20+ Date Ideas Under 40$ to Have Fun

Do you know why going on frequent dates keeps the spark 🔥 in your relationship alive? Have you ever wondered? Well, let me answer that. You must have fallen in love with your partner the moment they smiled at you for something that you did for them.

Am I right? So it’s your Instinct that you want to keep that beautiful smile on their face for longer.

But as time goes on, there will be a time ⏳ when you run out of ideas as to where to go and how to make your partner smile or happy. Don’t you worry, mate! That is exactly why I am here. I will give you all of my date ideas so you can spend a whole day with each other.

Not only will you make new memories, but you will continue to fall in love with each other again and again.

But before we dive into the list of ideas, let me recommend to you a book by Darcy Laurent, “Date Nights at Home: An Easy Guide to Over 52 Affordable Dating Ideas – Romance Your Partner without Leaving the House“.

Table of Contents

date ideas under 40$ just for you!

You cannot spend a ton of money on dates every day. Because both of you have plans, whether it be buying a house 🏡 or your dream vacation, or even for your future.

So you need to start saving money for that. But that doesn’t mean you stop going on dates altogether. You need to go on dates that are affordable and where both of you will have fun.

Below are a few date ideas that are under forty dollars 💵, just for you! Always remember that sometimes it’s the little things that make us happy, not sometimes but all the time.

So don’t be embarrassed to take your partner on a budget because even they’d prefer going on dates that are affordable so you can make your dream come true together.

Well, why don’t you go through the below date ideas that are just under forty dollars so you could have the maximum fun and even save a ton of money?

Picnic in the Park

If you are looking for an affordable way to have a fun day, then you can always have a picnic in the park. You can take snacks along and maybe read some books 📚 if you want to read.

Or you could just chill with your partner. Make sure you have fun with each other as you talk about all the random things in this world.

Movie Night at Home

If you want to spend a day or a night at home, then you can always watch a movie together. Pick your favorite movie and start your movie night at home with popcorn 🍿 and wine.

This way, not only will you have fun but also save money. If you want you could order pizza and cook your own meal.

“Love is our favorite genre, and every movie night at home is a masterpiece in the making.” – Unknown.

DIY Pizza Night

You must have tasted every single pizza, but have you ever tried or wondered how the pizza is made from scratch?

Well, if you haven’t, then it is time that you make a pizza 🍕 by yourself. You can watch a YouTube tutorial on how to make a pizza and buy all the ingredients from the store.

Beach Sunset Watching

Tell me what is more romantic than watching the sunset 🌅 with your favorite partner. So why don’t you hit the beach and watch the beautiful phenomenon of nature together?

This is not only affordable but also allows you to spend some quality time with each other while you watch the sunset over the horizon.

Board Game Marathon

Do you both love spending time at home rather than going out to expensive restaurants? Then you can always play board games at home while you munch on some popcorn and sip some wine 🍷.

This way, not only do you have fun with each other, but you also save money for your future.

Farmers’ Market Exploration

Why don’t you visit a farmers’ market and support the local businesses as a date idea? This way, you not only bill to support the local business but also find some fresh fruits 🍒 and vegetables from the farm.

There’s a probability you might find exotic fruits as well.

Bike Ride Adventure

Going on a bike 🚴 ride is not just fun but also romantic. So why don’t you rent bikes for a day and head off to an adventure?

This way, not only will you engage in physical activity, but you will also have fun with each other. This way, you can save money rather than spending a lot on an expensive dinner date.

Ice Cream Tasting

Do you love ice cream 🍨? Come on, who doesn’t? Well, then, why don’t you go for an ice cream tasting with your partner?

This way, not only will you be able to satisfy your sweet tooth, but you will also have a fun time with your partner. Not only that, but both of you will come to know a lot about each other as well.

“The magic of our love is mirrored in the way these ice cream flavors dance on our taste buds—a perfect blend of sweetness and joy.” – Unknown.

Art Gallery Stroll

When I say go on a stroll in an art gallery, it might sound boring. But trust me, it’s not.

As you stroll across every art piece 🖼️ there is, you will only be inspired and amazed at the creativity of the artist. Not only that, but you will have a chance to recreate the paintings as well.

