While there is nothing wrong with dinner and a movie, sometimes date night can mean something more adventurous or romantic. Even a variation of the classic theme, such as a gourmet picnic dinner and a drive-in movie, adds spice to the ordinary date night. People on tight budgets also have numerous options for planning fun date nights. Brainstorm your common interests and start exploring your town for up-and-coming spots, favorite nature areas or free attractions that will help make for an enjoyable date.
Adventure
Break out of the mold with an adventurous date night. If you both have wanted to try river-rafting, spelunking or scuba-diving, center a vacation around one of these date night themes. Closer to home, adventure dates might include playing Guitar Hero, taking Latin dance lessons, riding a roller coaster, test-driving a sports car, trying an indoor climbing wall or battling it out in paintball or laser tag.
Cheap
Fun date nights do not have to cost a fortune. Research the offerings in your hometown or a nearby city to find free or cheap date night options. Go to an art opening and sample wine and cheese. Locate a hip bar happy hour. Attend a free concert downtown or in a local park. Snack on ethnic edibles at an international street fair. Play air hockey at the video arcade. Hike to a bridge, vista or other scenic spot to watch the sunset or the stars twinkle. Consult the schedule at your local cinema or theater to see what’s on and if you can get discount tickets.
Romantic
Whether you find yourself early on in a new relationship or keeping the sparks going in a long-term romance, date night affords the opportunity to get romantic. Celebrate an anniversary by tracing the footsteps of your first date. For foodies, romance equals gourmet cuisine. Take a cooking class together, or plan a picnic with delectable goodies, such as strawberries dipped in chocolate and baguettes spread with pesto and cheese. Dressing up can make a date night more romantic. Go glam and head for an evening of dancing or a simple night at the local diner. If going out to a movie is more your speed, check listings for foreign romantic films to get in the mood.
