20 great date ideas - all for $50. and under!

I have yet to find the perfect guy. Don’t get me wrong, I am under no illusion that there is one perfect man out there, but I do think there is a perfect match for me. I was sitting at home one night frustrated as another one of my dead-end relationships had drawn to a close. It suddenly hit me that the common thread in almost all my past relationships was that I was bored. Why is it that most of these guys have little or no imagination when it comes to finding something fun to do? And why do they think that “something fun? directly translates into loads of money?

I bet you’re inclined to think that I am one of those high-maintenance girls on her soap box, but I assure you I am quite the opposite. I’m here to help. There are only so many nights that I can spend going to dinner and a movie or bar for a date. While the age old stereotypical date is still a good time, it isn’t all that’s out there. I’m going to estimate that, nowadays, dinner and a movie or bar for two runs a gentleman roughly 50 dollars.

I have compiled a list of 20 great date ideas all for 50 dollars and under. There are even a few ideas that cost absolutely nothing. Some are more romantic than others, but each guarantees a fun time!

1. Take her on a picnic at sunset. Pick something up from the deli at a local grocery store. Grab a bottle of wine and don’t forget the bottle opener! Throw in some strawberries and whipped cream for a romantic finish to dinner.

2. Go to the local planetarium together. Nothing sets up romance like looking at the stars. Bring a pack of Certs to chew on and watch the sparks fly!

3. Go for a scenic drive and hike together. Taking the scenic route can be romantic and adventurous. Go somewhere you haven’t been like a cavern or just a road you’ve always wondered about but never had the time to explore.

4. Go for a bike or motorcycle ride. Riding a bike through the countryside or down the beach is always exhilarating. Although conversation is minimal, there’s something to be said for quiet time spent together.

5. Go horseback riding. Costs on average are twenty dollars an hour per person. Is there a need for more to be said? This one’s straight out of the movies!

6. Go to the local zoo. Most admission fees are under 10 dollars, and some are free. Walking around looking at all the beautiful animals is sure to put her, if not both of you, in a cuddly mood.

7. Go to a museum. This is usually free, or a couple bucks each at most. If art sounds boring, try a wax museum, or a historical museum. There are all kinds of museums out there that are a great source of entertainment.

8. Go Play Bingo. Yes, you may run into an abundant number of old-timers, but you might be surprised at what you can learn from them.

9. Go to a paint-your-own pottery store. On average, materials, paint, glaze, etc. will run about 15 dollars per person. Tap into your creative side and have fun with it.

10. Test-drive cars together. Who said you have to be looking to buy a car to test drive it? Plus, the sense of adventure can enhance the romance of the situation.

11. Go to a wine tasting. If you have local vineyards, then by all means take a tour. Otherwise, local wine shops always offer periodic wine tastings and they are almost always free.

12. Go out for coffee and to the bookstore. Savoring a nice cuppa joe while curled up in a fluffy chair is always a nice way to spend time together. Photography and art books are great to look at together, and can spark great conversation.

13. Go bowling. There’s nothing like a good old fashioned night of bowling. A lot of places offer “cosmic? (late night) bowling which always attracts a fun and young crowd.

14. Make dinner at home and go out for dessert. This time you’ll have enough money to splurge on dessert!

15. Go on a hayride or sleigh ride. A lot of people are deterred from the outdoors during the fall and winter months because of the cold weather. This just gives you the chance to NECESSARILY snuggle extra close!

16. Go fly a kite…or two! If you don’t already have one, kites, on average, cost about five dollars at a local discount store. You can see whose kite will fly the highest and farthest.

17. Go to an orchard and go fruit picking. Usually you only pay for what you picked. Although it’s a down and dirty activity, sometimes those are the most fun.

18. Take a helicopter ride. This is much cheaper than you think! Generally $20 a couple will get you a ride around the city. The night lights and excitement are sure to spark some romance.

19. Visit garage/yard sale. See who can buy the coolest item for under five bucks.

20. Go listen to music and dance. Find an outdoor venue that has bands playing regularly. Or, find an old record player and go look for old cheap records to listen to.