30 Cheap and Fun Date Ideas for College Students

30 Cheap and Fun Date Ideas for College Students

If you are looking for some fun and affordable activities to do on a date while you’re in college, I have plenty of recommendations! Whether it be your first time, a second date, or a spouse, these ideas are perfect for all young couples.

College is a time for people to be outgoing, try new things, and meet new people. Many lifelong friendships stem from people that you meet in college. Who knows, maybe you will find your future spouse while in college.

Going on dates is a great way to get to know new people. However, when you are already stressed with classes and turning in all your homework it can be hard to think of some good date ideas. Here are some fun and cheap date ideas that I would definitely recommend to all college students. If you and your significant other want to spend some quality time together (other than just Netflix and chill) then I would suggest these:

Cheap or Free Date Ideas

Go on a bike ride

A bike ride can be a fun way to explore the city that you live in and talk to your date as you do so. Go on a trail on the outskirts of town and enjoy a view that you would not be able to access in a car.

Make a scavenger hunt

This is a great way for you and your date to spend some quality time together. Leave clues around campus and lead your date to a restaurant where the two of you can enjoy dinner.

Go on a hike

Find a trail nearby your college town and take a walk together. This is a good way to let off steam and relax from the everyday pressures felt in college. At the same time, it is a perfect opportunity for you to get to know your date, strolling through nature.

Have a game night

Some people think that games are limited if you only have 2 people. However, there are plenty of board games and card games that you can play (some of my personal favorites are Ticket to Ride and Monopoly Deal). There is nothing better than a little bit of competition when it comes to date night.

Paint

Get some canvas and some paint and show off your art skills. Make it fun and paint a picture of each other. Painting is a great idea if you are looking to avoid spending a lot of money.

Go on a picnic

This is one of those cute dates that lots of people love to do because it is simple. Grab a blanket and some lunch and go to the local park. Look at the shapes of the clouds as you talk and get to know each other.

The movie theater

This is a classic, the movie theater is a great place for a date because both of you will be entertained the whole time. Many theaters near a college campus give student discounts as well.

Go to the thrift store

Thrifting is for sure a fun date idea! One of my favorite dates involved going to the thrift store with my girlfriend and we picked out random outfits for each other (they were both hideous). We then wore these outfits to dinner wear everyone could see them.

Visit the local animal shelter

This is a good first date idea for anyone who likes animals. Most animal shelters will let you hold and pet dogs for free. If you are looking for something to do, this is a fun idea.

Go on a scenic drive

A fun date night could be just going on a drive. Most college towns will have plenty of things around to see.

Romantic Date Ideas

Visit a botanical garden

Botanical gardens are a romantic place for you and your special someone to spend some time. You will find the wide variety of plants to be interesting.

Go out to eat a fancy dinner

This is one of the easy date ideas. When I think of a date, I often picture a couple eating dinner. Make it fun and dress up really nice; you don’t have to go to a restaurant where you’re going to spend a ton of money. Dressing up is just the perfect way to make a simple date more fun.

Visit a Museum

With a student id, many local museums will offer discounted admission. You and your date can stroll and look at magnificent works of art that are being displayed. This type of date will really make you feel like an adult.

Go stargazing

This is a free date idea to help you enjoy nature. Grab a blanket and sprawl it out on the grass. See how many constellations you can find.

Go to a drive in movie

Drive-in movies are generally cheap and they are so fun! Put a blanket and some cushions in your trunk and get comfortable. Or bring some camp chairs and some snacks. Drive-in movies are a lot of fun.

Mini golf

Mini golf is a great date idea. It is a fun activity that lets you get to know your date and have a little friendly competition at the same time.

Make a homemade candle lit dinner

This is about as romantic as you can get without spending a whole lot of money. Show off your cooking skills and eat under the candle light.

Have a photo shoot

If you are looking for a fun time, I am sure you will love going on a photo shoot with a date. This is a fun idea in a group date setting especially.

Go swing dancing

Dancing is a fun activity that’ll help you get closer to your date. Be creative, I promise both of you will have a smile on your faces the whole time.

Active and Adventurous Date Ideas

Jump at a trampoline park

Trampoline parks are so much fun. They are reasonably priced and you usually pay by the hour (1 hour is plenty). Many of these parks also have foam pits that you can jump into.

Go rock climbing

Rock climbing is a great idea for adventurous people. A lot of local recreation centers may have climbing walls.

Go ice skating

Hold your date’s hand as you guys skate around the rink. Don’t forget to bring a sweater!

Go to a concert

An indoor or an outdoor concert is a good time. See when your favorite bands are going to be in town, some artists have very affordable prices.

Sporting events

Go to one of your school’s football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, or soccer games. See when and where your local teams are going to be playing on your school’s athletic calendar. I love going to a football game with a date.

Karaoke

For a great time, jam out or sing along to your favorite artists. This is one of the best dates in my opinion.

Roller skate

Similar to ice skating, but on wheels! Hold your date’s hand and roll around as you listen to the latest top hits.

Go bowling

For a fun night go bowling. See who can score the highest points or get the most strikes

Go swimming in a lake or hot springs

This is a fun activity you can do just about anywhere, as long as there is a body of water. I personally love going to soak in hot springs with a date!

Go to a national park

National parks are so amazing. I wish that I could visit every national park. They are great places to escape and get some fresh air. Bring a date and enjoy nature together.

Instead of scrolling through social media or watching a tv show, go out and try some of these date ideas. These are all very affordable ways for you and your date to have a good time. To make it even more fun, invite another couple to go with you; make it a double date. Group dates are a lot of fun and will help you avoid any awkward silence.