10 Cheap Summer Date Ideas You Will Love -

This post is for those looking for cheap summer date ideas that are all about bringing you and your man closer without spending too much.

Both my husband and I are teachers. With that, we get a big paycheck in June and don’t see another paycheck until September. With so many days at home, it’s easy to spend entirely too much money quickly.

Looking for things to do that don’t cost much helps us stretch our budget while also spending time together.

You don’t have to be in our situation to want to save money this summer. Below are 10 cheap summer date ideas to get you out of the house.

Budget-Friendly Local Adventures

1. Picnic in the Park

Get out into nature and celebrate the classic picnic in the park. You can pack some homemade sandwiches, fruits, and refreshing drinks and find a cozy spot under the shade of a tree.

You and your man can relax and talk, keeping technology in the basket. Plus, being in nature can boost your mood and add a refreshing vibe to your time together.

Make homemade food: Prepare your own food for a personal touch to the picnic. It’s much cheaper than dining out. Sandwiches, cut veggies, and fruit are easy to transport and pack perfectly for outdoor dining.
Bring a blanket: A soft blanket creates a cozy base for sitting and relaxing. Choose a spot with some shade to keep cool and comfortable during the warmer parts of the day.
Don’t forget entertainment: A Frisbee, a deck of cards, or a simple board game can spark laughter and fun. Games help build connection when taking a break from phones and opting for time together.
Choose a scenic location: Parks often have beautiful trees, ponds, or open green spaces that add charm. Select a location known for its scenery to enhance the experience.
Think about timing: Planning a picnic in the late afternoon or early evening lets you enjoy cooler temperatures. You can catch the sunset as a romantic backdrop, making the setting even more special.

2. Evening (or Morning) Beach Walk

I’m not a beach girl. Sitting on the beach during the day is my own personal torture, but evening beach walks are calming and the best way to experience the beach (in my opinion). Nature’s beauty is on full display and it’s a pretty romantic way to wind down the day while enjoying a cool breeze and beautiful views.

Enjoy the sunset views: With no buildings around, you can focus on the gorgeous natural beauty that makes beaches special.
You can dress however you want: There is no need to dress up. Wear whatever you want and only focus on the two of you and nature.
Stay later: After the sun sets, the beach often offers clear skies. Bring a blanket and lay back to watch constellations appear.

An evening beach walk is simple. It requires little effort. With only nature, it provides the two of you with the chance to connect.

3. Outdoor Movie Night

There are at least three parks in my town that offer either movie night or music in the park opportunities throughout the summer. When date night is all about getting out of the house and trying new things, this is a perfect way to do so.

Bringing your own snacks, blanket, chairs, and maybe a flashlight makes for a perfect date night.

Bring your own snacks: Packing your favorite popcorn or homemade treats keeps costs down and lets you enjoy personalized flavors.
Bring comfort essentials: Blankets or lawn chairs provide comfort on grass or hard surfaces. Layer up on cool summer nights with light jackets or shawls for warmth. A small flashlight or phone light helps navigate safely without disturbing others.
Arrive early: Getting there early helps you claim a good spot for a great view. Early arrival also gives time to settle, chat, and enjoy the environment before the movie starts.

4. Visit a Local Farmers Market

Summer is the perfect time to explore a local farmers market. You can sample fresh produce and discover homemade treats. Walk the stalls together and plan a dinner using local ingredients while supporting small businesses.

Taste local produce: Many markets offer fresh fruits, cheeses, or baked goods. It will be the freshest since it isn't traveling to your local supermarket, plus it supports those in your community.
Explore artisanal products: Handmade soaps, candles, and crafts add variety to the market. Browsing through these items lets you share opinions and appreciate creativity.
Pick up ingredients: Planning a simple meal with fresh market ingredients after your visit can extend the date.

5. Bike Ride

So far, all of these ideas are all about taking your time out of the house and into nature.

Bike rides, either around your neighborhoods or driving to a trail, get you off the couch and into the world. Doing it together adds activity to your relationship. Don’t forget to stop at places for pictures.

Choose comfortable routes: Opt for bike paths, parks, or low-traffic areas that are perfect for your fitness levels and allow for smooth, safe riding. Avoiding busy streets makes for a more pleasant and relaxed outing.
Bring essentials: Carry water bottles, sunscreen, and a simple first aid kit. Wear helmets for safety. A small backpack can hold snacks or any items you might pick up along the way.
Plan stops: Depending on how long you want to ride, you can plan to visit parks, coffee shops, or beautiful spots where you can pause, rest, and enjoy some downtime.
Capture memories: Bring a phone or camera to snap shots at interesting or beautiful spots.
Adjust your pace: Match speed and distance to comfort levels for you both; the goal is to enjoy the ride, not compete. Easy riding encourages a carefree vibe.

