21 Fun & Unusual Cheap Date Ideas For Couples On A Budget

This post contains affiliate links; please read our Disclosure for more information.

Money plays a big part in a relationship and in dating.

In fact, money can make or break a relationship.

A big way to use money to build your relationship is going on dates.

This applies whether it’s early days or if you’ve been in a committed relationship for decades.

The following date ideas are different, fun and don’t break the bank.

I’ll share 21 cheap date ideas for couples on a budgets that still have some sauce.

Fun And Cheap Date Ideas For Couples

First, I want to challenge the idea that cheap means boring or of no worth.

This is simply not true.

I’ve been married for years and some of our fondest memories are from the simplest of dates.

Having said that, I also know there are times when you want to spice things up and be different.

These ideas aren’t the usual dinner and a movie date.

They are fun and can be done on any budget.

Here are 21 fun and cheap date ideas for couples on a budget.

5 Fun, Cheap And Exciting Date Ideas

Don’t shy away from having fun and trying something different.

You might actually enjoy it!

Here are fun, cheap and exciting date ideas for you.

1. Go For Dance Lessons

Did you know many marriage counsellors recommend couples to dance together?

Here are 3 reasons why dancing is good for your relationship:

• You feel connected. Your eyes meet, bodies are close and you can feel each other breathing.
• It’s sacred. It’s something you only do with your partner.
• You give each other undivided attention whilst dancing.

You can find dance lessons well within your budget, even if it’s a one-off. 

2. Go To A Live Show

Talking about music, go and enjoy a live show together.

This can also be a comedy show or a play.

You can find shows for all budgets.

3. Test Drive Your Dream Cars

Go to the dealership together and test drive your dream cars.

Test driving cars is free and is an exciting experience.

This may give you the motivation to save up for it.

But, watch out for the salesman trying to convince you to buy new cars.

Remember you’re only there to test drive not buy (unless if you want to).

4. Go For House Viewings

Another free and cheerful experience.

We love going to new build estates and seeing how they look.

You can get great ideas on how you can revamp or decorate your house.

Or you may be inspired to buy your next home together.

Just like the car dealership, some estate agents will try and force a sale.

Just remember you’re doing it as a fun and cheap date.

5. Create Something Together

Paint, write a short story or record a podcast together.

Build a website, make cocktails or knit together.

It doesn’t matter what you do just create something together.

I love creating these articles and other bits with my wife.

Creating something new together is exciting.

You don’t have to put it out for the world to see, you can keep it between yourselves.

Or, it may be the start of a new adventure together.

5 Fun And Cheap Stay At Home Date Ideas For Couples

You don’t have to leave your house to have a good time!

Here are date ideas you can enjoy within the four walls of your home.

1. Learn About Money Together (Couples Money Workbook)

Our best resource for this is the Couples Money Workbook.

It’s our guide for you to work as a team with your finances as a couple.

It has 10 money exercises that will keep you busy for multiple stay-at-home dates.

Check out the Couples Money Workbook to learn more.

2. Spa-At-Home

Redecorate a bedroom into a at-home spa.

First, you can have a relaxing bath.

You can use bath salts or bath bubble alongside fragrance oils.

Secondly, convert your bedroom.

Put fresh bedding, light candles and get massaging oils.

Play some relaxing music and just have a chilled evening together.

You can buy all you need for really low prices.

3. Have A No Tech Night

Technology can steal our attention.

I dare you to try having a no-tech date.

No phones, gadgets, smartwatches, TV, movies nothing.

The challenge is to find something to do instead.

You could play board games, cook together, or simply spend time talking with no distractions.

4. Movie Binge In A Blanket Fort For The Night

Blanket forts are so cool!

It’s like going camping but in your lounge.

This Youtube video tutorial gives you a good idea of how to do it.

Build your fort, order takeaway and binge a TV series or movies.

5. Budget Date Night

I love budget date night.

Weird I know but they are so much fun.

Pull out your budget and go through it together.

The trick is to have snacks and chilled music playing in the background.

This way your mood is light-hearted and discuss your budget with a smile.

We’ve also written many posts on this but here are 3 to start with.

If you haven’t had the money talk yet learn How To Talk About Money With Your Partner.

