50 Cheap Date Night Ideas for Romance on a Budget

Lately, my partner and I have entered a “season of savings” where we are prioritizing things like upcoming trips and furniture for our future home. This is no small feat for two hard-working people who love to eat out, go to shows, and go to shows. And lean into the fun. Date night always feels like an adventure to us. So instead of making this reign feel restrictive or boring, we made it a fun challenge. Whenever we go out together, we can’t spend more than $50. If you tried it recently, this is It’s a little more difficult than I thought. That’s why we’ve been getting creative with inexpensive date night ideas that keep the adventure (and romance) on a budget.

We found that by thinking a little outside the box, when we were tasked with planning a day we both knew we would love, it became more intentional and meaningful. Needless to say, I love the mystery and surprise when I see what my partner has chosen for us.

Featured image from Michelle Nash’s interview with Claire Zinecker.

12 cheap and special date night ideas

The list of options is truly endless, but the most important thing is to have fun with it. Remember that in the end what matters most is the time you spend together. Whether you’re also in thrifting season or just up for a challenge, find my favorite cheap date night ideas to get you started. What would you add to your under $50 list?

go to the bookstore

When you go to a bookstore, you both have to choose a book that the other person will like or that speaks to you. My partner is a voracious reader, so before we left on a trip recently, we went into a bookstore with no purpose other than to find a book he might like. I met raw dog By comedian Jamie Loftus. He loves hot dogs and comedy, so it was a perfect fit.

go to a burlesque show

Last January, Dita Von Teese was in Austin for a performance at the Paramount Theater. It was spicy, sexy, and a lot of fun. If your city has a theater, you may be able to catch a burlesque show.

Hiking with a picnic

If you’re in Austin, you’ll likely run to Foxtrot Market in Burnett to grab some wine (or not!) and snacks before heading to Mt. Climb the stairs at sunset and watch the sunset from the top. That’s wonderful. Of course, you can also do this in your local natural areas and walking trails.

coffee, walks, museums

Cheap date night ideas can always move into the early hours. If you want to enjoy your morning without alcohol, grab a cup of coffee and take a walk to a nearby museum.

bowling or bingo

Truly classic. Fortunately, snacks and drinks are usually cheap at both locations, and you can get at least one good catch and a snack to share.

volunteer

Find an organization you both want to support. Even better, each choose an organization they want to support. Instead of spending that $50 on a date, donate it to an organization.

evening cuisine

I love the idea of ​​choosing recipes that my partner would enjoy and letting him create the playlist while I cook. We’re both in for a bit of a surprise, but hopefully he’ll add some romantic songs we can dance to in the kitchen.

Gor Dancing/Two Step

Two of the best places to dance in Austin are The Broken Spoke and Donn’s Depot. Donn’s is just down the street from my house, and for $50 you get a cover fee, a few drinks, and a little extra to tip the band. I love seeing people of all ages on the dance floor and I swear there’s no one on the dance floor who doesn’t laugh. Plus, dancing is a beautiful way to get closer to your partner.

Tie-dyed old t-shirts + movie night

This is a complete throwback. If I were to choose a movie, it would probably be this. teen wolf or Troop Beverly Hills. He will choose without hesitation rad. But perhaps we can both agree heathers At the end of the day. Anyway, grab an old t-shirt, tie-dye it, watch a movie, order some pizza, and spend the evening. It has a cool, relaxed vibe and adds an element of surprise as you never know what the shirt will turn out to be.

Let’s learn new games together

This may just be “learning new things together.” I love the novelty that comes with trying something new for the first time and having that element of discovery come together. There are a lot of games I don’t play, but recently my partner and their kids brought the Nintendo Switch on a family vacation, and lo and behold, I found myself playing it until 2am almost every night. (And let me tell you, I’m having the time of my life.)

Let’s go to the farmers market

You have $50, so you have to think of something to make for dinner without going over your budget. This may be stressful for some people, but for me it’s a lot of fun thinking about what my partner likes and how I can be creative for him.

pay it forward

This could go in many directions. Spend $50 on a meal or get a meal delivered to a sick friend or new mom. Put together care packages for hospitalized children. My partner’s sister’s family recently learned that their 6-year-old child was diagnosed with leukemia. I can’t imagine how excited the child would be if a toy suddenly fell on him.

More cheap date night ideas we like

When you go on a budget date, you can spend very little, get creative, and have more fun. From now on, I’ll be sharing more of my favorite cheap date night ideas that will have you counting down to every Thursday (or Friday, Saturday…).

