75 Romantic Date Night Ideas You’ve Never Thought Of!

So are you ready for some fun and frugal Romantic Date Night Ideas at Home or out on the town?  I’ve got you covered!

Planning a date night with your sweetie??  A romantic date night doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.  There are so many ways to spend special time with your honey and keep that sizzling romance on fire… all without breaking the bank!

So what are you waiting for?  It’s time to turn up the heat and spice up the romance with these fabulous Romantic Date Night Ideas!

I received the following question from frugal friend Teresa…

“Hubby and I are celebrating our 5th Wedding Anniversary in February.  Hubby was deployed last anniversary, so I want to do something special and more memorable than dinner and a movie.  We are on a super-tight budget, so I’d love some inexpensive date ideas.  Any suggestions??”

So are you ready for some fun and inexpensive Date Ideas for your next date night?  These creative ideas will keep date night sweet and romantic… on a budget!

Romantic Date Night Ideas

Related:  30 Eat Out Cheap Ideas (How to Save Money Eating Out)

Ann writes: “My husband and I also celebrate our Anniversary in February. Last year we made a pinic basket and went to our local park. We ate at the park and they have bikes rentals there, so we rented the bikes.
They were suppose to be one hour rentals, but I sweetly told the guy renting us the bike that we were celebrating 7 years of marriage and he told us to take the bikes for as long as we wanted. It was awesome!!!!! We had soooo much fun. There was a lake at the park so we stopped took some pictures. Then we went and strolled the town hand in hand!! ”

Amanda writes: “I think for an anniversary it would be cute to recreate your first date. I’m always a fan of “spa” nights. Pick up some Massage Oil or if you can’t swing that then use baby oil or lotion, whatever you have, and do massages for one another.”

Coconut Oil Massage Oil Recipe

Susan writes: “We have little kids so we sometimes plan ahead, put the kids to bed early, and then we have a special dinner.  We order nice take out or I have a special Dinner cooked.  If we’ve already eaten, fresh baked Cookies are a great treat. We’ve even put a blanket by the fire before. A movie night or even watching comedians on youtube. We love laughing together.”

Easy Cake Mix Cookies Recipes

Rae writes: “Do dinner at home, then go out for dessert.”

Jennifer writes: “My husband and I are going out for ice cream for our wedding anniversary tonight….even the “good” ice cream places are cheaper than a dinner date!”

Frugal Tip: So whether you’re ordering dinner in or going out for date night, these Restaurant Deals will save you SO much money!

Restaurant Deals + Ordering Hacks to Save Money Eating Out!

Rachel writes: “Pack up a lunch and just enjoy the weather… like at a park, or go on a hike”

Jill writes: “Are there any scenic hiking trails near you? If so, pack some sandwiches and drinks in the backpack and go hiking.  Then, if you’re still hungry after the hike, go have an ice cream!  If you live near a university you might be able to hit up free (or low cost – $6 a ticket) musical events put on by the music department.
I’ve enjoyed many a fine jazz performance from graduate/undergraduate students who need to fulfill class requirements. Share a bottle of wine afterward!”

How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Nancy writes: “Look around for local Restaurants that have soup/salad or soup/and something. We go out for $10/$12 and get a back booth away from the main foot traffic and talk and enjoy the warm cozy time. Another idea is to find a fondue place or set up easy fondue at home.”

Kasey writes: “Movies are expensive, so skip nighttime showings. Make it a “date afternoon” and go see a matinee for a lower price!”

Laura writes: “Find a dollar movie theatre and go see a movie. granted they will be older movie but still a date. Go walk the park and feed ducks.”

Marne writes: “Go on base to the MWR ticket office. Here, in San Diego, we can get harbor cruises for $6. The ticket lists and prices are available online. The prices are amazing. Glad your hubby is home this year!”

Faith writes: “Here’s a cheap date night… Find a sitter/older sibling then you and your spouse share a coke/tea at McD’s or a pie at Burger King.  Sweet simple and cheap.”

Mayre writes: “Rent a move and make one of those ‘For 2’ frozen entrees {Bertoli & PF Chang’s are good ones}.

