Do not think that dating should always involve expensive movie watching and formal dinners.  Remember that dates involve getting to know more about that other person and weigh in on the possibility of being with your date in a romantic relationship. 

Trying on new activities during a date, no matter how inexpensive, adds on the excitement.  Here are some cheap dating suggestions that you can easily do.

Find places where you can spend more time at less cost

Consider going to museums, for instance.  Cultural appreciation seems to be waning in our society, but that does not mean it makes a totally boring date. 

Even if you have no idea about how to look at art, you can ask the curator or the museum’s tour guide what the object is about and he would be glad to tell you.  If you cannot afford visiting a museum, try finding a playground or water park where you can play like children, or visit farmers markets, street fairs, and zoos.

Date with your family members

If both of you live within a local area, why not introduce each other’s family members?  Play several games with them such as badminton in the backyard, backgammon on the living room, or even poker by the kitchen.  You and your date could even cook up some delicious meals that all of you can share.

Learn new activities together

Get into a new sport like frisbeeing or soccer.  You could also try going into a local dance studio and learn some moves that you can do in the salsa club.  Or how about trying to volunteer for a charitable activity such as building homes?

Do some unusual but affordable activities together

Have yourselves, for instance, a free haircut at a hairdressing school.  Or you could challenge each other to a silly contest that both of you made up.  If you aspire for an intellectual boost, consider going to a poetry reading or watch some independent films together.

Make a picnic – Pack a basket of your favorite foods, pick a great spot and have a picnic.

Go see a movie – Inviting someone to a movie is always interesting. One good way to make it a little interesting is to let your date choose the film, or put a bunch of movie names in a hat and pick one at random when you get together.

Plan sportive activity – Take advantage of the time of year and enjoy a seasonal activity together. For example, rollerblade on a summer afternoon or ice skating on a winter night can make for a great date!

Drive to the beach - Take a drive down to the beach for the day. No matter what the time of year, a walk in the sand is always a refreshing change.

Be volunteer in a community service – If it is a project that you are both interested you could do together. Lending a helping hand to a good cause is always a satisfying way to spend an afternoon or evening.

Head to the city for a day – From seeing a matinee to shopping or viewing a great art exhibit, you should select what you are interested.

Make a great plan – You could get tickets to a game and cheer for your favorite team or go to an amusement park for the day.