After being together for over three years, my man and I still haven’t run out of fun date night ideas, but believe me, it’s a lot of work!
I’m constantly browsing Pinterest for creative plans, and sometimes I even think up some good ones on my own! When this post was originally published (02/20/2017), I shared a video about how we decided to spice things up on a Friday night – quite literally – with a cooking challenge! You can view the goofy goodness right here. The concept: each of us needed to purchase four ingredients, separate from each other, and once we reconnected after leaving the grocery store, we had to put together a full meal using the total of eight ingredients that we bought.
Coming back to revamp this post reminded me of all the great, budget-friendly date ideas we’ve come up with over the years, and I wanted to share some of my favorites with you. With Valentine’s Day on the way, this guide will help you save money and still have a blast with your significant other.
Looking for a way to break from the routine of “dinner and a movie”?
20 Unique Date Night Ideas on a Budget
- Go to an arcade together and challenge each other to a rousing game of skeeball.
- Find somewhere to play mini golf.
- Find the nearest photobooth, and take cheesy photo-strip photos together.
- Visit all the rooftop bars in your city and find your new favorite drink (a little more of a splurge).
- Pack a sandwich lunch and some fruit and head to a local park for a picnic – or if it’s too chilly where you live, have a picnic indoors!
- Build a blanket fort inside on a rainy day and pull out your childhood favorite animated movies.
- Play a new board game together.
- See who can make the better grilled cheese sandwich (get creative with this one)!
- Grab a goofy fighting video game and see who’s the stronger fighter.
- Take a workout class together.
- Go to a local park and head straight for the jungle gym. See who can pump highest on the swings.
- Make a playlist together of all the songs that remind you of each other.
- Listen to your newly created playlist on a drive with no destination – windows must be down.
- Buy a variety of super sour candies and find out which is the most sour.
- Go to the mall and pick out an outfit for each other.
- Plan your dream vacation – down to the smallest details (hotel, restaurants, activities).
- Volunteer at a local animal shelter together for a day (don’t be surprised if you wind up with a new pet).
- Find the best place in the city to watch the sunset – and bring champagne.
- Go dog watching and pretend you’re judges at a dog show. Spot the fluffiest, smallest, ugliest, etc.
- Try my four ingredient cooking challenge!
Related Posts: Our Love Story // What to Wear on a Valentine’s Day Date
Let me know what your favorite activities are for date night!
↓ Pin for Later ↓
Josie says
You guys are adorable and I love how you try to break the routine with fun activities! Our fav activity is seriously a: sushi date, then movies then come home and fall asleep in the couch cuddling! The best!
Bisous, Josie
http://www.petiteandbold.com
Iliana says
Congratulations! Time flies huh! Not too long ago I remember you saying that he was moving to VA!!
Thank you for the date suggestions I will stealing a few 🙂
Xx
rachel vogt says
Aww you two are so cute. Love all of your outfits.
xoxo, Rachel
http://www.rachelvogttrends.com
Kelssey Layton says
This was so fun!! And so many great date ideas! We get tired of the same dinner and a movie night so we are def going to try some of these!
Josie says
You guys are adorable and I love how you try to break the routine with fun activities! Our fav activity is seriously a: sushi date, then movies then come home and fall asleep in the couch cuddling! The best!
Bisous, Josie
http://www.petiteandbold.com
Angelle Marix says
Ahhh.. so cute!!! I am loving these creative date ideas !!! Loved the video.
xoxo,
Angelle
http://www.dashingdarlin.com
huyen tran says
These are such great ideas for date nights! Going to a rooftop bar and finding our new favorite drinks is something we both love to do during the summertime. I would also like to add go attend a wine and painting event 🙂
Thanks for sharing girl!
Lauren says
This is so cute! Such great ideas for date night. I LOVE rooftop bars!
xx
Lauren
Anna English says
Such cute date night ideas!
Taylor Aube says
This post is so adorable! You have some amazing ideas here 🙂
http://stopdropandvogue.com
Alicia says
This is such a cute post! Thanks for the date night ideas!
