Minimalist Date Ideas

If you're planning a date night but trying to save money, there are several options for spending time together without spending money at the movies or a fancy restaurant. The best part is most of these ideas can be done at home (no babysitter needed!) or take place outdoors so dogs can tag along.

Picnic

This idea can be enjoyed in your backyard or at the local park. Pack some sandwiches, drinks, a blanket and a board game or deck of cards to play after you eat.

Park

Take a bag of stale bread to feed the ducks, fly a kite or swing on the swing set after you enjoy a picnic lunch.

Put a Puzzle Together

Clear a table and put a puzzle together while listening to music and enjoying a glass of wine.

Outdoor Movies

If you have a projector or laptop, you can create a movie theatre in your backyard. Just grab some blankets and pillows to lay out and enjoy your favorite movie under the stars.

Visit Your Local Art Museum

This is a great opportunity to discuss your favorite artists and talk about art. You can even create a scavenger hunt of things to search for together while there.

Go For a Walk

You don't need a specific destination in mind when going for a walk. Explore your neighborhood and get outside to enjoy each others company: smell the flowers, admire your favorite houses and enjoy the fresh air.

Yoga in the Park

There are many groups that meet up for free yoga in the park. Just grab your yoga mats and get there early so you can get a good spot.

Ride Bikes

Enjoy being a kid again by going for a bike ride together. It's a great way to get your exercise and get outside.

Board Games

Board games are great because you can take them anywhere to enjoy. You can play them at home while watching your favorite movie or take them to the park for a picnic.

Build a Fort

This is a great date night for a rainy or cold night that keeps you indoors. Build a fort and string up some lights to make it more fun. Fill it with some pillows and blankets and enjoy a movie on your laptop or board game.

Go Camping

If you're not the adventurous type to go camping in the woods, pitch your tent in your backyard and camp out. You can still make s'mores and sleep under the stars but still have the use of the bathroom inside the house at your leisure.

Go Hiking

This idea doesn't have to be as rugged as the name suggests. You don't have to live near the mountains to go hiking and enjoy spending time with nature. Every city has wooded areas that you can hike in and groups of people who meet up to hike together.