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Date night on a budget
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items Life moves fast, BUT These date night ideas are created to allow you both to take time to enjoy the little things and have fun with each other! I'd love to hear about your favorite dates! Check out my other lists for gift ideas and more!
Sections
5
Places to go
Staying in activities
Games to play
Shows to watch
Movie night
Places to go
It's nice to get out and change the scenery a bit! These are a mix of free and affordable places to check out. I hope this list can help spark some inspiration for you! I'd love to hear about your fun date nights in the comments!
This site helps you find a Zoo or Aquarium near you. Most places aren't too expensive (I look on Groupon to see if they have discounted tickets) and it's honestly so fun to walk around and see some cool animals! Let out your inner child with your fav...
Aquarium / Zoo
You'd be surprised how many trails are out there! It's so nice to get outside when you can. I know it's not for everyone, but even a short walk around your neighborhood can be nice to just get out of the house. You can walk to a restaurant or a local...
10 Best Trails and Hikes
Have a picnic!! This is a list of everything you'll need for a perfect picnic with your favorite person! Surprise them, or have them help you pack & pick all your favorite snacks together. You can even do this in your back yard!
Essential Picnic Checklist
Cooking classes can be so fun! I'm not a chef by any means (I pretty much lived on pasta before I met my boyfriend lol) this website helps you find local cooking classes and they have a TON of options so you can pick your favorite class. I recommend ...
Cooking Classes, Food Tours & More
My family and I would have pizza nights growing up, and it was so fun! It's a cool ‘project’ to make your own pizzas! This website walks you through how to make the dough and everything - I normally buy dough from a local Italian shop and make it fro...
Homemade Pizza Night
Going to the art museum is a fun and typically free date night activity! There are some really cool things to see and it's fun to walk around and point out your favorites to each other or make stories up about the art. You can learn about the art or ...
Art Museums
Not the cheapest date night, but a necessary one no doubt! It's so nice to plan time to relax and get pampered - enjoying it with your favorite person is a plus! My boyfriend and I have gone into a small walk-in massage place for about $25/per person...
Find a Spa, Salon or Fitness Class Near Me | Spafinder
We went Go-Karting a few times and it's so fun! Especially for those who enjoy being competitive! Bragging rights are well earned here - You can add an extra challenge and say loser pays for dinner (or make it a *spicy* bet if you want!!)
Go Kart Racing Locator
We booked through Vrbo for our anniversary and it was actually very affordable! There are more expensive options obviously, but they have rentals all over the world - so the options are practically limitless! Have you booked through Vrbo? I'd love to...
Vrbo | Book your vacation rentals: beach houses, cabins ...
Romantic date to Costco for some free food samples anyone?! - This is truly so fun because you'll try things that you may not have otherwise. You can decide if you like it and want to get some to make for dinners later in the week or simply make it a...
Costco Sample Day
A rage room is a great date night! Get some yummy dinner and go let out any anger or frustrations you have! It's so fun to have a safe space to let it out and you two can destroy things together and you'll have something fun to talk about forever! Le...
Nearest Rage Room - RageRoomsFinder
I love a good escape room!! We've done this with a group of friends, but you could also find rooms designed for 2 people. It's so fun - a little stressful, but it's cool to play detective and try to solve whatever the case may be for that room. Most ...
#1 Escape Room Locator - escaperoom.com
We love kayaking and it's pretty affordable from what I've seen and experienced. Find a local place that rents out kayaks and have yourself a great time! Bring snacks, water, sunscreen, 'gardening' tools if you partake, and your favorite person (or p...
Kayaking Near Me - Locations Map
There are treasures at the thrift store! There are SO many things you can do with this one - I've gotten plate drip trays for my plants for CHEAP, I've seen people pick each others outfits for their date night, you can get paintings and add your own ...
National Thrift Store Directory Listing
Watching the sunrise and/or sunset is so beautiful and it's perfect to spend with your favorite person! Make it a date by adding a little picnic or watch the stars after sunset.
Watch The Sunrise / Sunset
Staying in activities
I'm a home-body and I'm all for saving money when I can (as you can tell from my other lists!) these home activities are perfect for a date night on a budget!
