10 Affordable Date Nights

Day 23 of the 30 Day Writing Challenge

Getting out these days can be expensive. Going to a restaurant can cost anywhere from upwards of thirty dollars if you’re going to enjoy a sit down meal. And that’s on the cheap. But dates sometimes means you’re paying for two, and maybe splurging for a drink or dessert. This can add up. And while this is the way to go (in my opinion) when you are getting to know someone, you’re going to eventually want to shift into more affordable dates.

Walk In the Park and Drinks

This one isn’t going to break the bank, and it’s romantic. Chose a park with a lot of trees or areas where you can stop and take selfies (say by a flower bed) and just stroll along hand in hand. You’ll have plenty of time for conversation and if you plan it right, you can either stop into a local pub for drinks, or buy a bottle of wine and have a glass or two once you get home. Fun, romantic and affordable.

Sport Night Date

You may not be able to go to the big game but you sure can make an event out of it. Put on your team jersey, hat or whatever else (can you tell I’m not into sports?) and snuggle up with your lovey. To make it even fun, be sure to get out the game night goodies. Nachos, chicken wings, pizza, all that fun stuff. The best thing is, you can cook these together and make the fun food a lot healthier too–think cauliflower wings made in an air fryer, blue corn chips with homemade guacamole and salsa. Essentially, this date is only the cost of food.

Beach Date

This is such a fun one! Walking on the beach, hand in hand, swimming together, rubbing sunscreen on each other and just being out in nature, it’s fun and romantic and likely my favourite kind of affordable date. Make a day of it and pack a picnic lunch (be sure to bring water) or if you feel like splurging a little, grab lunch in a small local restaurant.

Dinner Night Date

You don’t have to pay for a nice dinner. Make it yourself at home, together. You can make pizza from scratch, or a roast. There are tons of recipes online, and you can be as fancy or simple as you want to be. Dress up and eat at the table so that the dinner feels special. Maybe buy a special bottle of wine or play romantic music.

Bonfire Night

This a romantic one. Grab some blankets and marshmallows and enjoy a night outside by a fire. This can be safely done in your back yard if you have a fire pit, or on a beach or camp ground. There’s nothing like feeding each roasted marshmallows to cement the mood.

Wine and Cheese Night

You might be able to do this at local winery, or small Italian restaurant that offers charcuterie. It’s a nice treat and a good way to get cozy. This one is super easy to do at home too.

Spa Night

This one can be as simple as soaking in a bubble bath together to having a full blown night of relaxation and closeness. You can soak in the tub, break out the massage oil and even give each other facials. He might be more into skin care than you may think.

Go ON a Hike

A quick google search will likely help you locate some beautiful trails that aren’t too far from home. Throw your hair in a ponytail, grab your man and get hiking! It’s a great way to spend time together and enjoy nature too. You might even want to take some photos or use a plant or bird app to identify the bird songs and plants.

Stargazing

This one will be romantic and peaceful. Lie out under the stars (preferably not in the city) and just talk with each other as you soak in the beauty of the night sky. Bring bug repellent or this might be a bit of an itchy date!

Skating/Rollerblading

I can’t skate or roller blade but I wish I could because this would be such a fun date! So grab your skates and head out for a few hours of fun with your lovey. If you can’t skate, and he can, or vise versa, this is a great way to learn how to skate or rollerblade.

Final Thoughts…

Make time for each other! This is important in any relationship, especially a partnership. It’s easy to live companionably with your SO but sometimes a date night is a great way to connect on a romantic level. Your relationship deserves your time and attention, just like your partner does.

Have some other affordable date night ideas? Share in the comments.