Heather writes: “The fifth year is the year that you can give wood as a gift. Camping or a trip to the woods might be really fun. You could hike, camp, maybe canoe or just sit under the stars and roast some marshmallows.”

Tasty Tip: Whether you’re out in the woods, or just making S’mores over the backyard fire pit at home, these epic S’mores recipes will take your night to the next level!

Easy Campfire Treats You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner!

Wendy writes: “We love independent films and our local Institute of Arts offered them at $4 a piece.”

Kim writes: “Take advantage of the frequent sales on Restaurant.com to get a certificate to a local, pricier restaurant. Spending a few dollars on the certificate will make “splurging” on dinner even better.”

Restaurant Deals + Ordering Hacks to Save BIG!

Stephanie writes: “My Husband and I love garage sales, antiques and have found an auction house that has regular auctions on Wednesdays and Saturday evenings. We love to go, we usually do not buy anything but it is very exciting to see the stuff and watch the action.
They also have great food at a real deal meals for $2.00 for ham and beans with cornbread. by the time you get a drink you have both been fed for $6.00 and an evening of entertainment with the possibility of a bargain or two.”

Beth writes: “One year I did a little scavenger hunt for my boyfriend (now husband). He had to go to a couple places in the house and then I even placed clues/things around town (we lived in a small town).
It was cheap because I thought of the clues, which cost nothing and the “prizes” were small things like a coupon for _____ or a framed photo of us, etc. Then we had a picnic. Just an idea. Happy Anniversary!”

Theresa writes: “Most museums have at least one night during the month or one day a week with free admission. Have a date at the museum.”

Shelley writes: “Walk in the park, go hiking, go star-gazing, visit museums (many are free)”

Jessica writes: “Been there done that, actually my hubby and I only lived together for 6 months for the first 3 years of our marriage, thanks to all the deployments.  On one of his 2 wk leave from tour we went to his grandparents cabin in the mountains and on a date night a few times we had a late evening picnic on the beach and we also enjoy going up the canyon to make a campfire and eat S’mores. Glad your hubby is home.”

Elegant Napkin Rose Fold (How to Fold Napkins into Roses)

When it comes to creating a Romantic tablescape, nothing takes your dining room to the next level like pretty napkin folds!

Verna writes: “Grab a bottle of wine, music from a playlist, and gaze at the stars. Perfect “

Autumn writes: “My husband and I once went to a pottery place where they have pre-made ceramics made. Our local one is called The Mud Mill, they let you take food and drinks in. So I took finger foods in, apple cider in plastic champagne glasses and we painted a cake stand together.
Whenever I use it or guest asks me about it, I always smile knowing we had GREAT fun making it. Look online for place like that close to you,and see if they have a website that has coupons too. Have fun, and know that whatever you do will be special!!”

Cindy writes: “Good date night idea: international night…wine to dessert, and music.”

Lauren writes: “Picnic, watch planes take off and land near your airport, go for a walk, bonfire with friends, game night, dinner at home with a movie, or head to the driving range”

Dawn writes: “Hmmm…. Steak, baked potatoes and salad, all at home, cooked and eaten in a nightie.  With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you can get some fun and inexpensive games at Walmart for your loved one, a card game, a pin you wear that looks like a spinner, etc, these are usually located in the valentine aisle with all the goodie bag stuff.
Make a playlist with your spouse’s favorite music from when you were dating, or watch a movie you watched on one of your dates….. and there you go…. this was one of my husband’s favorite dates….”

Best Steak Seasoning Recipe + Learn How to Grill a Steak!

Teresa writes: “My hubby & I take a walk then come back and sit on the deck and just talk with a soda or water, then we cook dinner together.”

LL writes: “I have found that a canoe or kayak trip followed by a picnic (in the winter go snowshoeing or cross country skiing instead) is a lot of fun, good exercise, romantic AND cheap.”

Date Night Ideas at Home:

No babysitter?  No problem!  Spend more quality time together with these creative stay at home romantic date ideas from Chrissy at The Taylor House…

“You will never need to leave the house again with these 10 Fun Date Nights at Home Ideas!

Do you and your spouse spend time alone together?  We all know that it’s important for our relationships but finding the time to get a sitter, pay a sitter and then pay for a night out, isn’t something we can do very often.

