A great date doesn’t have to break the bank, especially in the summer; there are plenty of free and inexpensive dating options when the weather is warm and sunny. So, get outside and stop putting love on the back burner just because you’re strapped for cash!
Here are a few ideas to bring date night (or day) back:
1. If you’re an athletic couple, why not make a date out of your skills? Play tennis, hike a new trail, go on a scenic bike ride down the beach or through your favorite park. Try a new spot every week to keep it from turning into just another workout.
2. Check out free, live music shows and other events. Check your local paper or the web to see what’s going on in your area. You’ll be surprised at how many free, or inexpensive events go on during the summer.
3. Head to the beach. Pack a picnic, lather each other up in sunscreen, and spend the day soaking up the sun. If you can afford it, splurge on a hotel room so you can freshen up after the beach and spend the evening on the boardwalk – which, contrary to the ‘Jersey Shore’ isn’t just all about partying. Plus, nothing is more romantic than a stroll on the beach at night!
4. Almost every city and town has festivals scattered throughout the summer, and no matter how big or small, it’s a great date night idea. It’s usually a cheap admission, and it’s a great way to check out live music, try new food, and maybe even splurge on a romantic ride on a ferris wheel.
5. If you can find a town with Plays in the Park, be sure to check it out! It may not be the same as seeing a show on Broadway, but it’s close enough (and much cheaper!).
6. And finally, don’t forget the value of a nice evening at home on the porch. Cooking dinner together is a fun idea any day of the week, especially with a nice bottle of wine! Plan one day a week when you tackle a new recipe you’ve been wanting to try. It turns a regular dinner at home into a date night you’ll look forward to all week!
