If you aren’t rolling in dough, a trust fund baby, or happened to win the lottery, chances are pretty good that you have a budget.
There are certain things that are necessities, like shelter, food, utilities, etc. You know, the boring stuff that makes you groan every month, but you have to shell out the funds. But what about your fun fund?
A fun fund is your budget for things that aren’t regular bills—like eating out, going to the movies, and dating. Yes, dating costs money, and if you take a glance at social media posts and factor in high expectations, dating can feel like something that requires a pretty big budget.
First of all, stop comparing your dating life to social media influencers and their dating lives—making a connection with someone is NOT about how much money you spend. So, for those of you who are on the dating scene and on a tight budget, there are so many creative and affordable ways to kindle romance that won’t make you choose between dating or keeping the electricity on!
We put together some budget-friendly ideas that are both fun and cheap—you can meet someone special and keep your bank account in the black.
Budget-Friendly Date Ideas
We have 12 great ideas for great dates that are budget-friendly—some are even free!
1. Mystery Audiobook Evening
Love a good mystery? Why not spend an evening listening to a whodunit audiobook together? Turn off the lights, light a few candles, and let yourselves be transported into another world. You can find a ton of free or inexpensive audiobooks online, and they are perfect for a cozy night in.
2. Reverse Bucket List
Instead of creating a list of things you want to do in the future, do it backward and make a “reverse” bucket list of interesting things you’ve already done by yourselves or together. You can swap stories, photos, or any memorabilia you might have from those experiences. It’s a wonderful way to learn more about each other and reflect on your past adventures.
3. Silent Date
Challenge yourselves to go on a date without talking. How? By using only non-verbal communication to interact. This could be as simple as going for a walk, cooking a meal together, or doing a puzzle. The absence of verbal communication forces you to connect in new and creative ways, which will probably lead to some pretty funny moments.
4. Urban Exploration
Scout out abandoned or neglected areas of your city that are safe—the operative word being safe—to explore. Old buildings, deserted parks, or any place that time seems to have forgotten. If you’re artsy, you can take photos or sketch what you see.
5. Podcast Marathon with a Theme
Pick a podcast series or episodes from various podcasts that all have a thematic connection, like unsolved mysteries, heroic deeds, or revolutionary inventions. Listen together and pause after each episode to talk about whatever you heard. This is both educational and a way to discover common interests or new topics to explore together in the future.
6. Home Science Experiments
You don’t need to be a scientist to enjoy some fun experiments. You can easily find instructions for safe and simple experiments online using household items. Why not make a volcano with baking soda and vinegar or make homemade slime? Unleash your inner child (but wear safety goggles just in case).
7. Interactive Story Writing
Start a story and take turns writing paragraphs, building on each other’s contributions. The catch? Each new section can take the story in any direction. Once you’re done, read it out loud to each other. This is like Mad Libs for grownups, and depending on your sense of humor, the end result can be pretty hilarious.
8. Virtual Museum Tours
Did you know that a lot of the world’s most famous museums offer free virtual tours? Now you do, so pick one that neither of you has visited in person and check them out together. Talk about the artworks or exhibits that speak to you and why—it’s a cultured way to spend an evening, learning both about art and each other’s taste in art.
9. Flash Fiction Night
Set a timer for 20 minutes, and each writes a short, short story—flash fiction. Then, read your stories to each other. This creative exercise is not only fun but also gives you and your date a little more insight into each other’s thoughts and creative process.
10. “The Floor is Lava” Home Adventure
Sure, it’s a game from when you were kids, but who says adults can’t play? No one! Turn your living space into a lava-filled obstacle course where the floor is absolutely off-limits—because it’s lava. The challenge of getting around your home without ever touching the floor is super fun and counts as cardio.
11. DIY Workshops
With so many online tutorials available, why not plan a DIY date night? Choose a project that interests both of you—be it crafting homemade candles, painting, or even building a birdhouse. The materials required are often minimal and inexpensive, and the task of creating something together leaves you with a tangible memento of your date.
12. Host a Private Book Club for Two
For the bookworms, choose a book to read together within a set timeframe. Once both of you have turned the last page, plan a “book club” date to discuss your thoughts over homemade dinner and some inexpensive wine.
Final Thoughts
Dating on a limited budget doesn’t mean sacrificing the quality or romance of your outings. It’s about getting a little creative and having some fun together without stressing out over expensive dates. Our budget-friendly date ideas prove that with a little outside-of-the-box thinking, you can have the best dates—the price tag doesn’t make them any less meaningful! What’s that saying? The best things in life are free, so apply that thinking to love, too!
