by Mabel Jane

Created on: December 26, 2009

So often we associate the amount of romance in a date with the amount that is spent. But romance does not have anything to do with a dollar sign- it is all about getting to know each other, growing together, experiencing new things, sharing a special moment and showing your date how well you know and appreciate them. And all of that can be done by spending little to no money at all.

Get Outside

Nothing is cheaper than free and the great outdoors offer toms of romantic settings and activities perfect for a date. In the summertime, hit the beach and build a sandcastle together, relax in the water and enjoy the view of your loved one in a swimsuit. At night, lay out under the stars. If you are not close to any beaches, go online to find places in your town that provide a beautiful view of the city skyline, mountains, valleys, trees- beautiful scenes of your surrounding area.

Do not let the winter weather freeze out the romance. Make a sledding date, which involves holding each other tight while flying down a hill, or tackling each other in the snow and making snow angles or a snowman together. Then end the date warming each other up with a blanket, a fire and some hot chocolate.

Learn Something New

If nature is not your thing, research local museums and institutes. Many have donation-only days, which ask for a donation of the visitor's choice. Or find a small, lesser-known museum that may specialize in something obscure (think about the Telephone Museum in the movie "Yes Man"). Admission will be low or even free- and you will learn something completely new together.

High Five

Sports fans may have a difficult time finding cheap dates when tickets for professional sports teams are so expensive. If the way to your date's heart is with foam fingers, hot dogs, high fives and a little competition, try getting tickets for a semi-pro/amateur team, where tickets are less expensive. For an even cheaper date that will get you extra brownie points, find out where your date went to high school and take them to a game to cheer on their old team.

Help Out

What is more romantic than helping others? Volunteering is a great way to get to know your date, what your date is passionate about and how compassionate your date is towards others. There is something wonderful about the feeling you get when you are helping others and gettting to share that with another person is something that can be very special. And the best part of volunteering? It's free and the rewards are priceless! Check out idealist.org for places to volunteer near you.

Dream Big

It only takes a dollar to make your dreams come true- or at least learn about each others' dreams. Buy a lotto ticket then make a list of what you would do with all the money you win. It is a great way to learn about your date and make you feel closer to one another. You can laugh when you win nothing or a few bucks. Or celebrate your big winnings if you get lucky.

When it comes to romance, the amount  you spend does not compare to the amount of fun you have and the special moments you share. So the next time you are low on cash and planning a romantic date, remember that experience far outweighs the price tag.

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