Pump up your love life ten cheap date ideas

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It’s six months into your relationship and you’ve realised how financially draining this thing called ‘dating’ can be.

You have watched your wallet shrink after going to the umpteenth restaurant and can’t believe how much popcorn, candy and drinks can add up to at the movies these days.

But before you decide it’s impossible to go out with your sweetie without spending a pretty penny, or resign yourselves to another boring evening on the couch, take a look at these date night suggestions which won’t put a dent in your funds.

1. Believe it or not art gallery openings can be a fun way to catch up with people outside your normal couple circle.

Why not spend an hour checking out the latest exhibitions and compare your artistic tastes to that of your partner? A bonus is you can sample free wine, cheese and crackers if you go on the opening night.

2. Stargazing can be a really romantic activity for you and your date, away from the crowds of people or busy nightlife.

Perhaps take a blanket and some nibbles, while you gaze at the Little Dipper and enjoy some quiet time with your partner. There is no shortage of spots around the Island for this — from Elbow Beach to the dock across from the Aquarium in Flatts.

3. The Moonlight Movie Series will run over two nights at the Botanical Gardens, starting August 31.

This is a great chance to cuddle up with your sweetie and enjoy a free movie; in this case the romantic comedy ‘Think Like a Man’ or the drama ‘The Hunger Games’. For more information and movie times visit www.moonlightmovieseries.com.

4. The man in your life might prefer a root canal over a shopping trip, but a trip to any of the Island’s market atmospheres might be up his alley.

There’s usually something for everyone at these events and you might even learn a thing or two about a local artist, jewellery designer or author.

These events may even allow you a chance to loosen up a bit and act like a kid — try getting temporary tattoos or face paintings at Harbour Nights, every Wednesday night in Hamilton until September 5, or the Bermuda Craft Market in Dockyard if you prefer somewhere in the West End.

5. Want a night of great entertainment without the large price tag? Then check out Chewstick’s Neo-Griot Lounge on Court Street, Hamilton. Spoken word, poetry and music are on offer at the organisation’s weekly events. For information on what’s coming up visit www.chewstick.org.

6. Bowling and mini-golf are great ways for couples to put their competitive streak to the test. To add a bit more fun to the game, why not make a friendly wager on who will win? The loser can treat the other to the next date night activity.

7. Walking is a very underrated activity. Sometimes just taking time to stroll through your neighbourhood park or up and down the sandy shores of a beach can be a great alternative to a pricey dinner out.

You can even hold hands if you want to make it extra special. To make an evening of it, why not pack a picnic with the menu item of your choice?

8. If you or your loved one is a history buff, perhaps it’s worth noting that many of the Island’s forts are free to visit.

The National Museum in Dockyard and World Heritage Centre in St George’s are also cheap ways to brush up on some of your local knowledge.

9. Scrabble anyone? Instead of another night of mind-numbing television, pull out board games like Jenga or Monopoly.

You know, the ones you only play when there’s a hurricane and the power goes out. Or try playing ‘20 Questions’ and take some time to get to know each other a little better than you already do.

10. Skip the restaurant for the weekend and put your culinary skills to the test.

Try making your partner’s favourite dish (next time they can make yours) and then enjoy eating — or joking about — the fruits of your labour.

In addition to spending only a fraction of what you would if you’d eaten out, this could be a really great bonding experience for couples.

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