SPAOA - Single Parents Alliance of America

These 8 Ideas Show That Dating Doesn’t Have To Cost A Dime

Who says you need tons of disposable income to date? With these eight free date ideas, you can woo a potential partner while pinching pennies.

What’s an excuse many people use for not dating? They say it’s too expensive. While that may be true if you feel like you need to wine and dine a person, dating does not have to cost a thing.

Here are several date ideas that will let you save as you get to know someone new:

1. Learn to dance.

Dancing is a great date idea since it gets you close to that special someone by default. Although some dance classes may come with a cost, look for local clubs that offer complimentary lessons to the public.

2. Observe art.

Living in a big city has its perks, especially when it comes to art. If your date has expressed an interest in this area, search for local art galleries with upcoming exhibits or openings. Many are free to attend.

3. Visit a brewery or winery.

Why pay for your drinks when you can get them for free? Your local brewery or winery may offer free samples as you get a greater appreciation of what it takes to make quality booze.

4. Enjoy the outdoors at a park.

There are plenty of date-related options at a park. You can go for a walk while you talk, or sit down and have a nice picnic lunch. If you both have pets, bring them along to make the date even better.

5. Attend a free comedy show.

They say that getting your date to laugh will earn you major points. You don’t have to be funny yourself if you bring them to a comedy show, though.

Some comedy clubs offer free shows from time to time, so be on the lookout. You may not see Adam Sandler in person, but you could get to check out local talent before they make it big.

6. Show off your cooking skills at home.

Why pay a premium for food at a fancy restaurant, when you can do the cooking yourself? Everyone loves a great cook, so if you have this skill, use it to your advantage. You can cook together to bond and finish the date off with your favorite Netflix show on the couch.

7. Perform at open mic night.

Dates like this give you the opportunity to avoid awkward silence as you let others entertain you. If you have singing talent or poetry you’d like to share, you can show it off too to make a great first impression.

Regardless of if you’re a spectator or participator, open mic night is a great first date idea that won’t break the bank. Be sure to call beforehand to make sure there’s no cover charge.

8. Work out together.

Are you both fitness enthusiasts? If so, the gym is tough to beat as a first date idea.

Many say working out together is ideal for a first date since it gets those endorphins going and helps you bond over a common interest. Once the workout is finished, feel free to use any other date idea in this list to ramp up that rapport.