Come on, we all know the struggle of dating in general. Things are normally pretty awkward, one person is trying too hard, and finding fun but inexpensive dates can be challenging. Now, add in the idea of dating in a small town with limited activities and a college student budget, and the difficulty intensity rises.

We’ve all heard the question, “What is there even to do in Rexburg?”

Well, never fear, folks. I have compiled a list (with some help, of course) of 11 inexpensive but fun dating ideas to do in Rexburg.

1. Have a bake-off!

If you’re having a group date, this will work better. Basically, you choose one dessert to bake (or side, I mean, who doesn’t love homemade bread?) and each couple makes the previously mentioned dessert. Find a third party outsider with no particular opinion in the matter to judge who baked the best dessert!

Photo courtesy of CanyonRanch

Pros: You get food in the dessert form.

Cons: Some may not be super comfortable baking.

2. Personal Triathlon

Together, you and your date come up with three things you like to do (eat pizza, bake cookies, Uno, anything). Then, you create a triathlon based on those things, like a pizza eating contest, a bake-off to see who can make the most amount of cookies... you get the idea.

Pros: You get to know what the person likes or dislikes.

Cons: Some people may get crazy competitive.

3. Sword fight

Together, buy the supplies needed to make fake armor, swords and shields. Then, have a battle! Whoever wins doesn’t have to pay for dinner or dessert.

Pros: You get to have a sword fight.

Cons: You may be super uncoordinated. If you are someone who is rather uncoordinated or unskilled in swordsmanship, bring your wallet.

4. Photo scavenger hunt

Create a list of cool or funny things that are on campus and take a photo with each of the items on your list.

Pros: You get to explore campus and be silly.

Cons: You may get into some awkward situations.

5. Jackson "Balloon" Pollack

Okay, one of the best movies, "The Princess Diaries," inspires this one. You and your date each fill up water balloons with paint. Stick the balloons to a sheet (with plastic behind the sheet and on the ground under the sheet) using tacks. Then, throw darts at the balloons, creating your very own Jackson Pollack-esque mural!

Pros: You get to live out a childhood dream.

Cons: It can get pretty messy.

6. Stargazing

The stars out here in Rexburg are amazing. Have you ever looked up and really looked at the stars? Take your date out to a place where you won’t have as many lights (out past the water tower in the farms is great), bring some blankets, and just talk while looking at the stars. You won’t get this kind of star opportunity everywhere.

Photo courtesy of The Huffington Post

Pros: The stars are beautiful and tend to make people fall in love.*

Cons: Bug bites and chilly weather.

7. Go dancing

Campus has so many different dancing opportunities (like swing, ballroom, country, or Latin)! It is just a couple of dollars to get in to dance, and there is instruction beforehand. Even if you’re bad at dancing, it is still fun to get out and try something new.

Pros: You get to learn a new skill.

Cons: Again, some may be super uncoordinated. Also, it might be hard to talk with your date.

8. Play lava mini golf

I know this one sounds weird, but stay with me. You go to a mini golf place. You get the putter. You get your ball. You go in to the area to play, but you cannot step on the ground. You have to use the course to play, and if you fall, you are falling into lava.

Pros: You get to be a kid again.

Cons: You might fall. Several times. Many several times.

9. Volunteer

Rexburg is full of service opportunities (especially in the retirement homes). Go with your date and volunteer together. You can ask the elderly couples how they met, what advice they have, and get to know them.

Pros: Old people are adorable and give great life advice. Also, it is really attractive seeing someone you are interested in serving others.

Cons: Some may be terrified of old people.

10. Go hiking

R Mountain, Mesa Falls, the Teton Dam site. These are just a few hikes near Rexburg. Go hiking, explore nature, make some memories.

Photo courtesy of Rexburg Fun (rexburgfun.com)

Pros: Nature and such.

Cons: Can be kind of dangerous if you are extremely unskilled in coordination. Play this one by ear.

11. The ropes course

I never thought I would be recommending this activity to people, mostly because I am not a super trusting person. But it is because of this that I am recommending it. I would suggest going to the ropes course if you think things may be getting serious with someone. The ropes course is fun, energetic, and also tests to see if you really trust that person or not. Plus, if you want to get closer with someone, this will definitely help.

Pros: Fun and active.

Cons: Can be a little pricey.

*This is my own personal opinion and has not been scientifically proven or endorsed.