Who remembers how excited we’d be for summer break? We had plans for family vacations, vibrant clothing styles, time with our friend in the neighborhood and maybe even a summer romance. Who said this has to change? The perfect time to reconnect with your spouse is the summer.
As the temperatures rise I challenge you to keep your marriage even hotter. One of the best ways to do this is with consistent date nights. Choose weekly, biweekly or monthly times when you can prioritize time together. I highly recommend putting it on your calendars to ensure life’s curveballs don’t have you forgetting the commitment to one another that you’ve made. Now that you’re all scheduled, what should you do?
We’ve got you covered with our top ten free or cheap summer date night ideas. Try one or try all ten. The goal is to spark more joy in your marriage relationship and it doesn’t take tons of money to do that. Grab your shades and sunscreen and let’s count down these summer must does for service couples.
Top 10 Free (or Cheap!) Summer Dates
10. Stroll Through An Art Gallery
Try your hand at being an art critic or simply enjoy the work of local creatives, this free date night option can feel very sophisticated and be a lot of fun. Look for local art galleries in your town and events they may be hosting. You may get a bonus with added snacks or refreshments depending on when you plan your visit.
9. Host A Game Night
From trivia to board games, this can be a date night option for two or with other couples. This is a cheap option if you are purchasing a new game, but I recommend asking to borrow from a friend first, which makes it free. You’ll spend the evening laughing and learning new things about your spouse that you wouldn’t get from a typical conversation.
8. Yard Camping
Not looking to go on a costly roadtrip to enjoy the great outdoors? No worries, your backyard counts as outdoors. Set up a tent you own or get creative and build a shelter with the items you have and flex your Girl Scout or Cub Scout skills for a night under the stars.
7. Free Live Music
During the summer there are several festivals that will be going on. As you look up headliners, search for restaurants and parks that may offer entertainment. If the music moves you, be sure to dance with your spouse as a bonus.
6. Neighborhood Drives
Explore new areas and neighborhoods you have never ventured through. With a full tank you could sight see to your heart’s desire. You can look up more affluent areas to enjoy grand estates or find picturesque scenes in your city that make sunset look even more beautiful.
5. Couples Hike or Walk
Being active together can often be a lot of fun while encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Look up landmark tours, trails and walking paths. Enjoy a chat as you stroll and enjoy this free date that helps foster reconnection.
4. Play Video Games
This can be a fun night in for free or an inexpensive night out at an arcade. Look for military discounts and specials at your local arcades and enjoy a little friendly competition. If one spouse isn’t a gamer, this could be a fun opportunity to learn something new with one another. Trash talk and friendly wages are welcomed.
3. Make A Splash
We can’t have a summer date night list and not include water activities. The opportunities range from water balloons and water gun fights to enjoying a nearby beach, pool or even splash pad. This is a great way to cool down and get wet with your spouse.
2. Movie Night
This classic date night can be a free or inexpensive choice. You can Netflix and chill or enjoy a matinee at the theater. Make it a marathon and enjoy hours together.
1. Ice Cream Social
Take a page from sock hop days and hit the ice cream parlor or diner for a frozen treat. Split a shake, slush, snow cone or sunday and enjoy each scoop. Mix it up by dressing up in a theme or double dating with friends, either way make it a time to remember.