To help ease the financial strain, here is a list of 50 ideas for inexpensive date nights. Several of them were inspired by the Motherhood For Dummies blog, others I found on various Internet searches, and some I even came up with all by myself! So, look over the list, share it with your other half, and there will be no more excuses for no date nights! You might even convince him to take a turn and come up with something to do. Heck, he's got a list of 50 ideas right here. It can't get much easier than that!
1. A picnic under the stars. Gather a basket of your favorite finger foods, a blanket, a portable CD player, and head out to one of your favorite spots where you'll be able to see the stars. You could even find an astronomy book, check one out from the Library, or do some research on the Internet, and try finding some constallations. Play some romantic love songs, steal a kiss, a dance, and just enjoy your time together. 
2. A Treasure Hunt. Hide a series of notes and clues about a special event you are planning for your spouse. Do this for several days leading up to the event with the final note to be found right before your date. Maybe a note asking them on the date a few days beforehand. Then several clues with little notes concerning the date, like a note tied to a pair of shoes, their toothbrush, taped on the bathroom mirror, or on the steering wheel of their car.
3. Write the story of how you met. Get it printed and bound. Or you could each write the story of how you met the way you each remember it, then compare.
4. List your spouse’s best qualities in alphabetic order.
5. Tour a museum or art gallery. 
6. Attend a fall festival together, go to a corn maze, on a hay ride, or just bundle up and go for a walk, then come home and drink hot cider. 
7. Take a stroll around the block - hold hands as you walk. Gather leaves, flowers, sticks, rocks, and make a collage when you get home. You can put this in a shadow box to hang on the wall.
8.Play "I love you because..." This is a game that helps you remember exactly why you choose to be with the person you are married to. Each person takes a turn saying "I love you because..." and completes the sentance with a reason why they love their signifigant other. This can go on for quite awhile and is a fun way to pass time in the car.
9.Paint ceramics. Make each other a special plate or mug, or make something together. You can even purchase a plate hanger or easle and display it in your home.
10. Movie Night! Rent a classic love story DVD, microwave some popcorn and watch the movie while cuddling.
11. Visit the Zoo.
12. Go to a Driving Range or Miniature Golf course.
13. Don't forget to clip coupons! You can find things like 2-for-1 ice cream cones, discounts at restaurants, admission to movies, etc.
14. Write a poem or song for your spouse. 
15. Paint each other's portrait. Use finger paints, water colors, or just draw with pencil. You might even come up with something to frame!
16. Go to the mall together and leave your wallets in the car. Browse the shops, test perfume and cologne, maybe pass a few jewelry stores and drop some hints! See who can find the weirdest hat, shoes, or entire outfit throughout the mall.
17. Go house hunting. Drive around local neigborhoods and be on the lookout for houses on the market, or, even houses that aren't on the market. Make notes of what you like about a particular house and compile a list of things you'd have for your 'Dream House'. When you get home you could draw out a floor plan and list the features for each room.
18. Go to a BookStore. Borders Books or Barnes & Noble are great ideas, they have cafe's where you can grab hot cocoa and a muffin while browsing their selection. If you find a book you like, make a list and take it to your local Library and check it out. If it's a book you want to purchase, you can always find it at a discount online! 
19.Dollar Theatres. There's no better feeling that knowing you saved about $9 on your admission alone!
20. Do something your spouse loves to do, even though it doesn’t interest you personally. 
21. Write your spouse a love letter and send it to them in the mail. 
22. Build a snowman together, go sledding, build an igloo, or start a friendly snowball fight.
23. Watch a sunrise or sunset together. This is a great idea for a picnic-breakfast OR dinner! You could even do this on your roof if you've got a good view and a safe place to sit. 
24. Early-Bird Date. Don't get stuck in the idea that all takes have to take place in the evening. Movie theatres have matinee prices and lunch menus are often less expensive than dinner menus.
25. Picnic by a pond. Bring extra bread to feed the ducks and geese. 
26.Make a collage. Take old magazines, newspaper, adds, etc. and cut out words and pictures that remind you of your spouse. Glue them onto cardstock and give them to each other.
