by Elizabeth Frain

Created on: September 16, 2010   Last Updated: September 17, 2010

Dates don't always have to break the bank, there are quite a few ideas for people wanting to date on a budget. These ideas are particularly useful for many people including those who are actively dating and don't have the means to be able to pay for expensive dates and also don't want to go to the expense of paying for an expensive date when there not sure how it will turn out or whether or not it will be successful. However particularly during this financially worrying time these tips are useful for anybody wanting to on a date even couples who have been going out for many years or are married as every couple needs to have one night that's just the two of them. So here are a few ideas for dates on a budget.

1. Movies at home

You don't always have to go to the cinema to watch a movie, a cheaper alternative maybe renting a move you both want to see and then buying popcorn and having your own movie night in, with no one to shush you and able to stop the movie at anytime. This is particularly good idea for people who maybe don't get to spend that much time together so for one night just unplug the phone, switch off mobiles and have a private night in cuddling up on the sofa watching a DVD.

2. Picnic in the park

You don't always have to go to expensive restaurants instead why not try putting a picnic hamper together if the weathers good and visiting a local park. You get to enjoy a nice meal together and relax in the sun. Also during the summer many towns and cities offer outdoor concerts which is a good idea for people wanting to find date ideas but are on a budget so check whether or not you local town does this and if so maybe combine these two ideas and have a picnic in the park whilst also listening to great music and enjoying the good weather.

3. Volunteering

Spend some time volunteering with a local charity or with a non-profit in your area. This way not only do you get to work together which is known to help build stronger relationships and bonds but you also get to give back to the community. Some couple volunteering ideas are helping in a soup kitchen, cleaning up parks and neighborhoods or even building homes with Habitat for Humanity. So check your online for local volunteering opportunities. 

4. Walk

A walk can be a great opportunity to talk to one another and also see some great sights and enjoy nature particularly if you live near a good local nature trail. It can be more relaxed and open then sitting staring at one another whilst talking. If there are no local trails near you or live in a city then maybe you could choose to walk around the city and try and find local spots you've never seen before.

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