Kelssey Layton says
This was so fun!! And so many great date ideas! We get tired of the same dinner and a movie night so we are def going to try some of these!
Samantha Mariko says
omg the 4 ingredient challenge sounds so fun!! and it looks really appetizing too haha 🙂 And I love the date ideas, there are always so many different things you can do if you are creative about it.
http://www.samanthamariko.com
Angelle Marix says
Ahhh.. so cute!!! I am loving these creative date ideas !!! Loved the video.
xoxo,
Angelle
http://www.dashingdarlin.com
Amanda | The Golden Girl Diary says
This is such a fun idea! Definitely making my hubby try this!
Miki says
Awesome list of date ideas. The arcade is so fun. I haven’t done that in ages. Rooftop bars are especially fun when we leave the city because we love seeing different skylines (especially since LA has so much smog. womp womp).
Some of our own favourites include spa resorts or couples massages, Day trips or hiking in new areas, Watching a live show/musical (which we just did this weekend), plan the next trip (which we kind of do every other week) and sometimes do a sporting activity together when we haven’t had enough workout time during the week. 🙂
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Christine Kong says
Omg I love these ideas! Not only are they great for dating couples but married couples too! They are fun, affordable and easy ideas that can be done anytime. I love the little challenges with each other too! I’m going to use some of these ideas this weekend! Xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Jenna Colgrove says
Love this post so much!
September says
That was very entertaining and inspiring all at once!! Thanks for the moto!!
Sydney says
AHHHH I am so in love with this!!! You are so adorable together it just warms my heart!! I also love those date night ideas, I need to get on those with Justin! That video was way too cute!! AHH your just so stinking cute!!!
Candace says
These are some fun new ideas that I can’t wait to try with my boyfriend! I especially look forward to having a picnic with him. We both love the outdoors and we love to eat…haha! Thanks for sharing these new ideas. We always feel like we run out of stuff to do 🙂
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Sarah Tahami says
Loved the video, such a fun concept! Also please stop with the gorgeous couple photos because I miss my boyfriend and it hurts my eyes! Y’all are so cute!
Sarah // http://www.sarahtahami.com
Ruthie says
Congrats lovely!!! Loved this idea and I loved getting see and hear your voice! So cool!!!
Ruthie says
Congrats lovely!!! Loved this idea and I loved getting see and hear your voice! So cool!!!
Courtney says
You two are so adorable! These are great date night ideas!
Courtney
The Dainty Darling
Kayleigh says
How fun are these ideas?! Love good ways to mix things up!
http://www.kayleighskloset.com
Ashley DTKAustin says
This is so adorable!! My husband and I still “date” each other as much as we can! Definitely makes things fun and exciting! And what a cute video!! 🙂
Annette Vartanian says
How CUTE is this and you guys! <3 My hubby and I still go on dates – so important!
Sara says
These are such fun ideas! Totally stealing a few, because after 9 years together, it’s hard to find new things to do!
xo, Sara
Lauren says
Ah the cooking date is so fun and creative! This list is giving me so many good ideas to try out now 🙂
Xx,
Lauren // http://www.mylifeaslaurr.com
Kayleigh says
How fun are these ideas?! Love good ways to mix things up!
http://www.kayleighskloset.com
Deddeh Howard says
You guys are so goal and looks like you’re making the best out of life and I really love that. You look lovely girl.
Lauren says
Ah the cooking date is so fun and creative! This list is giving me so many good ideas to try out now 🙂
Xx,
Lauren // http://www.mylifeaslaurr.com
Sarah Tripp says
You guys are the cutest! What a fun date idea! xx
Living in Color says
Ummmm you two are the absolute cutest <3
Bryanna says
Now that I realize this was a date-night twist, I’m 10x more obsessed! Such a genius idea. I might steal that from you the next time I get to see my boyfriend. The only issue is that I’m a terrible cook… Oh well! So cute and glad we got to see more of Brandon!
xoxo Bryanna | Coming in Clutch
Sharon Wu says
omg you two are seriously couple goals haha i know i say it a lot but i mean it! looks like you both really know how to keep the spark alive. love your ideas on what to do on a friday night! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fitness/fitness-attire-motivate-work-out/
Jordan Chapman says
This is such a cute video and I’m glad it turned out all well! This is so hard to do, but you two smashed it!!
