Now that spring seems to be quickly approaching, the blue skies and mild temperatures make adventures with your significant other even more tempting. The wanderlust can be tough to fulfill when you're a broke college student, but below is a list of cheap, fun activities for you and someone special to enjoy this season. Try one out for your next date night!
1. Take advantage of an offer on Groupon.
Groupon is actually a hidden gem. If you are unsure of it's purpose, lots of local businesses will put offers on Groupon that you can purchase at a promotional price which is oftentimes a significant discount. The site includes anything from dinners, movie tickets, spa packages, salons, etc. There is something for everyone, so get online and take a peek!
2. Explore outside.
You may not be an outdoors-y person, but spring time is some of the most optimum weather to get out and explore in. Mild temperatures and sunshine galore, coupled with freshly blooming flowers and verdant trees make for some picturesque views to enjoy together.
3. Have a picnic.
Simple and cheap! Picnics are a great way to get outside and not have to drop $50 on dinner for two. You can also make yummy homemade dishes and beverages to enjoy in the freshly mowed grass. Sweet!
4. Take a short day trip.
Pick a location that you can travel to within a few hours and enjoy some of the things to do. It may not be far, but it feels like a mini vacation when real vacays aren't on the budget. There's lots of hidden gems to found in every town, especially if you live in a smaller town and can go to the city for the day.
5. Try star-gazing on a clear night.
There are few things more breathtaking and awe-inspiring than a stars in a clear night sky. Grab a blanket, and a telescope if you have it. Make your way outside and watch the stars twinkle in a midnight sky.
6. Go biking on a path.
There are usually bike paths in every town now in favor of decreasing traffic on the roads and encouraging people to get out of the house. Biking can be a great way to exercise and spend time together outside, driving past some nice scenery on the way. Plus, bikers have sexy legs.
7. Check out local national parks.
You don't have to live by the Grand Canyon either. There are national parks and forests all over the United States of varying locations, size, and attributes. You can enjoy a lush overhanging of deciduous trees in one and a large, clear lake in another. Follow this link to find one near you: https://www.nps.gov/findapark/
8. Eat on the patio at a nice restaurant.
Many restaurants include patios that they open when the weather is nice enough; some are even covered! The next time you and your significant other go out to eat, ask to sit on the patio. They'd be happy to help make your spring afternoon or evening special!
10. Try mini-golf.
Not everyone can play actual golf, but mini golf requires much less skill. It's pretty fun to play no matter how advanced you are or not. It's not like you even have to keep score! Try out a wacky mini-golf course near you!
11. Go to a baseball game.
There is something exciting about attending sporting events, especially ones related to national leagues. The official MLB season begins in the spring and most states have at least one large stadium where you can watch the game and fuel up on some over-priced concession snacks (lol).
12. Visit local sight-seeing/tourist-y locations.
If you aren't able to take the time out of your busy schedule to travel anywhere even for the day, make the mini vacation come to you! It can be difficult to see where you live as anything new or exciting, but pretend to be a tourist for the day. Your hometown may surprise you!
13. Find a drive-in theatre.
Often associated with years past, some drive-in theatres have managed to survive the turn of the century to be a pretty unique date idea. Bonus points if you have a convertible.
14. Head to the zoo.
The animals love it when it's nice outside, so visit a zoo near you during the spring for optimal enjoyment! If you're close, the St. Louis zoo is FREE and one of the best in the United States! Otherwise, there is one generally in every major city, all varying in animals and other opportunities.
15. Check out local wineries.
This can be cool both for the 21+ crowd and, sometimes, under. You can just take the tour of some pretty cool old buildings (many of which survived Prohibition and house a lot of history!) or if you're legal, enjoy tasting some of the selections made in-house. Take home a bottle of your favorite to continue the fun!
Whatever you decide to do, just remember to have fun. Being together is all that truly matters at the end of the day. Show them you care!
Enjoy! xx
