Top 20 Fun Date Ideas That Don’t Cost Money

fun date ideas that don't cost money

A wise woman once declared, “My love don’t cost a thing.” Coming up with fun date ideas that don’t cost money can seem like a challenge. You want to show a girl you just started dating or your girlfriend a good time, but how are you supposed to do that without pulling out your wallet?

Surprisingly, there are quite a lot of dating options that can offer you and a woman the time of your lives without costing either of you a single cent.

To help you get started on your day or night of frugal fun, I’ve compiled a list of 20 date ideas that don’t cost money. But first…

Fun Date Ideas: Things to Keep in Mind Before We Dive In

Before we get into the good stuff, let’s go over a few things.

How Serious Are You and the Woman in Question?

One of the first things to keep in mind before reviewing my list of fun date ideas is how well you know the woman in question. Is this going to be a second date or are you in a committed relationship?

If it’s a second date, you’ll most likely want to choose the options on this list that take place during the day and don’t involve going back to her or your place (save that for the third date).

If you’re already in a relationship or have crossed the threshold when it comes to spending time at your home together, feel free to choose any of the following date ideas.

How Do I Find Compelling Date Ideas That Are Also Affordable?

You may be wondering how to make a second date memorable without spending a dime. Most local tourism websites and newspapers will have a calendar of free events that are unique to your area. If you’re on social media, platforms like Facebook have local event listings as well.

ALSO

Although these are fun date ideas that don’t cost money if something comes up where she wants to get a smoothie or a snack — get her the dang smoothie. There’s no need to throw an awkward wrench into the situation with a, “Well, hon, this date is actually supposed to be free” when you could just fork over five bucks. 

Got it? Good. Now let’s get rolling with my list of fun date ideas.

Fun Date Ideas 

#1: Take a Hike

Are you and your date early risers with a thing for scenic routes and nature? FANTASTIC! Like yoga, Pilates, and Fitbits, hiking has become something of a trend over the past decade. And when it comes to trends, this is a great bandwagon to jump on.

Not only is hiking free and likely to yield you some pretty #onfleek Instagram photos, there are a lot of health benefits that come with hiking a beautiful trail.

Hiking is basically walking served with a side of awesomeness and adventure. And walking offers a ton of health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, there’s more than a few great reasons to get your walk on, including:

-Healthy weight

-Better mood

-Improved balance and coordination

An added bonus with hiking is that you’re taking in the beautiful scenery. Several studies have shown a link between experiencing nature and happiness. This increase of energy and decrease of stress can also serve you well during the date, when nerves may still be a threat.

To find some great hikes, try downloading the All Trails hiking app. My boyfriend and I have been using it for years and love it.

Fun Date Idea #2: Take a Brewery Tour

fun date ideas

If she’s not a beer person, you can also look up wine or whiskey tastings — all have equally cool elements and are all cheap date ideas assuming you don’t take home cases of beer or wine. 

Brewery tours are a fun and free way to have a drink, and also learn a bit of history. Because breweries offer you tastes of very specific types of craft beer, you’ll also be able to learn more about her tastes, and that can offer you some guidance when planning for a night out or the ever important third date. 

Fun Date Idea #3: Visit a Farmer’s Market

Check out local, homegrown goodness and munch on delicious samples for free. Like the brewery tour, this is a place where you can gauge the type of cuisine your date likes and plan for dinner on that third date.

If you’re in an established relationship, this is a great way to simply get outside and have some out of this world snacks for free!

Fun Date Idea #4: Go to a Free Concert

This is one of those perfect summertime fun date ideas where you can have a rocking time without spending a cent! There’s usually a ton of free local music events going on and it’s a nice way to spend time with someone outside.

Plus, with a concert, you don’t really need to worry about lulls in conversation so much — it takes the pressure off.

Fun Date Idea #5: Try Geocaching

What’s in the box?! In case you’re unfamiliar, geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt. By downloading the Geocache app and using your phone’s GPS, you will be led to exciting destinations in your neighborhood in order to find hidden trinkets. Visit Geocaching.com to learn more.

Fun Date Idea #6: Go to the Beach

fun date ideas

Going to the beach is the perfect day date idea. Other than making a splash, here are some other fun and free ways to enjoy a beach day date:

-Have a picnic

-Make a DIY kite

-Have a sandcastle-building competition

-Play tic-tac-toe on the sand

-Have a water gun fight

Fun Date Idea #7: Host Your Own Free Cooking Class or Chopped Competition

fun date ideas

If you’re at the point in dating that she’s comfortable coming to your place or vice versa, take your own cooking class or have a cooking competition for free! Check out this article for specific ideas.

Fun Date Idea #8: Have a Game Night

Whip out your Cards Against Humanity, Jenga, and other games for a fun night in. If you and your date are lacking in the game department, I recommend checking out Buzzfeed’s 13 Board Games That Are Actually Fun For Adults for inspiration.

