56 Cheap Date Ideas That Are Gua-Ran-Teed to Be a Blast!

Get ready to score some major brownie points with these amazing, budget-friendly date ideas!

Who even said date nights have to be a money rainfall? 🤑💸 You don’t have to book a 5-star restaurant or jet off on a romantic getaway (though that sounds amazing) to spend quality time with your special someone.

Believe it or not, some of the most memorable moments happen in the simplest ways – like enjoying a homemade meal by candlelight or stargazing in a cozy blanket fort.

I mean, let’s be real, things might be tight, but it doesn’t mean your love life has to suffer! Why worry, babe, here are some adorable, cheap date ideas that will rock your world and keep your wallets happy and full!

These dates won’t just be easy on your wallets, but they’ll be the perfect mix of fun, laughter, adventure, and romance! 🥰

So, grab your S/O & let’s dive into these cheap date ideas extravaganzas!

1. Target/Walmart Scavenger Hunt

Unleash your inner detectives! Create a list of quirky items or fun challenges to complete at your local Target/Walmart. The first one to check off everything on their list wins, and loser buys ice cream!

2. Take a Dip in a Hot Water Spring

Chillax in nature’s very own hot tub! Hit up a nearby hot water spring and soak up the good vibes with your partner. It’s all about relaxation and reconnecting, y’all.

3. Truck-Bed-Stargazing

Starry nights, warm blankets, and loads of cuddles! Fill up a truck bed with pillows and blankets for the ultimate DIY outdoor movie experience—just you, your boo, and the cosmos!

4. Play Strip Jenga

Spice things up with a classic game of Jenga—with a twist! Each time a piece is removed, the loser removes an article of clothing. Just remember to keep it PG-13, folks!

5. Build Legos Together

Tap into your inner child and get ready to construct your dream Lego lands together! Spend hours laughin’, buildin’, and bondin’ over your very own block masterpieces.

6. Attend a Local Open Mic Night

Support your local talents while enjoying a night of laughs, tunes, and spoken word. It’s edgy, artistic, and super affordable—maybe you’ll even get inspired to hit the stage together? 🔥

7. Picnic in the Park

Who doesn’t love a good picnic date idea?! Head to your favorite park with a basket full of goodies, a cozy blanket, and your favorite tunes. Soak up the serenity and relish in each other’s company.

8. Rent a Kayak for a Day

Channel your inner adventurers and hit the waters together! Rent a kayak and spend the day paddling, racing, or exploring nearby coves and islands. Sunscreen is a must, peeps!

9. Do the Biggest Puzzle They Have at Goodwill

Brain power, engage! Hunt down the most massive, head-scratchin’ puzzle you can find at your local Goodwill and spend the day piecing it together. Winner gets bragging rights for LIFE.

10. Open House Hopping

Why not crank up the fun by attending open houses in your area – like a treasure hunt for dream homes? Admire fancy architecture, guess the prices, and plan your future crib while having a blast.

11. Costco Sample Day Adventure

It’s time to level up your shopping game. Hit Costco on sample day, fill up your tummies on free grub, and enjoy a low-key scavenger hunt for the best deals! It’s dating and saving heaven.

12. Hike Your Hearts Out

Grab those sneakers and explore mother nature’s beauty with your bae. Hiking can be a great bonding experience and a fantastic way to snap adorable couple pics.

13. Go Thrift Shopping and Build an Outfit for Under $25

Hit up your local thrift stores and unleash your inner fashionista! Create stylish outfits for each other and challenge your creativity while staying under a $25 budget. Who knows, you might find your go-to date night outfit by shopping smart!

14. Make a Couple’s Bucket List

Let your imaginations run wild by creating a bucket list together. Brainstorm those “must-do” experiences you want to share as a couple and make plans to slay them together. Pro tip: visualize those moments with Pinterest boards!

15. Wine and Game Night

Dust off those board games or break out the consoles, and pair your gaming session with some tasty vino! Up the ante by turning it into a friendly competition, where losers face hilarious consequences—or sweet rewards.

16. Go Skinny Dipping

Let loose and take a daring plunge into your local pool, lake, or even a secluded beach. Feel the thrill of freedom (and forgo the swimsuits!) as you make a bold, adventurous memory together.

17. Midnight Bike Ride

Ditch Netflix and peddle your way through the city with a midnight bike ride. It’s adventurous, heart-pumping, and perfect for those nights when you want to live life like a rom-com protagonist. Plus, most cities offer free bike rentals!