Learn How To Split Finances with Your Partner If you’re trying to figure out how to budget together.

If you’re in a committed relationship, learn How To Live On One Income As A Couple.

Have fun :)!

5 Fun and Cheap Date Ideas For Outdoors

Two things that will never fail on a date, fresh air and great scenery.

Here are date ideas for outdoors you can enjoy on a budget.

1. Go For A Bike Ride

Go for a relaxed bike ride in a nice park.

Taking a bike ride has a sense of adventure to it.

It adds a bit more sauce than walking in the park.

If you own a bike then there’s no cost.

But if not, you can hire bikes for the day at really affordable rates.

2. Go On A Running Date

Going for a run together can be exciting.

You can get to explore each other’s ‘secret’ paths you’ve discovered.

But try not to turn this into a race, keep it at a nice pace.

You’re getting a good workout whilst enjoying each other’s company.

A nice date with no money spent. 

Maybe a little on water or an after-run smoothie.

3. Have A Picnic Date

A couple that eats together stays together.

Take this up a level and eat in a nice park.

You have plenty of options to stay on budget.

You can pack home-cooked food or buy an affordable meal.

Sometimes we buy some food to go and eat it at a park and we love it.

4. Go Sight Seeing Locally

Most people have never been tourists in the cities they live in.

I have family in London who’ve never been to the famous Madame Tussauds museum.

We tend to ignore what’s right under our noses and look for fun elsewhere.

Excursions and attractions aren’t just for holidays abroad.

You can great fun and adventurous minutes from your house.

You’d need money to commute, eat and tickets for some places.

All in, you can enjoy a great day out sightseeing on a budget.

5. Build A Firepit

Sitting around a firepit isn’t just about keeping warm.

I find firepits create a cosy environment to sit in and enjoy each other’s company.

You can easily have a firepit in your garden and relax for the evening.

Enjoy the calmness of sitting around a fire and just chat away for the night,

You could do this for your no-tech dates.

5 Fun And Cheap Date Ideas For Couples Double Dating

Spice things up and invite a couple-friend you have.

Enjoy time together and further build your friendship too.

Here are date ideas for double dating on a budget.

1. Do An Activity Together

You could go play crazy golf, tennis, bowling or go-karting.

Activities are always more fun when there are more people.

You can do all of these at really affordable amounts to suit your budget.

2. Go To A Workshop 

If you have similar interests you could go to a workshop about it.

There are workshops for everything.

Property, cooking, business, marriage, music or cocktail-making.

You can find free workshops or ones that are low priced.

Enjoy each other’s company whilst learning something new together.

3. Have A BBQ

I love a good BBQ.

In fact, food always tastes best when cooked on a BBQ.

Not just meat, peppers, sweetcorn and pineapple to name a few.

The good thing about doing it with others is splitting the costs between you.

This way you can have a BBQ within your budget.

4. Dessert Date

Going for a meal with friends is really nice.

But eating out can be expensive too.

Why not go straight to dessert instead.

I’ve found going to dessert parlours gives the best experience.

They have plenty of options plus you won’t be tempted to order food.

Dessert dates generally cost less than main meal dates.

Enjoy the sweetness of your friendship and the ice cream.

5. Do Volunteering Work 

Support causes that align closely with you and volunteer together.

It’s such a great way to make an impact with friends.

There’s such a feel-good factor in helping and supporting those in need.

Although this may cost you your time and energy, it won’t cost you much money.

Here are 7 ideas on how to become a philanthropist and do good.

The Number One Date Idea For Couples

This last idea is extremely valuable for your relationship.

Take time to dream.

Dream about what your future looks like and what you both want in life.

One of the money exercises in The Couples Money Workbook walks you through how to do this.

Money is only a tool to build your life together.

The question is, what is the life that you’re building?

Talk about what you want your future to look like and write it down.

This one exercise alone will supercharge your relationship and your finances.

Take Action

Plan and enjoy your dates!

Check out our Couples Money Workbook to have a tool to rebuild your financial intimacy and start working together with money.

Share this to others if you found value in it and feel others should too.

Let us know how you’re getting along by getting in touch with us, we’d love to hear from you.

Knowledge is powerless without action

So take action, and take care

Thando