Fun Date Idea #9: Do Karaoke

fun date ideas

Many bars host free karaoke nights and you can also do karaoke at home. Not a good singer? EVEN BETTER!

Singing at karaoke is a great way to let loose and not take yourself too seriously. By showing a girl that you’re up for the challenge (and even risking some embarrassment) exudes confidence, which is extremely attractive.

Fun Date Idea #10: Visit a Playground

This is by far one of the weirdest day date ideas on my list, but hear me out. Playtime doesn’t end in adulthood — or at least it shouldn’t according to research and expertise cited by NPR.

Indulge in some grown-up recess by visiting a playground where you can push her on the swingset, climb monkey bars and have a picnic lunch.

Fun Date Idea #11: Volunteer at an Animal Shelter

fun date ideas

This is intended to be a FREE date idea, but it comes with this caveat:

You are at a high (guaranteed) risk of meeting a vast amount of cuddly, snuggly, adorable animals and may want to take each and every single one of them home.

You have been warned.

Find a shelter near you here.

Bonus

This is not free, but I can’t resist piggybacking off of this idea by suggesting a day date idea at a cat cafe, if you’re lucky enough to have one near you.

As far as the Bay Area goes, we’re fortunate enough to have KitTea, a cafe where you and your date can enjoy some face time with cute cats while also grabbing a tea/coffee or a bite to eat.

If you want to see if any cat cafes are currently open near you, click here.

Fun Date Idea #12: Visit a Museum

Several local museums offer free admission. Get cultural by checking out one near you!

Fun Date Idea #13: Take a Free DIY Class at Home Depot

Home Depot sometimes offers free DIY classes that give you hands-on experience kicking off a home project or making something for your home. Check out what workshops are offered near you here.

Fun Date Idea #14: Take a Virtual Vacation

Have you or she been bitten by the travel bug? Are you in need of a vacation?

Although taking an actual trip abroad will cost a pretty penny, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy planning your dream vacation together.

Websites like 360Cities and apps like Qantas VR offer a virtual reality experience where you can check out destinations across the globe. 

Fun Date Idea #15: Enjoy a Backyard Bonfire or Sunset

If you have a backyard, take in a sunset or some stargazing with some wine and snacks. This is a great way to set the mood.

Fun Date Idea #16: Watch a Fireworks Display

fun date ideas

The Fourth of July is around the corner, as are many other summertime events. You’re bound to find a free fireworks display in your area to take a date.

I mean, honestly, is there a better way to create fireworks between the two of you than literally cozying up beneath some enchanting pyrotechnics?

Keep in mind, that you will want to do a little research before taking your date to see fireworks. Find a spot that is close enough to the event so that you can enjoy the display without being in the thick of the action. You don’t want massive crowds and screaming children (sorry, kids) to kill the mood.

Fun Date Idea #17: Take a Free Workout Class

If you and your lady are active types (or strive to be), there are several ways you can try out a free workout class to dip your toes into an exercise you haven’t tried before.

Here are some places you can often find free opportunities:

–Eventbrite

-Local gyms that offer free trials before signing up for a membership

-If you already belong to a gym, see if they have any special events going on or use a guest pass for your date

–Lulu Lemon

–YMCA

Fun Date Idea #18: Free Movie Night

Go to a free outdoor movie night or create your own if you have a yard and a projector. Get fancy popcorn, drinks and enjoy the show. 

Fun Date Idea #19: Take a Scenic Drive and Tour Cool Neighborhoods Near You

fun date ideas

Consider this a mini-vacation. Even when you visit a place as little as 45 minutes away, it can feel like you’re in a totally different state. Research some of the eclectic neighborhoods around you and go exploring.

Fun Date Idea #20: Play Frisbee/Volleyball/Badminton

Grab a frisbee, volleyball or badminton racket (or all THREE if you’re feeling adventurous) and enjoy some light activity. Find a cool park or go to the beach to enjoy this pastime and enjoy a picnic afterward.

Do You Live in These Cities?

Looking for fun date ideas specifically in San Francisco, New York, or Los Angeles? If so, check out these other articles:

-Over 50 San Francisco Date Ideas

-The Best Los Angeles Date Ideas

-Over 50 of the Best Date Ideas NYC Has to Offer

A Fun-Filled Dating Life Is Waiting for You

When you think about dating, is “fun” the first thing to come to mind? For many people, it’s the last thing they think about.

Looking for love can be a scary thing — trust me, I’ve been there. Fears of rejection, social anxiety, and the terrifying vulnerability of putting yourself “out there” can be enough to make anyone cancel plans and delete their dating apps before they’ve even had a chance to finish creating their profile.