27. Put together a puzzle. If you've got a printer and digital camera, you can make your own puzzles. A good idea is to print off a picture of your spouse or one of the two of you together and make it into a puzzle. Glue the picture onto lightweight cardboard (empty cereal boxes work great) and then cut into puzzle pieces. 
28. Go on a bike ride. Another great idea for a picnic.
29. On a hot summer day, wash the car together. Be prepared for a water fight!
30. Game night! Gather up your favorite games, snacks, drinks, and your signifigant other for some friendly competition while sharing conversation. If you want company besides the two of you, send out themed invitations and include a group of friends. You can even ask them to bring along some of their favorite games and snacks.
31. Have a candlelight picnic in the back yard.
32. Camp out in the backyard. Remember when you were little and there was nothing more exciting than setting up a tent in the backyard, gathering your sleeping bag and a flashlight, and actually getting to sleep outside? It can still be fun as an adult and, if you can, build a small campfire and roast hot dogs and s'mores while sharing favorite memories the two you have.
33. Serve breakfast in bed.
34. Reminisce through old photo albums or make a slideshow on your computer and set it to music.
35. Make-shift Drive-In. If you don't have a drive-in movie theatre in your area, you can create your own. If you don't have a projector or old home movies to watch on the outside wall of your house while cuddled together, you can also grab a DVD, snacks, blankets, and a laptop and venture out. You can stay in the backyard or drive to a favorite place and watch the movie in the car or under the stars. Just make sure the battery on the laptop is charged!
36. Share a milkshake with two straws. 
37. Cook together or teach each other a favorite recipe. You could even start with making a grocery list of the items you need to prepare a meal and go shopping together. Or you can divide the courses of the meal between the two of you and just pick things at random to put together an interesting meal. 
38.Go exploring. Take a drive around your town/city and just 'get lost'. Not technically lost, but you can just hop in the car and see where you end up. You can even take turns deciding which way to go, Right, Left, or Straight. Or you can make a little dice that you roll each time you have to decide where to go. Maybe you'll find a new favorite spot to picnic together or go hiking. You could even pack lunch and drive to a nearby town you haven't been to before. Make a mini-road trip out of it. Just make sure you remember how to get back home!
39. If there is a fair, pier, or carnival in your area, go ride the merry-go-round together or choose one ride you both like and get enough tickets for that ride. Share cotton candy or get snow cones but don't overspend and only take enough cash for the things you plan on doing. 
40. Dedicate a song to your beloved over the radio. 
41. Play kickball, softball, tennis, etc. You can go to the thrift store and find some used tennis rackets and head to the park. The backyard can be turned into a softball or kickball field, or set up a net and play volleyball. You can make things interesting with waterballoon volleyball.
42. Have a hot bubble bath ready for your spouse at the end of a long day.
43.Banana Splits-Head to the grocery store and get the makings for banana splits. Enjoy them out on the porch or inside with a movie, game, etc.
44. Library-Chances are, your local Library has a selection of movies and CDs. Walk to the Library and sift through the assortment. It's hard to beat anything that's free! And, who knows, you might even come across a good book while you're there.
45. Reminisce about your first date. You could even re-create it for a special surprise or anniversary. 
46. Plant a tree together in honor of your marriage. Just remember to water it and keep it alive!
47. Go kite flying.
48. Attend a sporting event you’ve never been to together.
49. Gardening. I know it sounds dull and whenever I hear the word I think of dirt under my fingernails. But. It all depends on how you look at it and it could even be fun, especially when you're working together. Take a trip to the greenhouse and purchase flowers, vegetables, shrubery, or whatever it is you have room to plant and make a day of it.
50. Thrift Stores, Yard Sales, Markets. Walk to a Saturday Morning Market and see what you can find. You might even purchase some fresh fruits and veggies for that night's meal. Walk to a Thrift Store or drive around finding yard sales. You know what they say, "One man's junk is another man's treasure." You could even find a cool painting for your house or a board game with all of the pieces!
Tip: I think Netflix is a great investment if you're one who enjoys movies. It sure beats the prices of renting at local video stores and it's really convenient too. Go to www.netflix.com to learn more and sign up!
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