Frugal and fun: Inexpensive date ideas

Frugal fun for under $40? It’s more than possible. Some here have even suggested I lower the maximum on a good date out. I’ll resist, only because I’d like to leave a little wiggle room for those special occasions. And I’ve made one special exception here, as you’ll see below.

So, here goes, this week’s inexpensive date suggestions:

1. Visit a National Park: Cheap just got even cheaper. Ordinarily, it would cost you $3 to get into a national park. This weekend, and Aug. 15-16, it’s absolutely free to get into 100 parks, including five in Georgia. I found this bargain on Field Trips with Sue, a website that focuses on outings with kids. But when are you ever too old for a field trip? Take a ride down the Chattahoochee River, go hiking and enjoy nature. It’s a great way to get to know someone. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, which is always free, isn’t charging its regular shuttle fee this weekend. So, while it isn’t among the 100 listed, it is completely free of charge this weekend as well.

Here are Georgia’s participating parks:

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Fort Frederica National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument

2. Go To the Moon: Thanks to commenter TL, who last week suggested a trip to the Planetarium at the Fernbank Science Center. What a terrific idea. You can see “To the Moon and Beyond,” celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. It also happens to be the International Year of Astronomy, which means it’s no better time to visit a planetarium. Afterward, if your date is starry-eyed, you’ll understand. The cost for this celestial experience: $4, and $3 for seniors and students. It’s free for DeKalb School System employees. Check the website for show times, keeping in mind the last showing is July 20.

3. All that Jazz: Well, this isn’t entirely about jazz. I was looking for places to hear live jazz music, minus the cover charges and drink minimums. Luckily, I found even more. The 14th Annual Heritage Arts Festival is July 23-26 at Underground Atlanta. And it’s free. There will be live music, vendor exhibitions, art work, and of course shopping in Underground.

4. Wines Around the World: Ok, perhaps that makes this sound a bit more exotic than it might be in reality. Nevertheless, it’s an opportunity for a good time — for very little money. On Aug. 5, atlantabartours.com will take a spin around local restaurants and bars, sampling the best wines on the Wednesday Night Global Wine Stroll. Stops on the tour include The Grape, Twist and The Tavern. I’m alerting you now because it’s a $5 advance purchase, and $10 at the door.

5. As Easy as Riding a Horse: There’s perhaps nothing more fun on a date than learning something new together. Perhaps you’ve never been horseback riding, or haven’t been in a while. Here’s your chance. Ellenwood Equestrian Center is normally $30 per person, but mention you heard about them from Atlanta Bargain Hunter and get $5 off a person. I know what you’re saying: that’s not exactly a $40 date. Because of the discount to our readers, we’ll bend the rules a tad bit here. Roast me on it later. Just have fun. You’ll learn about grooming and packing up, as well as basic riding skills from one of the few stables in the area that offer couples’ lessons.

So, what are your great, budget-friendly date ideas? I’ll highlight the best ideas next week.