Whether you’re going on your first date or your hundredth, it’s important to make time for each other and go out every once in a while. Being able to talk, laugh, and spend time together is essential as you build and strengthen your relationship. However, the cost associated with going out to do something often can be draining on the budget — but it doesn’t have to be! Planning a fun date can be simple and affords you and your partner the opportunity to get creative. Plus, with an upcoming wedding (or recently celebrated), making memories and not breaking the bank go hand in hand. Even better, any of these ideas make for the perfect experiences and cash funds to add to your registry! So, if you’ve been wondering about inexpensive and free date ideas, follow along! 1. Try a New Food Truck Hey, you have to eat anyway. Whether you go for Sunday brunch or Tuesday night dinner, plan to try somewhere new. Some cities even have food truck parks with multiple vendors to choose from, so you can each get something from a different vendor and share. 2. Go to the Farmers’ Market Heading to the local farmers’ market is one of those fun date ideas that can turn into a second date. Scour the stands for ingredients to make a meal, and then plan a time to have an at-home date to cook and eat together. 3. Write Each Other Love Letters Admittedly, this is a date idea for those together for a while. However, writing a love letter can be revealing and intimate. If you need ideas on how to begin, describe what you enjoy about each other and how you picture your future together. 4. Have a Book Club Session Do you both enjoy reading? Choose a book, read it separately, and then come together to discuss it. Or you can read the book together, taking turns out loud. As a bonus, buy the books from a used site to save even more. 5. Visit an Animal Shelter Cats or dogs? It doesn’t matter when you visit your local shelter. Either ask the shelter where they need help or simply go in and pay attention to the animals after checking in with the front desk. The furbabies will love the extra scrubs behind the ears. 6. Play Board Games Plan on staying in for a game night. Challenge each other to something mind-bending like chess, or channel your inner child and play Life or Operation if you have those lying around. If you’re looking for simple date ideas, this is it! john-benitez- zNgspEPHCI-unsplash Photo Credit // John Benitez 7. Build a Blanket Fort It may seem crazy, but building a living room fort is a fabulous way to get cozy together. Gather all of the pillows and blankets you can find and watch a movie on your phone or have a picnic inside your newly constructed fort. 8. Attend a Karaoke Night One of the best things about karaoke is that you can belt out your favorite tunes, and it doesn’t matter how you sound. Choose your favorite song and cheer each other on. You can even select a duet so you don’t have to go onstage alone. 9. Enjoy a Hike Have you been asking about date ideas near me? Well, check out your local hiking trails or visit a state park. Choose a rigorous path up a mountain, or traverse a flatter, paved rails-to-trails system. 10. Go for Ice Cream Heading out for ice cream is a fun way to eat dessert and chat for a while. Plus, it’s a spontaneous activity that you can do on a whim. However, you can also plan an ice cream night at your local handmade scoop shop. 11. Craft a DIY Project Whether it’s for your wedding day or your new home, plan an inexpensive DIY project that you can do together. You can also turn a DIY night into a friendly competition to see who can make the best gingerbread house or fresh floral arrangement. 12. Walk Through a Botanical Garden See if you have a local botanical garden that’s free, even if it’s on the smaller side. Community gardens are often nearby, especially if you live somewhere near New York City’s Central Park. Try and identify flowers and plants while you’re there. jonas-denil-vHwWmuWgoRw-unsplash Photo Credit // Jonas Denil 13. Head to Happy Hour Eating and drinking on a date can be pricey. So check with your local bars and restaurants to see if they have any happy hour specials. Often light bites and drinks are cheaper during this time, and you get to try something new. 14. Go Stargazing on a Clear Night On a cloudless night, go to a local park, rooftop, or open space to look up at the stars. Stargazing is one of the most romantic date ideas. Additionally, download an app or borrow a book so you can identify constellations in the sky. 15. Build Ice Cream Sundaes If you don’t feel like going out for ice cream, stay in. Get fixings for ice cream sundaes, and make your own at home. See who can make the prettiest creation or build a sundae for two. Or see if you can make one for each other and guess what the other would want.