Big Dates on a Small Budget
By Jeff Cohen, freelance writer (cohenwriting@aol.com)
If you find yourself strapped for cash, but still want to have a fun date, check out these five budget friendly ideas. With a little originality and less than $40, you and your date will be having a grand old time!
1) DVD Movie Marathon
Instead of just renting a movie and microwaving some popcorn, make it an all day event. Rent the four or five movies that you've both been dying to see but just haven't had the chance. Don't worry about sticking to a theme or genre, just grab whatever peaks your interest on the shelf. Pick up some official movie theater candy like goobers, raisinets, and snowcaps. Grab a couple of sodas and you'll be ready to start your back to back movie marathon. Cuddle up with your sweetie on the couch and don’t forget the popcorn! Total cost = $25.
2) Bowling Tournament
Find the nearest bowling alley in your area and grab your date for some good clean fun! Start out by programming silly nicknames for each other into the score monitor. It's definitely not about winning or who can bowl the most strikes, it's all about having fun. Some alleys even have bars on site where you can grab a couple of cold Coronas. Bowling can really bring out the fun and silly side of people especially in those crazy clown shoes. What more could you really ask for on a date? Total cost = $40.
3) Arcade Afternoon
If you're feeling nostalgic for some 80's Pacman, the arcade date may be perfect for you. Arcades have certainly come a long way from when they first started. There are so many new and exciting games to choose from. A lot of them are specifically designed for two players. You can shoot 'em up rodeo style or even have one of those computerized dance-off matches. Step into one of those cozy spaceships built for two and who knows what might happen next. Chicken fingers, soda, and ice cream if there's room sounds perfectly delicious. Just don't forget to bring lots of quarters! Total cost = $30.
4) Board Game Battle
Grab a pizza and dust off your Monopoly and Scrabble for a few hours of board game fun on your next date. You can really get to know a person pretty well just by playing a game together. If they are competitive by nature, this is where that side will come out. Try to keep the mood light and playful while also keeping score. Put a sexy spin on an innocent game of scrabble by switching up the rules a bit. Offer up double points for any words that qualify as naughty. That should help to get your mental images flowing in no time! Total cost = $10.
5) Walk in the Park
If you're not lucky enough to be near a place like Central Park in New York City, you can still find a good park near you that qualifies. Put on your most comfortable walking shoes and head on outside. Parks can be fun any season of the year.
In the fall, the leaves are all changing and the colors can be quite romantic and inviting. In the cold winter months, it's fun to bundle up in a hat and scarf and make your very own snowman. All that snow, and one of you is bound to initiate a snowball fight!
In the spring, the weather is warming up a bit and the birds even start chirping. Take advantage of that spring fever we all get hit with around April or May. Summer can be the best time to be out at the park. You can swing and climb and let your inner child come out. Don't forget the best part…the jingle of that ice cream truck! Total cost = $5.
Jeff Cohen - About.com Dating Guide From meeting someone new to getting serious, breaking up, or engagements, you'll find it all from your About.com Guide to Dating, Jeff Cohen. Jeff is also the author of the "30 Minute Guide to Online Dating" eBook.
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