Dating doesn’t have to be expensive.  The point of a date is to get to know someone, have fun and enjoy a few laughs together.  It’s not about how much money he can spend on you in one night.  Those kind of dates can be fun too but I think there’s a lot more pressure on those dates and you don’t have as much fun as you would if you just relaxed and enjoyed yourself.

Here are a few dates you can go on that won’t break his bank account and won’t make you feel pressured.

1. Take a hike and enjoy a picnic

Hiking through the great outdoors to the perfect picnic spot gives you a chance to enjoy nature and chat together. And discovering a waterfall or coming upon a field of wildflowers can make hearts skip a beat. The only cost involved in this date is picnic food. Ask beforehand about your date’s favorites.

2. People watch

Go to the local coffee shop, get a latte and make a game of watching other visitors. Guess the age and circumstances of the couple across the room and try to imagine what they’re talking about. You’ll probably be wrong about the strangers surrounding you, but you’ll have a good laugh.

3. Browse an art gallery or museum

Art galleries are often free and museum tickets are usually inexpensive. Soak in the history and culture while discussing the exhibits. You can make the experience even more satisfying and impress your date by researching the collection before you go.

4. Visit your local bookstore or library

Make a game of your visit by each choosing two or three books that you would read, and then trade. Sit down and take a quick look at the books each of you have chosen and have a conversation about them. A person’s reading preferences say a lot about him or her, so this exercise can give clues to how compatible you are.

5. Bowl or shoot pool

A friendly game of bowling or pool is inexpensive and can reveal a great deal about a person. You may learn how competitive your date is and whether he or she has good sportsmanship. Don’t forget to budget for a few drinks or snacks.

6. Stargaze

Nothing spells romance more than laying back on a blanket and studying the constellations. Bring binoculars or a telescope, seek out the Big Dipper and get ready to build special memories. Make the date even more memorable by brushing up on your astronomy ahead of time.

7. Cook a meal together

Spending time in the kitchen creating inexpensive meals can save you money and give you a chance to chat and learn more about each other’s food preferences. Pop open a reasonably priced bottle of wine and watch the conversation flow.

8. Hold a movie screening

Head to the video store together and rent your favorite movies of all time. Then hold a screening where you politely critique each other’s choices. Doing this gives you a chance to see how diplomatic your date is and can offer insight into the issues that mean a lot to him or her.

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Have you been on any of these cheap dates before?  Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.

Not every date has to cost a fortune and sometimes the ones that are the cheapest are the best dates anyway.  I recently went on a date with a guy and we went for a hike.  We both forgot to bring water bottles or snacks and realized halfway through our hike how thirsty we were and how hungry we were.

Then I noticed the saskatoon bushes growing about every ten feet that were just covered in ripe berries.  These are very edible and very tasty so we spent half the evening picking saskatoons and feeding each other berries.  Very romantic and very memorable.  And it didn’t cost a thing. Needless to say, there will be a third date!

Don’t let money be the reason you and your loved one lose that spark. Not every outing has to break the bank.

There are plenty of fun and romantic budget friendly dates to dabble in!  Here are 7 budget friendly ideas to get you started:

• Picnic in the Park

Make some tasty treats; grab a bottle of wine and a blanket. Head to your local park and relax on the grass. Bring some bread to feed the ducks and enjoy the relaxation.

Most parks have fun things to participate in like small farmer markets, swings or paddle boats. You most likely won’t spend over 20 bucks for this date.

• Drive In Theater

Unfortunately, drive in theaters are getting less and less common. But if your area is lucky to have one, check it out!

It’s very enjoyable and inexpensive. Pack some goodies and a warm blanket and get ready to snuggle up. If a drive in is not close to you, check with your city about movies in the park. Some parks will show a film during the warmer months at night.

• Brewery or Winery Tour

Local, small breweries and wineries are always pushing for people to take tours, so tour ticket costs are very low. This is great way to support your local economy and enjoy these tasty sips.

The tour most likely consists of learning about their business, tasting their products and going home with a new glass!

• Date at Home

Why leave when you have everything at home? Clean the house up a bit, take the kids to grandmas and set up the dining room table. Cook dinner together, play some tunes, light the candles and pour the wine.

An evening home is inexpensive and can be quite romantic. Try dancing to your favorite CD in your living room. Go ahead, no one’s watching.

• Local Dive Bar

Nothing like a good hole in the wall bar to get your competitive side going. That small bar down the road from your home most likely has pool tables and darts plus cheap beers!

This is fun and out of the ordinary for couples, but you can enjoy people watching other locals – and don’t forget quarters for the juke box.

