As a couple, it’s important to spend quality time together because it can help you strengthen your relationship and may help with communication. And maybe you're craving some fun stay at home date night ideas but need them to be budget-friendly as you work on your financial goals.
So, you should definitely start trying some of these fabulous ideas that are inexpensive!
43 Fun at home date night ideas
Some may find it difficult to stick with a budget while dating because the average date costs roughly $100; this equals two dinners, a bottle of wine, and movie tickets—ouch!
However, you can have a fabulous date night even on a budget, just try out any of these great solutions. Use them for an anniversary or just a fun date night with no special occasion.
1. Plan a board game night
You can double date or have an evening alone, playing some of your favorite board games or at home challenge games.
For example, you can break out your childhood favorites such as Monopoly, Candyland, or Charades, or try something new like creating memes or a drawing game.
A board game night is one of the best at home date night ideas because it's entertaining and it's budget savvy.
2. Have a movie date night at home
One of the simplest yet romantic at home date night ideas is a movie night or a series marathon. Even if you slashed cable to save money, you probably are subscribed to one of the popular streaming services such as Hulu, Netflix, or Roku.
You can binge-watch new television series or put on one of your favorite movies. You could also check out your local library for free DVD rentals or ask a friend if you could borrow some.
So, put on a good show or movie, pop some popcorn, and get to snuggling.
3. Cook a meal together
Cooking a meal together is one of the most fun & romantic at home date night ideas. You can browse Pinterest for recipes, pick something out of an old cookbook, or watch a cooking show.
Try something like making homemade pasta or making your own pizza.
You could also consider taking a virtual cooking class, or just check out YouTube for cooking videos if you want.
You can even create your monthly meal plan and bulk cook together.
Once your fabulous meal is done, set the table, light some candles, and sit down to enjoy the food. It will be like trying out a new restaurant!
4. Have a spa night
One of the most relaxing & fun at home date night ideas is a spa date. Set the scene with tranquil music, scented candles, and slip into a comfy robe.
You can start with pedicures and move on to a nice massage. The date may even call for a nap afterward or early bedtime because you will be so relaxed.
5. Dance the night away
When’s the last time you and your partner danced together? You don’t have to hit a dance club to cut a rug.
Dancing with your partner is not only fun; it increases your intimate connection because you are physically connecting.
Put on some good music, grab your partner, and dance away. You could also take online dance lessons or learn some new steps by watching YouTube videos.
6. Have a paint night
It doesn’t matter if you’re a natural-born Picasso or not because painting with your partner is wonderful. You can get paint supplies and canvases at stores such as Michael’s or Hobby Lobby on sale.
You can also check out sites like YouTube for free painting classes!
Of course, you could also opt for a course on a site like Yaymaker, and still not spend too much for your date night. Set up a paint station inside or outside and spend some quality time together while creating a fun painting.
7. Have a fondue party
A fondue party is one of the most delicious at home date night ideas you will have. Fondue cooking is when the heat source is placed directly below the pot to melt the foods to dip into.
You can pick up an inexpensive fondue pot for around $30 on Amazon. So, grab some yummy cheeses or savory chocolate to melt for a romantic date night.
8. Camp out in the backyard or the living room
Depending on the season, you can have a fantastic camping trip right in your backyard. If you’re not in the mood to camp outdoors, you can camp out in your living room.
Maybe you have an air mattress, or you can pull out a mattress and set up a big fluffy spot in the living room to camp out in comfort.
9. Have a bonfire
A romantic way to cozy up to your partner is a warm bonfire in the backyard or inside next to your fireplace. You can pair it with a good book and read to each other or simply enjoy some nice conversation.
Grab some graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows and make some yummy s'mores for one of the best date night ideas for couples.
10. Have a cheese & wine party
A wine & cheese party is one of the most popular at home date night ideas. You can get a cheese sampler from the store or cut up some of your favorite cheeses and make your own platter to save even more money.
Pair your cheese with a delectable bottle of wine. You can buy a couple of bottles of wine and even have your own wine tasting party.
11. Look through old pictures
It’s so much fun looking at old pictures of the time you spent together. You can also break out your old family pictures and share stories of your childhood you may not have remembered before.
Take a walk down memory lane together on your next date night.
12. Do a craft together for a date night at home
The most fun date ideas offer a chance for you to connect and do something unique and memorable together. There are a million craft ideas on Pinterest to choose from.
For instance, you can try making custom mugs for each other or rock painting together.
