With the rise of inflation, singles and married couples alike are struggling to find that perfect date that doesn't cost a lot of money. Dates don't have to be expensive to be impressive.
In fact, in my own dating life, I have found the most impressive dates to be the cheapest dates. Go figure. The key to making it impressive is the planning and thought that went behind the date.
So what are some affordable dates? The point of a date is to be able to spend quality time with a person getting to know them better while having an enjoyable time. Here is a list of dates I have been on that have impressed me.
Take a trip to the zoo.
Spending the day at the zoo can help you learn a lot about a person and not break your budget in the process. If you are feeling extra creative, pack a picnic lunch complete with animal shaped sandwiches, bananas and animal crackers. Remember to pack extra waters. She will love the corniness of it all! Let her control the day. If she wants to go see her favorite animals first, follow along. End the day in the souvenir shop. For just 50 cents you can imprint a penny at most zoos. Tell her it is to have something to remember the great day. To end the day with an extra romantic gesture, offer a foot massage when you get back to relax her feet after all the walking.
Go to the Park
Parks are the most romantic place for those on the budget. Nothing is more romantic than a picnic in the park. Parks also have different amenities to excite every personality. Visit one with ducks to feed. Take a trip down memory lane and swing on the playground. Go for a hike up a cliff for a romantic view at sunset. The possibilities are endless, but this is one of those dates that the planning will make or break the date. You know your date the best so pick a park suitable for her personality. In college, my now husband, took me to a moonlight dinner at a park that was situated on a lake. Nothing is more romantic than seeing the big full moon reflect on the water while we ate our picnic. That was something he had to plan to know that there would be clear sky and a full moon as well as find a park that was open after dark. Get creative and do some research of the parks in your area.
Visit the planetarium
Planetariums are all around most cities. If you do not have one close by, chances are you can just go lay in a field somewhere. (be sure to bring a blanket to lay on) Girls love the idea of staring at the stars. There is something magical about it. If you are doing it on your own, bring some music. Ask her to dance under the stars. Girls have grown up seeing romance around stars in the movies so it will bring idealistic feelings to be able to live out the tv drama. Planetariums are also pretty cheap when it comes to admission. It also allows the two of you some education and gives some conversation topics for the rest of the evening.
Check out your local high school
I know this sounds strange, but hear me out. High schools put on several programs throughout the year. If you do your research, you can spend a great day learning about how your date was in high school as well as watching some great entertainment. Check out the local drama department and see when their next play is scheduled. If your date is into sports, go catch a high school football game, baseball game or any other competition. Visit the Future Farmers of America Project Show and check out all the animals. Go hear the choir or band perform. The possibilities are endless and it won't break your wallet. Besides the money you do spend goes back into a good cause. Besides, watch how the memories of high school will flood the conversation.
Volunteer Together
Spend the night volunteering at a local soup kitchen or nursing home. It will give you the opportunity to see if your date is selfless as well as show a kinder side of you. Call ahead to see what kind of projects would need help from the two of you. Working together will bring you both closer and you will be doing more with your relationship by giving to others.
These are just a five ideas. Honestly the opportunities are endless. Remember the point is to get to know the date better and have fun together. That is what dating is all about.
Feel free to share any other affordable dating ideas in the comment section that have worked for you as well.