Karaoke Night

You can spend a night singing 🎤 your heart out. A karaoke night is not just fun, but also you can find a way to save money.

You can pick your favorite songs or decide on a duet and enjoy your night together. Make sure you order a pizza or any favorite dish that you have been craving to eat.

Mini Golf Challenge

Have you ever gone golfing? If You haven’t, then why don’t you go mini golfing 🏌️ with your partner and have a fun date?

Don’t worry if you don’t know anything about golfing because you can always learn. But at least make sure you dress the part and have fun while you are at it.

Coffee Shop Trivia

Heading over to your favorite Cafe and ordering your favorite coffee ☕ is one of the best ways you can have fun and save money as well.

But make sure you even have a trivia game together. If not, you can just note down the questions and ask each other or even choose just to talk to each other.

Botanical Garden Visit

To walk in nature is one of the most peaceful and relaxing ever. And if it is with your favorite person, it just makes everything perfect.

So why don’t you visit a Botanical Garden and take a look at all the different species of plants 🪴? If the both of you share a love for gardening, you could even take a few plants home.

Bookstore Browsing

I know that bookstore 📚 date definitely counts as the most romantic and fun date ever. You find so many love stories in there, and there are many love stories that even begin there.

So go to a bookstore, pick your favorite book, and have a fun time with each other.

Outdoor Yoga Session

If you want to stay healthy in a relationship, it is not just from the inside but even from the outside. So why don’t you attend an outdoor yoga 🧘 session together and keep up your fitness goals?

This way, not only will you have fun, but you will also focus on taking care of your body. So, what are you waiting for if you are not going and signing up for an outdoor yoga session?

“Underneath the sun-kissed sky, our hearts open, and our spirits soar in the gentle flow of yoga, entwined in the beauty of the present moment.” – Unknown.

Potluck Dinner

A potluck dinner is inviting your friends over while they bring their own dishes. This way, not only will you be able to taste different dishes on the same night 🌃 but also make new memories with your friends.

A date need not always be just for both of you, but you can even invite your friends and let them join in on the fun.

Hiking Trail Exploration

If you are someone who loves exploring new places and likes physical activity, then you can always go hiking. This way, you will have a fun time exploring new places and finding out hidden places.

Make sure you carry all the essentials like snacks 🥙 and water bottles. And also don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes.

DIY Craft Night

If the both of you love spending time at home but also want to do something fun 🥳 and creative, then you can always have a craft night. Watch tutorials online and make something together.

Or you could even do something in your own imagination and have a fun time together while you bring out your creativity.

Museum Free Night

Why don’t you go to a museum and learn about new things? This way, not only will you gain knowledge, but you will also have a fun time with each other.

And you can also save a lot of money 💵 since you will be going to a free museum. And you could even have dinner as you return.

Stargazing in the Backyard

Nothing is more romantic than lying on your back and tracing the constellation in the sky.

And the best part is that you don’t have to head anywhere but just spread the blanket in your backyard. You could drink some wine 🍷 and order some pizza if you would like to.

Since we have come this far, let’s just take a look at a few questions that will help you take your relationship to the next level so you can have a fair idea of what the both of you want to focus on more. So shall we begin then?

What are your goals or aspirations, and how do you want me to support you?
How do you envision your responsibilities within your relationship evolving over time?
Are there any specific areas of your personal life you want to focus on? If so, how can I help you?
How do you want us to communicate if we ever have arguments or misunderstandings?
Are there any major life changes you are anticipating, and how do you envision facing them together?

So! These are just a few questions that will help you understand each other better! Feel free to add a few more questions if you like to!

Roller Skating Rink Fun

Skating 🛼 is so fun but also scary sometimes. You could give it a try, though. So why don’t you go skating at the rink and have fun with your partner?

Be ready to fall a few times because it happens. But it is fun. So go roller skating and have a fun date ahead.

Food Truck Hopping

You definitely crave junk food 🥙 more than you should. But once in a while, you could give in to your cravings.

So head over to the food truck that you have been wanting to go to and taste every single dish on the menu if you can. This way, not only will you be able to fill your stomach but also save money.