6. Explore Public Gardens/Attractions

Living on Long Island means that there are tons of public attractions for us to explore. Where you live is no different. Public gardens feature vibrant flower beds, winding paths, and sometimes water features or sculptures. It’s a perfect chance to take pictures that you can cherish for years to come.

Seasonal blooms are on display: Public gardens often showcase flowers and plants that are in season, letting you enjoy stunning colors and fragrances unique to summer.
Check for free entry days: Many gardens sometimes have days where entrance is free or discounted, making them budget-friendly options for dates. Planning around these days maximizes your savings.
Take good photos: Gardens and attractions offer endless photo opportunities with colorful backdrops and interesting details.

7. Attend Free Summer Concerts

Like the movie night, concert nights are a great way to get out of the house and connect. You bring your own chairs or blankets and enjoy music ranging from local bands to classical ensembles.

Wide music variety: Free concerts often feature multiple genres like jazz, rock, folk, or classical, so check who is playing before going.
Bring your own seating: Carry portable chairs or a cozy blanket to make the experience comfortable.
Pack snacks and drinks: I know the ones by me sometimes have food trucks there, but you can bring your own food. Homemade snacks and beverages are a budget-friendly way to keep refreshed.
Arrive early: Getting to the venue early lets you claim a good spot, often closer to the stage or in a shaded area.

8. Visit a Museum on Discount Days

Many museums offer free, discounted, or pay-what-you-wish entry on certain days, allowing you to enjoy culture and learning without breaking the bank. Exploring exhibits together can spark interesting conversations about the art, history, or science.

Check websites: Research local museums for their free or discounted admission schedules.
Visit cafes or shops: After exploring, a quick coffee or browsing the gift shop can round out the experience.
Combine with nearby attractions: If the museum is close to a park, consider a pre- or post-visit stroll.

9. Take a Scenic Hike

Getting off the beach and challenging yourself with a hike is a great way to stay in the shade (for the most part). Choose a trail with good views, waterfalls, or interesting terrain to make your hike special.

Choose an appropriate trail: Pick a route suited to your combined fitness levels, avoiding overly challenging or long hikes.
Pack essentials: Bring a small backpack filled with water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and some snacks to stay energized and comfortable. Wearing proper footwear is key to avoiding discomfort or injuries.
Enjoy scenic stops: Identify interesting landmarks or viewpoints along the trail for breaks. Don’t forget to take pictures to capture these moments.

10. Explore a Nearby Town

Like I said earlier, I live on Long Island. That means that there are so many old, beautiful towns to explore. Just yesterday, we drove to a nearby town that we don’t travel to often for lunch and a walk (unfortunately, we didn’t check if we needed to pay for parking and got a $30 parking ticket).

Make a mini trip of it and celebrate the town’s local restaurants and shops.

Walking its streets, enjoying small shops, parks, or local eateries are fun and spontaneous ways to discover new things and create shared stories.

Research local highlights: Look up parks, markets, historical sites, or cafes that are unique or well-loved in the area.
Walk around: Exploring on foot gives the best feel for a place. Walking lets you take your time and enjoy the surroundings at your own pace.
Try local treats: Sampling snacks or drinks adds a tasty twist to your outing. Street food or small cafes often offer good value and local flavors.

Use Apps for Low-Cost Local Activities

If you’re looking for more ideas, scroll through apps like Groupon to learn about local businesses and restaurants. You can try new places out for a fraction of the cost. It may also inspire you to try new things you never thought of trying.

Making the Most of Limited Time

Between work and kids, it may be necessary to get creative. Try an early morning coffee date. Meet for coffee before the kids wake up or before work starts.

Don’t only do dinner. Try lunch dates. Oftentimes, the lunch menu is cheaper than the dinner menu, so you can also save some money while trying new restaurants.

I’m a big fan of Happy Hour. I love the small plates (and discounted prices). Plus, you can get home early enough to get to bed at a decent time.

Tips for Success

The ideas above are all about getting creative. We get stuck in the date rut by doing the same old thing: dinner.

Experiencing these unique ideas may open a new hobby for the two of you. Keep an open mind, plan ahead, and be flexible.

Remember the goal isn't to recreate your pre-kids dating life. It's to create new memories and maintain your connection within the reality of your current life.

Make Sumer Dates Happen

My biggest challenge is spontaneity.

Plan for one of these outside-the-box dates and commit to going. If you don’t love it, you don’t do it again. You don’t even need to stay the whole time. Commit to an hour and determine if you both are enjoying it.

Your relationship is worth the investment of time and attention, even when that investment is different from what you usually do.

Plus, these simple summer date ideas prove that romance doesn't require a big budget, just creativity and commitment to each other.

Challenge yourself to try one new budget-friendly date idea each week. You might discover that some of your best memories come from the simplest moments spent together.

{Check out this post: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Pool Side Snacks}

10 Cheap Summer Date Ideas You Will Love