1. Explore plant stores. I’m sure I’m not the only one who gets lost in plant stores for hours. Pick up your cutie and get some tips from the Plant Whisperer.
2. go out for breakfast. the method It’s cheaper than dinner, and honestly, what could be better than a cup of hot coffee (cold brew in my case) and pancakes shared with a loved one?
3. Let’s run errands together. If your relationship with Target is similar to mine, you know how much fun this can be.
4. go apple and pumpkin picking. Afterwards, make something sweet with what you’ve picked.
5. do a dive bar crawl. Prices are usually very low, so you don’t have to look for special happy hours.
6. Puzzle night. You can even take it a step further and order a customized puzzle featuring your favorite photos as a surprise.
7. Let’s watch the sunset together. When was the last time you intentionally watched a sunrise or sunset? Pack a bottle of wine, a mini cheese board, and a blanket. What could be more romantic?
8. Please rent a bicycle. Some places rent bikes by the hour, making your $50 date a viable and active one.
9. Let’s go to an art supply store. You can have a lot of fun with this one. Purchase materials and create pieces together or for each other.
10. thrift shop. The goal is for each person to take $25 out of their $50 pot and put together an outfit. Please enjoy.
11. Play an intimate card game. A game by relationship expert and therapist Esther Perel, where to start It’s a great way to learn more about your partner.
12. Have a theme night at home. This could go in many different directions, but it’s mostly inspired by a Christmas-themed bar in Austin called Lala’s. Whether it’s the holidays or you’re leaning towards an 80’s night, there’s nothing better than remodeling your home and getting into the spirit.
13. Let’s go play mini golf. A tried and true staple for every couple. Plus, it makes for the perfect first date.
14. Go see live music. Pick a venue you’ve never been to before and go meet new people. Adding new elements to your relationship can be a lot of fun.
15. drive-in movie. Bring a blanket and BYOP (bring your own popcorn).
16. trivia night. I cover pop culture and my partner specializes in history and sports.
17. Let’s start a treasure hunt together. If you don’t want to put your money into prizes, you may not need to spend a penny on this.
18. Let’s go to a record store. Get each of them their favorite records to play at home on lazy Sundays.
19. I’m going to a comedy show. In some cases, you can get two tickets for less than $50. Who doesn’t love a night of laughter with their loved ones?
20. Host a potluck for several couples. this is the best all World: Get someone to bring you food, spend less than $50, and spend time with friends.
21. Surprise and joy. Spend $50 on a friend or family member to surprise them. You both will feel great and your bond will grow even stronger.
22. Swimming and ice cream. There are plenty of swimming holes and hotels that offer day passes to use their pools. Eat a classic soft serve ice cream cone and call it a day.
23. Try a new physical activity. Rock climbing, pickleball, tennis, etc. are all fun ways to get your heart rate up.
24. Create a spa experience. Making your own massage oil is very easy and inexpensive. If you and your honey love massages, this is a great way to create your own experience at home.
25. Let’s go on a mini road trip. There are many small and cute towns across the country that become even more vibrant from fall to winter. Pack some road trip snacks and make the most of your day by driving and walking around.
26. please explore kama sutra. There’s no shame in wanting to explore the art of sex and sexual positions with your partner. Please enjoy.
27. Let’s relive your first date. You may not be able to spend $50 on where you’re going, but you may have the same outfit or can incorporate similar elements.
28. Binge-watch and order TV series. There are many series that my partner and I would like to start. yellowstoneAnyone?
29. Let’s write down your goals. It probably won’t cost you anything, but it’s the perfect time to carve out intentional moments to set big goals together and work together to keep each other on track.
30. Let’s go roller skating. A friend of mine recently hosted a birthday party at the rink and it was very nostalgic, not to mention it cost less than $50 for two people.
31. Find the Park Concert Series. When temperatures drop in Austin, several parks host “Jazz on the Green” or “Music in the Park.” Usually free.
32. Host a book swap night for two. Choose books from your collection that you haven’t read yet, swap them with each other, and spend the evening reading over tea or wine and discussing your chosen books.
33. Explore open houses and dreamy neighborhoods. Have fun touring open houses and imagining your future home together. Earn bonus points by packing snacks and having a picnic in the car between stops.
34. Tour of street food. Forget formal dining and wander around the street vendors and food trucks. Share small snacks and enjoy the adventure of trying something new at each stop.
35. To the botanical garden at night. Some botanical gardens offer discounted evening and off-season passes. Stroll around the grounds and enjoy the beauty of nature under the stars.
36. Stargazing with a twist. Find a quiet spot away from city lights, bring your constellation app, and see how many constellations you can identify together.
37. Attend a local poetry or open mic night. Support local artists by attending free or inexpensive poetry readings or open mic nights. It’s an intimate way to connect through shared experiences.
38. Make a time capsule. Gather small items, photos, or handwritten notes that represent your relationship. Seal them in a container, choose a future date to unwrap them, and bury or store them somewhere meaningful. It’s a romantic way to reflect on the present while looking forward to the future together.