• Ice Skate or Roller Skate

During the winter months check for outdoor ice skating. Most tickets are under 15 bucks each to skate for an hour or two. During the warmer months, head over to your local indoor skating rink, there always some sort of specials going on.

Try not to laugh when your partner falls.

• Fruit Picking

This is definitely different from your typical dinner and a movie. What is great about fruit picking is that again, it supports your local businesses and plus dinner will be fresh and delish! Check your city for the nearest farm, farms will most likely provide all the supplies you need for a low cost. This is a great weekend date!

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Have you ever been on an amazing date that was low cost?  Share your experience with us by commenting below.

Dating doesn’t have to always be the traditional dinner and a movie.  In fact that can get really boring after a while.  You’ll need to spice it up and have lots of fun on your dates so you’ll need some fresh ideas to keep it interesting.  Be adventurous and spontaneous.  Don’t be afraid to try something new.  You can look like idiots together as you both endeavor to learn a new skill.

Whatever you do on dates, keep it light and fun; and you’ll be sure to enjoy many more dates.

Movie Date! Think Like a Man is the perfect movie for a date night. Instead of being cooped up in a chick-flick or scared to death in a horror flick, you’ll get to laugh together and explore each others sense of humor.

Hit the bar and play pool. He’ll see your playful side and you’ll both feel free to talk openly without the pressure of a traditional date.

Get adventurous! Rent bikes and explore a nature trail. Men like to be active, so he’ll love that you’re not afraid to break a sweat.

Show some muscle and challenge him to a game of basketball at the local court. You’ll both get to show your skills and loosen up up the tension.

Who’s says dates have to be at night? Get the conversation started early with a burst of espresso at a latte date.

Whip out your cooking skills! Okay, not really. Pick up some subs or make them yourself with a side of fresh fruit and have a picnic. The non-traditional setting will allow both of you to relax in the open air and get to know each better.

Head to the bowling alley for a little friendly competition and grab a bite to eat in between. He’ll love your fun competitive side and you can share a  laugh over all the slip ups.

Check out a pottery or art class together. You’ll see each others creative side and he’ll see you’re willing to get a little messy.

Take a ballroom dancing class. The new experience will have you both laughing and trying to keep up.

Put on your jersey and head to a sporting event. Show him your sporty side while cheering on your favorite team. Hey, Beyonce and Jay-Z do it all the time!

Click here to read the full article. (By: Briana Myrie)

Have you tried any of the above date ideas?  Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.

Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with fun romantic date ideas for couples.  When spring comes along it makes it a little easier because the weather is warmer and there are more things you can do outside.  Try to come up with things you can do as a couple that takes advantage of the sunshine and warm weather.  Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Do Something Competitive
It is prime time for outdoor carnivals and water parks. Grab your date and go do something fun and competitive, like bumper boats, mini car racing or, if you can find a Renaissance Faire, a joust. It’s a good way to find out if he’s one of those crazy competitive people early on, and if he’s good with a sword (just in case there’s a Zombie Apocalypse while you’re dating).

Have A Weird Picnic
Spice up the normal picnic idea by taking it somewhere else. Maybe a rooftop to spy on your neighbors or eat on your car in the airport parking lot (I think I saw that in a movie once or something). If you can’t take it to a weird place, make it weird. Maybe a theme picnic. Bacon wrapped everything?

Rent Bikes
Rent bikes and go for a ride through the park. If you’re feeling adventurous find a two-seater, or even one of those bars on wheels where you can drink and pedal together. He earns a million points if he can maneuver one of those babies.

Go Foraging
There are restaurants and groups popping up all over that will lead you on a food foraging tour through local forests and parks, teaching you how to find edible plants and fruits and pick them. Afterwards, the restaurant or guide will cook you a lavish meal with some of the ingredients you found. Fun, filling and again, a great skill to learn in case of Zombie Apocalypse.

Go To A Botanical Garden
Botanical Gardens are not only beautiful, they are the perfect place for secret make-outs and fondling in ferns. In between searching for large shrubbery, make fun of the millions of wedding pictures being taken around you.

Click here to read the full article. (By:  Kate Messinger)

Have you gone on any of these dates before?  Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.

When you’re looking for something to mix it up and bring a little fun back into your romance it might be time to think differently.  Come up with some new ideas that will interest him and get you working together.  It’s always a good idea to take a class together as that means you’re both learning something new together.  You can support each other and laugh at each other’s mistakes.  It’s perfect.  Here are some great fun romantic date ideas for couples for you to try out.