Jordan xx
http://www.thehatlogic.com
Bev says
Such great ideas breaks up the monotony of going out to dinner on Friday nights. Love the video. I also love that striped dress.
Nina says
Okay this sounds like so much fun – I want to do this with my husband this weekend!
xx Nina
Jo says
You guys are so cute! And how in sync are you two?! Given that you didn’t know each other’s ingredients and you came up with two meals that compliment each other – that’s love 😉
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
Stephanie // A Sparkle Factor says
Aww this post is so cute! I love your date night ideas, so creative. Nothing kills romance like falling into a rut!
Bryanna says
Now that I realize this was a date-night twist, I’m 10x more obsessed! Such a genius idea. I might steal that from you the next time I get to see my boyfriend. The only issue is that I’m a terrible cook… Oh well! So cute and glad we got to see more of Brandon!
xoxo Bryanna | Coming in Clutch
Sharon Wu says
omg you two are seriously couple goals haha i know i say it a lot but i mean it! looks like you both really know how to keep the spark alive. love your ideas on what to do on a friday night! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fitness/fitness-attire-motivate-work-out/
Jordan Chapman says
This is such a cute video and I’m glad it turned out all well! This is so hard to do, but you two smashed it!!
Jordan xx
http://www.thehatlogic.com
Bev says
Such great ideas breaks up the monotony of going out to dinner on Friday nights. Love the video. I also love that striped dress.
Bernice says
Cute couple! You two are so adorable together xx
https://www.bunnybernice.com
Bernice says
Cute couple! You two are so adorable together xx
https://www.bunnybernice.com
Mindy Thompson says
This is so cute! I need to make these ASAP!!
Mindy I amixofmin.com
Yasmin says
Wow! Looks like it turned out so well. I knew it would work out when you picked up the parmesan. Cheese makes everything better. Loved all the little scenes too. Such a cute video that shows what life is like every day for you!
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
Linh Dao says
😭😭😭😭can you guys be any cuter!? I love watching this video so much because one, I love food haha and pasta! So I’m glad Brandon picked that because I probably would have to lol such a fun idea that you guys did. I wish you guys were here so tom and I could join this cooking challenge haha can’t wait for more videos!
Linh
Laurelle says
Oh my goodness, I had so much fun watching that! You two are adorable!! And I loved this challenge! I love just even eating out with Ross, and I think my favorite this is to just snuggle and talk! But fun dates are also up there! We might need to try this one!
-Laurelle
http://www.bellebylaurelle.com
Atsuna Matsui says
OMG this cooking challenge is soo fun! You’re seriously soo creative and I would love to try this idea with my boyfriend since we love staying at home. 🙂 It’s always nice to find great date ideas even though you’ve been in a relationship for a long time.
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
Danielle says
You two are seriously the cutest! Looks like you had the best time with this! I love the idea of getting out and trying some new rooftop bars or a picnic (especially once this weather gets nicer!)
xx, Danielle | Pineapple & Prosecco
marcy says
Such a cute couple and you guys look so in love to each other= relationship goals
The pics of you two are great and love you always looking new things to try:)
xoxo
Marcy
marcy says
Such a cute couple and you guys look so in love to each other= relationship goals
The pics of you two are great and love you always looking new things to try:)
xoxo
Marcy
Laura Allen says
I love this post! Me and my hubs definitely need to go on more date nights, and get dressed up for eachother! Such cute, inexpensive ideas! xoxo
Sarah Lagen says
What a cute and fun list of date night ideas!! My favorite might be the arcade idea… just something fun to do together and something we haven’t done in years!
xo, Sarah
Laura Allen says
I love this post! Me and my hubs definitely need to go on more date nights, and get dressed up for eachother! Such cute, inexpensive ideas! xoxo
Laura Adney says
I have to try these ideas! They are adorbs
Sarah Lagen says
What a cute and fun list of date night ideas!! My favorite might be the arcade idea… just something fun to do together and something we haven’t done in years!
xo, Sarah
Cathy says
These are all such fun ideas! I’ll have a try a few!