But what if I told you dating didn’t have to be scary? And what if I also told you that there are strategies you can use that will make meeting tons of women a fun and exhilarating process and will also:

-Increase your self-esteem

-Make you more appealing to women

-Fill up your social calendar

-Keep you OUT of the friend-zone for good

-Guide you toward finding an amazing, high-quality girlfriend

In 2010, I found myself hopelessly single after spending years as a serial monogamist. When I was finishing my undergraduate studies at UC Berkley, I decided to take matters into my own hands by conducting a 100-date experiment. In 2012, my research findings in hand, I launched this website to help single men reach their dating goals.

Not only did my research leave me with a wealth of insight into how to be successful in the dating world, I also found a compatible, long-term partner during my experiment — and so can you!

One of the main dating strategies I used during my experiment was MegaDating. MegaDating is the process of dating several people at the same time in order to diffuse your energy and increase your self-confidence. This type of dating helps you to see that there truly are many fish in the sea, and being able to see this will:

-Lessen the pain of rejection

-Make dating partners naturally more interested in you

-Open you to new experiences

-Help you avoid settling for the mediocre

Ready to get started? Head over to my calendar and book a 1-on-1 Zoom session with me or an emlovz coach today. During your intro session, we will talk about the roadblocks you have experienced in the dating world, as well as your dating goals.

From there, we will create an action plan to help you achieve your goals and find a fantastic, long term relationship. We’ll also determine if coaching or matchmaking services are right for you.

A List of the Top Matchmakers in Dallas Texas

matchmaker dallas

Looking for a list of the top matchmakers in Dallas?

Perhaps you’re searching for a dating service to set you up with women because Dallas isn’t exactly the most romantic city in the world.

To those outside of the Texas area, Dallas is probably best known for being the city JFK was assassinated in — not exactly the most romantic topic. Dallas is also known for being the birthplace of everyone’s fifth most favorite convenient store, 7-11, as well as the Dallas Cowboys, the TV show Dallas, and of course Shark Tank’s most notorious shark and Mavs owner, Mark Cuban.

Luckily if you’re a resident of the Big D (yes that’s actually what Dallasites call their city) you know that Dallas can actually be quite a romantic city.

It’s got great weather, is a melting pot and most importantly has a favorable gender ratio for men.

But despite all the awesomeness that the city has, its hustle and bustle attitude isn’t exactly a boon for the dating culture. Residents of Dallas work longer hours and have longer commutes than just about everyone else. A CNBC study ranked Dallas as the 5th most workaholic city, finding that the average resident works just over 40 hours a week with 44% of its residents spending more than an hour commuting every day.

With only so much time to invest in one’s love life, it’s no wonder that Dallasites are seeking out Dallas matchmakers. In this article, we’ll explore Dallas’s dating scene while also detailing the best matchmakers in Dallas.

Dating in Dallas: What’s it Like?

The Gender Breakdown

Many a long-star publication will rank Dallas as one of if not the best place to live for single Texans. The reason for this ranking mostly has to do with its population of about 1.3 million residents making it about the 9th most populous city in the states.

But the overall population is too vague a stat to convince a single dude to move to Dallas. It’s not like you have the ability to date 1.3 million people right?

The stat that makes single dudes perky is this one: 36,000. As in 36,000 more women than men. As in 97 dudes for every 100 women. No single man wants to live in a city that’s a year-round sausage fest. Unlike other major cities in the states with a major male-female disparity in favor of women like Vegas, San Jose, San Francisco, and Denver, Dallas offers men a laid back dating atmosphere where every guy has a chance of finding a killer girlfriend.

When it comes to Dallas county’s gender ratio, age is everything. If you’re 24 or younger, the gender ratio is more male-dominant. However, for the 25-54 age bracket you’ll see that there are about 98 women for every 100 men. Sure it may not sound like a lot, but when compared to San Diego, a city where there are more than 50,000 more single men than women, you should count yourself among the lucky ones.

Date Ideas

Considering the dope gender ratio, Dallas matchmakers should have no problem finding you a date or two. What you’ve got to think about is where you should go on a first date.

Not all dates are created equal and considering you’ll be going out more often than ever before, you best have your first date strategy down pat.

First dates should last no longer than an hour. First dates should also require no more than $10. The reason for this is that even though you’re being set up with a compatible woman that’s been vetted you’re still ultimately going out with a stranger. You could sit down with her and immediately learn that there’s something about her that throws you off. Something the convinces you that you two have no future. If that’s the case, why invest copious time and money into a dead-end relationship?

The second reason to spend less is because you’re about to become a prolific dater. You may not have the time or money to date multiple women a week. Save your resources for women you care about.

The first date serves as an introductory get-together, nothing more.

With that in mind, let’s take a dive into the best Dallas date spots for a first date.

