Simple, yet fun date ideas that won’t break the bank

Who doesn’t love a good date? Doing something fun and enjoyable together is a perfect way to spice things up and create new memories. Dates don’t always have to be expensive—they can be simple, comfortable, and affordable, or even free! What truly matters is being in the moment together and enjoying each other’s company. Spending time with your partner should always be something to look forward to. For me, my wife is the best part of my day every day, and a date is just another opportunity to have fun together, adding a little something extra to our routine.

It’s true that you never stop dating each other, even when you’re married. I fully believe that maintaining excitement and spontaneity is key to keeping a relationship fresh. It gives you both a chance to bond and create new, positive memories. After all, if every day were the same without any fun in the mix, it wouldn’t be too enjoyable, am I right? Every relationship deserves to be happy and healthy, and achieving that requires ongoing effort and hard work. Dates are a simple way to show each other that you value your time together and want to bond outside of the usual daily grind.

There are always new ideas circulating and a plethora of activities to choose from when it comes to dates. Sometimes, keeping it simple is the best and easiest way to fit some fun into a busy schedule. With that in mind, here are some easy and not overly expensive date ideas that my wife and I personally enjoy and recommend for you and your significant other!

Hit up a Beer garden or winery for tastings

A cold hoppy beer flight or a smooth assortment of wine tastings is always a fun treat. When you visit a beer garden, you get the luxury of sitting outside and enjoying the crisp fresh air—maybe even play a couple rounds of bean bag toss if you’re lucky—all while sipping on some tasty brews together. Plus, there’s probably some delicious food lingering nearby, perfect for pairing with your tasters.

Wine tasting is also a great experience, especially at a vineyard. Not only is it a mix of fun and romance, but the views are usually gorgeous. Nothing beats sipping on a glass with a killer view in good company. You can even get a charcuterie board which complements the palate beautifully, offering a variety of cheeses, meats, and crackers that pair perfectly with a glass of wine.

Or better yet, grab a bottle from the store along with some assorted foods or, to keep it simple, just some crackers, Dill Havarti cheese (trust me on this), salami or prosciutto, and dark chocolate, and create a mini board at home! I love putting together a little something special and enjoying a glass together while we binge our favorite shows. I’m all for mini dates that don’t require much effort or thought—just two people spending time together in a cozy environment is all it takes to set the perfect mood for the occasion.

Estimated price Range: $10-$25 Per Person

Go for a bike ride together

Renting e-bikes has been one of the most fun and enjoyable things we’ve done together, and I’m always looking forward to the next ride! If you own your own e-bikes, even better! The type of bike doesn’t really matter; we just love that e-bikes have a throttle, making it easy to zoom through the trails—because why not? Whether it’s exploring a trail or just cruising around town, riding e-bikes is a fantastic way to enjoy each other’s company and the outdoors. The ride itself is a blast, and the views in our case are just icing on the cake.

We’re fortunate to live near some gorgeous bike trails, and during the fall, the changing colors of the leaves make for stunning scenery. We love to ride and explore wherever the wind takes us, eventually stopping for a bite to eat to refuel. I do have to warn you, though—e-bikes can be a blast, they can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. I’ve certainly paid the price myself, and I can attest to it that if you’re not cautious, you might end up hurt, which is never fun and a bit of a mood kill—am I right? So, if you decide to give it a try, take your time! Cruise, pace yourselves, and enjoy the ride together.

Estimated price Range: $0-$45 Per Person

Attend a Paint and Sip

I had always wanted to do a paint and sip, and now I can finally say that date is checked off my list! Personally, I enjoy painting. My wife, not so much, but she’s a good sport and tried it for me! These events typically provide all the paint materials and garments, plus the first round is usually on them. Not only was the activity fun, but you also get to socialize with everyone else in attendance and learn some artistic techniques. At the end, the final product is yours to keep and cherish, making for a special keepsake! We kept ours and have them displayed on the wall. They’re far from perfect, but they’re a memory. Looking at them brings me joy, knowing we created them together, both in good company and spirits.

