At Crossroads Baptist Church we are currently right in the middle of an original sermon series helping people strengthen their relationships. Part of that training is making sure we set aside time to have date nights on a regular basis. Now sometimes date night should be the time to put on your best clothes and spend a little money, most date nights are more about the company than the price. So, I thought I would take a moment and share some great cheap date nights for couples in Central Florida! BTW, if you are interested in watching the sermon series you can check it out on my YouTube channel.
- Go to the Beach – You’re in Florida, take advantage of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Looking for waves and sunrises? Try Daytona or one of the other 100 East coast beaches. Looking for calmer waters and romantic sunsets? Go west young man (or lady) Sanibel Island, Naples, Clearwater are all great choices and only a few hours from home.
- Go to the Beach at night – When my wife and I first started dating I was dream rich but cash poor which made dating limited. Fortunately, we lived only minutes from the beach. So, our cheap date night was walking on the beach, in Delray Beach, FL, talking and dreaming. We got to know each other better walking that beach than we ever would have sitting in a restraint or movie theater.
- Theme parks – I know, not cheap, but did you know that Walt Disney World and Universal Studios have lots of free shopping areas where you can experience the “magic”, see some entertainment and even watch the fireworks? You live close take advantage of it, but buy your souvenirs off property.
- Walks at the lakefront – One thing we have more of than ocean beaches is lakes and most of the cities have safe, well lit lakefronts that are begging people to take walks on them.
- Nature Walks – Don’t forget that you live in a diverse paradise that has more than beaches and theme parks to offer. Check out traillink.com for some of our state’s amazing hiking trails.
- Pack a lunch – Parks are everywhere. Pack a lunch and make a lunch date. With my wife and my hectic schedules some days if it wasn’t for Publix subs and a picnic table at lunch, we wouldn’t even see each other.
- Paddle a boat – Another benefit of living around lots of water is lots of water activities. Rent a canoe and make a day of it or visit Lake Eola Park in Orlando and rent a paddle boat shaped like a swan for $15 per half hour.
- Go fishing – Not my thing, but to each his own. Florida has some of the best fresh and sea fishing in the world!
- Go fly a kite – Hobby Lobby sells kites for less than $5 or make your own and spend the afternoon together flying it.
- Take a class together – The library offers many free classes and you can find cheap classes at community colleges and online. Or, spend a little more and take a cooking or dance class together. The great thing about classes is that you not only spend time getting to know each other but you may also discovery a new hobby or business that you can experience for years to come!
- Work out together – At home, at the gym or with a personal trainer exercising together is a great date time and you get the added benefit or getting healthier at the same time. My wife and I regularly work out together and it is a time that we both look forward to each week. The weigh-ins, not so much.
- Play in the rain – When was the last time you ran to the rain instead of away from it? Playing in the rain isn’t just for kids but a great way to have some child-like fun with your spouse. Jump in a few puddles, dance a little or do your best Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds impersonation and do a little Singin’ in the Rain!
- Putt-putt around – Miniature golf is a cheap date night that is oddly more enjoyable than it sounds.
- Go courting – You don’t really know someone until you play them in a little one-on-one on the basketball court! Dust off the ol’ basketball, lace up the shoes and have some fun!
- Hit the range – Take advantage of the plethora of golf courses and visit the local driving range. Not only a great date time but you also get to relieve some stress by slamming some little white balls.
- Hit the other range – Florida is still a 2nd amendment friendly state and gun ranges give a great opportunity for date night! Bring your own gun or many ranges will rent you one for a low fee.
These are only small sampling of cheap date night ideas. I would love to hear some of yours in the comment section.