Just because your wallet is empty doesn't mean your love life has to be. As a college student, wanting to go on dates and having no money is a real struggle. However, if you are creative enough, there are plenty of fun and romantic dates you can do with your significant other that won't make you feel like you're on a budget.
Here's a dozen date ideas to get you started!
1. Picnic in the Park
All you need is a blanket and homemade lunch, and you're good to go! Bring a basket and radio for an even romantic feel. If you don't have a car and can't walk to the park, try having a picnic in your own backyard.
2. Trip to the Pet Store
Take a trip to your local pet store or pet rescue and make some new furry friends. Pick out which specific pet you would take home (don't actually take one home, or this date would quickly become expensive and no longer belong on this list).
3. Draw Like a Pro for Couples
Do you have paper, pencils and Internet access? Go on YouTube and search: how to draw [fill in the blank]. Artists post step-by-step tutorials on YouTube that you can watch with your significant other for FREE. The hardest part about this date may be deciding what to draw. Try starting with this glass of water.
No Internet access? Not a problem! Take turns drawing portraits of each other.
4. Competitive Thrift Shopping on a Budget
Go to the nearest thrift shop or farmers market with only $10 in each of your pockets. Your job is to find the coolest item you can buy that must not exceed $10. If you're in a farmer's market, a fun catch is that you cannot visit the same stand (or store) twice. Happy competitive shopping!
5. Couples Team Sports!
Teaming up with your significant other in sports such as tennis or basketball is competitive, fun and a great date to do with your other couple friends! Couples tennis is my personal favorite.
6. Book Swap
Visit your local library or used book store and pick out a book for each other to read -- sometimes, the stranger the book looks, the more fun! Set a date to read them by. Have weekly "book club" meetings where you reflect on your book and become book critics.
7. Stargazing
All you need is a blanket, grass, and open sky.*
*Works best at night.
8. Volunteer Together
Be a power couple! Volunteering with your significant other is a great way to bond and make a contribution to your community. There are so many different options, so pick something that interests you both!
9. Create Your Own Website
You and your significant other can create your own website or blog for FREE using sites such as WordPress. Consider writing how-to's, such as the one above, or showcasing your adventures together.
10. Attend An Open House
Assuming you're broke, you most likely don't own or can't afford your own house (but you probably wish you could). Check out sites such as RE/MAX or Zillow to find open houses near you! For an enhanced experience, dress up, pretend your loaded with cash and visit the most expensive homes on the market in your area.
11. At-Home Karaoke Night
Once again, YouTube will be your best friend in creating the ultimate free-date-at-home experience. Most of your favorite songs will be available on YouTube in karaoke style with lyrics. Pick songs for each other and sing the night away!
12. Nature Walk
I personally feel the closest to another person when we are outdoors and a part of nature. Nature walks are romantic, adventurous, and burn calories! You can even practice your photography or journalist skills during the walk.
What are your favorite inexpensive dates? Share them below!