18. Beer Tasting Fun

Skip the mainstream dinner and explore local breweries for a cheeky beer tasting spree. It’s a perfect combo of relaxation, flavor explosions, and getting to know each other’s tastes.

19. Adult Coloring Book Escape

Grab some adult coloring books, your fave crayons or markers, and bring out your inner Picasso! Have a doodle war, or better yet, team up to create a masterpiece together. So go on, channel those vibrant vibes!

20. Have a Water Balloon Fight

Heat things up with an action-packed water balloon fight! Fill up some balloons, arm yourselves, and let the epic splash battle begin. Loser has to prepare dinner or whatever you fancy!

21. Rocking’ Rock Painting

Simple, unique, and a total blast! Grab some smooth rocks (hello, nature!) and get ready to paint like your life depends on it. Paint each other’s portraits, or get quirky with cute creatures. Don’t forget to seal your love with a rock-solid high five!

22. Boom! At-Home Dance Party

You won’t believe how much fun this simple idea can be! Make a playlist of your favorite tunes and bust a move in your living room. Don’t be shy! Remember, dance like nobody’s watching!

23. Candle Decorating

Catch a fire with love! DIY candle decorating is the perfect way to add a personal touch to your love nest. Melt those waxes – together – and sprinkle in a dash of fun with colors, fragrance, and love!

24. DIY Progressive Dinner

Choose three of your favorite hole-in-the-wall spots and make it a progressive dinner! With a twist: appetizers at the first stop, main course at the second and dessert at the last. Taste different ambiences and cuisines while you spend your evening hopping from place to place.

25. Gingerbread Cooking Decoration

This one’s perf for those with a sweet tooth! Bake some gingerbread goodness together, and go wild with sugary decorations. Whether you’re a frosting fanatic or a sprinkle savant, this cheap date idea is gua-ran-teed to add some sweetness to your love life! 😋

26. Déjà Vu: First Date Night

Relive your first date feelings and recreate that magical evening. Reminisce over the flutters and giggles, and maybe even re-wear the same outfit – a sentimental trip to your love roots!

27. Drive-in Movie Date

Forget the expensive cinema tickets – it’s time to go old-school with a drive-in movie night! Pack up some blankets, pillows, snacks, and your S.O., and set off for an epic night under the stars. Just make sure you don’t end up in Planet Makeout!

28. have a penny Date

This one’s got surprise written all over it! Grab a penny, heads means turn left, tails means turn right, and let Lady Luck decide your date night destination. Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Penny for your thoughts!

29. Face Mask Bonanza

Get your glow on, gorgeous! Enjoy an evening of pampering with face masks, self-care rituals, and one-on-one time. Because, let’s face it (pun intended), there’s nothing better than looking fab while love takes over!

30. Feed the Ducks

Find a nearby pond and make some feathered pals! Bring along some duck-safe foods, and you and your sweetheart can have a quacktastic time bonding over nature. It’s gentle, cute, and perfect for a stress-free date day!

31. Have a Snowball Fight

Bundle up, grab your gloves, and channel your inner child! A good ol’ snowball fight gets your hearts racing, flushes cheeks, and most importantly, ends with hugs. Who knows, you might even find a snowman to serenade your love!

32. Pickup Line Showdown

Flex those witty muscles and challenge each other to a pickup line showdown! The goal? Making your date laugh – or cringe! Google some cheesy lines or come up with your own irresistible one-liners. This date idea will have you both in stitches.

33. Plan a Beach Sunset Picnic

Pack your favorite snacks, a cozy blanket, and head to the beach for an unforgettable sunset picnic. Enjoy the sun’s stunning finale while sharing nibbles and sweet, intimate conversations.

34. Firefly Chasers

Find a field, park, or meadow, and trace the twinkling fireflies hand in hand. Capture the magical bugs, set them free, and watch ’em fly. A perfect summer night activity!

35. Cozy Up Around a Bonfire

Gather some wood, make a fire, and snuggle close as you share stories under the stars. Don’t forget the smores – roast marshmallows, indulge in gooey goodness, and create memories that’ll leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

36. Channel Your Inner Olympian

Host your own mini-Olympic games in the park for a day of good ol’ competition. Challenge each other in frisbee, hula hoops, or even bring back the classic egg-and-spoon race! The winner gets to pick the next date idea. Game on!

37. Let’s Get Driving

Discover new roads with your better half! Set out for a long drive with your favorite tunes on the playlist, and don’t forget to catch a mesmerizing sunset together.

