10 Fun and Free Date Ideas

So my husband and I are tried to save money during the month of October. We are implemented "no spend October" we were allowed to spend $ on bills, groceries, and gas. But none of the "extras". I will write more about how "no spend October" went in a later post, but for now I wanted to share my list for some fun free dates that we enjoy when we don't want to spent $, when money is tight, or when we just want to spent time together without breaking the bank.  

My husband and I on the deck of a
US battleship we toured this summer

10 Fun and Free Date Ideas 

1. Have a stay in movie night:

Go all out make popcorn, whip out an old movie or pick a movie together on Netflix. Cuddle in close on the couch. Enjoy being with each other without having to spend money. And if you have kids like me, no worries just wait till the kids are in bed and then start your date

2. Go Geocaching: 

Geocaching is like a giant outdoor scavenger hunt. If you haven't tried it yet you NEED to! The basic idea is search close by or even hike to find your "caches". once you find you cach you open it up take something inside if you wish and leave something for the next person to find.  All you need is your cell phone with GPS coordinates. Go to Geocaching and type your address (or the address where you plan to be walking or hiking), and you will most likely find some geocaches hidden away near you. Pick one and input it to your GPS (or smartphone), and start geocaching! It is like a big kid treasure hunt. But remember to bring something to leave in your cach for the next person to find.

3. Visit a free museum:

Most cities have a few free museums and attractions. Plan to spend some time together wandering the exhibit. If your city doesn't have any free museums, see if they offer free days to the public.

4. Go hiking or walking together:

Take away all the distraction of a busy life and just be outdoors together. As the ever inspiring Elle Woods once said, "exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy. Happy people don't shoot their husbands. They just don't". So really exercise and spending time together is fabulously smashing idea all around. Exercise, endorphins, happy spouse... all great reason to get moving together!

5.  Play a board game: 

Board games are those things usually hidden away in one of your closest. Don't have a board game (seriously you need to go get some) but if you don't, invite another couple over and play pictionary. I promise it will be a night full of fun, plus it is free!

6.Camp in the backyard, or stargaze: 

Lay out a blanket or set up your tent. When was the last time you gave a full nights attention to just your husband? Spend the night talking and being together. And if you are from the south, bring bug spray because nothing ruins a moment like being eaten alive. 

7. Cook dinner together: 

Okay I know what you are thinking, " ...but that isn't free" and yes you would be right...BUT... here is the catch, you can only use what you have in your house. No shopping in advance. Create a meal together. Be spontaneous, who says you can't have pancakes and broccoli? Make it fun, don't go your separate ways while it is cooking. Spend the entire time beginning to end in the kitchen together.

8. Volunteer together: 

I promise you there are plenty of opportunities to serve your community on a Saturday together. You can meet people and maybe even learn something new. And bonus you will leave feeling happy you spent your time together doing something that made a difference.

9. Play Frisbee Golf: 

don't have the Frisbee's borrow them, I promise someone you know has some sitting in their garage. Get out and make a competition out of it. Loser rubs the winners feet, does the dishes, or plans the next date night.

10. Seduce your spouse:

Really, is there any other way to have more fun that is free? It’s romantic, fun, a great way to exercise, and it can help to bond your relationship and fix problems you might be having. A night in your spouse's arms will make both of you feel better, and it won’t cost a penny. Take the time to make your spouse a priority.

When my husband and I went out few months ago we had to take the kids. Don't remember  whether we had to bring them because it was last minute or if we couldn't find a sitter. We had a blast and still had fun together playing Frisbee golf. We gave the kids there own Frisbee to play with so that we could play the game together and not have to worry the whole time about what the kids were doing. Just because kids tag along doesn't mean it can't be a date. 

A date to me is all in how you treat each other. Sometimes you can't find a sitter and things happens. Try and create moments together to get away and if all else fails at least be together and focused on each other and not just the kids. Bonding and making a stronger friendship while you are together is what truly matters.

 Being together alone is important though, do be sure to set time for each other without kids. Some people can only manage going out alone once a month, others can set a weekly day that they can be alone together. But hopefully these few ideas will help you create more opportunities to date your spouse. 

When we became parents our children become our main focus. In today's world our choice, although not intentional, is to spend most of our free time with our children without setting aside time for each other. But we all need to remember to spend quality time together for our kids. 

I read a quote recently that said to treat your spouse like you did when you were first dating. Take the little moments to flirt, be playful, and enjoy being together. If you don't spend time together your relationship won't grow. You are constantly growing individually. You make the choice to grow together or apart. Hopefully these ideas will give you some last minute date ideas or just some regular ideas to implement into your week, or maybe even plans for when money is tight. 

Happy dating -Stephanie