When The Texan and I get away for a date night, I am always looking for a way to have fun while saving a bit of money. If you’re a parent, than you know that the cost of adding a sitter to a night out can really eat into your budget. When Stacey from Newlywed Survival contacted me about sharing ideas for fun and affordable date nights, I jumped at the chance to have her!

10 Fun and Affordable Date Night Ideas

Remember when you and your spouse were dating? You tried to spend as much time together as possible. You went out on dates every weekend; even if it was just to the movies. When was the last time you went out on a date with your spouse? If the answer to this question is anything other than “last week,” you need to start planning some date nights together.

For many couples, the stumbling block for date nights is money; they just can’t afford to go out every weekend. Here are 10 fun and affordable date night ideas. Pick one and spend some time together this weekend!

1. Browse a bookstore

   Go to a large bookstore and wander through the store. There are a ton of things to do in bookstores: read magazines, play with the toys in the kid section, or buy coffees and sit and relax.

2. Church spaghetti dinner night

   Local churches are always having dinner nights. For a relatively small amount of money, you can get a large dinner and sit and talk. Plus, your money will be going to a good cause!

3. Bowling

   Call a local bowling alley to find out if they have nights that are cheaper to bowl. Or, see if they have any specials like bowl two games and get one free.

4. Happy Hour

   Bars have cheap drink specials and appetizers during Happy Hour. You could even make a meal out appetizers!

5. Coffee house

   Go to a local coffee shop and talk. Places like Starbucks have really comfortable chairs and couches and even free wifi – you could stream a movie or TV show while drinking a latte. Or just talk and sip coffee.

6. Picnic under the stars

   Pack a blanket, wine, some munchies and head outdoors. You could even do this in your backyard.

7. Take a class together

   Look at schedules for local adult education programs. Is there something you would enjoy learning together? Maybe a dance class, or cooking class, or you could even learn to give massages.

8. Museum night

   Some museums charge less after a certain time. Wander a museum together and ask each other questions about the art.

9. College or high school play

   If you like the theater but can’t afford the expensive tickets, check out the schedules at your local college or high school theater programs.

10. Walk

    Head out for a walk together. Go to the mall and window shop, or stroll the streets of downtown. Just get out and be together.

Date nights don’t need to be expensive. The most important thing is spending time enjoying each other’s company.

Do you have any other ideas for fun affordable date nights?

 

Thanks so much for all of these fun ideas! I can’t wait for our next date night! Stacey writes for Newlywed Survival. Get more date night ideas and newlywed survival techniques on her blog dedicated to newly married couples.