Who doesn’t like to feel glamorous and get dressed up for a night on the town? But truth is, you can have some amazing, beautiful and memorable dates without the price tag. Check out some of our suggestions for Top 10 Best Free (or super cheap dates).
1. Bowling or Roller Skating. This may seem obvious but, it is always a good time for a good price. Find the location nearest you and enjoy laughing and trying out your moves! (I never could skate backwards-I should give it another shot.)
2. City Wide Scavenger Hunt. There are companies that offer this service for a fee but I find it just as satisfying to create your own. Cut s sheet of paper into 20 strips long strips. Divide the strips between one another, 10 each. On the each strip write a location and item or activity. Combine all of the strips into one jar. Give yourselves a time limit. Hop into the car and take turns drawing out the strips. Do the activity and take a picture. Try to let the partner that did not write the strip be the lead while the other takes the picture or does the driving. See if you can finish all the strips in the time period you gave yourself. This is a fun and hilarious date and the pictures will always make you smile. Just to get you started here are a few examples of what your strips could say: At the grocery store find a package that has an elephant on it. Go to the park and do the monkey bars; Or see if someone will let you pet their dog. The possibilities are endless! Of course, please be wise! But have fun.
3. Nature Hike. Nothing like an outdoor hike. Depending on the time of year and your location, wear the proper attire an enjoy a little exercise together. This does not have to be an extremely challenging experience rather some physical fitness fun. A few pointers: Don’t go on an empty stomach but certainly don’t go full. Make sure you are hydrated and you have appropriate footwear. Unless you are an avid hiker, please stay on the trail. And always listen to your body. If you are not accustomed to a moderate or high level of physical activity consider working up to this date. The idea is that it is new, fresh and fun. Not that it is discouraging, frustrating and miserable. Have a good time, laugh and when you have had your share or this experience, be willing to call it good and go get a vegetable smoothie (or an ice cream cone-whatever works for you).
4. Museum or Scenic Landmark. What a beautiful opportunity to learn and grow together. Museums, Galleries and other Scenic landmarks are often open to the public for very little to free. Peruse the sculptures, painting and history. Share your thoughts. You may be surprised by what you discover about your partner.
5. Car Top Picnic. Picnics are always sweet, thoughtful and romantic times together. Have a playlist for the occasion. Consider some interesting conversation starters or a game. For example bring two cheap notepads and both of you try to draw the same object, person or scene and see who's is better; Or come up with 3 random questions for the other to answer, "If you were a DJ but could only play one record for the rest of your career, what would it be?" or "If you won the lottery, who would you not tell (The IRS is not an option)? If you meet 3 television stars from your childhood, who would they be?" A few tips to make the date even better: Bug spray is a must. Don’t forget your cutlery, condiments and napkins. Its also nice to have some hand sanitizer or wet wipes. If you can find something small to keep those pesky corners from flying up and (not so obviously) a small trash bag would be great! You are a pro! And don’t be afraid to mix it up a bit: Try a picnic in the bed of the truck or on the hood of the car. You could even do it at different time of day like sunrise with coffee, breakfast tacos and fresh fruit or a sunset desert basket with all your partner’s favorite treats!
6. Backyard Camping. Some of us may not be all in for a camping trip in the middle of the forest (although some of may) but for those that may shy away from the former option try backyard camping. Pitch your cozy tent in the backyard, complete with sleeping bags and a cooler full of food. This is not an option for everyone: depending on what type of home you live in or what part of the country. But for those that are able to accommodate, it will make for an interesting evening. And the more sold out you are, the more fun. Wear your PJ’s, use a lantern and traditional flashlight, look at the stars (make sure you have that mesquite screen though). Talk, cuddle, relax. All with the benefit of still having access to a flushable toilet and a hot shower in the morning…or later on that night depending on how long you last.
7. Sexy Game of Strip Poker (or Go Fish). This can be a fun, low pressure way to have an evening in or an exciting game to stoke the fire in the relationship. Whatever works for you! Come to the table dressed in as many layers as you can just for laughs or raise the stakes to a sultry, competition of cards. Do what makes you feel comfortable and connected.
8. Cooking at Home. Fun in the kitchen! Determine as a couple what you would like to prepare. You can attempt to recreate your favorite restaurant meal together for under $10 or try your own version of “Chopped” with what is in your pantry. If you decide to venture outside of the canned soup, green beans and tuna in your pantry, do your best to stick to your budget as this can become a pricey venture. Go to the grocery store and get the ingredients you need. And head back home to give it a try. No television or movies playing in the background. No social media. Only the recipe (maybe some pre-selected music you both enjoy-so you are not spending your time skimming through your playlists), good conversation and a lot of laughs. Remember for all of my perfectionists out there, the point is not the ‘ideal meal,’ it is the enjoyment of doing it together. (But I do hope it is at least edible)
9. Couples Massage. What a welcome relief a massage is! Try offering to one another it for an relaxing night in. Set the tone with calming music, towels, body oils, lotion and diffusers for a calm evening (or day date). Set a timer so each partner gets the same length of time. Consider learning some different techniques prior to the massage and asking your partner what they prefer or if they have any particular area they would like to focus. Listen to their needs, they may have an ache you were unaware or an area they need attention on that you may have not considered. For example, you spouse may be a teacher, accustomed to standing all day, so you may assume his feet massaged but you may also find out his calves really need some work. Or, she works in a corporate office so you may think her neck aches, which it may but her hamstrings may also be tight from sitting at her desk. So ask! What feels good? Too much pressure, to little? It’s a great way to connect! Side note: Make sure the massage is not mistaken for foreplay (at least until) both partners have had a full massage and do not feel guilty if you must gently wake up your partner from a massage nap (I fall asleep every time)-it just means you did a great job!
10. Dream Drive. Grab your favorite snacks, fill the car up with gas and go on a drive. In the car talk about some of your new goals or things you would like to do together. Drive to three different places: 1. To a place that holds special memories and symbolism for you as a couple (ie. Where you had your first date or the church where you met a group of friends that have become your support system) 2. To a place you want to create or recreate a memory (ex. The park where the last time, his allergies were bothering him so badly we couldn't stay or the sandwich shop she couldn’t go in because it was closed for remodeling 3. To a place that you envision for your future (The neighborhood you want to move to, the car lot of your spouses dream car, the location for the new office). Talk, Laugh, Pray. Enjoy.
Try some out for yourself or be creative and come up with some on your own! Quality time together is important so make your spouse your boyfriend/girlfriend again and have a little fun!
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