Wine tasting or cocktail making class
Wine tasting and cocktail making workshops usually take place in a group which will put you and your date at ease. For a sophisticated evening, wine tasting will allow you to improve your knowledge and sample some fine wines. For something a little more adventurous, try a cocktail making master class and create your own cocktail to honour your first date together. You will also have a legitimate reason to have a drink or two to help with first date nerves.

Zoo or safari park
Get to know your date as you stroll through the zoo and pet a few animals along the way. If you struggle to strike up a conversation, there’s always the distraction of the animals. Take a picnic and dine alfresco to spend some alone time with your date. The combination of fresh air and cute animals should make for the perfect laidback and relaxed setting to get to know each other.

Chocolate making workshop
There isn’t a woman I know that doesn’t love chocolate. Chocolate making workshops are run in major cities throughout the country and offer the chance to create, dip and decorate your own handmade treats. Learning a new activity together will create a bonding experience and the opportunity to indulge in chocolate is an added bonus.

Breakfast or Brunch Date
It may sound strange, but my serial-dating friend swears that the best time to head out on a first date is brunch. Brunch at a restaurant feels less pressured than an evening date and it’s easier to make your excuses if you need to escape. On the flipside, you can extend your date into the afternoon and take in some sights or head out for a stroll if things are going well.

Fun fair or theme park
If you’re looking for a date packed full of thrills and adventure, try heading to a theme park. Whether you opt for the adrenaline fuelled rides or show off your prowess by winning a prize on an impossibly hard games stand, there’s plenty to do to show off your fun side.

Click here to read the full article. ( By:  Natalie Baker )

Have you tried any of these date ideas before?  Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.

With all the rain that we’ve been having (at least where I live) I thought it would be good to share some fun romantic date ideas for couples for when the weather isn’t cooperating.  There is the old tried and true movie night; but spice it up a little bit with some different snacks and work together on creation of those snacks.  You might not even get to the movie part!

There are always fun things to do; even if the weather doesn’t want to help you out.  You just need to be creative.

Rent a nice good movie

I know I know, I can hear you say that it’s been done to the death. But bear with me, there’s some ways to make the whole process fun and not just about the movie itself. You can start of by thinking of the kind of foods or snacks to munch on for the movie.

Popcorn? Boring! Why not try pop-corn chicken? Soda? Boring! Why not go search for some nice recipes online and create a mojito mocktail? Part of the fun comes in thinking of what snacks to prepare for the movie and the preparation of the food itself can be pretty fun too

Spend an hour or so creating and ‘setting the stage’ with food, comfy pillows, drinks – it’s a great way to build anticipation for the movie.

This is a simple, low cost and fun indoor date idea. Besides it can also be a good chance for you to show off your more ‘homely’ side!

Board game time!

There’s so many board games available at cheap price nowadays. There’s quite a few popular games out there so choose judiciously. Personally I like games that don’t really require much thinking, can induce lots of laughter and physical contact.

For that reason, I like games like ‘smart ass‘ and ‘ugly doll‘. Games guaranteed to bring on the guffaws. These are also usually cheaper (Ugly doll cost less then $9!) than the more serious intellectual games. Of course, if your date wants a good brain workout and you don’t mind working those brain juices…by all means choose the more ‘thinking required’ games.

The great about these games is that it can be played over and over again. I would recommend you vary the games played. If you guys play just one game for the night, it can get kinda monotonous.

Create something…

This can involve piecing together a handicraft work, creating a woodshed, or even sewing (don’t groan guys!). It has been proven that if a couple, or a potential couple, engage their creative part of their brains together – they bond quicker and deeper!

You can start by striking a ‘deal’ – you help her with her handicraft stuff today…she helps you with that chicken coop you want to build in the garden next week! Trust me, this kind of creative activity and brings hours of joy and fun.

Plus, when it is all done and dusted, you and your partner have something tangible to remember and look back on.

More ideas on what can be created together: art pieces, paintings, drawings, creating a website, photo albums, planting etc..

Click here to read the full article. (By: admin)

What do you do for date night when it’s raining outside?  Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.

There are many ways to date and it doesn’t always have to involve dinner and a movie.  There are heaps of things that can be done in the outdoors that cost little or nothing at all; and can be even more romantic than a dinner out on the town.  Get some exercise and fresh air together and go see some sights.