Build a fort!! I'm telling you - this is honestly so fun! This website walks you through some of the best fort night essentials and I have some movie recommendations below! - Extra points if you put a photo of your fort in the comments!!
Perfect Indoor Movie Night Fort
I recommend looking on Pinterest for inspo on what to make, but it's fun to get your hands a little dirty sometimes! Help each other or make your own individual masterpieces! - This typically takes about 24 hours to fully harden and once it does, you...
Air Dry Clay - DIY
I can't be the only one who's seen that trend where you get beads the color of your eyes and the color of your partners eyes (and your pets if it applies) and make matching bracelets! Minimal required materials (beads & string of your choice) and...
Make matching bracelets
We love our puzzle nights honestly. It's cheap, easy, and typically takes us at least a day or two to finish! Order a pizza or your favorite takeout and enjoy a relaxing night with your favorite person. I've seen people frame their puzzles - we don't...
Puzzles
I love love love our paint nights! We put on a movie that we've already seen or play some music and swap canvases every 5 minutes. It's so cute to see how you and your partners creativity and imagination come together to make some beautiful (or crazy...
7 Pack 11" x 14" Canvas - Paint Night
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There are tons of things you can spray paint together (just be careful you don't spray a building that you may get in touble for lol) but you can add your own personal touch to wood furniture like end tables, bed frames, night stands, dressers etc. o...
Spray Paint date
Make pickled garlic! It's a cool process and have fun with it! There's no instant gratification, but you can plan your next date night when it's done pickling (about 3 weeks) and enjoy your creation then!
Pickled Garlic
This can be SO fun! Add your own twists to it by adding some safe candle decor (leaves, sticks, etc.) or gluing your own labels on the containers! If you have pets- please be sure to use safe scents (most essential oils can be toxic for cats and dogs...
DIY Candle
Shower together! This is so fun and you get 2 birds stoned at once! Get some action and come out squeaky clean - plus, you got someone to help wash your back ;)
Shower Filter
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It's so fun to cook together! Find each others strengths and build on that. He chops while I cook the pasta and whatnot haha - Tasty kept me alive when I was newly-adulting in college.
Tasty App - FREE food videos & recipes
Games to play
We have a perfect balance of games where you can play with OR against each other and these are my favorites that we've played so far! Please share any games that you enjoy playing too!
We spend hours playing the switch! It is an investment at first, but once you download a few games, you'll be hooked! This one comes with the Mario Kart game which is really nice because the game itself is like $60! They have game vouchers in the sto...
Nintendo Switch + MarioKart 8 Deluxe Special Edition Bundle
I'm accident prone when it comes to video games and this game was PERFECT for us! Playing this multi-player allows player 2 to be a jelly blob of Luigi and it's SO fun!! It took us about 6 months to fully finish this game and it was by far my favorit...
Luigi's Mansion 3 - Nintendo Switch
We originally started playing this on his Playstation, but it was super cheap to get it on the Switch and I honestly like the controls better on the Switch. This game is so fun - you're essentially fighting people and kicking them off the island. You...
Brawlhalla - Nintendo Switch
This game is so funny - you two are geese just walking around being a menace to society. You get a list of objectives (ex: steal a man's shoe off his foot) you and your partner can work together to check everything off the list and giggle along the w...
Untitled Goose Game - Nintendo Switch
I love Mario Party games! There are a few versions out there. We have the Superstars one and there's never a dull moment. It's competitive af and it's anyones game up until the very end!
Mario Party Superstars - Nintendo Switch
This game is so funny honestly! You're a blob person trying to accomplish these missions and it's so entertaining.
Human Fall Flat - Nintendo Switch
Playstation has a ton of games and it's nice that you can digitally download most of them! My boyfriend has the PS4 and we play a ton of games on there. It's another one of those ‘investments’ but it's a one time purchase for a lifetime of fun game p...
PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Console (Slim)
Jackbox has a few game packs, but this one is my favorite. The games are so fun and it's perfect especially when you have guests over! Everyone plays on their own phone. What's your favorite Jackbox game?
