35 Fun and Affordable Date Night Ideas during COVID 19
Just because there is a pandemic and you are low on cash does not mean you need to be low on fun. Try some of these affordable date ideas during COVID 19. Some are original, some aren’t, but all will give you memories for a lifetime.
- Enjoy a picnic in the park
A social distancing picnic in the park is fun, free, and easy! Sandwiches, lemonade, and fresh fruit from the local market under a sunny sky — always romantic and wonderful for an afternoon of conversation and fun.
2. Movie Marathons at Home
Are you a big LOTR Fan or into Star Wars? Schedule a massive MOVIE MARATHON. If you are working from home, this is even easier. Pop some popcorn, order some takeout, and enjoy reliving the best movie moments with a loved one.
3. A BBQ potluck
Bring out the grill, buy some cut choices of meat, and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of grilling and good times in your own backyard.
4. Visiting the local museum virtually
Many local museums have virtual tours. Find out more about your area by visiting history, art, and science museums throughout your region. Try to order a themed dinner to accent the virtual tour. For example, a romantic Italian dinner to peruse the Italian masters.
5. Camping
If your sweetheart loves the outdoors, this may be the perfect date. And if you aren’t into the “big outdoors”, pitching a tent in the backyard can be just as fun!
6. Birdwatch together
Really lacking cash? The quarantine has brought back many native birds. Get a set of binoculars, pack an early morning breakfast, and enjoy nature.
7. Walk at night under the moonlight
Always a romantic treat!
8. An original moonlight serenade
Are you musically inclined? Compose an original song for your love, and serenade them under the moonlight.
9. Share a banana split
Can’t afford to buy a full dinner? Have dinner at home and just opt to share a romantic dessert together
10. Pool time!
Have a romantic evening in the pool or hot tub during the hot summer months.
11. Make pizza from scratch
Another fun cooking together idea — making pizza. Buy toppings that each of you loves, or be adventurous and go crazy with zany toppings.
12. Have a video game date, complete with microwavable popcorn
A personal favorite for my husband and myself. An afternoon of video game madness and yummy popcorn.
13. Film your own music video on Youtube
Craziness and music — a fun date combination if your date has a diva flair.
14. Read a book together
Many local libraries are now allowing for pick-up. There are also millions of titles available digitally. Find a book to read together.
15. Sing karaoke together
Turn on the karaoke machine or just put on YouTube and enjoy hours of really bad singing.
16. Help out at a local soup kitchen
Helping out regularly at a local soup kitchen may be a great way to bond with them while helping those in need. Many soup kitchens are offering bagged lunches for needy families during COVID 19.
17. Volunteer
Find ways to help others together. Whether this is just checking in on elderly neighbors, offering to pick up groceries for someone, or just mowing the lawn of a neighbor, there are many ways to enjoy volunteering to help the community.
18. Make your own band and have a jam session
For the musically inclined, an intense jam session can lead to serious passion.
19. Visit the country
Jump in the car and visit the country. This might be a half-hour away or a long road trip. Make sure that you plan ahead for any food needs, bathroom breaks, etc. since every region has different guidelines.
20. Walk by the water
Whether you live by the beach, the Great Lakes, or a local lake, take the time to walk around the water. Water has a soothing effect and is definitely a romantic place to hang out together.
21. Set up a modeling session for your date and paint a portrait of her/him.
If you are artistically inclined, set up a room as a modeling session and create a memorable (or maybe not so memorable) portrait of that moment in time.
22. Have a fun photoshoot at an outside location
For the less artistically inclined, a fun candid photoshoot will yield a reel of great memories.
23. Cheese and fruit at the beach
Pack a little basket of cheeses and fruit and feed them to your date on the beach. Romantic.
24. Watch the sunrise
25. Watch the sunset
26. Dance under the stars to music pumping from your car
Create your own dance experience! Take your car to a secluded spot and crank up the music. Dance with your love under the stars in the music hall of your own making.
27. Enjoy outside art
Visit local artist galleries or simply walk by the art galleries in the city. Enjoy outside art like murals in your region.
28. Share a sandwich at a local outdoor cafe’
If you are not famished, you and your date can share a sandwich at a local outdoor cafe’ then stroll on in happy merriment.
29. Share a cappuccino
30. Make a sandcastle together
Rediscovering childhood joys is a great experience for most couples.
31. A romantic evening by the fire
Romantic music playing, the crackling of a fire, and the warm embrace of the one you love make for a wonderful date indeed.
32. A campfire and s’ mores
Who can resist the yummy gooeyness of marshmallows and chocolate smashed between two graham crackers?
33. Gardening
Build something together with a home garden. Plant roses, veggies, a tree, or more. Let this be a symbol of your growing relationship.
34. Get in your car and drive to nowhere
Without any thought to the destination (though keeping an eye on the gas gauge), just enjoy a drive in the country, city, night, or day, with your date.
35. Porch time nights
During the summer, the nights are cool and beautiful. Enjoy hours of quiet reflection with your loved one on your front porch. Watch the city life or enjoy the quiet country. Take in the moments and make memories for a lifetime.
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Sabrina Peña Young is an award-winning composer and filmmaker, and the Creative Director of Bandwidth Media & Film, a digital media and post-production studio in Western New York. She is the author of Filmmaking Crash Course 101 and Composer Boot Camp 101.
