Easy Date Ideas

Women's Dating

14 Chill & Easy Date Ideas (for Cheap!)

Lauren Sanders

Written by: Lauren Sanders

Lauren Sanders

Lauren is a professional matchmaker, dating expert, certified life/dating coach, multi-published self-help author, and founder of The Love Crush Agency™. She has 15+ years of experience as a therapist and a professional background working with the nation’s largest matchmaking agency. Lauren's relationship book "You Deserve the World" encourages women to never settle for anything less than they deserve. Other notable books by Lauren include "Lipstick Faith: A Collection of Inspirational Writings and Rainbows" and "Strawberries: 100 Devotions for the Brighter Side of Life." She has been featured on WikiHow and the New York Times.

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Edited by: Austin Lang

Austin Lang

Austin Lang has worked in writing and academia for more than a decade. He previously taught writing at Florida Atlantic University, where he graduated with a Master’s degree in English. His past experience includes editing and fact-checking more than 500 scientific papers, journal articles, and theses. As the Marketing Editor for DatingAdvice, Austin leverages his research experience and love for the English language to provide readers with accurate, informational content.

Reviewed by: Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks is the Editor-in-Chief at DatingAdvice.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being "boy crazy," but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. As an English major at the University of Florida, Amber honed her communication skills to write clearly, knowledgeably, and passionately about a variety of subjects. Now with over 1,800 lifestyle articles to her name, Amber brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to DatingAdvice.com. She has been quoted as a dating expert by The Washington Times, Cosmopolitan, The New York Post, Bustle, Salon, Well+Good, and AskMen.

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One thing romantic comedies don’t tell you — a romantic date takes a lot of planning.

Perhaps you’ve gotten past the first few moments of small talk, somehow avoided being ghosted, and now you’re ready to go on an actual date. Perhaps you’re in a dating rut with your significant other and want to bring the magic back. You can go for the usual coffee date or dinner date routine, but that feels rather stale in my opinion.

If you’re searching for chill and easy date ideas that are simple and affordable, you’ve arrived at the perfect destination. I’m here to tell you that date night with your special person doesn’t have to be complicated at all. What matters most is the effort and creativity behind the date… and the heart you put into the experience.

1. A Picnic in the Park

A picnic in the park never gets old if you ask me. It’s simple, affordable, and allows couples to spend uninterrupted quality time together in a peaceful environment.

Photo of a picnic by the water
Picnic dates can be as simple as taking a blanket and a plate of cheese to a park.

Spending time in nature with your date is not only rejuvenating but satisfying. Nature has its own way of soothing the soul and providing an opportunity for both individuals to bond without outside interference.

Even preparing for the date can be a bonding experience. You can shop for your favorite snacks and assemble the perfect picnic basket together, then savor the fruits of your labor while sipping wine under the shade of a tree.

2. A Run in the Sun

Bonding with your partner during physical exercise can be rewarding in more ways than one. Not only are you spending time with your favorite person, but you are also receiving health benefits by remaining active.

Running in particular grants many wonderful benefits. From enhanced endorphin production to increased overall blood flow, running provides both parties a beneficial boost of energy that can promote an improved mood and positive attitude. 

The right environment can transform a simple jog into something memorable. Rather than just running around the corner, try going to your favorite park or a smoothie shop.

3. A New Recipe for a Romantic Candlelight Dinner

You can never go wrong with exploring a new recipe. Not to mention, it’s typically pretty affordable and low-key. An all-around win-win.

Woman and man cooking and smiling at each other
You can search food blogs, Insta reels, or TikTok for recipe inspiration.

A romantic candlelit dinner at home provides endless opportunities for bonding and learning something new together. It’s a great way to see how well you can collaborate with your partner while doing something fun together.

There are plenty of recipes online that you can explore, but if you’re looking for something fancy, try a luxury meal kit. Available at high-end grocery stores and services like Goldbelly, you and your partner can feel like Michelin-starred chefs in the comfort of your own home.

4. A Night at the Museum

Take a trip to the local museum and indulge in a night filled with abstract art and moments in history. Museums are a great place to have intellectual and thought-provoking conversations with your sweetheart.

Don’t feel restricted to art galleries and history museums, either. Many cities have museums dedicated to off-the-wall topics, from the Center of Puppetry Arts in Atlanta to the architectural playground that is St. Louis’s City Museum. Many of these venues hold adults-only nights, making them an excellent spot for a child-free date.

5. A Church Date

For those individuals who believe in a higher power and spiritual fellowship, a church date can be an awesome way to spend time with your special person. Learning about God together is a great way to establish a firm foundation in your relationship.

