If growing inflation causes you to avoid run-of-the-mill date nights, then we can have your back with some super fun yet zero-spend ideas. From walking down a path of nostalgia by browsing through old albums to hopping around the free state parks, we have got you covered with some of the best ideas.
1. Take a nature hike
Exploring nature together can benefit your relationship in a way you never expected. Other than being an excellent way to bond, this can also benefit your health in a great way. Various studies have already linked spending time amidst nature with improvement in mental health, reduction in stress levels, and heightened energy levels. You can even pack a sumptuous picnic lunch that you can enjoy at the top of the trail.
2. Visit a free museum
If it’s been quite a while since your last visit to the museum, then you can plan one with your better half. You will get several museums that don’t charge an admission fee and you are bound to enjoy the entire experience whether both of you are a history, art, or science buff.
3. Take a drive through nature
The beauty of nature can rekindle the long-lost spark in your relationship. Simply hop in the car and hit the open road till you come across a stunning stretch of mother nature.
4. Taste food samples at the market
If you are hungry but don’t want to spend on a restaurant date, then the delicious samples at your local market can cater to your tummy.
5. Read each other tarot cards
For a different experience, you can read tarot or oracle cards to each other and learn more about each other in the process.
6. Walk around a new neighborhood
Being a tourist in your city can be a pretty exciting adventure. You can take public transport and get off at a random station that you are unfamiliar with. If you and your partner want to spend a day with no inhibitions, then this date idea can serve as an excellent option.
7. Participate in a scavenger hunt
Browse through the internet or prepare your list with clues that outline the next stop you are seeking to find the ultimate treasure. The best thing about this date idea is that it is completely customizable whether you play it indoors or take the game outdoors.
8. Have a coffee date at home
Take a break from your daily chores by whipping up the frothiest Dalgona and sitting down with your beloved partner. This can be a great way to reconnect and chit-chat without breaking the bank.
9. Visit the local park
Get some fresh air as you hold a conversation with your partner at a local park. Though the thought doesn’t seem like an enticing one, you are bound to be surprised by how much fun you have at the end of the day.
10. Attend a free concert
Irrespective of your taste in music, you are bound to enjoy listening to live performances in the park. You can even bring along some foldable chairs, blankets, and picnic snacks to keep you company while you enjoy the concert.
11. Go window shopping
Downtown is always the most happening place to be no matter the city you are in. As you stroll around hand in hand with your partner, you can do a bit of window shopping.
12. Cook or bake together
If both of you are food lovers, then it will give you the utmost pleasure as you cook up a storm in the kitchen. You can prepare anything from cookies to the most complicated casseroles. The entire process will be a fun one and the most exciting thing will be as you get to enjoy your fruits of labor afterward.
13. Go stargazing
Stargazing is an excellent way of spending some great time with your special someone while appreciating the beauty of the night sky. All you need is some free time and a clear night sky as you lay in your backyard over a plush blanket and look up. You can take turns pointing out constellations and even try to find a shooting star.
14. Give each other massages
Investing time is the best thing you can do for your relationship. But if you are feeling all touchy-feely, then you can add a dash of aromatic oils and lotions to give other relaxing massages without leaving the house. While at it don’t forget to set the mood by lighting some scented candles as you prepare to unwind while giving each other a nice and long back rub.
15. Visit the library
Though this sounds more like a middle school excursion, you are bound to have an enjoyable time discovering each other’s preferences in books and favorite authors.
16. Watch the sunset/sunrise
Sunset is preferable if you aren’t an early riser. The scenic bounty of nature is bound to give your butterflies in your belly and make you feel super romantic.
17. Celebrate the year you met
You can also celebrate the year you both started dating or got married by watching a popular movie or listening to music from that year.
18. Go apple or berry picking
Have a blast picking apples in the fall and berries in the summer months. This activity can fill up your lungs with fresh air while taking time away from electronic devices and returning home with some delicious fresh fruits.
19. Feed ducks at a pond
If you are an animal lover, then you can have a gala time enjoying the little things in life. However, make it a point to skip the bread and treat the little duckies to lettuce, corn, or oats.
