Ten Inexpensive First Dates

You want to make a good first impression but you don't want to spend a lot of money. This list of the top ten places to take a first date will help you make a good first impression without making a depression in your bank account.

Hiking

A state park is a cheap way to spend a few hours with someone in a beautiful setting without a $25 tip. Pack two backpacks, one with food and drink and another with table setting, a camera, and a blanket. When you get to the prettiest part of your walk break out the supplies and have a picnic.

Bicycling/Skating

Borrow a bike or an extra pair of skates from a friend, pack it with your own and a few drinks and hit the local paved trail for an afternoon of exercise and easy conversation. As you pass interesting sites you will have many things to talk about.

Library Lessons

Check your local library for classes and exhibitions. Bigger cities have free seminars and even musical performances. Ask your date to meet you there. The subject matter will give you something to talk about if you decide to have coffee or even dinner afterward.

Concerts in the Park

Most cities have a free concert in the park series starting in June and ending in September. If your first date us in the summer ask your date to see concerts ranging from folk to symphonies. Check your local park districts website for details.

Galleries

Galleries rarely charge an admission fee unless it is an opening gala. An afternoon in an art gallery or museum will allow for vivid conversation as you discuss what you see. Maybe you could invite your date back to your place to look at your own work after!

Volunteering

Have a passion for your community? Invite your date along to contribute too. A soup kitchen, a dog pound, a children's hospital ...all are great places to find out where your prospective partner's heart lies. You can find out a lot about a person by the way they treat the underprivileged.

A House Party

Plan a dinner party for several of your friends or your prospective date's friends. Ask for help with preparation to keep the conversation light. A stir fry is a great way to get everyone involved and give them something to do while you all get to know each other. It's also very inexpensive and easy to make. Look up easy stir fry recipes to get ideas.