Dating can be pretty expensive. Spending several evenings enjoying dinners at fancy restaurants, going to concert after concert, or even just pizza and going to the theater–all of your dates can quickly add up.
Then, you have to stick to a strict budget, something you’ve never done when you were single.
Sure, you can go on the old tradition of Netflix and home-cooked dinner in your apartment. But you have to admit having someone in your home is very personal. If you are just starting to date someone, you might not be ready for them to know where you live or to give them a chance to see what you keep in your medicine cabinet. Then if you have been dating for a while, Netflix nights at home can become stale too fast.
So, what can you do to spice up a relationship without going over your budget?
With a bit of creativity, you can easily come up with lots of cheap yet romantic date ideas. Here are some of them:
Go on a Hike
When it comes to budget-friendly dates, nothing beats hiking in the great outdoors. It’s virtually free, great exercise and the adventure that comes with it can put spark in any relationship. Plus, you’ll get to know each other better without the distractions of technology.
Have a Picnic at the Park
Don’t have enough energy for a hike? A picnic can be a relaxing way to spend quality time with your significant other.
Prepare a couple of sandwiches and drinks, put them in a basket, walk to the nearest park, find a pretty pond, or even just a place with a nice view and lay a blanket down on the grass or under a big shade tree. Then you just relax and enjoy each other’s company. It’s that cheap and easy.
Stargaze
Can you think of anything more romantic than looking at the stars with your partner?
To complete a stargazing date, make sure you bring cozy blankets, warm clothing, and maybe a flask of hot cocoa. Then, snuggle up under the evening sky and wish on a shooting star for a bright future together.
Visit the Museum
Hate the awkward silences during the first dates? You can always have something to talk about when you take a trip to the museum or art gallery favorite colors, styles,
Going to a museum is incredibly inexpensive. Plus, you’ll get to know your partner better by asking what they feel about pieces of art. Everyone’s taste in art can be so different. It is a fun way to learn more about what interests the person you are dating. From Picasso to Monet, it is seeing art from other perspectives that can help you expand your views as well as gain insight on your partners.
Go to an Open Mic Night
If you and your partner love a good laugh, you don’t have to buy tickets to a comedy club. You can look for open mic shows in Carrollton.
Open mic nights can be as good as paid shows. Not to mention, as part of the free entertainment, many open mic venues offer dinner and drinks you can enjoy while watching the show.
Paint
Have paint supplies lying around in your apartment? It’s time to take them out of storage and start painting with your significant other.
Getting creative together is both fun and affordable. And if you aren’t feeling exactly artistic, you can watch a Bob Ross video and follow along.
Stroll Toward the Sunset
Watching the day turn to night is one of the most romantic things you can do with your partner. You can make sunsets more fun by making coffee for two in your apartment and bringing it as you take a scenic stroll around the neighborhood together, or relax on your balcony or patio with relaxing music and conversation.
Volunteer
Sharing similar values and interests with someone is key to a happy relationship. Remind each other of what you both care about by volunteering in a homeless shelter, food bank, the humane society or even special event.
And who knows? You might both enjoy it so much that you volunteer for another, giving you both another date night.
The Avenues at Carrollton Apartments in Carrollton, TX