Art Class Together

It takes time to bring your creativity out and also some help. For an art class, bring the artist in you out. Paint 🖌️ your imagination with only canvas and have a fun time with each other.

This way, not only will you be able to save money, but you will also have a fun time painting together.

Open Mic Night

An open mic night is not just fun 🥳 but also you get a chance to laugh till your stomach hurts.

And there’s a possibility that you could even participate and show off your talent. Or you could even choose to sit and watch others and have a good time or a good laugh together.

Historical Site Tour

It is important that you know about the history of the place before you plan or decide to go there.

Or you could even get to know the history of that place by going there and learning about it. This is not only fun 🥳 but also you get a chance to explore things and maybe even be amazed at a few.

Puzzle Night

If you are someone who likes to spend time at home, then you can always have a puzzle 🧩 night. This way, you can build your puzzle together while you sip some wine.

Or you could order pizza also. You could even play some music and vibe together as you build your puzzle.

Movie in the Park

A movie in the park is similar to watching a movie at home while you munch on some popcorn 🍿.

But what is different is that you will be doing it outdoors. You could carry a few snacks, bring your laptop, and start watching your favorite movie together in the park.

Brewery Tour

I feel going on a brewery tour is one of the most fun and romantic dates you can ever go on.

This way, not only will you be able to taste different beers 🍺 or wines but also get to know how they are manufactured from scratch. It will be a fun experience where you can have light-hearted chats with each other.

Arcade Game Night

An arcade game night is a fun way to spend your time. So head over to the nearest arcade and show off your moves and skills.

This way, you will have so much fun together and also save money 💵 rather than spending a lot on expensive dates where you just worry about spending money.

Plant a Garden Together

If both of you love nature, then obviously you will love the idea of gardening. A lot of you will find gardening fun 🥳 and relaxing as well. So why don’t you start your own garden in your backyard and have a fun time?

If you don’t know anything about gardening and you are looking to start, then you can always watch a few online videos to get to know about it.

Visit a Local Zoo

You can always visit a local zoo if you’re looking to have a fun day and spend time with animals.

Make sure you click on your pictures 📸 with the animals to make it in your memory book. And going to a zoo is not just fun, but also you can save a lot of money.

Cooking Class at Home

I won’t blame you if you tell me you don’t know how to cook because I don’t either. So why don’t you take a cooking class at home 🏡?

This way not only will you learn cooking but also have fun together. So sign up for a cooking class, and maybe one day you can surprise your partner with their favorite dish.

Attend a Free Concert

You can always attend a free concert if you want to have fun while you dance 💃 and sing. A free concert is definitely it because you will have so much fun while being with each other.

And you even get to make new friends. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have to dress up for the part.

Volunteer Together

Working towards a common goal is one way you can figure out if the both of you will be compatible as a couple 👩‍❤️‍👨.

So why don’t you go and volunteer together and contribute something to your society? This way not only will you be happy but also will have fun.

Dessert Potluck

You can try dessert Potluck, too. So why don’t you invite your friends too? This way, not only will you be able to eat your own food but also taste your friends’ dishes.

This way, not only will the both of you have fun 🥳 but also make memories with your friends as well.

Pottery Painting

If you love painting 🖌️ then have you ever tried pottery painting? Because it is one of the most creative and fun activities, you can indulge in it with your partner.

So why don’t you go pot painting with your partner while you save some money and have so much fun with each other?

Plan a Scavenger Hunt

A Scavenger Hunt is the best and most exciting game you can play with each other. The best part about this game is that you can play this game right in your home 🏡.

Hide the clues in any corner of the house and let your partner hunt them. And to make it even more exciting, make sure there is an end price.

Attend a Local Play

Have you ever attended a local play, or do you even know what happens?

If you don’t, then it is time that you attend a local play because not only is it affordable, but I will guarantee that you will have so much fun 🥳 with each other that you will be glad to have attended the local play.

Trampoline Park Fun

There are definitely going to be times when you want to be kids again. So why don’t you become kids for a day and go to a trampoline park and have so much fun jumping around?

This way, not only will you be able to save money 💵, but also have so much fun with your partner and unlock new memories.