Art museums are awesome first date spots. They’re usually cheap, provide stimuli to talk about, and make it easier to move around, change the dynamic and get in some playful touching. For art connoisseur — or people that just like making fun of modern art- there’s the Dallas Museum of Art.

Even in the midst of the pandemic, Dallas’s most popular indoor skating rink is open. For $12 a pop you and your date can skate around while listening to cheesy love ballads. There’s no better way to prove to a woman that you’re down to earth than by falling on your ass in a skating rink in front of dozens of people.

When you download GPSMYCITY you gain access to 10 theme-based tours of your city. Check out your city’s local art, music, or academic scene with this app.

Dallas Weather

Dallas has even more single women than first date spots. But there’s one key ingredient that makes Dallas a top-notch dating city; the weather.

Dallas boasts about 234 sunny days of weather a year, that’s nearly 30 days above the US average. One arguable downside of Dallas is that its summer temperatures can consistently hit the upper 90s. On the flip side, the average winter high is 64.

Best Dating Apps In Dallas

The next closest thing to hiring a matchmaker in Dallas is swiping away on a dating app.

Dating apps take minimal work, can be performed anywhere, and give you a large selection of single women to choose from. Even if you’re relying on a Dallas matchmaker to find you compatible women, you shouldn’t wholly rely on them. What happens when the matchmaking service ends and you still haven’t found a woman worth dating? Always be receptive to meeting new women regardless of how their message makes its way to your inbox.

Here are the best dating apps to use for Dallasites.

Tinder

Tinder is the most popular dating app in Texas. As such it should be the first dating app you download. To be fair, Tinder targets a younger user bracket, chiefly those in their early to mid-20s. Keeping their age in mind, it then makes sense that these singles aren’t super interested in long-term relationships. I recommend downloading Tinder if you’re looking to date women in their mid to early 20s and aren’t only looking for serious relationships.

Bumble

After dating around with the help of Tinder, young singles usually graduate to Bumble. Bumble is considered “feminist Tinder.” Even though this slogan manifests itself more so as company ethos than in practice, Bumble still attracts older, more serious, and socially conscious men and women. Let’s not forget that Bumble’s gender ratio is also slightly better than Tinder’s.

Hinge

If only there was an app that really functioned with the goal of finding you a long term mate. That didn’t try to suck you into the app and make you another hopeless romantic dating app addict, swiping away until your fingers callous.

While Hinge has its flaws, it also makes an attempt to find you a mate. The app claims that it’s “designed to be deleted” has been around for years, but only recently experienced a bump in user-ship after Pete Buttigieg made it known that he met his now husband through the app.

The app pairs people up not only with the use of an award-winning algorithm but also with the help of specific search preferences such as religion, education, and lifestyle habits. It’s search filters like these that allow users to push away the flotsam and only interact with users that they’re compatible with.

Best Matchmakers In Dallas

emlovz

That’s right, emlovz comes out on top.

No, I’m not afraid to say it, we’re the freakin’ best.

Here’s the thing about most matchmaking companies.

When a matchmaker gets a new client they’ll reach into their limited jar of names, pick one out, and hope they’re a match. It’s these shallow databases of eligible singles that make it damn near impossible to rely on a traditional matchmaker to find you love.

So how are we different?

We use a team of recruiters, we call them e-headhunters, to scour the Dallas area in search of compatible women. We don’t pick a name out of a hat but instead search for women you’re compatible based on your preferences.

But hey, what kind of people would we be if we set you up with your dream girl knowing that your dating skills are rusty? We would never do that! In fact, all of our matchmaking clients receive twelve weekly 1-on-1 or group coaching sessions with yours truly.

When you pair matchmaking with coaching, you’ll essentially be the real life Bachelor of Dallas. In a 3-4 month u’ll be setup with 15 high quality matches over a 3-4 month period, sometimes even quicker.

To find 15 high quality matches for you means we’ll source close to 500 women and interview 50-75 of them, just for you.

Lasting Connections

Located in various cities across the US, Lasting Connections is focused on finding you not just a girlfriend, but a life partner. Lasting Connections takes matchmaking to the next level by not only screening women with background checks, but by planning super romantic first dates. After filling out a dating profile, the team at LC will dig into their pool of women to find you a partner worth spending the rest of your days with.

LUMA

If LUMA can hookup Shannon Beador they can do it for you too (I know you have no idea who that is, the point is that they’ve worked with famous people, so… cool). LUMA works by first understanding the client, by conducting a search, screening potential matches, and then introducing you to single women they think would be a fit.

Look dating can be a drag, especially when you go it alone.

When you team up with emlovz you not only get a matchmaker, but also a coach.

Book a 1-on-1 New Client Zoom Session now and we’ll create a tailor-made dating blueprint that works for you. Together we’ll not only match you up with the most compatible ladies in the Dallas area, but we’ll coach you through how to build a meaningful connection with any woman you sit next to.