5 Cheap or Free Date Ideas

So, you have been eyeing this man or woman for quite some time now. You have just about got the nerve to ask him or her out on a date when your bank statement arrives. Can we say broke? You slink back down and forget those carefully laid plans to woo your possible soul mate.

This does not have to be a story staring you. There are many great ideas for dates that do not cost a penny, or if there is a charge, it is not more then a penny. This date ideas also show that you can think beyond the typical dinner and movie that is worn and old. Give them a shot; you may get a chance to impress with round two.

1. Find out what local museums have free days. Most every single museum in metro areas has what is known as a "free day". Some museums are free all of the time. It just takes a little searching on Google to find out which day is for paupers. Take that date to the museum and spend time getting to know one another while walking among some masterpieces.

2. Go to a nature presentation. Usually every state and national park has presentations on various wildlife or conservation efforts in your area and many of them are actually quite entertaining and provide hand-on activities. Take your date to a great presentation on fuzzy creatures or environmental clean-up efforts. She or he might be inspired to come along with you for a follow-up.

3. Check with your city park system. Most city and county parks put out a catalogue that details their special events that are going to be taking place over a quarter or half year. These can range from nighttime star gazing to learning how to make a compost pile. My suggestion would be to lean more to the star gazing outing, but you never know what may inspire or intrigue someone. Some parks even have hayrides and weenie roasts. Can you say some more s'mores?

4. Hang out at a coffee shop. This is much cheaper then a bar, and even if you have to shell out a few bucks for a mocha and biscotti, it still beats charging dinner. A lot of coffee shops host open mike nights or local bands that could be entertaining. The atmosphere is generally calming and open for conversation.

5. Make dinner at your place. It does not have to be fancy or elaborate. Meatballs can be purchased frozen in a bag, salad can come in a bag, and the whole meal can cost less then a single movie ticket. The thought will be more then enough to melt most hearts and the casual atmosphere could lead to a good conversation or more.

Keep in mind that dates are a great opportunity to get to know another person and judge the compatibility that might or might not exist there. Dating does not have to be all wine and roses. You can have a great time, engage in wonderful conversation and show your creative side by thinking out of the box and not out of your wallet. Your banker will thank you.