Crafting has limitless possibilities for creative date night ideas at home to do with your partner. Plus, you can find cheap craft supplies at stores like the Dollar Store also.
13. Make a bucket list together
You don’t have to wait until you retire to start your bucket list.
Making a bucket list together can be exhilarating because you’re planning on the fun part of your future. You can plan on starting a vacation fund to achieve it.
Make it even more fun by making a bucket list vision board. Cut out pictures of all the places and things you want to do and put them on a board so you can see them every day.
Not only do you have a good time making the vision board, but it will also motivate you to start saving towards your bucket list!
14. Cuddle to your favorite tunes
Sometimes you just need a good cuddle session with your partner. Did you know that cuddling is also healthy for you and your spouse? It's true!
Cuddling releases a hormone called "Oxytocin" which is also known as the "love hormone." So slip into some comfy clothes, light candles, put on your favorite tunes, and get in some cherished cuddle time with your spouse.
15. Bake a dessert together
As if you needed another reason to bake a delicious dessert. It's one of the best date night ideas that is romantic and yummy.
You can whip up your favorite dessert or try making something new. Get a savory dessert recipe from Pinterest or from your favorite dessert blog and enjoy the sweets.
16. Color or draw for your date night at home
Break out the ol’ Crayola crayons and have a fun coloring session together. You can choose classic coloring books to bring out your childish side or get an adult coloring book.
You can even learn how to draw together thanks to tons of videos on YouTube.
17. Take a bubble bath together
Add some bubbly romance to your date night and take a soothing bubble bath together. Intimacy is also a very important part of your relationship. So light some candles, put on some soothing music, and enjoy.
18. Have a yoga session
What is another fun but healthy date idea? Roll out the yoga mats and have a sensual yoga session together.
You can find a video on YouTube or find yoga workouts online. You get in your daily workout while having a fun date night too.
19. Plant a herb garden
One of the most therapeutic at home date night ideas is to plant a herb garden. Indoor herb gardens are becoming quite popular, and you can grow herbs such as basil, oregano, mint, and more inside your kitchen.
Not only will you have a quality date night, but you will also have a beautiful garden to remember your special evening together. Plus, you will have fresh herbs for your home-made dinners!
20. Gaze at the stars
Stargazing is mesmerizing and romantic, which is why it's one of the very best date night ideas for couples.
You don’t have to have a telescope to enjoy the sparkling beauty of the night sky together. Get a blanket, sleeping bags, or comfy lawn chairs and gaze at the shimmering stars.
21. Make homemade wine or beer
What's one of the most unique and fun date night ideas at home to try? Make your wine or beer and drink it too!
Making your own wine or beer is a blast, and you don't need to go to an expensive vineyard. Rather than going to a brewery, you can create your own homebrew on your next date night.
22. Play a drinking game
Head back to your glory days of college and play a drinking game together. Think beer pong, drunk Jenga, or never have I ever.
Be sure to eat with this idea because the drinks may sneak up on you while you’re playing.
23. Have a theme night (one of the most interesting at home date night ideas)
So this sounds like one of the most fun at home date night ideas to have. A theme night is where you pick a theme and surround your entire date night with it.
For instance, if you have an Italian theme you eat Italian food like pizza or pasta, listen to Italian music, etc. It will add fun and culture to your next date night!
For inspiration, consider your favorite dates of the past, or places you'd like to visit.
24. Reminisce about the night you met
Remember how your stomach had butterflies on your first date or the first time you met? Reminisce about the first night you met and spark up those flames again.
It's fun too because your spouse may remember things you don't and vice versa! It makes for great conversation, laughter, and good memories!
25. Make a photo album or scrapbook
How many boxes of pictures are stuffed away in the closet? Have a fun date night making a photo album or scrapbook and putting all your beloved memories in it.
It's a wonderful way to reminisce while doing something productive!
26. Watch home videos for a date night at home
How long has it been since you watched your wedding video or a treasured vacation you took together?
Make an appetizer, grab a glass of wine, and cuddle as you watch your old memories. It's one of the most sentimental and fun date night ideas at home you can do.
27. Make a zen garden
Why not make something you can enjoy on future date nights? A zen garden can be a quaint space in your backyard or front yard to sit in and have some quality time.
You can also make a mini indoor zen garden to enjoy inside.
28. Learn a new language
Learning a new language can be the perfect date, and lead to more fun date nights together. You can learn from apps such as Duolingo or Memrise.
You can also make it entertaining by talking to each other randomly in a new language.