The Jackbox: Party Pack 3 - Nintendo Switch (Digital)
Also available on the Switch, but we played on the PS4 and it was so fun! Literally a perfect game for couples!! We had so much fun playing this game together!
It Takes Two - PlayStation Store
I absolutely loved this game!! You and your lover are in a spaceship trying to accomplish all these wild missions and there are a few crazy obstacles in your way! The ultimate test to see if you two can work together - have you ever played it??
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime
This game can be so suspenseful! These two are faced with some interesting adventures and it's a pretty good sized game - we downloaded it about 6 months ago and we still haven't finished it!
Knights and Bikes
You're a blob person fighting other blobs and it's so funny! Their blob bodies hitting each other just cracks me up. This game is similar to the Human Fall Flat game in the character style.
Gang Beasts
You essentially create your own obstacle course with this game! You can make it as easy or challenging as you want and you're competing for the best score. You can play with friends too!
Ultimate Chicken Horse - PlayStation
I'm lowkey obsessed with this game haha we've played all the way through at least 3 times now, but it's different every time! We unlock new characters and new weapons and it's just one of those ‘never gets old’ games for me.
Castle Crashers - PlayStation
This is another fun multiplayer game! We were hooked on this game for a few days until I was introduced to the Switch and this game was kinda put on the back burner lol but it's still a fun game!
LittleBigPlanet
A perfect 2 player game! This story is so interesting and the missions these two guys go on are crazy! We had a ton of fun playing this together.. I literally cried when we finished it (IYKYK) - No spoilers, but have you played before?!
A Way Out - PlayStation Store
I love card games! This game is called 10s & 2s - this video walks you through how to play. It is a little confusing at first, but I promise it's a lot easier once you get past the setup. - We deal 3 cards face down, 3 face up, 3 more face down. ...
10s and 2s card game
This is another fun card game we like to play! This video shows you how to play and it's a lot more straight forward than 10s and 2s (I still recommend playing 10s and 2s)
How To Play Kings Corner (Card Game)
This is another easy card game that we enjoy! This video does a perfect job explaining the game and how to play.
How to Play Trash - Card Game
This game is similar to the tank game everyone knows, but you can make your own lobby and play with a friend! There are tons of fun weapons and maps! - and it’s a free app!
Boom! - Apps on Google Play
This is a free game you can download on your phone and play with friends (or your significant other) I highly recommend if you enjoy shooting games!
Modern Ops: Gun Shooting Games
Another perfect 2 player game! We haven't played this one yet, but I've heard from friends that this is a fun game. Have you ever played?
Chained Together
We take drives around the area to find gyms and raids! It's such a fun time! - Sometimes we stop to get ice cream or treats on our adventures
Pokémon GO
This game is so fun! All you need are 2 boxes, a sharpie, shot cups, and alcohol of choice!
Battle Shots
Perfect split screen game! This is a shooter game (for sure not for the beginner level player, but if you've enjoyed other games on this list, you'll like this one too!) There are a ton of side missions and it's taken us a long time to finish which i...
Borderlands 3
Shows to watch
Finding a good movie or show to watch is my kryptonite and I hate it with a passion lol - this list is created of all the shows and movies that we have watched and enjoyed. Please please please drop any recommendations you have in the comments! I'd l...
This show had us HOOKED! This random guy who works at an electronics store somehow receives an email with extremely classified government information and it completely changes his life. I love having a good show to watch with my boyfriend and this wa...
Watch Chuck Season 1 | Prime Video
Just a goofy / funny show that we casually watched. They have a decent amount of episodes out and I think they're still making more!
Rick and Morty | Hulu (Free Trial)
Outer Banks was another show that we really got into! Perfect for those who enjoy adventurous and mysterious shows. I think it's only on Netflix - at least for now.
Outer Banks
This is still on my list, but I've heard from 4 different people that this show is really good! Have you seen it before?
Watch The Last of Us Streaming | Hulu
This show is about a rich family who looses all their money and their house, leaving them with a town purchased as a joke several years prior. This family is smacked with a harsh reality check and it's so entertaining.
