Date Ideas

Date Ideas

So, you asked your date out and now you’re thinking….. “What on earth can we do on a low- or NO-budget?!”  In a world of “prom-posals” and over-the-top destination dates, what is a young person to do?  

The truth is, with a little effort, you can find a lot of budget-friendly options that you and your date will enjoy.  Check out these easy date ideas that won’t break the bank while allowing you to have a great time and get to know your date in a no-pressure kind of way.

  1. Check out your local bike sharing station.  You can rent bikes and return them at any number of vending locations. This is a great way to see your neighborhood differently. Or take a drive to a nearby city and use theirs!
  2. Make it a group date to the local thrift store – call out a 90’s theme with a $10 maximum. Everyone finds an outfit and then you wear them to go bowling together!  
  3. Play a Monopoly game until someone wins. Play music (not TV) in the background. You’ll have fun conversations and learn a lot about your date’ business sense while doing it.
  4. Look up the events calendar of your local paper for free events like art shows, block parties, and festivals that you can go to together.
  5. Take a community education class together. It can be fun to decide this together, and a great way to learn each other’s interests.
  6. On a windy day, buy kids kites from a discount store and fly them in the park.
  7. If you have grandparents nearby, go on a double date with them to an ice cream parlor. Get some ice cream and ask how they met and what dating was like in their day. 

Now, once you are on your date, what will you talk about? Below are a few conversation starters you can use if you get stuck with nothing to say:

  • What fictional character most resembles yourself, and why?
  • What cheesy song do you have memorized?
  • If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive) who would it be, and why?
  • What is the best gift you have ever received, and why?
  • Giant house in a subdivision or tiny house somewhere with a view?

The bottom line is, you don’t have to break the bank to go on a date, and don’t stress yourself out over what to do.  Find something fun and just enjoy getting to know one another.  And, realize that sometimes a date may not go according to plans… you planned to fly kites, but as soon as you got out in the open field, it started pouring rain?  Ask your date to dance in the rain!  Life is short; find joy in the small and big things.  Dance, laugh and have a great date!