Searching for free Valentine date ideas? Let us do one better. What about no cost at all? Our budget-friendly ideas are exactly what you need for a great Valentine’s Day with your love. Bonus: Our suggestions aren’t necessarily specific to February 14th. That way, you can plan dates that don’t cost money all year round!
Why plan dates that don’t cost money?
Besides the obvious benefit of not spending money, there are other reasons to plan free dates. Dates that don’t cost money force couples to get creative with their time together. Instead of heading off to the same old date styles, doing something inexpensive lets you focus on each other. Plus, some of the most unique date ideas are free!
Additionally, some folks may think that planning inexpensive or free dates will come off as being a cheapskate. Remember that the quality of the time you spend together is much more important than the price tag. Getting to know your significant other deeply is one of the most wholesome date ideas.
Tip: Don’t stop dating after you say, “I do.” Our suggestions also work as free date ideas for married couples!
Free Valentine Date Ideas That Don’t Cost Money
Sometimes, staying home is best on Valentine’s Day. Restaurants are crowded, and you may be craving some time just for the two of you. This list is for you if your ideal evening includes cheap date night ideas at home. Pick one of our indoor Valentine’s date ideas at home to make February 14th fun.
1. Binge-watch a new (or old) show.
Pick a show neither of you has seen. Then, watch as many episodes as you can handle. Binge-watching is one of the best indoor date ideas for couples to cuddle and spend the evening at home.
2. Stay in and plan a game night.
Check out The Dating Divas for printable game night ideas. Alternatively, get out the board games and make your own game night. Playing card games—or making up some—can be just as fun as a night out.
3. Enjoy a relaxing spa day at your home.
Make face masks, start a bubble bath, and learn how to give each other massages. This intimate date night idea is ideal for relaxation.
4. Slow dance in the living room.
Dress in your finest attire, turn down the lights, and get ready to move. Spending the evening dancing is dreamy, even if it’s just in your living room. Slow dancing is one of the most romantic date ideas.
5. Plan a day to snuggle and get cozy.
Cuddle up on the sofa or somewhere else cozy and spend the day talking, napping, or watching movies. Trust us; you won’t regret a day of relaxing and snuggling together.
6. Schedule a themed date night at home.
Yes, this one of our at-home date ideas takes planning, but it is a Valentine’s Day date. Choose a theme for the evening, then build your creative date night ideas around it. You could choose Italy, outer space, or any number of themes. Round out your date with a theme-centric meal and movie to enjoy together.
7. Find a free movie screening.
You might have to drive a little way, but you can see free movies. Check the internet for free rental codes for a movie night at home. Alternatively, you could check out sites like Advance Screenings or Gofobo to find a complimentary film nearby.
8. Go on a romantic hike.
If you don’t mind the cold weather, plan a scenic hike. Thousands of excellent hiking trails in the US and beyond can allow you to hold hands and talk. Don’t shy away from winter date ideas that take you outside in the chill. Also, choose the length and difficulty that best suits you both.
9. Find a free festival in your area.
Check Eventbrite and Facebook to find free activities or festivals in or near your city. You might be able to see art showings or a concert for free. Free indoor date ideas like these are relatively simple to find if you look in the right places.
10. Play tourist in your area.
Go out on the town and see what kind of free fun you can have. Walking around the farmers market or a stroll downtown can be so enjoyable. Put on your tourist goggles and indulge in some of the free things your city offers.
11. Go on a secluded picnic.
Whether you head to a rooftop or go out in nature, pack a picnic and enjoy the view. Take a charcuterie and a bottle of wine, and you have one of the best wholesome date ideas.
12. Head out on a book date.
The library has tons of books you can check out or read for free. Choose one you’ll both enjoy, and take turns reading to each other. Fun date night ideas like this can take your mind away to someplace new.
Final Thoughts on Free Valentine Date Ideas
They say love doesn’t cost a thing, but dating usually does. You can indeed have a fantastic Valentine’s Day without spending any money, and there are plenty of ways to keep the romance alive without draining your bank account.
Hopefully, this has inspired you to come up with some fun free date ideas for Valentine’s Day. Next, let us know if you have any other ideas for dates that don’t cost money!
Save our free Valentine date ideas!
Photos: Mental Health America, Tim Samuel, Bao Truong, Allef Vinicius, Amina Filkins, Gabriela Palai, Andrea Piacquadio, Viktoria Slowikowska
ClaudiaI wish we weren’t in lockdown. I’ve love to play tourist for Vday but everything here in Paris, France is closed right now…
Neely MoldovanAhhhh I love these! The slow dancing in the living room sounds so fun. I need to do that with my hubs!
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomesticationMy husband and I started doing at-home Saturday night date nights about 1.5 years ago and we loved it! We’d watch a movie, play board games, just sit and talk, etc. Our rule was no phones to distract us. We got out of the habit when we moved over the summer, but we’ve been trying to get back to it.
StephanieWe are such suckers for at-home dates and free dates of any kind. We love living room picnics, game nights (especially playing The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel LIFE while watching the snow), and making new food together!
DeborahThese are all such great ideas! My anniversary with my husband (not wedding anniversary, just when we got together) is on Valentine’s Day and we were just talking about what we’d like to do for it since we’re not that big on gift-giving but more into spending quality time. I think a book date sounds like a fabulous idea!
Amber MyersI love these ideas. We’re staying at home and watching movies. We might grab some food though, but it’s fast food, so it’s not too pricey.
Tara PittmanThese are some great ideas. I like the idea of a romantic hike.
Christy GI’d bake for my significant other if I had one. I’ve been single 2.5 years. I like being alone but it can get lonely.
vidyalove these ideas.. and am tempted to look for a free movie screening now.. but maybe will settle for a night at home (fav type of date night anyways) and watch a rom-com
Melanie EThese are such lovely suggestions. I love the idea of a snuggle day, that’s perfect.
MarysaIt is nice to have some no-spending ideas for holidays. Quality time doesn’t always mean having to spend a lot of money! Love your ideas.
LisaLisaLove this post and so many great romantic Valentine’s Day date ideas. I have already told my hubby we will be doing a date night with movies and ordering out.
lauraThese are wonderful vday ideas, especially the date night or a movie night as well. Thans for sharing these with us.
Beautiful TouchesThese are great low-to-no cost Valentine, or even “just because”, date ideas!
Lavanda MichelleI love the idea of binge-watching a new show or having a themed date night at home – it’s all about making memories together.
Megan | The Booknerd LifestyleHmmm … I wonder if I can convince my hubby to dance in the living room. Thanks for the idea!
LynndeeI love all these ideas. For me, for as long as there is good food, I don’t mind just staying at home at all. 🙂
Melissa CushingSuch great tips here for sure and I love that these don’t cost a thing! I absolutely love these ideas and will be doing a few of them for sure. I am all about saving wherever possible and free fun VD ideas are the way to go!
CatalinaIt’s such a crucial reminder that showing love and appreciation doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With everything going on in the world, it’s easy to forget that sometimes the simplest gestures or moments spent together can be the most meaningful.