35 Free Date Ideas to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Scrambling for a date night idea this Valentine’s day?
If you’re anything like me, you are a last minute planner.
It can be hard thinking of something meaningful to do for Valentine’s day, especially without spending a whack load of money.
That’s where I come in!
I curated this list of fun, easy-to-plan date ideas for Valentine’s day (on a budget of course)!
💕 Keep in mind, one of the most intimate, and valued things you can do to make your dates (Not just V-Day) special is to really engage. Be present in the moment, that means turn off those phones, get rid of other distractions, such as work and even the kids. This time with your loved one should be one of quality.
If you are looking for activities that cost little to nothing, keep on reading to create some sweet memories with your loved one, while keeping your wallet happy too.
Friendly Reminder:
As restrictions lessen, and more events and locations start opening up, be sure to check City calendars, and various locations’ Covid rules and regulations.
Let’s get into the list, that will keep you and your date busy creating amazing memories this Valentine’s Day.
Me and my Valentine <3
Outdoor Dates
If you live in a location with nice weather (lucky you), or don’t mind braving the cold, get outside this Valentine’s day with these outdoorsy date ideas.
Explore a New Place
Hold your hunny’s hand as you take in the beautiful sights of nature.
Head to a Conservation Area or a National Park.
Many of these parks have free admission. Occasionally you have to pay for parking, or admittance, check the websites of the parks near you for more information.
Midnight Walk
Take your walk after sunset, and check out what nature has to offer after-dark.
Star Gaze
If the night is clear, take a drive to an open area and gaze at the stars, or into your lover’s eyes. If you have a backyard or deck with a clear view of the stars, cuddle under some blankets and enjoy a warm beverage, along with the view.
Play in the Snow
Whether you’re on a walk or in the backyard, bundle up and play in the snow. Have a snowball fight, build a snowman, and make snow angels. After your fun in the snow you can warm up with some hot chocolate and cuddles inside.
Me making a snow angel after an exhausting hike.
Crafty Dates
Grab some supplies, your Valentine and get creative.
Paint Night
Find a local studio that hosts paint nights, and sharpen your skills while having a great time.
Or have a paint night at home, pick up the canvas, brushes, and paint from the dollar store to save some big bucks.
Make Valentine’s Day Cards
Make each other cute cards to express your love for one another.
For friends and family, you can even take a little drive and go deliver them.
Personally I’m a fan of the really cheesy puns (they’re grate🧀).
Love Letters
Write love letters to each other, then share them.
Cooking Dates
Let’s start this date in the kitchen (could end there too, if you wish 😉).
Grab your sweetie, some ingredients, and cook up some love.
Romantic Candle lit Dinner
Candles just have a romantic glow to them. Pair them with a delicious homemade dinner, or food from your Valentine’s favourite restaurant.
Feel free to dress up as if you were going out.
Make Breakfast Together
Work together to make your favourite breakfast, to start the day off on a fun note.
If you want to turn up the heat try only wearing an apron.
Try a New Recipe
Flip through a recipe book (or scroll through Pinterest) and pick something new to try.
You can add the ingredients into your weekly grocery budget ahead of time.
Hot Chocolate
Experiment with different flavours, or make it from scratch, Pinterest is full of recipes.
We love adding cinnamon to ours.
Make S’mores
Who doesn’t love an ooey-gooey smore?
Bake a V-Day Themed Treat
Create a heart shaped cake. Decorate delicious cupcakes. Whatever you choose, just enjoy the time spent with your Valentine.
Make Cookies
There are about a million and one cookie recipes on the internet, pick one to try to make together.
Make it a Double, or Triple
Host a potluck.
Invite other couples, enjoy lots of laughs, and good food.
Dates at Home
Stay inside and cuddle up with your Valentine with these date ideas to do at home. Combine two or more of the following to have a wonderful date night in.
Dessert in Bed
If you aren’t the breakfast in bed type, try dessert in bed! Dessert anywhere is great really.
Memory Lane
Take a stroll (or scroll) down memory lane, review your time spent together leading up to this day.
Royal Treatment
Treat them like a King or queen for the day. Take care of their chores, prepare the meals, offer them all the royal treatment.
Spend it in Bed
Stay in your pajamas all day, while eating snacks and cuddling.
Spa Day
Treat each other to some TLC, with a face mask, and a massage.
Or a foot rub, grab some massage oil and see where it takes you.
Bubble Bath
Squeeze into the tub together, enjoy the bubbles and each other.
Movie Night In A Fort
A personal favourite of mine. Grab those couch cushions, or that extra mattress, some sheets and make a fort to watch movies in.
Rom-Com Movie Marathon
While in your nice comfy fort, line up some rom-coms to make you laugh.
Playful Dates
If you can’t be silly and have fun with your love, are they really the one?
Here are a few date ideas that are more on the playful side, at least at the start.
Quiz ‘Em
Look up some ‘Get to Know You’ questions and share your answers.
You can also ask a series of ‘Would you Rather’ questions.
Play Video Games
Ask your partner to show you how to play their favourite game. Or try a new one together.
I thoroughly enjoy beating Andrew at Mario Kart (He is however getting better).
Game Night
Dust off those board games and play a few rounds this Valentine’s.
Spicy Date Ideas
Want a date idea with a little more spice? (Spice up your life!) Here are some ideas for those of you who want to get a little more intimate after dark.
Start the Day Off Right
Surprise them with some morning fun. 😏
Top it off with breakfast in bed.
Send a Risky Photo or Message
Set the mood for later, earlier in the day with a quick, flirtatious text, or peek-a-boo photo.
Netflix and Chill
The classic. Movies and snacks. 😉
Sexy Note Jar/ Dice Game
Take turns following the instructions on the note dice. Sure to be a fun night.
Role Play
Slip into a costume, or take on a new role in the bedroom.
Romantic Scavenger Hunt
Hide and seek items around the house for your partner to find.
Love notes or clues that lead your Valentine to you waiting somewhere special.
Whipped Cream
Need I say more?
Valentine’s Strip Poker
Every hand you lose, you lose an article of clothing. Can be adapted to many other games.
For example Skip-bo, becomes Strip-oh.
Naked Twister
“The Game That Ties You Up in Knots” Only without out clothes.
I hope this list helps you and your Valentine have a great day without breaking the bank.
Let me know what you’re doing this Valentine’s day, in the comments below.
💕Have a wonderful Valentine’s day!
Stay Frugal,
Connie xoxo
