Five Dates on a Budget
Grab Your Special Someone and Enjoy Time Together Without Breaking the Bank

Whether you’re starting to see someone new or have been married for several decades, date nights help turn up the romance. While taking someone out on a date is often synonymous with spending money, a wonderful day or evening together doesn’t have to cost a lot. Here are five date ideas that are inexpensive or even free:

• Forego dinner at a restaurant followed by pricey movie tickets and create a more romantic evening at home by either ordering takeout or cooking a meal. While it may sound cliché, pull out the tablecloth and candles, turn down the lights, turn on the music, and transform your dining area into an intimate setting. Afterward, watch a DVD, which are even available for free from the library (make sure it’s something you both want to watch!). Pop some homemade popcorn, and cuddle up on the couch.

• There’s nothing quite like catching a live performance. There are free and inexpensive options abound. In the warmer months, find out where concerts in the park will be performed, get there early, settle in and enjoy a picnic. Or, stop by a local coffee shop or restaurant that offers live music, sip on a drink and share an appetizer while you enjoy the tunes. Colleges and even high schools are also great places to catch live performances.

• Find out if your town or one nearby offers an art walk. Art walks are nights when art galleries and even museums stay open late and open their doors, often offering wine, snacks and even live music to enhance the evening of strolling and appreciating art. Or, find out if local museums offer select free admission days.
• Take a walk or a bike ride out in nature, and pack sandwiches and a thermos of your favorite beverage. Or, visit local botanical gardens or farmers markets and take a stroll hand-in-hand.

• Do you and your significant other have different hobbies? Maybe one of you loves to build birdhouses or garden, and the other plays guitar. Set an afternoon aside to teach each other. Or, foster a new mutual hobby by taking a class together at the local community college, community center or continuing education center. Sign up for a dance class, a ceramics class, a painting or writing course, or choose from many others.

When it comes to dating, it’s not about spending money but about spending quality time together. Try something new, have fun and you’ll no doubt grow closer together in the process.

Resources

Cheap Date Tips and Ideas – AARP.org

Renew Your Relationship With Your Partner – AARPhealthandwellness.com