“Our love story: from ground level to airborne, turning the trampoline park into a canvas of laughter and shared moments.” – Unknown

Fishing by the Lake

Have you gone fishing 🎣? Because if you have gone, then you need to. Go to the nearby lake, get your fishing net or fishing rods, and start fishing.

You need a lot of patience for this, so all the best. Who knows, you might enjoy a good dinner once you catch some fish.

Yoga in the Park

Why don’t you do some yoga 🧘 in the park to relax your entire body, even if it is for a few minutes?

This way, not only will you keep your body healthy, but you will also have a fun time with your partner. And doing yoga in the park is one of the most peaceful and relaxing ways to spend your date.

Ice Skating Rink

Have you gone ice skating ⛸️? Because if you haven’t, then it is time that you try. I cannot guarantee you that you won’t fall a few times, but it is all a part of the process of learning.

So go ice skating with your partner and spend a night having lots of fun. Don’t forget to click pictures to make it a memorable date.

Bird Watching

I would say bird 🦅 watching is one of the most peaceful, relaxing, and fun dates if you are looking to save money but also want to experience something new.

You get to spot different birds, and don’t forget to click pictures. So you could go to a place where you can spot different birds and have a fun time with each other.

Poetry Night

Why don’t you sit down with a book 📕 and pen and write poems for each other? So, what are you waiting for if you are not writing love poems for your partner already?

You can order a pizza or cook your own meal if you are looking to save money but also have so much fun with each other.

DIY Ice Cream Sundae Bar

I know for a fact that there is no one who hates ice cream 🍨. So why don’t you make your own ice cream Sundae bar at home?

This way, not only will you be able to save money but also taste different flavors of your favorite ice cream that is made by you.

Visit a Planetarium

Visiting a planetarium is one of the most unreal and magical experiences you could ever get. So why don’t you visit a planetarium with your partner and have a look at the universe 🪐?

This is not just a fun day idea, but we can also save a lot of money.

Outdoor Fitness Class

And outdoor fitness 💪 class is nothing but to work out together. This way, not only will you be able to keep up your fitness goals, but you will also have fun while you sweat it out.

So, attend outdoor fitness classes with your partner, and if you don’t have a fitness goal already, start it right now.

Themed Costume Night

Themed costume night is a fun 🥳 way to spend your date. Pick a theme and start your night having fun.

To make it more fun you can always invite your friends and family and make new memories with them as well. Don’t forget to click pictures because you look at them when you are older.

Create a Vision Board

A vision board is so important, even for a couple 👫. Creating a vision board gives you a fair Idea as to how you want to be in a month or a year.

But the process of creating a vision board is more fun, and you need to work together. You will get to know what you want to achieve together.

Attend a Local Fair

A local fair is the most fun 🥳 and lively atmosphere ever. So if you want to have fun, like tasting different kinds of food or meeting new people, you can definitely attend a local fair together.

Make sure you click pictures with each other since the whole setup will be colorful and amazing.

Explore a Nature Reserve

You can always explore a nature reserve to spend some time with nature 🏞️

Away from your Hustle of daily life. This way you will have time to relax but also have a lot of fun with each other.

Don’t forget to click pictures together so you can paste them into your memory book. Then, once you get old and gray, you can look at these photos and smile.

Bowling Night

You can always go bowling 🎳 if you want to have fun. This way, you will not only save money but also make new memories with your partner.

Don’t worry if you don’t get any pins down; everyone starts from somewhere. But what matters is how much fun you had with each other.

Attend a DIY Workshop

You can always attend a workshop if you want to learn a new skill. Let it be painting 🖌️ or poetry writing. Every workshop will teach you something, and you will not leave the workshop without learning anything.

This way, not only will you be able to save money and have fun, but you will also learn new skills together.

Virtual Game Night

Similar to any game night, the best part is that you can have a virtual game right at your home 🏡.

This way, you don’t have to step out of your house but can have a fun experience playing games together. So have a virtual game night while you SIP some wine and eat your favorite pizza.

Hike to a Waterfall

If you are someone who likes physical activity and loves to explore nature, then this idea is just for you.

