20 cheap (or free) date ideas

Raid the fridge, grab a blanket, and head to the park for a romantic date night that won't break the bank. A DIY picnic is easy to customize to your preferences — you can bring your favorite wines, and build a perfect charcuterie board — and offers the opportunity to spend a little time in nature with the person you care about. 

Many museums offer free entry on certain days of the week, and some are free year-round. Do a little research to find museums in your city, and make a plan to visit when you've got a free weekend. If you've got a little extra cash, you can always drop a donation to the museum to help keep its doors open. 

Fill up the car with gas, grab some snacks, build the perfect playlist, and hit the road. Whether just on the other side of town or a few hours away, a day trip is a perfect way to spend time together without spending too much cash. Plan to take goofy photos with nearby landmarks, or pick a destination with lots of fun (and free!) activities to keep the budget low. 

Whether you're new to town or have lived there for years, a scavenger hunt is a fun way to learn about your city's hidden gems. Make a list of 10 or so landmarks to hit, and plan to reward yourself with a delicious dinner once you've found all your targets. As a bonus, take plenty of photos and turn those into a fun collage or other mementos of your day together. 

There are few better ways to spend time with a person you love than working to make the world a better place. Find a nonprofit you both support, and sign up for a volunteer shift together for a fun day date that will also make an impact. 

Even if you're low on cash, you can still go on a fun shopping date that won't be much of a financial splurge. Set a budget — maybe $10 or $20 — and challenge your partner to a contest to find the best (or craziest!) item at a local thrift store or flea market. You might be surprised at the treasures you'll find. 

Getting outdoors together is always a good idea, especially when the weather is nice. Search local hiking trails in your area and find one that's best suited to both of your abilities, then head out for a day of exploring. 

Roller skating may not be as fashionable as it once was in the '70s, but it's still seriously fun — and inexpensive. Head to your local roller rink for a night of skating, and don't forget to stay on the floor for couples skate when those slow songs start playing. 

Heading to the spa is expensive, but pampering yourself at home isn't hard on the budget at all. Make DIY face masks, give each other shoulder massages, and light plenty of candles for a spa day with a nice, romantic ambiance. 

Looking to learn something new? Grab your partner and sign up for a class together. Whether it's cooking, woodworking, or a new foreign language, you might just find your (and your partner's) new favorite hobby. 

Most major cities have free live music on occasion, ranging from outdoor classical concerts to fun cover bands and everything in between. Check your local newspaper for free shows, and don't just limit it to music — free and cheap theatre performances, dance recitals, and comedy shows are also common. 

If you don't have the budget for a vacation, take some time to explore a new place that's just a few miles down the street. Head to a neighborhood you're not particularly familiar with, and wander around exploring the local businesses, restaurants, and other attractions — it's likely that you'll be surprised at the cool new finds along the way. 

When cash is tight, there's no better option for dinner and drinks than happy hour. Find the best food and drink specials in your city, and eat like royalty on a pauper's budget. (Don't forget to tip liberally, though.) 

This date idea can be tricky, but couples who love to get crafty can enjoy a DIY date creating something new. Whether that's repainting an old chair or building a shelf, the sense of satisfaction that comes at the end of finishing a project is totally unmatched, and often very romantic. 

Drag out those old board games and get ready for a competitive night in! When paired with a few bottles of wine and plenty of snacks, board game night is an excellent way to have a double-date at home. Invite over another couple, and let the games of Monopoly, Uno, and Catan begin. 

Even if you're not really into hiking, state parks offer plenty of recreational opportunities. Find one with a body of water for swimming or fishing, or plan a camping trip to a nearby park for the full outdoorsy experience. 

Even if you don't have a pool at home, it's possible to enjoy a day in the sun with your partner. Many hotels offer day passes for pool use, and most cities have some kind of recreational public pool. Grab your towels and sunscreen, and get ready to spend the day splashing each other. 

The best dates are the most creative dates, and nothing makes a person more creative than having to stay within a tight budget. Grab $20, and try to plan the best date possible within that price range, whether that's seeing a matinee movie together and sharing popcorn or browsing a used bookstore to find the perfect book for your partner. 

Is there anything more romantic than a night under the stars? We think not. Grab a blanket, an extra jacket if it's cold, and drive out to a rural area nearby a few hours after sunset for a stunning showcase of the skies. 

If your city has a minor league baseball (or hockey) team, tickets are often very affordable and the games are seriously fun. Spring for popcorn or peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and enjoy the bonding experience of cheering on the local team together.