The cost of going out can be significant — drinks, dinner, concert tickets and door cover charges at your favorite entertainment venue can add up, putting you well over your budget limit for the month. Still, you can make the most of your time with your significant other with some less costly, or even free, activities.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just want to spend some quality time with your partner, keep your budget in check with one of these fun date nights that won’t put a strain on your wallet.
1. Local tasting events. From wine tastings to tapas restaurants hosting sampling hours, a tasting event can be a fun way to try something new and even meet new people together. Check your local wine bars, tapas restaurants and other up-and-coming dining destinations for tasting menu events and small plate dining options. These can be a budget-friendly alternative to a multicourse meal for an evening and also give you a chance to sample new types of cuisine and beverages.
2. Happy hour at home. If you both enjoy meeting up for happy hour on some nights of the week, host your own at home and invite other couples to join the fun. The cost of homemade drinks and snacks will be significantly lower than a restaurant bill, and you can be creative with your drinks and recipes. Encourage guests to bring their own snacks and drink mixers for a unique menu.
3. Evening bike ride. Watch the sunset and explore the town or city after hours with a leisurely bike ride. “This can be a great workout and will give you a chance to explore your neighborhood from a new perspective,” says Johnny Lam, a certified cycling instructor and founder of bike touring blog Milestone Rides. “Take a look at a map for any bike-friendly stops along the way, and make sure to bring along the camera to capture the moment.”
4. Day at a museum. If you have an afternoon off, take a tour of an art museum or science museum together and seek out discounts on daily deals sites or free admission days. Some museums also participate in free museum month where you can jump around to different venues without paying any admission fees. Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders can participate in the Museums on Us program where cardholders get free general admission to 150 museums around the country on the first full weekend of the month. This can be a fun and educational event for both of you; grab lunch at a local cafe or find a deal from Groupon or LivingSocial for a discounted meal for two to round out your day.
5. Work out at the gym or yoga studio. Research shows that couples who sweat together, stay together. From hot yoga classes to a cardio sweat session, you and your significant other can enjoy a good workout together for a fun bonding experience. Find a yoga studio in the area that offers free classes for first-timers or a discounted rate for newcomers. You’ll learn some new skills, and enjoy the benefits of a detox after a stressful week. If you’re heading to the gym, make a tasty pre-workout meal to enjoy together before you hit the weights or cardio circuit.
6. Picnic in the park. Instead of worrying about the high cost of dining out, make your own meals or pack a few snacks to enjoy together at a local park. Some parks host free concerts, movie screenings, wine and music nights, and other special events throughout the year. These can be a great reason to get out and meet new people as a couple. Check your community calendar for any upcoming events you and your date can enjoy together.
7. Self-guided staycation. How well do you know your own town or city? Put together an itinerary to explore historic buildings, landmarks and other points of interest together on a driving tour or self-guided walk. You can create your own map using Google Map Maker or other apps, and mark your territory for an adventurous evening. If you do have some funds to spare, splurge on a few glasses of wine on your route or catch a food truck for a spontaneous meal or snack somewhere along the way.
More from U.S. News
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The Lover’s Guide to a Memorable (and Cheap!) Valentine’s Day Date
7 Fun Date Ideas on a Tight Budget originally appeared on usnews.com
