7 Summer Date Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Summer is a great time of the year to get out & about and enjoy some time with your significant other. In my case, that would happen to be my husband and after 29 years of marriage...we still have weekly date nights! Yes, that's right, weekly date nights! I think having these date nights is why our marriage has been so successful.

If you are dating or married and looking to have some fun date nights, here is a great article on "date ideas" that won't cost you a fortune! My favorite on Kendal's list is #1...especially if its a romantic picnic for two on my favorite beach!

7 Summer Date Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Whether you're seeing someone new or spending time with your longtime partner, summer offers up a great opportunity to mix up your dating routine. It's easy to let the sunshine and good times get the better of your budget, however, with weekly happy hours and weekend adventures among the endless opportunities to spend money.

Happily, there's no need fork over top dollar for fun when the season offers so many frugal and even free opportunities for canoodling. Consider these six summer date ideas that won't break the bank.

1. Picnics
Munching on cheese and crackers, clinking glasses of wine and enjoying a serene spot in your community is a pretty romantic way to spend a summer evening. Google "picnic areas" in your city for location ideas, and check out The Date Report's recommendations for 25 Romantic Little Foods to Bring on a Picnic Date.

2. Concerts & Festivals
Hitting up summer concerts is one of the best ways to spend time with your special someone. While events featuring big-name headliners can require deep pockets, summer concerts hosted by communities often have free admission. City festivals may require a $5 to $15 entrance fee, but provide such complimentary diversions as booth browsing, improv shows and people watching. Of course, splurging on a funnel cake or fried oreos won't put you out, either.

3. Local Dining Specials
Most cities offer a lifestyle circular featuring local events, attractions and dining specials. Before you schedule your next date, peruse your city's circular and plan an evening starting with happy hour, discount dinner fare and a free local activity. Exploring your city together can be a fun way to learn about one another's interests and local knowledge.

4. City and Company Tours
The warm weather makes it easy to create a date on the fly just by exploring your city. Many communities offer First Friday Art Walks or some variation thereof, where local art galleries keep their doors open later for visitors to peruse their works and chat with artists. If your community has local breweries, distilleries or wineries, schedule a tour and enjoy learning about the process of making your favorite adult beverage.

5. Volunteer Opportunities
Doing something together in the service of others can make for a rewarding experience. Identify your shared passions and causes and look for opportunities through VolunteerMatch.org. In addition to visiting with seniors at your local nursing home or helping out at the soup kitchen, you can also help build walking and hiking trails or contribute to a Habitat for Humanity build. The options are endless and the rewards are limitless.

6. Movie Discount Days
Skip the Friday night openers in favor of midweek showtimes. Many theaters offer matinee pricing all day during off-peak days, typically Tuesday or Wednesday. Check your local theaters' website for more details or call the box office for more information. Since concessions will likely eat up your ticket savings, download the free Coupon Sherpa mobile app to your smartphone for instant access to deals like $3 off popcorn from Regal Cinemas.

7. Kids Activities
When was the last time you played miniature golf or or did donuts in a go-kart? Sometimes the best dates are the simplest ones, so channel your inner child and challenge your date to a round of bumper cars or air hockey. Indulge in cheap pizza, hot dogs and ice cream and share your favorite memories of childhood. Complicated? No. Memorable? Definitely!

Kendal Perez is a frugal blogger who helps fellow shopaholics find hassle-free ways to save money. As the Marketing Manager for Kinoli Inc., site manager for a family of money-saving websites, Kendal has the resources to be an extreme couponer but prefers a less complicated approach to staying in-budget. Kendal has been quoted in such media outlets as People StyleWatch, CNN Money, FOX, ABC, NPR and Kiplinger Personal Finance. For savings tips and more information, visit HassleFreeSavings.com.