15 Cheap First Date Ideas

Dates, especially first ones, can be stressful. They can be even more stressful if you don't have much disposable income. Planning a date on a shoe-string budget can be almost impossible. In this article, we suggest 15 cheap first date ideas that will keep both your date and wallet happy.

Most, if not all, of these date ideas cost under $30 per person. Some are free and others can vary in cost depending on how much you choose to spend on drinks, games, or other extras. We always advise to set a budget and do your best to stick to it. Even so, we recommend bringing some extra money just in case.

The main takeaway from this article is to be open-minded. These suggestions are laid-back and casual, meaning you can worry less about ensuring everything is picture perfect and focus more on getting to know your date. On with the list:

Free Events In Town

A quick search for "free events near me" on any search engine will yield many results. Most cities and towns will have events that cater to a variety of demographics. These can range from food festivals and street fairs to community get-togethers, concerts, wine tastings, market collectives, and more.

Websites like Eventbrite and MeetUp.com are great tools for finding out about events happening near you. You can search by date and use filters to search for events that appeal to you. We suggest keeping an open mind and trying new experiences. After all, these events are free. Aside from some time, you really have nothing to lose.

Money Saving Tip: Be on the lookout for 2-for-1 deals as well, as these can make ticketed events more affordable.

Open Mics Or Karaoke

Open mics are often comprised of a variety of different acts all trying to make you laugh, cheer, or ponder what makes something Kafkaesque. You never know what you might see. Stand-up comedy? Dance routine? Slam poetry? With different lineups every time, you never know if you will catch the next pop sensation just starting their career. You could be that person who says, "I remember seeing them before they were famous!"

Singing karaoke can be a great way to overcome stage fright. You can either sit back and enjoy listening to people sing their favourite songs, or you can hop up on stage and belt out your best rendition of Every Rose Has Its Thorn or Bohemian Rhapsody with all its different lyrical styles and voices. Most people are supportive at karaoke, so if it's your first time singing, you won't be pelted with tomatoes.

These events are typically paired with food and drink deals to entice people to fill tables. Even if you don't plan on going on stage, you can still get a decent meal at an affordable price. If you decide to sit out, be supportive of the other performing acts. It takes a lot of courage to stand up and sing your heart out in front of strangers.

Volunteering At The Local Animal Shelter Or Cat Café

Volunteering at an animal shelter can be a fulfilling experience for you, your date, and the furry friends you'll meet. Many animal shelters are overcrowded and understaffed and will appreciate your help.

Your time spent at the shelter could include taking dogs for walks, cleaning out kennels and cages, playing with the animals, taking pictures for the animal shelter's social media pages, answering emails or telephones, writing adoption bios for the animals, and more. Be sure to phone ahead and ask the shelter if they allow volunteers and what the requirements are.

Go Thrifting 

You never know what you'll find at a thrift store. Whether you're actively looking for vintage pieces that will complement the rest of your wardrobe or challenging yourself to find the ugliest shirt you've ever seen, there's something for everyone.

Some thrift stores will cater to certain demographics or styles like Mid-Century Modern vintage or high-end brands. If you are a fan of a particular look or level of formality, you will likely find a store that fits your style. Thrift stores in trendier areas may carry items that are more unique and off-the-wall than stores in other locations. If that's your style, make it part of your trendy area date.

If you want to make a thrift store date more memorable, try these ideas:

• You and your date each have $20 to make a new outfit (either for yourself or your date).
• Try to find the ugliest piece of clothing and model it for your date.
• Pick out something you think they'd like.

Take A Trip Through The Trendy Parts Of Town 

Trendy areas are full of specialty shops, independent restaurants, and unique art installations you won't find in other parts of the city. What makes these places great for first dates is that you don't need to buy anything. You can just stroll at your own pace, admire the art, people-watch, and appreciate the atmosphere. You may find yourself being whisked away to another land after you step inside a vintage book shop or a Hobbit-themed tea shop.