You could also gather the materials yourself and have a paint night at home! We’ve done this before, and it was just as fun, even if the finished product wasn’t as good. I’ve also seen the TikTok trend where people draw each other’s portraits, and it looks like a blast! My wife and I will definitely have to try that for our next paint and sip date—it should make for a good laugh!

Estimated price Range: $0-$35 Per Person

Can you guess which painting belongs to who?

Make it a movie Night

Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned movie night? You can get dressed up, head to the cinema for some shareable popcorn, soda, and candy, or transform your living room into your very own theater experience! After all, movie nights at home are always the best—pajamas, popcorn, pillows, and fuzzy blankets. What more could you ask for?

If you enjoy the movie theater experience, here’s a little secret: some theaters offer discounted tickets on Tuesdays. So, if you’re looking for the cinema experience at a fraction of the price, visit on discount days! Tickets are half-price for us on Tuesdays, and we also get perks like half-priced popcorn and a free upgrade for our drink of choice. I still remember when there were $5 movie tickets on both Sundays and Tuesdays. Who knows, maybe your local theater has its own special deals and pricing during the week!

You can even make it a movie marathon night and binge-watch a film franchise, or take turns picking movies, but be sure to make it fun!

Estimated price Range: $0-$25 Per Person

Make dinner together

Making a meal together is one of my favorite activities. While cooking might be something you do every day, why not spice things up? Try making dinner from scratch, or each of you pick your own dish and create a tasty meal together. If cooking isn’t your thing, you can always go out for a nice dinner at a restaurant you love or have been eager to try. You could even pick restaurants at random and let fate decide your dining destination. Food is a universal language, and a good meal paired with good company always makes for a great time. Whether it's a restaurant or your dining room table, great food brings people together and ensures there’s never a dull moment when your palate is bursting with flavor.

The options are endless: create an extravagant dinner, make a homemade pizza, or fire up the grill. All are fun, exciting ways to bond in a romantic setting. I absolutely love it when my wife and I cook together. My favorite dinner together is when my wife makes filet mignon with roasted Brussel sprouts, bacon lardon, goat cheese, and balsamic reduction, with a side salad, while paired with a glass of red wine. I’m salivating just thinking about it! Clearly, I love food, but take it from me—dinner is the ultimate gesture for a wonderful evening spent together!

Estimated price Range: $0 (Cost of groceries varies)

Take a Dance lesson

I’ve always wanted to take a dance lesson! My rhythm might be non-existent, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to shake my bidie bidie bom bom on the dance floor! My wife and I got lucky when an event for a Latin Dance Party was being hosted at a local restaurant with a free lesson before the real fun began. Margaritas and a dance lesson? Yes, please! We learned some simple beginner steps for bachata, and it was a blast!

Dance lessons can be a step out of your comfort zone, but they make for a fun experience where you’re quite literally feeding off of chemistry to move together as one. Don’t be shy—just dive in, and you’ll be glad you did! The great assortment of music makes it even more enjoyable when you’re putting in work on the dance floor. Seriously, check out local events near you if you don’t want to pay for a full class and test the waters. If you enjoy it as much as we did, you might want to consider signing up for an official class to get the full experience. Before you know it, you’ll be the star of the dance floor!

Estimated price Range: $0-$85 Per Couple

Pricing estimations for these date ideas can vary based on your location and local cost of living, so adjust accordingly to fit your budget. Ultimately, the key is to enjoy quality time together. You don’t need to break the bank to have a successful and memorable date. As long as you show up, put your best foot forward, and cherish your time together, everything will fall into place. Dates might add an extra layer of fun, but the most important thing of all is focusing on each other and working at your relationship every single day. ♡

What are some fun, simple date night ideas that you personally enjoy? I’d love to hear about your favorite experiences and what makes them special!