29. Redecorate a room
Have you meant to switch up your decor but don’t feel like you have the time? You can make it a fun date night idea and redecorate a room together.
Maybe start with your bedroom and make it more zen or romantic for future date nights.
30. Paint each other’s faces
Painting each other’s faces is one of the more unique and fun date night ideas. You can get face painting kits without spending too much money and have an epic date night.
31. Take a virtual class
Is there something you both have wanted to learn but haven’t taken the time or don't have the money to do it? If so, you can take free online classes at Michaels!
YouTube is another great option for virtual learning, or you can find some inexpensive classes online too. What about one of our 30+ completely free finance courses?
32. Go for a bicycle ride or walk
Get some fresh air and spend some quality time together as you ride bikes around your neighborhood or find some nearby trails. Or you can go for a relaxing walk while holding hands because it’s the simple things that mean the most.
If you love a challenge with your partner, find a place to hike in your area. Also don't forget water bottles and snacks for the road!
33. Have a treasure hunt (one of the most unique at home date night ideas)
Pick random items and hide them for an ultimate treasure hunt.
You can also leave clues to make it more interesting and do this outdoors or inside. It's one of the most fun stay at home date ideas that will make you feel like a big kid!
34. Make a date night at home jar
One of the most awesome at home date night ideas is to make a date night at home jar! You can use a mason jar or container and decorate it, then write down all these fabulous fun date night ideas and put them in the jar.
Each week you will draw out a note with your date night idea.
It's such a fantastic activity because you won't have to waste time deciding what to do each week!
35. Get a dollar menu dinner
So, if you don’t feel like cooking but are trying to stick with your budget, have a dollar menu take-out dinner!
You can get a sack full of yummy burgers or mix and match for a budget-friendly dinner to go.
36. Declutter together
You can have a fun date night and be productive too! Maybe you’ve been meaning to declutter your home but haven’t taken the time to do it.
You can turn your date night into a decluttering challenge and get your home tidy while spending time together. Plus, you can make plans to sell your stuff for extra cash!
37. Plan your joint financial goals
How about some financial intimacy? Since you’re trying to stay on a budget, you can also use your date night to plan your financial goals. You can plan for short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals together. For instance, perhaps you want to save for a house or start a couple's side hustle.
Having financial goals can help you visualize and achieve them faster.
38. Play video games
For a unique date that's a lot of fun, playing video games is one of the most budget-friendly and fun stay at home date ideas.
So, break out those vintage video games, or newer game systems if that's more your speed, and have an epic evening of playing games.
39. Make your favorite cocktails
So you could combine this idea with your movie date night at home! Mix up your favorite drinks or try a new creation and sip the night away while you enjoy your movie marathon.
Plus, it's much cheaper to make your drinks at home.
40. Make an indoor picnic
Making an indoor picnic is one of our favorite stay at home date ideas. Start by making some delicious snacks and sandwiches to eat (put them in a picnic basket if you have one).
Then spread out a comfy blanket in the living room and set up an area to have your indoor picnic.
41. Put together a puzzle
For a cozy night in, grab an old puzzle or get one from the store. Spend the evening chatting as you put the puzzle together.
Make it a romantic date night idea by adding to the ambience with candles and music.
42. Plan an at-home mystery game or escape room
If you like a good riddle, then you'll love doing an at-home escape room or mystery game. It's one of the most unique date night ideas that is also totally budget friendly.
You can host a mystery game night for your friends, or if you prefer, buy an escape room kit for an unforgettable date for just the two of you.
43. Go roller skating
For the adventurous couple, it's time to grab your roller skates and head outside for an old-school date night idea.
No matter what your skating skill level is, you'll still have a great time together!
Why you should schedule your at home date nights
Now you have a ton of fun stay at home date night ideas. However, you need to dedicate a specific night to spend together. Why?
Because we all tend to get so caught up with our busy schedules before we know it the week or month is gone! Which is especially true if you have children.
So, pick a night every week that you have your date night on. Whether it's Wednesdays or Sundays it doesn't matter. Just set aside time on your schedule to ensure you are making time for the important things, like each other!
Try these fun at home date night ideas!
Our epic list of at home date night ideas shows that couples on a budget can have fun date nights without spending a bundle of money.
You can stay on course to achieve financial success together while spending quality time together. Try a couple or all of the ideas on this date night at home list.
You'll build an amazing relationship and save some money while you are at it! P.S. Be sure to also check out these fun family night ideas for the whole family!