Last week we talked about the importance of date nights in a healthy relationship. By now you should be fully informed on why date nights are so important for your relationship. But how do you squeeze them in? And how in today’s crazy high priced world can we afford them? Good news! Date nights don’t have to be expensive! Today we are going to focus on some inexpensive date night ideas that help strengthen your relationship without causing any pain to your wallet.
5 Inexpensive Date Night Ideas
1. Breakfast
In last weeks post we learned that “date night” doesn’t have to come after dark. There is no need to spend a fortune on a fancy dinner when you can have an absolutely delicious, and inexpensive, date at your favorite breakfast joint. Coffee, bagels, pancakes – – yes please! You and your spouse can have a relaxing breakfast on Saturday or Sunday morning and not spend much at all. If your kids are old enough, you can even get up before the activities and demands of your day begins. Starting the day off with your spouse over a hot breakfast is a great, cheap way to have an inexpensive date night and improve your relationship.
2. Walking Around A Garden Center (Or Public Garden)
Do you or your partner enjoy all things lawns, flowers, trees and shrubs? If so, walking around local nurseries is relaxing, restorative, and inspirational. You can get your favorite beverage (you’ll notice a trend with me is “everything is better with coffee”) and go on a local nursery tour. Pick a few nurseries and walk the aisles and look at the inspiration all around you. The plant life, greenery and colors are sure to inspire and help boost your moods. Maybe if your budget allows you can grab a few plants and continue your date by planting your treasures together back at home.
3. Miniature Golf / Driving Range
There are mini golf people, and there are golf people. Take your pick for a round of mini golf or get a couple baskets of balls and have at it at a driving range. You can have a friendly game or even make the occasional wager and really get the friendly/flirty competition going with your spouse in this affordable date.
4. Rent A Boat
This may seem more pricey, but if you live anywhere near a lake, look for boat rentals. You can usually rent kayaks and canoes for around $15 an hour. Rent a tandem kayak and work on your rowing skills together. If it’s tragic (tandem rowing is not my personal strong suit) and you don’t get very far, at least you can have fun laughing and splashing in the water. If you rock the 2 person kayak, you’ll have a fantastic affordable date and get some exercise in, to boot!
Many lakes/rivers will rent pontoons or small motor boats as well. Depending on your area, you can rent a pontoon boat for about $65 an hour. Pack a lunch and some cold drinks and enjoy a few slow hours out on the water together with your spouse/partner. You can talk to each other without interruptions or simply enjoy the peace offered by Mother Nature.
5. Movie Night At Home
When you’re looking for affordable date night ideas but still have the expense of childcare, going out for a date, even an inexpensive date night, can be costly in the end. Luckily you don’t have to leave the house for date night. You may just have to switch your perception of a date.
Get your snacks prepared, drinks chilled, and your dinner waiting hot in oven (or have it delivered). Work together to get the kids into bed as early as possible and then make your way to the family room for date night. Watch a movie (chosen ahead of time) sitting on the couch together, eating your dinner, and enjoying your favorite movie snacks. You can even grab “movie candy” (the kind in the box) at the grocery store for about $1.50 (ask me how I know that!).
You can enjoy a “dinner and movie” date night from home for next to nothing while your kids are sleeping soundly in their beds.
Simple, Affordable, Inexpensive Date Nights For The Win
Carving out time to spend with your partner is vitally important for a healthy, lasting relationship. Your relationship will improve and your overall happiness will, too.
Date nights don’t have to be costly. What’s important is that you and your partner are alone (i.e. no kids), spending quality time together. Maybe you can get your next door neighbor for 30 minutes during your baby’s nap – – go take a walk together. If your kids are napping, use that long nap to have drinks on the porch together without phones, work, or any other interruptions. Just relax, talk and be together.
No matter your situation, make your relationship a priority. Schedule time to be together and watch your relationship flourish.
Marriage Counseling In Washington, PA
Are you considering counseling? Do you feel unheard in your relationship? Do you feel that you aren’t important to your partner? Learning better ways to communicate is always effective in improving relationships. And marriage/couples counseling can be a great place to start.
If you have any questions or would like to get to know me a little better, please call (724) 503-6670 or email me at admin@inthenowcounseling.org. You can also talk to me on Facebook and Instagram, too.
I am seeing clients in my Washington, PA office and look forward to speaking with you!