Schitt's Creek | Hulu
We have been binge watching this show! I have a love/hate relationship with this show honestly, but the storyline is so good! Lots of nudity tho just a heads up lol
Watch Game of Thrones Streaming Online | Hulu
This show is another dumb/funny one similar to Rick and Morty with the animation style. It's such a long show so there are tons of episodes and you don't need to watch them in any specific order. A perfect show to put on when you're eating or going t...
Family Guy | Hulu (Free Trial)
This show is a little creepy, but so good!! It only took us about a week to watch it all lol - I think the first 2 seasons were the best.
You
This show keeps you on your toes! I loved it, but my boyfriend really only watched it because I lowkey made him (haha oops)
Watch One Tree Hill
This is such a good show! It's so funny and it keeps you guessing! There are a decent amount of episodes and it took us a few months to finish it - we're binge watchers so that's really good honestly! What are your thoughts on The Good Place???
The Good Place | Netflix
I believe these are only on Netflix, but there are some crazy episodes out there! They are interactive, meaning you pick what happens and it plays out like that! - it's a really cool concept!
Black Mirror
This is pretty much a zombie apocalypse show. Warning - it's a *little* gory, but a great storyline! I've only seen a few episodes so far - this one is next on our list!
The Walking Dead | Netflix
This show is SO good! These two brothers are practically monster hunters and they come across some wild stuff! I definitely recommend if you like spooky shows.
Watch Supernatural | Netflix
This is another show with a bit of blood, but this guy hunts down killers. It gives you his perspective on how he connects the clues and it's super interesting! I haven't watched it all the way through yet, but we're working on it!
Dexter | Hulu (Free Trial)
This show is super suspenseful! It's about a judges son who was involved in a hit and run accident and it quickly turns into a web of lies and cover ups. I haven't finished it, but I know I have a few friends watching this show right now too. Let me ...
Your Honor | Netflix
The absolute GRIP this show had on me was insane. It's about this law school professor and her students. This professor is scary good at her job and she picks a hand full of students to study directly with her on her own cases that she's defending. T...
How to Get Away with Murder
This show is so funny! My first encounter with it was in college when I was sent a screenshot of the Dennis Method (that's a story for another day lmao) but these people are managing a bar and it's so entertaining to see what they go through.
Watch It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - Hulu
This was SUCH a good show. We loved this show and honestly, I'm sad we can't watch it for the first time again…
INVINCIBLE | Prime Video
GUYS! I'm telling you right now, if you like ANY of my recommended shows/movies - do yourself a favor and watch this show! It's so cool to think about how these people can manipulate the elements how they do in this show. Truly a 10/10 show in my opi...
Avatar: The Last Airbender | Netflix
The Simpsons Movie vibe in a way, but this show is so suspenseful! Let me know if you've ever seen it! I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Under The Dome - Try for Free
This show is so interesting! I've heard it's based on some true events, but for my own sanity, I will not be researching into that lol - it's such a good show honestly!
Watch Stranger Things
Nikki and Jason want a baby—the one thing they can't have. So, they decide to adopt. With their dysfunctional friends, dramatic relatives, and chaotic lives, things get pretty wild!
Trying
This show is a mind-fuck but it's so good!
Lost | Netflix
I haven't seen this show yet, but it's on my list! Have you seen it?!
Doctor Who | Max
This is another one on my list! An FBI agent is forced to work with an institutionalized scientist and his son in order to rationalize a brewing storm of unexplained phenomena.
Fringe | Prime Video
I loved this show! Shawn is accused of committing a crime that he actually solved, he convinces the cops that he's a psychic -- and with the reluctant help of best friend Gus, Shawn starts solving cases for a skeptical but increasingly impressed poli...
Psych | Prime Video
This show cracks me up! What a fun cast and such a hillarious storyline. I highly recommend!
Community | Peacock
Never a dull moment in this show! There are a good amount of episodes so it takes a while to finish - which is nice!
Superstore | Hulu
This was such an interesting series if you enjoy the true crime genre!
