Ten Cheap Date Ideas

While there's nothing wrong with shelling out $100 on a date, there are some instances where you just don't have the cash. A lack of funds shouldn't keep you from having fun with a new girl you've just met, so why not opt for one of the following ten cheap date ideas?

Cheap Date #1: The Hiking Date
If both you and the girl you've asked on a date are into nature and the outdoors, The Hiking Date can be a romantic afternoon without forcing you to cough up big bucks. This only works if you live near a park or other wooded area, but even most major cities are only a half-hour drive from the wilds. Grab a few bottles of water from your fridge and pack a snack of dried fruit or crackers. The best part? You can spend the entire date getting to know one another on the cheap.

Cheap Date #2: The Coffee Date
Just about everyone likes coffee, which is why The Coffee Date is such a good choice. Even if you opt for a large chain like Starbucks, you'll only spend $10 - $20, and you can even pitch in for a slice of pound cake or a biscotti. The Coffee Date gives you a chance to talk in a relaxed setting with absolutely no pressure. You don't have to worry about dressing up and you can feel free to be yourself.

Cheap Date #3: The Museum Date
If you purchased a season pass to the Museum of Natural History, now's the time to get your money's worth. But even if you don't have a pass, a museum date will only cost between $8 and $25, and you can spend all afternoon or evening talking about the sights at the museum. Some museums even have documentary presentations or videos that you can watch while catching a snack.

Cheap Date #4: The Brunch Date
It isn't breakfast and it isn't lunch, but it's a whole lot cheaper than either of those. Not only will you miss the lunch rush but brunch isn't typically a meal where you pig out, which means saving money. Plus, brunch comes with a lot less pressure than a fancy lunch or dinner date and you won't have to spend $500 on a new suit just to look presentable.

Cheap Date #5: The Picnic Date
It's always cheaper to pick up some lunch meat and some bread at your grocery store than to spring for $10 poboy's at the delicatessen. The Picnic Date is romantic, unique and sure to get a smile out of your date, who won't be expecting this. Find a quiet, secluded park near your homes and spread out a red-checkered blanket for authenticity.

Cheap Date #6: The Home-Cooked-Meal Date
If you have a knack for culinary expertise, you might consider just cooking for your date. Either at your house or hers, whip up a pot of your famous chili or throw a home-made pizza in the oven. The priciest part of The Home-Cooked-Meal Date is the wine, which you can replace with water or iced tea if you don't have the money for a nice bottle.

Cheap Date #7: The Winery Date
If you live in an area that's near a winery, you can surprise your date with a trip among the vines. Wineries are a lot of fun because you learn how to tell the difference between different types of wine and, of course, you usually get to taste. Breweries can be just as fun if you don't live anywhere near wine country. The best part is that many wineries and breweries serve free appetizers along with free alcohol.

Cheap Date #8: The Party Date
Assuming that you have friends, call around and ask about parties going on this weekend. If you find one that sounds low-key enough for a date, you can really save your cash. It's usually polite to show up at a party with something in hand -- if only a six-pack -- but everything else at the party will be free and you can introduce your date to all of your friends.

Cheap Date #9: The Fancy Restaurant Date
I know that this article is supposed to be about cheap dates, but a fancy restaurant may not be too far out of your league. If you know someone who knows someone who owns a restaurant, you might be in business. See if someone can hook you up with a free or discounted meal and you can treat your date to style without coughing up half of your bank account balance.

Cheap Date #10: The Movie Date
You don't have to pay $8 to see a movie at the theater. Why not rent one from Blockbuster -- or, better yet, choose one from your own collection -- and have your date over to eat popcorn and watch? Afterwards you can have a glass of wine and talk or go out for that coffee date I mentioned earlier.