Many trendy areas are pedestrian-friendly with lots of paths, dog-friendly patios, and plenty of sidewalk space. Some areas may feature night markets or market collectives throughout the year, giving local artists a place to display their one-of-a-kind handmade items.

A Nice Picnic In The Park 

If your idea of a perfect first date involves breathing in the fresh air, basking in the warm sun, and listening to nature, then a picnic in the park is a perfect cheap date idea. It's laid-back and won't break the bank. Plus, you can show off your culinary expertise with a homemade dish.

For a picnic in the park, you should keep the food very simple. Hand-held foods like sandwiches, pastries, fruits, vegetables, and cheese and crackers are all safe choices. Avoid foods that require utensils or messy foods that involve sauces.

A Walk In A Park 

If you or your date are looking for a casual, low-key activity that doesn't require much planning, a walk through the park may be perfect for you. Being surrounded by nature can help reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier to connect with your date.

If you are considering having your first date in the park, review the park layout beforehand, stick to open areas, and avoid places that are too far off the beaten path. Your date may not feel comfortable if you say "hey, I know a shortcut" and then start trekking through dense brush. Safety should always be top priority.

Visit A Botanical Garden

If you really want to show off your romantic side on a budget, a trip to a botanical garden can be an ideal first date. Surrounding yourself with the lush greenery and vibrant tropical flowers of a botanical garden is another relaxing first date idea that would allow you and your date to set the pace.

Some botanical gardens offer date night events like night lights, painting, wine tastings, and dancing. Be sure to see what your local botanical garden offers. Even if they don't offer those events, a stroll through the rows of exotic and rare flowers is still an enjoyable time.

Museums And Art Galleries 

If you and your date are creatives or history buffs, a trip to the local museum or art gallery may be a great place to hit things off. Depending on where you live, you may have museums or galleries that specialize in a specific time period or style.

Museums and art galleries allow you and your partner to chat as much or as little as you'd like, meaning that you wouldn't have to fish for conversation topics. These venues also provide an opportunity to see and learn new and interesting things, giving you topics to talk about if you are anxious.

Paint Nights

Paint nights have risen in popularity over the last decade. These events are guided by a host who has created a relatively simple art piece and will then guide you on how to re-create it. Along the way, the host will teach you basic techniques like shading, blending, and use of the different brushes.

Websites like Paintnite.com let you find events near you. The descriptions will also show you a preview of what the host intends to paint with the class, the price, and location. The best part is that you get to take your creations home and display them for all to see.

A Simple Coffee Date 

When people think of first date ideas, a coffee date tends to be what initially comes to mind (followed closely by movie dates, but we don't recommend going to the movies on a first date). Some people may roll their eyes at the thought of getting coffee on a first date; however, it's a laid-back setting where you can get to know your date at your own pace.

Not only is it affordable, but it doesn't require a lot of planning, it won't drag on for hours, and you can cut the date short without having to wait for a cheque if things aren't going well. Coffee dates can also happen any time of day, which leaves the rest of the day open to plan other activities if you and your date want to keep things going.

Even if you aren't a coffee connoisseur, many cafés offer other beverages like tea, hot chocolate, and even wine in the evening. Some cafés offer shareable platters and meals, allowing you and your date to make your cheesiest dad jokes and share cat photos while indulging in a charcuterie board.

Visiting An Ice Cream Shoppe 

Ice cream, like coffee, is another low-pressure and casual idea for a first date if you want to take things slow. While some people might see ice cream dates as being only for younger couples and college students, we know through rigorous first-hand testing that no one can resist an icy cold treat on a hot summer day. Especially when chocolate drizzle and sprinkles are involved.

Going on an ice cream date is a great way to break from the typical dates most people resort to. You can start your date with ice cream, end it with ice cream, or pick some up if it's along your walk. The best part about ice cream is that it's always in a cone, cup, or edible bowl so that you can enjoy it on the go.