Go hiking to a waterfall 🌊 and have the best date together. Not only will you be able to take a dip, but also have so much fun with your partner in the water once you hike there.

Community Garden Volunteering

Community Garden volunteering is nothing but volunteering in a garden to do stuff like planting ☘️ or grooming the trees together.

This way, not only will I be able to contribute something to society, but I will also have a chance to meet new people. So, what are you waiting for if you are not signing up for community Garden volunteering?

Wine Tasting at Home

Wine tasting at Home is the most romantic date idea award, and I will recommend this idea to you 100% if you are someone who wants to save money 💵 but also experience the same as going out for wine tasting.

This way, not only will you have fun, but you will also taste different flavors of wine.

Paint and Sip Night

Paint and sip night is nothing but to put your imagination on Canvas while you sip wine 🍷 or beer with your partner.

This way, not only will you have fun, but you will also spend time putting your creativity out. So why don’t you buy all your painting supplies and start your night?

Play Frisbee in the Park

To play frisbee 🥏 in the park is one of the best ideas if you are looking to save money but also have fun in nature.

So, if you don’t have a frisbee, then go to the store and buy it to have the most fun evening. It can be a little hard for beginners, but it will be fun as you get the hold of the game.

Boardwalk Amusement Park

A Boardwalk amusement park is located along the waterfront Boardwalk. They give you the carnival feeling, and there are definitely going to be many rides like roller coasters 🎢 and others.

Not only do they offer a mix of thrilling rides, but they also give you the carnival feel altogether.

Explore a Street Festival

A street festival is the most colorful 💥 and lively experience ever. So why don’t you go and explore the Street festival that is happening and have fun with each other?

There are definitely going to be many varieties of food that you can taste and also have opportunities to make new friends.

Virtual Escape Room

A virtual escape room is similar to an escape room, but the only thing is that you will not have to step outside of your house but experience the same as if you are in the actual escape room.

This is not only fun and exciting but also will save you a lot of money 💵 if you are looking to have fun under a budget.

Beach Clean-Up Day

It is very important that you save nature and give something back to it because it gives us everything. So why don’t you head to the beach 🏖️ and clean as a date idea?

Not only will you be able to spend a day at the beach but also do a little something to our nature and make it even more beautiful.

Explore Street Art

There are definitely going to be streets in your area where it is also colorful and filled with art 🧑‍🎨. So why don’t you explore Street art for a change?

This way, not only will we be able to save money, but we will also appreciate people’s creativity. And trust me, it will be so much fun to explore Street art.

Pottery Class

Did you attend a pottery class? If you haven’t attended, then let me tell you that it is one of the most fun 🥳 and exciting activities ever.

This way, not only will you be able to have fun but also make your own pots. And since you are doing it with your partner, it will be more fun, needless to say.

DIY Candle Making

Have you ever wondered how candles 🕯️ are made from scratch? And if you haven’t, then you must have Googled it, but have you ever tried making your own candle?

Well, then, why don’t you try making candles together because it is such a fun activity. The best part of the date idea is that you can do it at your home without stepping outside.

Plan a Movie Marathon

I feel a movie Marathon is one of the best ideas if you want to save money but have fun and also spend your night at home 🏡 .

You can cook your own meal or order your favorite dish from any restaurant and start your moving marathon. You can even sip some wine and munch on some popcorn.

Outdoor Trivia night

You can definitely drive away from the city 🌆 and choose a place where it is so silent and quiet that you enjoy each other’s company without any disturbance.

This way, not only will you save money, but you will also have fun. But why don’t you note down your questions and have a trivia night as well?

Try a New Sport Together

Are there any new sports that both of you have wanted to try? Let it be any sport. I will assure you that it will be so much fun 🥳 and you also get to put your body into motion.

So you can go ahead and try your favorite sports or something that you have been wanting to try before.

Takeaways!

Since we have come to an end, I would like to tell you that no matter what it is, always remember and focus on making new memories rather than worrying about how much money 💵 you are spending.

But the above date ideas that I have suggested are affordable, and I will guarantee you that you will have the most fun.

Also, don’t forget to leave a few comments below ⬇️ to let me know how much fun you had on your date or if you have any queries related to this.