15 Cheap Date Night Ideas That Are Actually Fun (And Romantic)

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a great time with your partner. Whether you're saving for something big or just trying to be smart with your spending, these cheap date night ideas prove you can still have fun, connect, and make memories—without blowing your budget.

Here are 15 affordable date ideas that work whether you’re staying in or heading out.

  1. Cook Dinner Together at Home
  2. Order a Romantic Date Night Charcuterie Board
  3. Movie Night at Home
  4. Take a Scenic Walk or Hike
  5. Indoor Picnic Date
  6. Do a Wine (or Mocktail) Tasting at Home
  7. Free Museum or Art Gallery Visit
  8. Play Board Games or Card Games
  9. Stargazing Date Night
  10. Visit a Farmer's Market Together
  11. DIY Spa Night
  12. Explore a New Neighborhood
  13. Do a YouTube Dance or Yoga Class
  14. Have a Dessert-Only Night
  15. Create a Couple's Bucket List

 

1. Cook Dinner Together at Home

Skip the takeout and choose a recipe you’ve never tried before. Cooking together adds a fun challenge and gives you something tasty to enjoy when you’re done.

2. Order a Romantic Date Night Charcuterie Board

Want something fancy without the fuss? Order a gourmet romantic charcuterie board from Luxe Bites and set up a cozy dinner in your living room. Add wine, music, and candles for instant romance—zero cooking required.

If you are not from Los Angeles, Orange County, or San Francisco, you can order our nationwide date night charcuterie board anywhere in the USA!

3. Movie Night at Home

Pick a theme—classic rom-coms, action movies, or 90s throwbacks. Add popcorn and blankets, and you've got a cozy night without spending a dime.

4. Take a Scenic Walk or Hike

Find a local trail, beach, or neighborhood you haven’t explored. Walking and talking is one of the easiest ways to connect—and it's completely free.

5. Indoor Picnic Date

Too cold or rainy outside? Lay down a blanket in your living room, prep easy finger foods, and pour some wine. It’s simple, sweet, and costs next to nothing.

6. Do a Wine (or Mocktail) Tasting at Home

Pick up a few mini bottles or make your own mocktails. Try blind tasting, rate each drink, and see whose palate is more refined (or dramatic).

7. Free Museum or Art Gallery Visit

Many museums offer free admission days or donation-based entry. It’s a great way to learn something new together without spending much.

8. Play Board Games or Card Games

Whether it’s a nostalgic round of Uno or a strategic game of chess, playing games brings out laughter, competition, and playful energy.

9. Stargazing Date Night

Drive to a dark, quiet spot or set up in your backyard. Bring a blanket, download a stargazing app, and see how many constellations you can spot.

10. Visit a Farmer’s Market Together

It’s a low-cost way to browse local goods, try samples, and maybe grab affordable fresh ingredients for a later meal.

11. DIY Spa Night

Light candles, play calming music, and give each other foot rubs or facials. You can use what you already have at home.

12. Explore a New Neighborhood

Pick a part of town you’ve never visited, walk around, window shop, and maybe split a dessert or coffee. It’s low-cost but feels like a mini adventure.

13. Do a YouTube Dance or Yoga Class

Search “couples dance workout” or “beginner yoga class” and follow along. You’ll probably laugh a lot and maybe even break a sweat.

14. Have a Dessert-Only Night

Bake cookies, make sundaes, or order from a local dessert spot. You skip the full dinner and just enjoy the sweet stuff together. You can try one of our best-selling dessert items - Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

15. Create a Couple’s Bucket List

Write down travel dreams, silly goals, or experiences you want to try together. It costs nothing and helps you bond over future plans.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to spend a lot to make a night special. These cheap date night ideas are proof that it’s the quality time—not the price tag—that really matters. Whether you’re staying in with a Luxe Bites charcuterie board or heading out for a free local adventure, you can still keep the romance alive on a budget.

Back to News