XOXO
Cathy
Laura Adney says
These are all such cute ideas! I have to try (:
Laura Adney says
I have to try these ideas! They are adorbs
Taylor says
I love all of these ideas! My husband and I have had a grilled cheese making competition (he won by a long shot, but it was okay because his sandwich was so good!) But I’m going to have to add these to our list of date ideas. A lot of the time we stay in and watch a movie, but it would be fun to mix it up!
Beth says
These are all great ideas! I think it’s important to remember that you can enjoy spending time with each other without spending a fortune! Thanks for sharing!
Rachel says
These are such fun ideas! We’re definitely on a budget this year with saving up for a wedding!
Indya | The Small Adventurer says
I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of movie nights as they’re both mine and my partner’s favourite idea of date night, but these ideas are super great too! We actually used to be super into mini golf and went to every course around us that we could find! If we want to visit a new one now, we’ll have to travel quite far 😅
Monica says
I love all of these ideas! My favorite is going to the local arcade and playing Skee ball! I totally beat my husband *almost* every time.. lol But it’s so fun to have a friendly competition.
Aliya Gulamhusein says
So many fun and unique ideas. Loved the one about going to the mall and picking out an outfit.
Sharon Wu says
these are such great ideas darling! my boyfriend just got back surgery and has been spending the past week recovering, and will still be recovering on valentine’s day. this means we won’t be able to do anything too crazy as his back is still not having it, but i think trying a new board game is totally doable and would be so much fun! thanks for the idea 🙂
Hillary Conheady says
These are such fun ideas!! Building a blanket fort is definitely now on my list! haha
xo, Hillary | hillheady.com
Indya | The Small Adventurer says
I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of movie nights as they’re both mine and my partner’s favourite idea of date night, but these ideas are super great too! We actually used to be super into mini golf and went to every course around us that we could find! If we want to visit a new one now, we’ll have to travel quite far 😅
McKenna says
These are the best ideas!! So important to always have fun together!!
Em says
so many great date night ideas!
Carolyn says
That cooking challenge sounds fun! I’m going to have to check it out. These are all great ideas, but I love #15 & #16 the most! My hubby probably won’t love it if I try to take him shopping though hahah
Helen says
Those donuts look so good! I love the idea of volunteering at an animal shelter together. So fun!
McKenna says
These are the best ideas!! So important to always have fun together!!
Sarah Lindner says
Such a great list of fun activities to spice up date night!!
xoxo Sarah
Em says
so many great date night ideas!
ashley hargrove says
These are all such great date night ideas!! Grayson and I are staying in and cooking dinner and relaxing for once!
Carolyn says
That cooking challenge sounds fun! I’m going to have to check it out. These are all great ideas, but I love #15 & #16 the most! My hubby probably won’t love it if I try to take him shopping though hahah
Deborah says
These are all such awesome ideas! I really want to go to a nearby arcade or play board games for V-day (I’ve been really into Settlers of Catan lately!)
Helen says
Those donuts look so good! I love the idea of volunteering at an animal shelter together. So fun!
Ruthie Ridley says
Love the idea of a board game! We have not done that in a while!!
ashley hargrove says
These are all such great date night ideas!! Grayson and I are staying in and cooking dinner and relaxing for once!
Rachel R Ritlop says
awe these are great! we used to go to the arcade so much but havent been in years! totally forgot about it!
Rachel R Ritlop says
awe these are great! we used to go to the arcade so much but havent been in years! totally forgot about it!
theeyetraveler says
Quality time shouldn’t be measured by money, these are such cute and fun ideas, thanks for sharing!
theeyetraveler says
Quality time shouldn’t be measured by money, these are such cute and fun ideas, thanks for sharing!
Azanique Rawl says
Mini golf & cooking together are two of my favorite fun date nights! I need to try more of your suggestions especially planning a small vacation together 🙂
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
Azanique Rawl says
Mini golf & cooking together are two of my favorite fun date nights! I need to try more of your suggestions especially planning a small vacation together 🙂
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
Ifeoluwa Anani says
These are really great ideas! Those donuts look so yummy
Deanie says
I love these date ideas! Especially the idea to plan your dream vacation together!
