Looking for free or budget-friendly date ideas without compromising quality time?
Whether you’re on a budget or simply looking for something to enjoy together – here are 50 quality time ideas that won’t cost you a dime.
Quality time doesn’t always have to entail spending. Depending on where you live there might not be that much to do in your town or city. So gas may be your only expense. But there is always something you can do together instead of “watching that Netflix movie” every weekend.
Dates don’t necessarily have to be “nighttime” based, either. Whether you’re up at the crack of dawn to watch the sunrise together or see who can stay up the longest without falling asleep – these romantic quality time ideas are solely about the time spent together. It’s up to you how you make it meaningful in your relationship.
Brewery or wine tour (many are free).
Game night (with or without friends).
Walk through local gardens or arboretum.
Day at the beach/on the lake/along the river.
Take a walk/bike ride.
Hike nearby trails (Not sure where? Use this trail finder by your location!).
Create a DIY game to play (DIY Monopoly, Scategories or C.A.H).
Go to the county fair (hold hands like you’re in high school again, and watch people get sick on the rides instead).
Go sightseeing (nearby city/town/park).
Go to a trivia night.
Movie night marathon (or pick a show).
Attend a little league game in your community.
Window shop (who says you have to buy anything).
Volunteer for the day (soup kitchen, humane society, animal shelter).
Throw a dance party, or DIY dance lesson (just the two of you).
Free zoo days (offered select days throughout the year).
Go to your local farmer’s market.
Play the list game (“Ex: 25 things on your bucket list in the next 5 years” in 60 seconds).
See who can stay up all night the longest (not advised to do on a work night!).
Take a scenic drive.
At home couple’s massage (make it legit – soft music, massage oil & 1 hour commitment!).
Have a picnic (use whatever you have in your fridge).
Play online “real estate” (pretend you are in the market for a house, using a website like Zillow – pick a budget and location – each narrow down to 1 place and come to a compromise). *My husband and I do this quite often – it’s fun and addicting!
Rearrange your furniture (a little feng shui can be rejuvinating).
Play the “I Spy” game (at a park, walking around a city or people watching).
Lounge by the pool.
Create a scavenger hunt.
Play a sport together.
Check out a local historic district.
Release your inner child together (play on the playground!).
Get lost in IKEA.
Go stargazing.
Geocache Surprise (learn more about it here!).
Open houses or estate sales (walk through, pretend you’re interested).
Video game battle (Mario Kart, Super Mario, or Wii).
Build an epic living room fort.
Go people watching.
Do some sightseeing or bird watching.
Attend a free concert or movie on the lawn.
Free ice cream or smoothie days (check local listings).
Hang out at your local library.
Get dressed up, find a beautiful spot and have an impromptu photo shoot (likely full of selfies).
Read a book together (to each other, aloud, taking turns).
Start a couples wellness journal.
Walk around a flea market.
Go tubing down a river (preferably one that is swim-able).
Take a casual nap-a-roo (back scratches and neck massages included).
Go to the dog park (with or without a dog).
Camp in the backyard (using a tent, or making your own DIY tent).
Share your thoughts on book titles at a bookstore.
Take a free course or class together (wherever you can find them).
Read a book together (take turns reading chapters – include hot chocolate, tea, coffee or favorite snack).
Create a meal from kitchen scraps (more so quirky and fun than appetizing).
Play the Alphabet game (Anywhere, not just on the road “Ex: the mall”).
Karaoke night.
Attend an arts & crafts festival (check your nearest listings!).
Browse through vintage or thrift shops.
Go fishing.
Watch the sunrise or sunset.
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