The Jinx: The Life And Deaths of Robert Durst - Hulu
This show is so silly, goofy, and funny! My boyfriend tried to fight me on it, but he's given in and he admits that he likes the show now! ;)
New Girl | Hulu (Free Trial)
Movie night
Finding a good movie is like finding a needle in a haystack! It can be so dang tedious! Here are a few that we've watched and enjoyed - please share your favorites too!
This movie was pretty creepy, not gonna lie! There's a second one out now! If you like spooky movies, check out my ‘spooky season’ list - you'll love it!!
Watch Smile | Prime Video
This was no doubt a thriller! Get some popcorn and some snacks. Have you seen it?!
Watch Collateral | Prime Video
This movie is hysterical! I think it's also on Paramount+
Watch The Guilt Trip | Prime Video
A classic!! I have loved all the Spider Man movies. We like to make it a multi-day date where we watch all the movies in a series and it's so fun! Easy for those couples who live together and never know what to watch!
Watch Spider-Man™ | Disney+
This was a crazy movie! It's pretty fast paced film - it kept my attention the whole time!
The Departed
I quite literally loved this series and I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys Marvel movies! I just love Groot haha who's your favorite?!
Guardians of the Galaxy | Disney+
A CLASSIC! I love Shrek - this is a perfect movie to watch with your person to let out your inner child. I'm a Disney fan & watching these ‘older’ movies just makes my heart happy.
Watch Shrek | Netflix
Harry Potter is another classic in my eyes. There are 8 movies and they're all pretty long! We stretched these movies out for a little over a week with a few days between (I could continuously binge watch them all, but my boyfriend wanted to take a f...
Harry Potter Movies - Peacock
The Avenger movies had us hooked! They're long movies, but I recommend grabbing some snacks and your favorite beverages and enjoy these crazy movies!
The Avengers - Prime Video
This movie is wild! This couple goes on a road trip and starts hearing kids crying for help from the tall grass on the side of the road… This movie is a bit of a mind fuck because what you think will happen, doesn't. Have you seen it?!
In the Tall Grass
This movie kinda has a Jumanji style to it, but there are a lot of cool and interesting twists!
Watch Zathura | Prime Video
There are a couple versions of Jumanji, but I personally think Kevin Heart and The Rock are the funniest duo! This movie cracked me up honestly! Have you seen it?!
Jumanji - Hulu
The fact that this movie is set in space is so cool honestly. What a wild movie!! Let me know if you've seen it!
Passengers | Prime Video
RIP Robin Williams - This movie is a great one to keep his spirit alive though! It's a really good movie and honestly had us both laughing out loud!
RV | Prime Video
A real classic! This movie is so funny and has a crazy storyline!! Who's your favorite character?!
The Simpsons Movie | Disney+
This movie is so funny! Highly recommend for a funny movie night!
Super Troopers | Hulu (Free Trial)
What a solid cast honestly! This movie is another funny one - especially if you're a Will Ferrell fan
Old School | Prime Video
Honestly a crazy concept and cool story! Have you seen it?
Wristcutters: A Love Story
What a mind-fuck lol this was such a good movie! Have you seen it?!
Everything everywhere all at once - MOVIE
So suspenseful and eventful - this movie was great!
V for Vendetta | Prime Video
So creepy! Have you seen it?!
The Empty Man | Hulu
This is another real creepy one - It shows some gruesome stuff and it made me sleep with the night light on lol
Sinister | Prime Video
This movie had me SPOOKED! It deals with the unknown of the afterlife by holding this magic hand that shows you the other side. So creepy, cool, exciting and overall I loved this movie!
Talk to Me | Hulu (Free Trial)
This was another spooky one! They have a few movies, but I've only seen the first so far.
Evil Dead | Hulu
We watched this for the first time the other day and loved it! There are a few of these movies which makes is pretty fun. Have you seen it?
A Nightmare on Elm Street
Great cast and great movie!
Waiting | Prime Video
10/10 highly recommend! A lil spooky and a crazy twist at the end! Have you seen it yet?!
Caddo Lake | Max
A great vampire movie!! We really liked this one. It's hard to find a good vampire movie!
Salem's Lot - Max