20. Visit a garden center
Being around flowers and greenery can lift your mood. You can plan your next date to the garden center and might even come home with a new planter that you might care for together.
21. Read to each other
Even the simplest of activities can help you make the most of your date night. You can read out to your partner be it romance novels or comic books. If you opt for the second option, then don’t forget to do it with some funny accents.
22. Collect from nature’s bounty
Make the most of your outdoor time by finding interesting pieces of nature and adding them to your collection. You can choose between fascinating rocks, fallen leaves, and shells.
23. Feed farm animals
If you love animals, then you can visit your nearest local farm to pet or feed them.
24. Build a blanket fort
A blanket fort can set the stage for the next part of your date whether you wish to have some coffee or watch a movie together. You will need sheets, blankets, and pillows to build a cozy sanctuary just for the two of you.
25. Pick up a new skill together
Learn a new skill from YouTube be it preparing a delicacy or sewing a crochet scarf. If you and your partner like doing DIY stuff, then this can serve as a viable date option.
26. Do some Karaoke
Whether you are a bathroom singer or the next Beyonce in the making, Karaoke can help you loosen up and have some fun. You just need to download the free apps and sing along. Alternatively, you can search for karaoke tracks on YouTube and play them on your speakers.
27. Play a game of poker
Find out if you can keep a poker face by engaging in the fun game of poker with your date. Make sure to wager with anything other than money to make it a no-spend evening.
28. Visit a local brewery
Take advantage of free brewery tours when planning your next date. If you aren’t a beer person, then you can also visit a winery. Stroll down the long aisles and you might even decide to bring home a bottle or two.
29. Dance the night away
Put on your dancing shoes and twirl around in your partners’ arms as some swoon-worthy music plays in the background. You can teach each other some of the coolest moves and even seek help from online sources.
30. Go for a swim
If it’s summer, then you can hit the lake, ocean, or public pool with your partner. Don’t forget to lather some generous amounts of sunscreen before stepping out.
31. Visit art galleries
Check out the display of both local and budding new artists at art galleries. Some galleries offer visitors free drinks and snacks; if you are lucky, you might get to munch on some.
32. Volunteer together
Whether you want to help out at a soup kitchen or play with puppies, volunteering can be an extremely fulfilling experience and also help you make some awesome memories along the way.
33. Camp in your backyard
Put up a tent in your backyard and get ready for a night of sitting by bonfires, snacking on marshmallows, and some chicken roasts. This caters to both romance buffs and adventure enthusiasts as it brings a subtle change to your mundane lifestyle.
34. Go Roller Skating
Roll around at a nearby park with your date after strapping on your roller skates. These can also help you do some ice skating in winter at a local rink.
35. Play basketball
Reveal your competitive side and challenge your special someone to a one-on-one showdown at the local basketball court.
36. Play video games
This no-spend date idea can help you engage in a fun activity and also bond with your significant other. If you are bored, then you can engage in this activity. If you aren’t a video game person, then you can also call it a game night with other games such as snakes and ladders, rolling dice, and more.
37. Hold a movie marathon
Grab some snacks and get ready for an evening of entertainment by playing your favorite titles. If you want to bask in the outdoor air, then you can visit a nearby park holding movie screenings.
38. Visit author readings
Author readings are regularly hosted by libraries and bookstores and can be attended for free. You can stay on the pulse of the literary community by visiting such events and spending a fun time while at them.
39. Test your dream car
Get behind the wheels and test drive your dream car at a local dealership with your date.
40. Hold a trivia night
Channel your inner nerd to impress your date by holding a local trivia night.
41. Play Truth or Dare
Engage in the childhood game of Truth or Dare. You will get to learn a lot about each other and have a total blast.
42. Go through old albums
Take a look at each other’s old albums containing funny to cringy pictures. This activity will keep the conversation flowing between you as you get to share some good laughs to understand each other’s different sides.
Conclusion
Planning the best night of the week doesn’t mean that you and your partner have to spend a bounty. Even the simplest of activities like the ones listed above can help you have a gala time without stressing about who is going to grab the bill at the end of the night.