A high-altitude hike: One of the very first dates I went on with my boyfriend was a hiking trip in the Pocono Mountains, which are near his house. It was a perfect opportunity to get to know each other and create some memorable inside jokes. To this day, we still laugh about a fellow hiker who veered off the trail and nearly went somersaulting down a cliff. Plus, the bird’s-eye view of the mountains, forests and rivers was romantic and gave us a breathtaking backdrop for our first pictures together. — Stella

A sunset cruise: One of my most unique dates was a simple walk in New York City. We went downtown and boarded the Staten Island Ferry (a commuter ferry) for a “sunset cruise” of the Statue of Liberty. Once we arrived on Staten Island, we had dinner and drinks near the ferry. It wasn’t the most glamorous date, but it was unlike anything I’d ever done before. — Arielle
An impromptu road trip: My date invited me to get coffee at his favorite coffee shop. He picked me up and drove to a tiny town about an hour away. It was a beautiful spring day that was perfect for a ride, and the town itself was charming. We walked around and checked out the antique shops, took in the river views and, of course, had that cup of coffee. — Natalia

A “Dinosaur Day”: We started at the Museum of Natural History and spent the afternoon checking out the fossils. Then we went uptown to my favorite BBQ place, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Picking a theme made it more fun. — Michelle

A day off: My boyfriend and I both called in sick to work. We walked around a park, got pastries, played Ping-Pong at a pool hall and then got dinner — all while the rest of the city was working away! — Hayley

A surprise picnic: My boyfriend surprised me with a packed picnic basket (salads, cheeses and drinks) all ready to go when I got home from work, and he took me to a romantic place in a nearby park to enjoy it. — Stacey

A seaside exodus: My boyfriend and I decided to check out a seaside town on the countryside that we’d heard was beautiful. We hit a ton of traffic, and it took us almost seven hours to get there; we still felt really lucky to have that time together. We arrived just before the sun set and we sat on the sand to soak in the last rays. Afterward, we went to a lounge and played a low-key game of Scrabble. — Lauren

A better-than-a-movie date: My boyfriend and I are both big movie buffs, so for the Oscars he took me to a viewing party hosted by a comedian who told jokes during the commercial breaks. — Michelle

A medieval battlefield: We went to a park that’s part medieval museum. The topic didn’t really interest us, but the snow-covered architecture was gorgeous. We threw snowballs and watched the sun set. Something about finding a new place to explore together was fun and romantic. — Colleen

Click here to read the full article. (By: Elizabeth Narins)

Have you tried any of these dates before?  Share your experiences with us by commenting below.

You can create a great date experience out of anything if you surprise someone with something completely unexpected.  Your date might not expect a lineup of video games and great snacks for an evening of fun.  Or your date might not expect time played in a playground.  Be spontaneous and have fun with it.  If you surprise your date with something relaxed, fun and playful they will appreciate it.

Video Games

Surprise them with something that’s unique – clean up your entire apartment, and bring them over! Grab pizza, soda, and maybe some chips, and enjoy some old school fun.

Video games are getting increasingly sophisticated, and therefore they are turning off as many people as they are attracting. Chances are if your partner does not usually play these then you can get them interested by going back in time and getting your hands on something like a SNES! (of course if they do like games and you don’t then maybe it is you who will like this angle instead!).

You can play on games that are a lot of fun without being super complicated – Super Mario Kart anyone?

Or how about Donkey Kong Bongos for the Gamecube? Where you have to clap along with popular tunes and play the bongos in tune as well (great fun!).

Maybe even get a Wii – they are all the rage and it means you can both play tennis together or darts, or just have lots of interactive fun that will have you both laughing and interacting like you just can’t do with most dates.

Give it a try and see how much fun you can have!

Horseback Riding

It’s fun, it’s sort of romantic, and most people love animals. Horseback riding is one of the fun date ideas that she will remember for a long time, and all her girlfriends will be jealous that you were able to do something so special together, or one that he will remember because he would never think of trying it normally!

You can find horseback riding lessons almost anywhere – even if you live in a big city, though you might have to drive a bit. Trails or open fields, it’s wonderful and they’ll enjoy it once they get into it. Take them out to dinner that night somewhere easy and special,so pay attention to the type of food they like!

Children’s date

We all know someone with children… our sister, aunt, even sometimes our own friends have kids. Women naturally love children, too – it’s a maternal thing, but it’s true.

See if you can take the children you know out! Go to eat, then to a park, and for ice cream afterwards. You’ll be a winner in their eyes, and you have to admit – running around on a playground sounds fun!

Plus, you’ll win major points with the parents of the child… everyone needs some time off.

Click here to read the full article. (From: MyRomanticDateIdeas.com)

Have you tried any of these date experiences?  Share your thoughts with us by commenting below.

