5 Affordable (Or Free) Summer Date Ideas

Photo by Ekaterina Shishkonakova

Summer is finally here and so many of us are itching to get out of the house with the one we love and soak up all of the season’s glory.

Of course, many of us are also on a tight budget, but this doesn’t mean we have to stay in.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best free (or mostly free) dates that you and your special someone can enjoy to make wonderfully warm memories while not breaking the bank.

Some of our articles include Amazon links—if you shop through them, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

01 | A picnic and walk or hike.

Yes, we know it’s a bit cliche, but it is for good reason. There’s nothing that brings about closeness and romance like taking a long walk or hike in a beautiful (and free) park or trail of your choosing.

And once you’re good and tuckered out after sharing conversations, laughs, and views, finding a quiet spot to spread a quilt and devour delicious snacks will complete the date into something you’ll want to do again and again.

Some suggestions: picnic backpack with cooler, waterproof/foldable portable picnic blanket

02 | Enjoy live music

In almost every city in the U.S. (and world) there are cafes that regularly have live music playing both inside their walls and sometimes outside on a patio. For the price of a couple cappuccinos, taking your significant other to a local coffee shop where you can sit back and enjoy the local music and pleasant atmosphere is one of the best and easiest cheap dates you can go on this summer.

03 | Go for a scenic drive

Sometimes the most romantic and memorable thing you can do is going for a drive. There, in your own world inside a safe car, with the white noise of the road drifting beneath you, listening and singing out loud to vibey music, while sitting next to your love, you make a memory to last a lifetime.

Take turns choosing which turns to take, drive somewhere you’ve never been before, and when you need a break, stop at a roadside store to get snacks and drinks for your journey.

A suggestion: retro sunglasses

04 | Go stargazing

A great date needs a beautiful setting, and what’s a more beautiful backdrop to a romantic night than an infinite expanse of stars you can gaze into with your beloved?

There’s a million different ways you can arrange your star-gazing date, but whether it’s in your backyard or on a secluded lookout, bringing blankets, a thermos of hot-cocoa, and even a telescope will complete the experience. To make it extra romantic, bring a speaker you can play moody music on.

Some suggestions: thermos, cozy outdoor blanket, authentic Mexican hot chocolate

05 | Visit a museum or go on a historical tour

In every corner of our country there’s an endless list of fascinating historical sights and museums that are just waiting to be explored. Sometimes the most romantic thing you can do with a partner is to learn and venture into something together.

Discovering stories from the past and exploring historic homes, battlefields, sites, museums, and more might just be the fun and educational memory for fun, learning, and love to bloom.