If ice cream isn't your thing, many shops offer gelato, frozen yogurt, sorbet, milkshakes, and other treats that will suit nearly any fancy. Most ice cream shops also offer dairy-free and vegan options as well. Some stores even let you create your own and pay for it based on weight, giving you full control over how many gummy bears and chopped nuts you want.

Arcades And Rec Rooms 

Retro gaming is making a massive comeback. These new establishments are filled with old-school arcade cabinets, mechanical pinball machines, more modern games like Dance Dance Revolution, and simulations like Topgolf. Some also include carnival and midway games like claw machines and skee-ball which reward you with prizes or redeemable tickets.

Many of these businesses also offer food and drink services and sometimes host live entertainment so there's never a dull moment. Be aware that depending on the venue, these events may be in another area that requires an extra ticket or fee to access.

Watching The Sunset 

If you and your partner really want to finish your date on a romantic note, there's no better place to be than outside watching the sunset. The vivid yellows, oranges, and reds are a sight to behold, but if you're lucky you may witness violet, pink, and even indigo. We are often too involved with our daily lives to take a moment to admire the natural beauty that unfolds right in front of our eyes.

Enjoying a sunset lets the two of you escape the crowd and get to know each other without interruption. In moments like this, the world slows down, and all that matters are the two of you and the entire night sky. Listening to the world hush as the stars come out can be a tranquil experience, especially in an area with low light pollution.

Testing Your Knowledge At Trivia Night

Many bars and pubs hold weekly or monthly trivia nights. Sometimes they're hosted by an MC who keeps things lively by cracking jokes and doing give-aways, while other times, a digital platform like Atmosphere or Buzztime prompts the game on televisions inside the venue and invites people to play from their mobile devices.

Some trivia games are played solo and other times in groups ranging from 2-6. Sometimes groups have to come up with names, so if you're planning on going to a themed trivia night, brainstorm some goofy names with your date.

Prizes can range from free food and drinks to tickets to upcoming events or even gift cards.

Helpful Tips For A Successful First Date:

• A first date shouldn't feel like a job interview. Try not to ask too many questions or make your date feel like they're being interrogated. If they don't want to talk about something and change the subject, don't bring it up again. Keep things light and avoid topics like religion, politics, money, and sex.
  

• Keep a handful of topics you feel comfortable talking about in your back pocket. These can be related to your own interests or your date's hobbies, travel experiences, and future aspirations.

• Don't try to cram too many activities into a first date. It's best to start with something quick and easy like grabbing a coffee or ice cream and then going from there if you click. Having an itinerary of things to do all in one day may become overwhelming.

• Who pays for the first date? There is no easy answer, even on a cheap date. If the overall cost is low, the person who initiated the date should pay, but that isn't always the case. We answer this question in more detail in our article Who Pays On The First Date?

• Be open to trying new foods. Keeping in mind dietary restrictions, you never know what may tickle your palate and become a new favourite until you try it at least once. Having an appreciation for other culinary traditions can open up a whole new world of flavours and styles.

• Dress to impress, but don't go overboard. Make an effort to look presentable but also being aware of the location of your date and the activities planned. If you want some style tips and examples, we have an entire article on how to dress on a first date.

• To kiss or not to kiss. This can be a tricky question. Forcing a kiss is a direct route to No-Future-Dates-ville. Not kissing can leave the other person wondering if they did something wrong. Our article Does A Gentleman Kiss On The First Date? gives examples of cues you should look for to determine if a first kiss is imminent or if it should wait.

• If your first date went well and you want to try for a second, hold your horses and mosey over to our article How Soon Should You Follow Up After A First Date? before calling or texting. There are some rules of etiquette you should follow before asking for a second date.

• Don't feel bad if your first date doesn't go well. Lackluster first dates can happen to anyone. It's better to find someone you're compatible with rather than try to change your identity to fit someone else's vision of an ideal partner.

Summary

Don't let the thought of a cheap date be a deterrent. Plenty of memories can be made even on a budget. The goal of a first date is to keep it casual and see what you and your date have in common. If all goes well, then you can spend more on future dates.

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