If you’re looking for some great date ideas that are cheap and won’t break your bank account; you’ve come to the right place.  There are thousands of things you can do that won’t cost you a fortune and you can still have a fun romantic time with your date.  They will even appreciate the thought that you put into it to do something different and original for a date.  Check out these ideas:

1. Go to something cultural:  An art exhibit, a lecture, a free outdoor concert or book reading/signing are all great, inexpensive ways to have fun while together and channel your inner artsy-side.

2. Get to Know Your City:  Sometimes the most beautiful and interesting places are right under your nose!  Go explore some of your cities’ history together – from historical buildings to city landmarks.

3. Lend a Hand:  Volunteering will bring you and your date closer together because you both experience a general warmth and feeling of doing something good and productive.  Plus, being charitable is just plain sexy!

4. Get Active:  Take advantage of the inviting Spring weather and head outdoors.  Rent a paddleboat at your local lake for an hour, play putt putt golf, or even channel your inner child by flying a kite at the park.

5. Go local:  Hit up some of your hometown breweries and wineries – most offer very inexpensive tours that include tastings!

Click here to read the full article. (From: Up to Date on match.com)

Do you have any cheap date ideas to share?  Share your ideas with us by commenting below.

Sometimes the budget just doesn’t work out to fit in a huge romantic date that you can enjoy with your partner.  It can be expensive and difficult to set up the romance.  However, if you get a little bit creative you can create some huge romance in the comfort of your own home that won’t cost you a fortune.

Cooking a romantic dinner for two at home can be a cheaper way out; and it’s more romantic than being in a crowded restaurant.  Or, consider camping out in your own backyard.  Visiting all the local museums and landmarks in your own home town is also a cheap way to get out and enjoy each others’ company.

1. Romantic dinner… At home!
While a dinner for two at a romantic, candle-lit gourmet restaurant can easily run you into the triple digits, cooking it at home can be a fraction of the price!

Just because you are eating at home doesn’t mean the experience has to be boring. Take out the good china (yes, the expensive one that you inherited from your great-grandmother, the one you only use in special occasions.)

Find a recipe for a usually pricey dish (filet mignon, anyone?) and cook it at home. Nowadays you can find recipes online on how to cook practically anything.

Not a chef-at-heart? Take out food is also an option, but take it out of the box and serve it on the nice plates. You’ll be surprised at how much fun it can be to simply work on your “food presentation.”

And finally, don’t forget the candles! No romantic dinner is complete without some candles (which will allow you to dim the lights and create a sensual effect.)

Finish dinner off with a sexy dessert, such as chocolate-dipped fruit. It’s easy to make, relatively inexpensive and a lot of fun to enjoy! Don’t feel like going through the hassle of melting the chocolate? Bring out the Nutella jar (so yummy…) – it will do the job just fine!

2. Go camping… In your own back yard!
When the weather is nice and the sky is full of stars, nothing beats the romance of a greatnight outdoors. And to find that, you may not need to go any further than your very own back yard.

If you have your own camping equipment, bring it out and set it up! Missing some camping essentials, such as a tent or sleeping bags? You can always ask a friend or relative if you can borrow them! After all, you won’t be going very far

If you have the whole day, spend some time sunbathing and relaxing. And don’t forget to prepare yourself with some camping food, such as sandwiches and refreshments that you can keep in a cooler outside.

At night, use your boy (or girl) scout skills to safely build a small fire (or use the grill!) where you can roast marshmallows while you share stories with each other. Finish by gazing at the beautiful star-lit sky… Who knows where that will lead to!

3. Visit historic landmarks or places of interest in your city or town.
Let’s face it, it is not uncommon that, as a local in your own city or town, you don’t have the time to enjoy many of the landmarks or places that make the place you live in special.

When my husband and I lived in Miami, FL, we never ever went to the beach… And we lived only 5 minutes away from it! Now that we live in New York City, we hardly ever have time to visit museums and other sources of cultural recreation, many of which are very inexpensive or even free.

“Playing tourist” in your own city or town can be a very fun and exciting way to spend a date for you and your spouse.

Go for a walk or a picnic at the famous park. Enjoy a walk on the beach as you watch the beautiful sunset. Or simply explore that historic neighborhood that you never get to visit due to your crazy, hectic life schedules.

If possible, research for special deals on museums, entertainment and other attractions. Daily Deal sites such as Groupon (Affiliate), have different options on a daily basis at highly discounted rates – but be very careful you don’t get “hooked” on buying daily deals you don’t really need just because they are cheap!

Many towns and cities offer special discounts for locals during slow season or even year-round.
Discover the wonders of the place where you live in, and make it memorable and special by sharing it with your spouse.

Click here to read the full article. (from the site: I Love Being Happily Married)

Do you have any other cheap date ideas to share?  Let us know by leaving a comment below.