Are you in a season of life where date nights rarely happen because you’re needing live on a tighter budget? Or do you feel the pressure to spend money outside your means in order to communicate that you love your husband?
I get it!
You want to continue dating your spouse, but the expense is not ideal.
The investment? Totally worth it.
If you truly intend on investing in your marriage by making time to be with your spouse no matter the cost, you’re on the right track!
(By the way, here are some ways to show appreciation to your husband when you get the chance.)
To save you some money and still enjoy that unique date night experience, here are some ideas that don’t break the bank:
Local Coffee Shop
And when I say local, I mean one of those hidden gems that you can’t find anywhere else.
Now I’m all about supporting local businesses and enjoying some kind hospitality. But to share a warm beverage with someone special in an atmosphere that invites you to stay is totally worth making an effort to find.
For me, it’s the coffee shop down in The Basement located in the riverside square. There may not be a huge menu or freshly baked goodies, but it’s not crowded and there is plenty of space for private conversation. Because it’s underground, this spot makes for a fun date night on a budget when wanting to spend less than $10 for a treat.
Outdoor Sports Store
This is definitely not the most romantic spot you might hope for, but it’s somewhere your husband would enjoy walking around!
You can use this time to talk about future vacations, hobbies to pick up, or even childhood adventures that will take the both of you down memory lane.
Most outdoor stores have some kind of cafe inside, perfect for a quick and inexpensive treat. Our local store is Scheels. This two-story sports store hosts a huge mountain with a very large variety of taxidermy, six statues of former presidents with short audio recordings, and a Ferris wheel in the middle of the store! Admission to the ferris wheel is only $1, and it’s a cheep thrill I look forward to riding.
A lot of outdoor stores, like ours, have a couple of hands on games for a small price (like duckpin).
Picnic
Now stay with me. This may sound like your average cheep date cliché, but it doesn’t have to be!
Put your lunch together and make it thoughtful by including your husband’s favorite drink. Make the picnic special by picking out a beautiful spot and reading some poetry aloud that you picked out in advance.
If you have some extra wiggle room in your budget, this picnic basket is super cute:
You can also make a list of questions to ask your husband to keep the conversation going if you need help. The good thing about a picnic is there’s no temptation to overspend if you’re on a tight budget. Just be sure to check the weather before you head out just in case.
Budget friendly? Definitely.
Drive-In Movie Theater
This is honestly one of my favorite unique date night experiences.
Going to the movies is fun, but have you ever gone to a drive-in movie? It can sometimes be more affordable, but being able to relax in the car with whatever food you want is so worth it! If it’s a little chilly in the evenings, bring some blankets and hot chocolate to stay warm.
If you have a truck (or one you can borrow one from a friend), consider parking in reverse so you can snuggle with your spouse under the blankets while enjoying the film. Don’t forget those pillows for extra comfort! You can also do this with an SUV and lift the trunk/hatch for viewing.
Scenic walk
Is there a river walk in your town? Or maybe an arboretum or botanical garden that doesn’t cost anything for admission? Spend time with one another on a nice walk without the need to spend any money.
You don’t always have to spend money on a date to have a good marriage. Time talking is always a good idea when needing to invest more into your marriage. Show your husband you are willing to do whatever it takes to save money. Show your husband your commitment to strengthening your marriage one walk at a time.