Why not have a date night at home?  Wait until after your little ones have gone to bed and have a romantic night at home together.

I created a “Date Night” jar with lots of fun ideas with things we could do together on our date nights at home.

How To Create A Date Night At Home Jar

Find an empty jar or container of some sort and add a simple label on the front.  Next, find popsicle sticks, colored markers and Washi tape.

Add one date night idea to each stick and a small amount of Washi Tape to the top of the stick!  Very easy!

10 Fun Date Night At Home Ideas

1. Cook Dinner together
2. Talk
3. Work on a project
4. Play a board game
5. Watch a Movie
6. Make Milkshakes
7. Play cards
8. Give each other Foot Rubs
9. Play a video game together
10. Watch funny YouTube videos

When it’s time for date night…

Step #1: Pick a Stick to Choose Your Activity!

Be sure to pick out of the jar and give yourself plenty of time to prepare!

Step #2: Set The Mood…

Create a romantic table setting for two.  Use your “fancy” plates or china, cloth napkins and lots of candles!  Make it feel like you are at a nice restaurant!

Step #3: Always Create a Special Meal!

What is your husband’s favorite meal?  Make it or a version of it for supper!  We love pizza, so when we had a date night at home, I made a delicious Margherita Pizza!  This was something my kids wouldn’t normally eat but we love!

Spending time together, even if it’s at home, can be wonderful for your marriage!  Enjoy the time you have together, nor matter where it is and have fun!

My name is Chrissy and I blog at The Taylor House.  I love sharing recipes, crafts, home organization and cleaning tips and even gift ideas.  My husband and I live in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota and I am blessed to be able to stay home with my two boys.  I would love to connect with you!  You can find me here on Facebook and Pinterest.”

Valentine’s Day Date Night Ideas:

Amy said: “One year, after the kids went to bed, I fixed a snack of cheese, crackers, chocolate covered strawberries (that I had made up ahead of time and chilled in the fridge), and other fruit for us.  I also had a chilled bottle of sparkling grape juice that I poured into wine glasses.  We shared this snack while watching a movie together… cheap and cozy.”

Anna said: “What about a little Coupon Book for your significant other, for things that they love?  (i.e. back rubs, favorite meal, 1 hour of remote time with no complaints, a night out with the boys with no interruptions, etc.)
Or how about this idea: One year I bought a huge foil heart and wrote “I love you” in as many different languages as I could locate on the internet.  The time spent was appreciated.
If you live in a cold climate: ice skating is adventurous and will always make good memories or even snow sledding if there’s snow on the ground.”

Free Printable Love Coupons

Tina said: “I have a few ideas for you.   One year when my husband and I were just dating, I got a dozen red roses from the local Walmart (if you buy them the weekend before they are usually cheaper).  I removed one of the roses and replaced it with a fake rose.

In the card I wrote something special, then I put “Our love will end when the last rose dies”. He automatically asked me if there was a fake one in there! 8 years later and he still has the fake rose.

As for a recipe…. you can never go wrong with a man meal! A nice steak, baked potato, green beans (or other vegs) and his favorite roll. You can either make chocolate covered strawberries ahead so they are in the fridge and cool before dessert or you can fondue it.

Make it fun and have different fruits (strawberries, bananas, pineapples, etc) and make it where the two of you can make something yummy for each other.”

Kendall said: “This year, for my non-mushy man, I’m making him a marshmallow sh*oter – and one for myself, too, so we can battle it out!”

Summer Date Night Ideas:

Summer is my favorite time of year, and these fun Summer Date Night Ideas make it even better!  Trust me… you’ll both LOVE these sweet and romantic dates!

Summer is my favorite time of year, and these fun Summer Date Night Ideas make it even better!  Check out these tips from frugal friend Danielle…

“Last summer, my guy and I were located about three hours away from each other. He was working Monday through Friday, and I was working every other weekend, so we didn’t get to see each other much. However, this summer will be different and I am so thankful for that. This summer we’re only 30 minutes apart which means we can easily drive back and forth to spend more time together.

