3 Favorite Frugal Date Ideas

Guest Contributor: Emma Parkhurst, MS, CHES
USU Extension Assistant Professor

Did you know that couples who schedule “date nights” into their lives reduce the chance of divorce and increase marital happiness? Research shows that date nights provide an opportunity to communicate which can help strengthen understanding of one another; rekindle that ‘spark’ which can be helpful in sustaining that lovin’ feelin’ in the long run; and provide a way to relieve stress and give an opportunity to extend emotional support to one another. And to think we can reap all these benefits and more simply from date night? Count me in!
 
Another perk about date night? It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to spend some fun quality time together. Even though Monopoly isn’t my favorite way to spend some time together, here are some of my favorite free or cheap date ideas:

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1. Drive’n dine: My husband and I really enjoy eating good food. Rather than sticking to the mundane, i.e. going to the same old restaurant, one of our favorite ways to spend time together is to either pack a picnic or get takeout, and take a scenic drive. Whether our picnic consists of snacks and treats or Indian food, we love finding a different spot to chow down. And what better time to drive and see the autumn leaves!
2. Listen to throwbacks: I’m not exactly sure how this date night started, but my husband and I LOVE taking turns to listen to the music we grew up with. A lot of times each song will have an accompanying story and we learn a little more about one another. We also love to listen to music of concerts we’ve been to together, or songs our parents made us listen to that we just now appreciate!
3. Movie marathon: Without fail, we have a movie marathon at least once a year of...The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Funnily enough, it’s one thing my husband and I very first bonded over when we started dating! Watching your favorite movie(s) is perfect for those weekend nights where you feel like staying in. Pop your own popcorn and get your favorite snacks ready and it’s like you’re at the theater, but for free!

 
If the dates above aren’t your cup of tea, here are some other great ideas. Which one will you try? Eat samples at Costco (when that's allowed again, thanks Covid), explore a new neighborhood, game night, volunteer together, go to expensive open houses, explore the library, go to the zoo or museum, walk a nature trail, or take a laptop and DIY an outdoor movie premier.