50 Date Nights Under $50: Spark Connection on a Budget

With the cost of living on the rise, it makes sense to cut the “extras” out of the budget to make room for necessities like groceries and gas. Just be careful not to mis-categorize important little things as “extra!”. Things like self-care or dates under $50 with a spouse or family member are important, and make life richer!

In our house, we aim to live by the Dave Ramsey plan as closely as possible. And, in the name of staying “on track,” Erik and I have all too often forgone the all-important date night, but have recently brought it back.

Here’s what we found…

It’s allowed us to get out of the day-to-day and take a break from our home project manager roles. We’re able to flirt and get to know each other better through new experiences. Heck, just to be able to have a whole adult conversation–without kids popping into the room, and interjecting their thoughts and opinions on life.

The best part? We were able to add this important activity to our month while honoring our budget! All of the activities mentioned below can create a date night for under $50!

Dates Under $50: Staying In

Plan a cozy night in with some of these creative indoor date nights under $50.

Cook dinner or bake something together, creating a delicious meal while enjoying each other’s company.
If you’re feeling crafty, create a photo collage or a vision board. This can be a fun way to envision your future together, and make plans for exciting adventures.
Get competitive with a game night, or learn something new by teaching each other a skill.
If you’re in the mood for relaxation, a simple spa night could be in order with a massage or facial.
Hunker down for a classic movie night or to binge-watch a few episodes of your favorite TV show together.
Create an at-home wine and paint! Grab a bottle of your favorite vino and do a paint-by-number.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try a date in a box, a unique way to bring surprise and excitement to your date night!

Dates Under $50 in the Great Outdoors

Date ideas under $50 might be even better outdoors! Check out these great ways to cultivate connection outside.

Take a romantic stroll through the park, or stargaze on a clear night.
Have an outdoor movie night! Start up a bonfire, chill a bottle of wine, and queue up your favorite movie streamed through a projector onto a sheet or outdoor screen!
For a more active date, go bowling, play a game of mini-golf, or hit the gym together.
If you’re a nature lover, head out to a local state park or botanical garden for a nature hike or bike ride, or take a historic tour of your town.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, consider going canoeing, picking fresh fruit or flowers, or going on a scavenger hunt.
For a more low-key and relaxing experience, go for a picnic, volunteer at a local animal shelter, or enjoy some R & R at a local beach or pool.

Dates Under $50: Out on the Town

Food and Drink

Experience new flavors together with these food and drink-related date ideas.

Head out to a local hotspot for brunch or a decadent dessert and coffee to enjoy together.
Grab a drink and an appetizer at a hip new restaurant, or brainstorm your next vacation over a cup of coffee.
Pick out cards for each other and read them right there in the Hallmark store!
Play house or shop for fun ways to upgrade your current one, by walking around IKEA together.
For a more relaxed date, see a movie, visit a museum, or take a stroll around the mall.
Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy a walk around town or a local park.

Sports and Entertainment

Get your team spirit on with these sports and entertainment activities.

Attend a minor league baseball or hockey game, or cheer on a local high school football team. You can also watch a game at a sports bar.
Hit golfballs at a local driving range, or play a game of tennis or pickleball.