Although this is our list of Summer things to do together, you could easily adapt this to fit you and your significant other. Think of it as 8 Summer Date Night Ideas and make an effort to do as many as you possibly can. We all need a little adventure once in awhile, and although none of these are crazy adventurous there are probably a few you haven’t tried before. Here’s what we’re looking to complete…

#1: Cozy Up in the Hammock Together

A few months ago, my guy bought an Eno hammock for a really great price through some buddies of his. The model he purchased has removable straps so you can put it up wherever you’d like.

We have really enjoyed finding two perfectly-spaced trees, assembling it, and then laying together for a few hours while talking and enjoying each other’s company.

#2: Snuggle Under the Stars

When I was a little girl, I was really intrigued by the constellations and I still am to this day. Granted, I don’t know all of them but there are a handful that I can easily recognize.

I’m hoping we can take some time one of these summer nights to lay outside and admire the stars.

#3: Enjoy a Picnic in the Park

There are a few parks where I live but I’ve never been to any of them before.

One has a hiking trail and the other has sand volleyball courts. I think either one would make the perfect scenery for a afternoon picnic and then a little outdoor exploring afterwards.

Now I just need a cute picnic basket.

#4: Go to a Drive-In Movie

Going to the drive-in is one of my favorite childhood pastimes.

Our family would load up the mini-van with blankets and pillows and we would each pick out a few movies snacks too. We would turn the seats in the car backwards and enjoy watching a movie on the big screen.

I recently found out that a town about 15 minutes away from us has a drive-in theatre and I can’t wait to find a night where he and I can go and watch a few movies together.

#5: Create a Date Night Jar

I am a very indecisive person and when it’s up to me what to choose for date night, it takes me hours to decide. I usually have a few ideas in my head of what I’d like to do but I know they’re ones that he might not want to do, so I don’t voice my opinion.

I’d like to create a date night jar together so that we could both contribute ideas but have an easier way to decide — just pull out a stick!

#6: Play Scrabble by Candlelight

I am a huge fan of word games like Taboo, Buzz Word, UpWords, Password…the list goes on and on.

So when I heard about the idea to play Scrabble by candlelight, I knew that had to go on our summer to-do list. I’d really like to make a fancy chocolate dessert to enjoy along with the candlelit scene.

#7: Make a Fancy 3-Course Meal at Home

I’ll admit this one is a little adventurous (you could do five courses if you wanted to go crazy) but I think it will be manageable as long as I do a little bit of planning.

An appetizer, entree, and dessert can’t be that hard to coordinate. Besides, I’ve got a Pinterest board full of recipes to try. As for dessert, I have a bit of a sweet tooth so I’m thinking either a chocolate trifle or a really rich three-layer cake.

#8: Grab a Cute Swimsuit & Spend The Day at the Water Park

I was a lifeguard for 4 years so naturally I LOVE hanging out at the pool, but I especially enjoy water parks. For my man, this is a different story because he’s not a huge fan of water and he dislikes large crowds.

However, I’m hoping we can put both things aside and enjoy a day at a waterpark this summer. If this summer is going to be anything like last summer, I could use a good pool day when it’s 100+ degrees outside!”

For more creative ideas, you can follow along with Danielle on Pinterest!

Creative Ways to Say I Love You

Fun love notes left around the house are always a sweet surprise! Scrabble pieces are far too fun to create messages for your honey with…

Get creative and surprise your man with a note the morning of your date night!

And… don’t forget the soap! Grab a dry piece of bar soap, and write your sweetie a note on the mirror, using the corner of the bar!

More Fun Romantic Inspiration:

So now that you’ve gotten inspired to have a creative, fun and frugal date night… I’ve got even more fun and romantic inspiration I know you’ll love…

33 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him

Give your guy some love with these fun and creative Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him!

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Is time to show someone a little love??  The key to a heart is often through the tummy! 🙂  Check out these Best Valentine’s Day Recipes Ever!  You’ll LOVE all the fun drinks to share with your sweetie, and desserts spread some love this Valentine’s Day!

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These Financial Goals for Couples are great conversation starters to help you create a shared plan for managing your money, and a common goal for what you’re trying to achieve.

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So, do you have some fun Romantic Date Night Ideas?

Leave a comment & share!