Did you use up all your money paying your babysitter (or your mortgage)? Try these inexpensive but unusual ideas for a cheap date to reconnect with your spouse.
Dates that Work Anywhere
Go Back to Where You Met
Stroll past your old work building, drive down to your Alma mater, or grab a drink at the bar where you were first introduced. Chat about how you first found each other, share memories of your early days, or talk about your first impressions. If you can’t go to the exact place you met, try somewhere similar that should jog some old memories. For bonus points, think of a story that you’ve never told the other person about when you first got together. (Like how you Facebook stalked then before the first date.)
Grab Apps and Dessert
Everyone knows they’re the best parts of dinner, so cut out the middleman and cut down on your check by just ordering appetizers and a sweet treat to share. Bonus: also good for the waistline, and you won’t be too full for post-dinner canoodling.
Use a Museum Pass
Maybe you’ve used these to take your kids fun places, but did you know they’re good for date night too? Museum passes let you into places throughout the state at a free or reduced rate. Check out what your local library offers, but also check libraries in nearby towns. Many of them will lend the passes to non-residents too! Around here, I’ve seen places like RISD Museum, Blithewold, Salem Witch Museum, and the Newport Art Museum available, so there are plenty of good choices! Also, if you have any museum memberships for your kids (zoo, children’s museum, etc) check to see if they offer any ‘reciprocal memberships,’ which are free or reduced entries at places that might be more interesting to mom and dad.
HGTV Date
Everyone loves home improvement! Take a trip to Home Depot, IKEA, or Cardi’s and share your ideas for what you’d want to do to or buy for your home if money were no object. Just remember to keep your dreams big and your purchases small!
Volunteer
Think of a cause you’re both passionate about, and find a way to make a difference together. Check out United Way’s website to search for an opportunity that works for you.
College game
Love the excitement of sports but hate the major league price tag? Check out what’s available at local colleges and universities. We have a ton in Rhode Island, so no matter where you live, there should be one close by! While you’re at it, check out their theater productions too.
Great Places in Little Rhody
Yawgoo
Winter or summer, Yawgoo has awesome, fun activities for couples! Obviously, skiing is pretty pricey, so stick to snow tubing in the winter. Summertime brings waterslides. Rates aren’t up yet for this summer, but tubing this winter was 15 bucks a person for 50 minutes, basically the cost of a cocktail.
Yawgoo Valley Rd, Exeter, RI
Cinema Pub
The Route One Cinema Pub shows second-run movies for cheap-o. You’re seated at a table and can order some yummy bar food while you’re watching the movie (including pizzas under ten bucks and four different kinds of nachos)
652 East Washington St, North Attleboro, MA
Freeplay Bar and Arcade
If you’re looking for a little nostalgia in your date, check out Freeplay where for ten bucks (5 during the week!!!) you can play unlimited rounds of 160 different classic and modern arcade games, including Donkey Kong, Frogger, Mario Kart, Ms. Pacman, and a bunch more (see their website for a full list). There’s also a variety of pinball machines, skeeball, and Dance Dance Revolution. Alcoholic beverages and pizza are available too. (Sidenote: they have family friendly days too!)
182 Pine St, Providence, RI
Riffraff
Everyone knows coffee goes with reading during the day. But at night? Head to Riffraff to combine reading with alcoholic beverages. This bookstore/bar is located in a trendy brick building in Olneyville. You and your partner can browse their curated book selection, buy one, and grab a cocktail all in one place.
60 Valley St, Providence, RI
What are your favorite cheap dates in Rhode Island or nearby?