Couple in sitting church pews during a sermon
Bible study groups can be great opportunities for couples seeking connection.

Take turns visiting each other’s churches and meeting members of the congregation. If you and your partner are of different denominations or religions, you can take the time to learn more about their faith and upbringing.  Church dates are a wonderful way to connect in a meaningful environment.

6. A Gym Date

Gym dates are a wonderful way to combine fitness and quality time. A couple that works out together typically understands the importance of not taking any days off at the gym. Their priorities are usually in sync, and they inspire each other to be the best version of themselves.

Even if you’re just starting out, exercising with a partner can be a great way to stay motivated and accountable. It might even become a new habit!

7. A Cooking Class

Cooking classes are a step up from cooking at home and provide a unique way to learn a new dish. They are usually affordable and available multiple times throughout the month. In addition, multiple cuisines are available ,and classes are often themed.

A couple in a cooking class
A cooking class is a fun and delicious activity for date nights.

Another fun aspect of cooking classes is that other couples are present, so you get to enjoy the comradery in addition to cooking a new meal.

Online cooking classes can also take the pressure off if you’d rather stay at home and make something in your own kitchen.

8. An Afternoon Drive

Car cruising dates are perhaps the most underrated date idea on this list. It’s not very expensive, but it is filled with priceless moments. 

This date night idea is especially ideal for music lovers. Buckle up, sit back, and relax to your favorite love songs or the latest jams on Spotify. Perhaps grab a quick bite to eat to enjoy during your ride. You and your date can enjoy a romantic evening as you ride the highway to romance

9. An Artsy Date

Couples painting classes have grown in popularity over the years, but what about painting within the comfort of your own home? Grab your favorite colors, a palette, and a paintbrush. Set the mood with dessert and a bottle of wine, and you’ve organized a magnificent paint class for two!

Couple painting at home
Expressing your creative side can help you bond with your partner.

You don’t need to limit yourself to painting, of course. Any artsy DIY project will do. Get some oven-bake clay for at-home pottery, or try making your own jewelry together. Even the preliminary trip to the craft store can be a romantic experience. 

10. A Game Night at Home 

If you’re looking for something fun and stimulating, try a couple’s game night for two! All two-person games, of course! 

From Monopoly to Uno, a game night at home is the perfect chill and easy date night idea to liven up your routine without overdoing it. Game date nights are especially fun for competitive couples.

If you’re feeling spicy, some games are specifically designed for couples. You can find expertly crafted conversation cards to spark discussion, or you can go a more risqué route and play a naughty game of truth or dare. 

11. A Candle-Making Date

Candle-themed date nights have grown in popularity lately. You’ll have the opportunity to select your own scents and decorations, and will even have the opportunity to create a name for your scent. Candle-making is affordable, fun, and most certainly creative.

Red candles
Candles are also great for creating a romantic atmosphere.

Try making a scent that resonates with you and your partner. Smell is strongly tied to memory, after all, so picking the scent of a favorite perfume or baked good can make the date all the more memorable.

12. Couples Dance Night

Dance the night away at a dance class specifically designed for couples. From salsa and merengue to tango and lap dance classes, you can look at local listings to find a dance class to suit your preferences as a couple. 

13. Netflix and Chill Night

The phrase “Netflix and chill” has become a staple in date night culture. One that never gets old or boring. From “Bridgerton” to “Squid Game,” there’s always a new Netflix movie or series available, making it easy for you to plan the ultimate chill date night.

14. Drive-In Date 

Drive-in dates are a timeless classic that hearkens back to the days of going steady and wearing each other’s class rings. Many cities still host outdoor movies and popcorn with nearly the same set-up present from decades past. So, snuggle up with your honey and enjoy a good movie from the comfort of your own vehicle. 

Couple at a drive-in movie
Some cities hold free outdoor movie nights that can make for a great date idea.

No drive-in near you? No problem: with a cheap projector off Amazon, you can turn your driveway into a drive-in. Just don’t forget the popcorn!

Whatever Date Activity You Choose, Make It Memorable!

Date nights should be fun and exciting, not stressful and expensive. Decide what types of experiences call to you, and go make a plan. You can even stay at home and still have a romantic, memorable night. The key is having the right activity and the right attitude.

Hopefully, you’ve gathered quite a few chill and easy date ideas for your dating pleasure in the future. Remember, date nights don’t have to be expensive and complex. It’s the idea that counts, along with the person you invite to join you.