Fun, Cheap Things for Couples to Do - Anywhere, Anytime

Whether you are dating, engaged, or married it is important for couples to have fun together. The problem that comes with this is that sometimes fun also means spending money. The good news is that there is a solution. If money is tight, it is still possible to have fun. Here are a few ideas that you can do with your loved one.

The Drive In: Drive ins are few and far in between these days, but they do still exists. Drive ins are a great way to have a night out and spend less money than you usually would when seeing a movie at the regular theater. Admission prices are usually cheaper. Also, most drive ins have a double feature. This means you get to see two movies for the price of one. Don't forget, you get to bring in your own snacks, saving yet even more money. Do a Google search and see if there is a drive in near you. It is a great experience. Not only fun for couples, your entire family can do this together.

Picnics: Picnics do not have to be fancy. Take a look around your kitchen. What do you have that can be eaten at the park or even in your yard? Peanut butter sandwiches, tuna salad, boiled eggs, crackers, fruit, and candy. Gather a few different things and take them with you. The fun part of picnics is not what you are eating, but just getting out of the house and spending time together. Don't forget to bring along a blanket to sit on and maybe even a book to read. On a nice day you will lose track of time and not spend any money doing it.

Star Watching: Every night when the sun sets the night sky provides you with free entertainment. The Stars! Again, take out that blanket and find a nice place to sit outside. Make sure you are in an area free of trees so you will have a nice view. Try to point out constellations or make up your own constellations. If you have a flashlight at home this is a great way to point out different stars. Turn it on and shine it at the sky. The beam will guide your partner's eyes to what you are pointing at. The flashlight isn't needed though. See if you can spell each other's names in the stars. Or if you are really serious do an online search for star charts and print one out.

Board Games: Board games are expensive to buy, but it is a one time purchase that can provide nights of fun. Buy a board game when you have a little extra cash and it will be there when you don't have the money to spend. Board games aren't just for kids, but if you do have kids try to find something that the entire family can enjoy together.

Cards: You can purchase a deck of cards for less than a dollar. Once you have this deck of cards your options are endless. There are a lot of card games that can be played with only two people. The most popular probably being poker. If you and your love one don't know any card games, there are instructions for games included in the box. If you aren't interested in playing the games they have provided you, go online and find different games. Of course, this is a couples thing so you might never get farther than strip poker. Even more fun!

Redbox: Redbox is a new, cheap way to rent movies. You no longer have to go to the movie rental store, wander around, stand in a long line, and pay five dollars or more to get a new release. Now, you can get movies out of a vending machine and for the low price of one dollar per night. While these are not in all locations yet, you can find one near you by visiting their web site.

How does Redbox work? These are simply machines that have a computer screen on them. The screen tells you what movies are available, you select the movie, slide your debit card, and the movie comes out of a slot on the side. They often carry new releases, but aren't as updated as a movie store might be. Still, for one dollar there are plenty of selections. Once you are finished with the movie, you slide it into the slot and go on your way. Easy and cheap!

Library: Most towns or counties have a public library but at times these places are forgotten. All libraries allow you to check out books for free and that can be entertainment in itself. There are other services that are provided by libraries that the two of you can also do together. The first of these being free movie rentals. While not all libraries provide free rentals it is becoming a popular service for libraries. Videos can range from educational to new releases.

Another service provided by libraries is book clubs. These are small groups of people who get together weekly or monthly to discuss a certain book. Book clubs are free to join and you can check the books out at the library. If you do have to purchase the book you will only need one copy to share between yourself and your loved one. Not only do you get to spend time with your significant other, but book clubs also give you a chance to meet other people.

Even if money is tight it does not mean that you have to sit on the couch and stare at the walls. Take a look around your town. What other types of free or cheap entertainment is provided in your community? You may have to dig deep to find these little jewels, but it is worth the effort. You end up having fun without emptying your wallet.