.
Belt out tunes from the 80s or 90s along with your favorite radio jam. You’ll be laughing and dancing all night long.
50. Make Your Own Scavenger Hunt
Get a little creative and set up your own scavenger hunt for your partner. Write your own clues and place them around the house or around school leading your date to a special surprise.
This often leads to a prom-posal, but it can just be a scavenger hunt that leads them to your favorite local ice cream spot or a romantic spot on the beach.
51. Make-Your-Own-Pizza Party
Ever wondered where can I take a girl for a casual date? How about an at-home pizza party where pajamas are encouraged? Get gourmet with your next pizza night and pick up the supplies you need to make fun and delicious pizzas at home.
This is just as fun as a group date, too. This affordable date idea is a built-in activity and meal that you know you’re gonna love. No fancy pizza oven is required as you can bake up a delicious pie right in the oven.
Dating can be stressful, whether you’re just starting out and wondering how do you date on a low budget? to planning dates after 10+ years together to keep the spark alive.
Whether you’re saving up for something big or just trying to stretch your dollar as much as you can, there are so many cheap date ideas at home or out in nature that will have you laughing and smiling with your lover.
It’s all about the time and effort spent on making any given activity special, not the dollar amount. There are so many ways to enjoy great food, live music and the arts on a budget.
For even more fun date ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
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