Date night is wonderful, but it can cost a pretty penny when you’re going out to dinner, catching movies and hitting up local hotspots week after week. Everyone wants to make a good first impression, but date night doesn’t have to be expensive to leave your partner speechless.
Here are four creative and affordable ideas for your next date night that will give you plenty of time to snuggle up to your sweetie without having to blow through your budget.
Stargazing
This one requires a park, a picnic basket and not much else. If you want to be really romantic, you can pick up a book on constellations, but to save money and make things a bit easier, download an astronomy app like SkyView or Star Tracker.
All you have to do is point your device overhead and the app will tell you exactly what constellation is above you and your date; it offers free information on various stars, constellations, satellites and more!
Simply spread out a blanket, pack a picnic dinner and get ready to get lost in space!
Pizza And Painting
Pizza goes good with anything, but one way to really kick your pizza party for two up a notch is by creating something together. There are hundreds of step-by-step painting tutorials on YouTube, so pick up some acrylics and watercolors from your local Walmart or Target as well as a couple of cheap canvasses.
Order pizza from your favorite joint and munch on it while you paint together. If you want to add a dash of competition into the mix, choose a painting online and see who can replicate the work best. Winner gets the last slice.
If you’re especially pinched for cash or just want to have a more laid-back evening on the couch, turn your pizza dough into your canvas. Load up on a couple different cheeses, toppings, and cans of sauce. Unleash your inner Papa John and have fun sampling all your crafty pizza creations with your date throughout the evening.
Hit Up A Haunted House
Getting your wits scared out of you isn’t every couple’s cup of tea, but for horror buffs and thrill-seekers, a night out at a haunted attraction like City Of The Dead Haunted House can make date night unforgettable.
These events pop up all over the United States, and you’re able to pick your flavor of fear. From zombies in corn mazes to haunted circuses of terror, there are plenty of spooky attractions and they cost about as much as going out to dinner and a movie.
Go To A Poetry Or Book Reading
This is a great way to expand your cultural palette while spending time together. Book nights and poetry readings at local coffee shops, book stores and colleges are a great way to expand your mind while getting closer to that special someone.
Lots of community colleges host guest speakers from around the world; these range from authors to professors, but all of them are at the top of their field and offer an in-depth and engaging night of new information and thoughtful discussion, usually for only a couple bucks per ticket.
The best part about these type of events is that they give you something to talk about afterward, encouraging communication and deep conversation. Don’t be scared off if you’re not typically the brainy type; these events are a great chance for both of you to try something new together and learn something in the process.
What Do They Love?
Dates aren’t just about what you’re doing; they’re about who you’re with. Getting to know your date—whether this is your fist night out or thirtieth—should always be the ultimate objective.
Location isn’t the most important factor when it comes to a good date. The three key points to consider are:
- Conversation
- Entertainment
- Relaxation
As long as you’re able to converse in a place that relaxes you both and lets you be yourselves while having a good time, you’re almost guaranteed to have a great night. Whether it’s front-side at a sports game or just playing Monopoly at your kitchen table, make sure that you always make an effort to ask questions and learn more about the person you’re with.
When you truly commit your time and presence to your date, even sitting on a park bench with some dollar coffees can be a home-run.