Fun Romantic Ideas: How to be a Cheap Date

First off, get your mind out of the gutter. Yes, my title claims to be teaching you the arts of being a cheap date, which is my aim here, but not in the sense that I am encouraging scandalous behavior. Going on cheap dates are great to keep the relationship going despite monetary setbacks or as a way of proving just how dedicated he/she is in the relationship no matter how much money is spent on them every time you two go out. They're also a great way to create lasting memories and just plain have fun in the simplest ways possible.

Just because you can't afford to go out on a date, doesn't mean a romantic night out is impossible. I personally have enjoyed my cheap dates out with my boyfriend just as much as the ones that he really spent money on. They have been great ways to be creative together and to bring us closer with experiences only the two of us really have. The more creative you are with how you save money on your romantic night out, the more fun you are most likely to be. The key to a successful cheap date is that balance between frugality and sufficient entertainment that isn't always easy to come by.

So, if you're looking for something new for your next romantic night out together or just trying to save a little cash while still not losing your time with your partner, then go no further. My five dating ideas below should help give you the inspiration to come up with your own inexpensive dates in no time.

If your partner is willing, share a meal at a restaurant rather than ordering your own plates full of food. Most restaurants will kindly split the plates for you into two equal servings on separate dishes. This will cut your bill almost in half.

Idea #1: Blindfolded Golf and Some Micky D's

One of the first dates my boyfriend and I went on almost three years ago now only cost him about $15. He picked me up, as usual, and, about halfway to our destination, told me ,"Lisa, I have only $10 in my pocket. Let's see how much fun that buys us." Turns out, that $10 bought us a game of mini golf at the bowling alley and a meal at the McDonald's next door.

During mini golf, we used my scarf to cover our eyes as we each took turns trying to make the next hole. We were the only people there at the most run down bowling alley I've ever been to (which is saying something since my dad is an avid bowler and took my siblings and I to every game growing up) which only made it even more fun as we laughed and poked fun at each other.

Leaving the alley with just a couple of bucks left and a couple of hungry stomachs, we couldn't have chosen a better place for two cheap cheeseburgers and a coke to share. Not the healthiest of dinners, but, we were delighted to use the entire $10 and still have as much fun as we'd had on any other date thus far.

Idea #2: Take a Hike

Another cheap date we've taken was on Thanksgiving one year when we drove out to to Olympic Mountains and camped in the snow. We were the only ones stupid enough to go out there so we were by ourselves, which made it even more special.

Going hiking or camping doesn't take up as much money as it does time; which is time well spent, as long as it's with the one you love, right? The best part about hiking is you don't have to wear anything fancy and you can spend hours together enjoying nature and sharing in that victorious moment when you reach the top.

Idea #3: Go on a Road-trip

Yes, road-trips can be expensive. However, it is possible to just drive a couple of hours out to a town you've never been to before and count that as as road-trip, rather than spending hundreds driving across country. My boyfriend and I enjoy visiting older, smaller towns and perusing whatever antique shops or other interesting stores we find (especially book stores, in my case). You never know what you can find when you just get out there and drive. Even if you come home empty handed, you're bound to have a story or two to talk about.

The last road trip we went on, was a drive about two or three hours north of where we lived to a town with a closed down insane asylum that is supposedly haunted. We got there, only to discover that we could not get onto the property but still had fun the whole drive there just talking about it. If you only enjoy those road-trips across country, perhaps just planning one and saving up will suffice for a date night for now.

Idea #4: Take a Walk

Going out for a nice walk in good or even bad weather can be fun. These are especially fun in the snow when you can go sledding or have a snowball fight. If you have dogs, this is a great way to include them in your time together while you all get some exercise.

Another activity you can do is go check out different parts of town you've never been to or check out some local historical walking tours. Usually these tours are free and the history will never fail for conversation later.

Idea #5: Bad/Cheesy Movie Night

My boyfriend, as well as many of my friends, enjoys bad/cheesy movies as much as I do. By "bad" and "cheesy," I mean those movies that are so horrible they are hilarious or so cheesy you just can't take them seriously no matter how hard they try. These movies are great for just enjoying a night in together with lots of laughs. Don't forget the popcorn!