38. Roleplay Dates

Channel your inner actors and roleplay as different personas or favorite fictional couple on a date. Switch things up and enjoy an alternate universe romance escapade.

39. Finger Paint your Love Story

Unleash your inner Picassos and create a masterpiece together using finger paints. Fun, messy, and romantic – it’s a win-win scenario for an unforgettable night.

40. Play “Tourist” in Your Own City

Pretend you’re a tourist exploring your local scene and hit up all the iconic spots to snap some epic selfies together. Whether it’s a local landmark or that notoriously kitschy photo-op, it’s a cute way to rediscover your hometown and each other.

41. Bubbles, Bathtime, and Bliss

To end on a cozy note, draw a scented bubble bath, complete with candles and rose petals. Soak in relaxation and love with your beloved, and see where the night takes you!

42. Secret Spooky Date

For those who enjoy the occasional thrill, plan a secret spooky date. Visit a haunted location, watch a scary movie marathon, or make a bonfire and share spooky stories. As an extra touch, pack some s’mores to keep the scare level in check.

43. Be Art Critiques For a Day!

Look no further than your local art galleries or museums that offer zero-cost entry for a culturally enriching experience. Impress each other with your opinions on paintings, sculptures, and installations.

44. Food Truck Foodie Adventure

Put together a tantalizing tour of your city’s food truck scene. Nothing says romance like sharing a mouthful of scrumptious bites and discovering culinary treasures on wheels — plus, it’s hella cheaper than a fancy dinner!

45. Strike a Pose in a Photobooth at the Mall

Channel your inner model, find a photobooth at your local mall, and strike some poses! Get creative with silly faces and goofy poses for a fun, lasting memento of your date.

46. DIY Masterchef Cook-off

Step into the kitchen and challenge each other to create a delicious masterpiece using only ingredients found at home. Put your culinary skills—and love—to the test in a cook-off that’s bound to tantalize your taste buds.

47. Visit a Dog Park

Head to a nearby dog park and enjoy the furry love! Play, pet, and chill with the pups while bonding with your date over your mutual love for these adorable creatures. Don’t have a pup? Borrow a friend’s!

48. Take a Free Art Class Together

Channel your inner Picasso by hitting up free art workshops at your local library or community center. Get your hands dirty with painting, pottery, or even origami, and watch your creative passions ignite your love connection.

49. Retro Arcade Night

I mean, who doesn’t love Pac-Man and Space Invaders? Show off your mad gamer skillz and get your digital flirt on at a nearby arcade. Winner gets to pick the next date idea!

50. Stargazing

I swear, a romantic stargazing date night is my personal fav! Grab a cozy blanket, a couple of bevvies, and head to a nearby park or rooftop to marvel at the dazzling night sky. Make wishes upon shooting stars and create your own constellations — the flirty cosmic vibes are sure to have you starry-eyed.

51. Themed Movie Marathon

From iconic rom-coms to epic superhero flicks, pick a movie genre both of you love and binge-watch your faves all day long while snuggled up on the couch with delish homemade treats. ‘Cuz sometimes, lazy can be lovely!

52. DIY Wine Tasting

Skip the expensive wine tasting sesh at a vineyard and create your own at home! Grab a few bottles of inexpensive wine, a baguette, some cheese, and do a blind tasting. Compare notes and enjoy getting a lil tipsy together!

53. Play “Would You Rather?”

Soft jazz in the background, dimmed lights, and asking hilarious and thought-provoking “Would You Rather?” questions can open up brand new layers in your relationship, all while having a ball playing a classic game.

54. Hit Up the Farmers’ Market

Stroll hand-in-hand through your local farmer’s market, sampling delicious bites and meeting the friendly sellers. Grab some fresh produce to whip up a delish homemade meal together — two chefs can cook in the kitchen!

55. Volunteer Together

Bond over doing good together. From helping at a soup kitchen to walking pups at an animal shelter, sharing your time and compassion can elevate your connection on a deeper level.

56. Outdoor Sports Session

Get physical by trying out a new sport or outdoor activity together. Canoeing on a serene lake or biking through a lush trail is both a fun and healthy way to feel those butterflies all over again.

And there you have it! Tons of fun, engaging, and budget-friendly date ideas to keep the sparks flying without emptying your bank account.

In the end, remember—it’s not the money you spend, but the memories you create together that make it extra special. Happy dating!