5 Cheap Date Ideas — Great dates that won’t break your budget

Money running short these days? Don’t let it stop you from enjoying time with that special someone. Every week, we present a few cheap date ideas, all coming in at $40 or less. Many times, the dates are absolutely free.

Here we go:

Ice Skating

Photo: Elissa Eubanks, AJC

I grew up going to roller skating rinks. It was the best thing going on weekends in my hometown. Taking those skills to the ice is somewhat daunting, but it’s worth it. Centennial Olympic Park’s annual outdoor skating rink opens this week and runs through the end of November. It’s cramped with children and even the weather can sometimes be too warm. But, if you catch it on the right night, you’ll have a great time. Just try not to hurt yourself. Skating is $7 per person, plus the $2 fee for skate rentals. Afterward, enjoy the holiday lights in the park.

A Bit of Nostalgia

It’s always fun to turn back the hands of time. That, in part, is the reason we love museums and history centers so much. Of course, visiting any in the area is a good date idea, especially if you find the deals routinely mentioned here in this blog. This, however, is a chance to be an even greater part of that history. Have you ever wondered how to churn butter or spin yarn? You can learn about it, and do it yourself, during the Pioneer Day activities at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, Nov. 14. The event is $6 per person, but you’ll want to pre-register by calling 770-822-5178 and using the promotional code, MDFP10305. In addition to the interactivity, you’ll also hear stories about early settlers as well. It’s located at 3251 McDaniel Road, Duluth.

Holiday shopping

There’s no way you’ll be able to completely avoid at least one shopping trip during the holidays. But, if the idea of going to yet another mall has you twisted in knots, make a detour. Arts and crafts festivals are aplenty this time of the year, as locals sell and display their wares. You’ll get to see work by area artisans, and may get to them as well. There are a number of these around town, including at the Arts Clayton Gallery, located in Jonesboro. Admission is free to most of these exhibits.

Work on your short game

I once took several golf lessons over the course of a few weeks. Unfortunately, I’m no better off now than I was before I started. Alas, the best place for me is a par-3 course, or maybe a driving range. I’m sure I’m not alone. Golfing together is a good date idea, especially on a shorter course that doesn’t take five or six hours to play. Try heading out to a par-3 course. This offer is impossible to beat: The Cross Creek Golf and Country Club is just $1 using this Halfoffdepot.com certificate. However, any short course or driving range will do for this date idea. Get a couple of buckets of balls and take your best swing!

Table Tennis

OK, so you won’t spend the whole day playing table tennis. Still, you can pass a few hours and have some fun in the process while blasting the plastic ball across the net. I don’t know what makes a successful table tennis player. In this case, though, it really doesn’t matter. The objective is to have a good time, break a little sweat and spend as little money as possible. There are several places around town where you can get a game for free, and for no more than $5. Click here to see some of the venues in the area.

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