10 Free Dates
Even if you’re single with no children, it’s still a rough time financially for many people right now. Just because you don’t have to feed a dozen people doesn’t mean that you can afford to head to Paris for the weekend, either. But fear not; there are always super cheap dates to go on that don’t have to feel cheap. In fact, there are plenty of free ones, too, such as…
Taking a stroll in the park. It doesn’t have to be cheap, for example, if you’ve prepared a picnic, brought along an instrument to play if you know one, or maybe checked out a few books of poetry to share with your date from the library (or your own home collection).
Browse through a local museum. While some museums do cost money, many do not—and those that do often have free days for the public to visit, particularly if you live in the area and can prove it. Sharing this cultural experience will allow you both to connect and share your mutual interests, interpret art together, and really get to know one another in a safe yet creative place.
Local attractions. Perhaps you have a governor’s mansion or a covered bridge to explore in your area. Check out your city’s tourism website (if you live in the actual city of Columbus, you can click here for the city tourism page) or visitor’s center to find out more information; they might be able to help you plan an entire day of sightseeing and romance for free, or nearly so. They might also be able to recommend cheap but unique eateries along the way.
Exercise together. If you are both into fitness or simply running, take a run together. Rent bikes (or use your own, if you have them), play tennis, or head to the nearest jump house to act like a couple of kids.
Cook together. If you are comfortable with one another, you can assemble at one house or another and cook something together for an afternoon of fun—and possibly a romantic food fight. If you aren’t yet comfortable enough to go to each others’ homes, see if your local grocery store offers a couples’ cooking class just for fun. These might cost money, however; try heading to the nearest soup kitchen to cook together for an important cause instead.
Go to a live concert at the park, the school, or a local coffeehouse. Check the paper to see what’s happening—and what’s free!