Xo, Deanie
Deanie Michelle
Gita says
These are really great ideas. I’m going to try the cooking one!
Gita says
These are really great ideas. I’m going to try the cooking one!
Whitney says
Loving all of these ideas! Such a great roundup. So creative!
Taylor Aube says
This post is so adorable! You have some amazing ideas here 🙂
http://stopdropandvogue.com
September says
That was very entertaining and inspiring all at once!! Thanks for the moto!!
Sydney says
AHHHH I am so in love with this!!! You are so adorable together it just warms my heart!! I also love those date night ideas, I need to get on those with Justin! That video was way too cute!! AHH your just so stinking cute!!!
Lauren says
This is so cute! Such great ideas for date night. I LOVE rooftop bars!
xx
Lauren
huyen tran says
These are such great ideas for date nights! Going to a rooftop bar and finding our new favorite drinks is something we both love to do during the summertime. I would also like to add go attend a wine and painting event 🙂
Thanks for sharing girl!
rachel vogt says
Aww you two are so cute. Love all of your outfits.
xoxo, Rachel
http://www.rachelvogttrends.com
Candace says
These are some fun new ideas that I can’t wait to try with my boyfriend! I especially look forward to having a picnic with him. We both love the outdoors and we love to eat…haha! Thanks for sharing these new ideas. We always feel like we run out of stuff to do 🙂
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Samantha Mariko says
omg the 4 ingredient challenge sounds so fun!! and it looks really appetizing too haha 🙂 And I love the date ideas, there are always so many different things you can do if you are creative about it.
http://www.samanthamariko.com
Deddeh Howard says
You guys are so goal and looks like you’re making the best out of life and I really love that. You look lovely girl.
Amanda | The Golden Girl Diary says
This is such a fun idea! Definitely making my hubby try this!
Miki says
Awesome list of date ideas. The arcade is so fun. I haven’t done that in ages. Rooftop bars are especially fun when we leave the city because we love seeing different skylines (especially since LA has so much smog. womp womp).
Some of our own favourites include spa resorts or couples massages, Day trips or hiking in new areas, Watching a live show/musical (which we just did this weekend), plan the next trip (which we kind of do every other week) and sometimes do a sporting activity together when we haven’t had enough workout time during the week. 🙂
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Courtney says
You two are so adorable! These are great date night ideas!
Courtney
The Dainty Darling
Sara says
These are such fun ideas! Totally stealing a few, because after 9 years together, it’s hard to find new things to do!
xo, Sara
Christine Kong says
Omg I love these ideas! Not only are they great for dating couples but married couples too! They are fun, affordable and easy ideas that can be done anytime. I love the little challenges with each other too! I’m going to use some of these ideas this weekend! Xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Ashley DTKAustin says
This is so adorable!! My husband and I still “date” each other as much as we can! Definitely makes things fun and exciting! And what a cute video!! 🙂
Rachel says
These are such fun ideas! We’re definitely on a budget this year with saving up for a wedding!
Cathy says
These are all such fun ideas! I’ll have a try a few!
XOXO
Cathy
Atsuna Matsui says
OMG this cooking challenge is soo fun! You’re seriously soo creative and I would love to try this idea with my boyfriend since we love staying at home. 🙂 It’s always nice to find great date ideas even though you’ve been in a relationship for a long time.
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
Aliya Gulamhusein says
So many fun and unique ideas. Loved the one about going to the mall and picking out an outfit.
Laura Adney says
These are all such cute ideas! I have to try (:
Taylor says
I love all of these ideas! My husband and I have had a grilled cheese making competition (he won by a long shot, but it was okay because his sandwich was so good!) But I’m going to have to add these to our list of date ideas. A lot of the time we stay in and watch a movie, but it would be fun to mix it up!
Jenna Colgrove says
Love this post so much!
Annette Vartanian says
How CUTE is this and you guys! <3 My hubby and I still go on dates – so important!