Looking for some ideas for romantic and cost effective dates? Rebecca the Well Planned Gal and her team put their heads together and compiled a list that will inspire you to schedule some time together.
Sporting Event
Attend local sporting events. From softball or baseball in the summer or football in the fall, to basketball and hockey in the winter, most towns offer some type of inexpensive local sporting event. Spend the evening at a college or high school game or check out an intramural game at your local YMCA. If you happen to have an amateur or minor league team in your town, watch for special family night deals.
Make Dessert
Spend the evening making a delicious dessert you both will love, then enjoy it together. Chocolate, you say? Yes, please!
Game Night
Pull out your childhood favorites for a marathon game session. Or look online for a new card game you can learn together.
Go on a Picnic
Fresh air and solitude can give you a good appetite and time to focus on each other. For even more fun, make it a theme picnic, such as “a trip around the world” or “southern cuisine.”
Take a Walk
A long, romantic walk in the park or a hike up a beautiful mountain trail offers the benefit of exercise and time alone. Just make sure to keep the pace slow enough to have a meaningful conversation!
Go Fishing
Spending a lazy morning by the lake or pond can help you relax and enjoy each other’s company. For an extra bonus, bring along a couple of side dishes and cook your fish right at the lake.
Build a Fire
Whether a bonfire outside or a roaring blaze in the fireplace, what could be more romantic than cuddling up with each other next to a warm fire on a chilly evening? A blanket large enough for two and the ingredients for s’mores or doughboys will make it even more special.
Volunteer
Pick a local charity and volunteer together. Seeing your spouse helping others can be very romantic. Ideas include a homeless shelter, food bank, animal shelter, and Meals on Wheels. Or offer to help an elderly neighbor with yard work or home repair if you are handy.
Farmer's Market
Spend the day at a local farmer’s market. Depending on your location, you might be able to enjoy free music or other entertainment, taste test, window shop handmade crafts, or share an inexpensive meal from a street truck.
Explore Photography
Spend some time in nature taking photos of plants and animals, or head to the city for some unique architecture. Keep a log book of your photos so that you can create a scrapbook of your adventures together when you get home. To add adventure to your photo session, create a scavenger hunt checklist ahead of time and work together to complete it.
