Love on a Budget: 20 Ways to Enjoy a Free Date Night

Looking for a meaningful and memorable date night that doesn’t cost much? We can help! Here are 20 ways to spend time with your significant other without spending a lot.

 

1. Stargazing Adventure

Head to a local park, your backyard or a rooftop for a romantic evening under the stars.

Upcoming Astronomical Events:

• New Moon – 5/27/25
• Venus at Greatest Western Elongation – 5/31/25
• Full Moon – 6/11/25

2. Movie Night at Home

Choose a movie from a streaming service you subscribe to, or watch something free that’s on platforms like YouTube or Tubi. Pop some popcorn, dim the lights and grab cozy blankets!

Top Streaming Movies:

• The Life List – Netflix
• One of Them Days– Netflix
• Mufasa – Disney+

3. Explore Local Art or Culture

Check your community calendar for upcoming free opportunities and have fun enjoying them together!

Local Events:

• Romeoville: Public Works Open House – 5/17/25
• Romeoville / Lockport / Plainfield: Park Parties – Multiple Dates
• Romeoville: Memorial Day Service – 5/26/25

4. Cook a Meal Together

Instead of dining out, turn your kitchen into a culinary playground. Pick a recipe that’s new to you both and team up to create a delicious masterpiece. Don’t forget to set the table with candles or flowers to enhance the romantic vibe.

5. Take a Scenic Walk 

Whether it’s a stroll through a local park or a walk along the beach, exploring nature together is a great way to connect.

Local Trails:

• Joliet: Pilcher Park Loop Trail – 4.6/5 Rating on AllTrails
• Romeoville: O’Hara Woods Loop – 4.3/5 Rating on AllTrails
• Plainfield: Lake Renwick & Budde Lake Loop Trail – 4.5/5 Rating on AllTrails

6. Host a Game Night for Two

Dust off the board games, grab a deck of cards or challenge each other to a video game competition.

7. Volunteer Together 

Giving back to your community can be a highly bonding experience. You’ll spend quality time together while making a positive impact on your world.

Local Volunteer Opportunities:

• Will County: Meals on Wheels: Delivery Driver – Ongoing
• Volunteer Morning: Lake Chaminwood Preserve – 5/22/25
• Volunteer Morning: Hickory Creek Preserve – Hickory Creek Junction – 5/31/25

8. Create a Memory Scrapbook

Gather your favorite photos, mementos and stories from your relationship and create a scrapbook together. You can also choose to create a digital scrapbook using free online tools.

9. Have a Karaoke Night

Look up karaoke versions of your favorite songs on YouTube, grab a hairbrush as a microphone and let loose.

10. Plan a Themed Night

Choose a theme, like “Parisian Lights” or “Retro ‘80s,” and plan your night around it. Dress up, listen to music fitting the theme and curate activities or food to match.

11. Watch the Sunrise and Sunset

Few things are as romantic as watching the sun rise or set with someone you love.

Local Sunset Destinations:

• Minooka: Lake Chaminwood Preserve – “The sunset is beautiful”
• Naperville: Springbrook Prairie – “Fantastic place for country-like sunsets”
• Joliet: Hadley Valley – “You can easily take in the sunset while walking, jogging”

12. Have a DIY Spa Night

Turn your home into a spa by lighting candles, playing soothing music and giving each other massages or facials using items you have on hand. It’s a relaxing and intimate way to unwind and connect.

13. Explore a New Neighborhood

Act like tourists in your own city by exploring a neighborhood you haven’t visited before. Walk around, take in sights and discover hidden gems, from murals to quirky architecture to quaint shops.

Local Downtowns:

• Lockport: Known for its rich history, museums, historical sites & canal activities
• Joliet: Offers a mix of historic attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options
• Plainfield: A vibrant, pedestrian-focused town for shopping, dining, & entertainment

14. Revisit Old Memories

Spend the evening reminiscing while looking through old photos or watching home videos.

15. Checkout a Car Show

Looking for a date that’s fun, free, and full of horsepower? Check out a local car show this weekend—you’ll be surprised how romantic chrome and classics can be!

Upcoming Car Shows:

• Joliet West Band Car Show & Food Truck Rally – 5/17/25 (4:00pm – 7:00pm)
• Downtown Naperville Car Show – 6/13/25 (9:00am – 12:00pm)
• Plainfield Cruise Nights – Tuesdays (5:30pm – 8:30pm)

16. Hit the Books

If you’re both incurable bookworms, you can spend quality time together while browsing classic and just-released books at your local library or bookstore.

Local Book Stores / Libraries:

• Naperville Public Library
• Frankfort: Amazing Fantasy Books and Comics
• Crest Hill: The Book Market Sales and Trading Center

17. Throw a Vintage Fashion Show

Dig out your old college clothing, prom dresses, cheerleading outfits and varsity jackets, then host a fashion show at home.

18. Draw Each Other’s Family Tree

It can be hard to keep track of your partner’s extended family. Spend some time drawing each other’s family tree so you have it all written down.

19. Host a ‘Chopped’ Competition at Home

Challenge each other to whip up a dish using only ingredients you have at home.

20. Watch a Concert at Home

Enjoy the thrill of live music without a pricey ticket by taking in a live-streamed event or recorded concert. You can dim the lights and wear fan merch to really bring home the concert feel.

Enjoying a romantic evening together doesn’t need to mean breaking the bank! Use these ideas to get started.