With Valentine's Day just around the corner, being a teenager on a budget doesn't mean you can't have a fantastic celebration with your special someone. Finding the perfect way to celebrate may seem hard, but there are tons of simple and budget-friendly date ideas that aren't only special and exciting, but also easy on the wallet. After all, you don't need elaborate gift-giving or overpriced dinners to create lasting memories!
Spend your Valentine's Day at a drive in or outdoor movie theater and enjoy a romantic movie date under the stars. Go watch one of your favorite movies while snuggled up in your car or on a cozy blanket spread out on the grass. Pack some delicious snacks like popcorn, candy, and your favorite drinks to enhance the cinema delight. Whether it's a love story or a film that holds special meaning to you, the enjoyment of a movie night can make your Valentine's Day exciting.
Step right up to a lively local carnival or fair date that promises a whirlwind of excitement and shared memories with your special someone. Spending Valentine’s at a local fair is a unique and exciting way to celebrate your love. Immerse yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere as you challenge each other to carnival games, eat delicious cotton candy and candy apples, and take on thrilling rides together. Whether you're both thrill-seekers or just looking for a good time, a local fair offers a blend of excitement and fun that makes an unforgettable date.
Embark on a delightful date by exploring the world of pottery, a perfect avenue to express your creativity on V-day. Numerous pottery studios allow you to either hand-make or pick out what you want to paint, and offer a variety of options of things to paint. You can design pottery shapes that symbolize inside jokes or special memories, or simply just create a cute bowl for your partner’s favorite dish. Let your creativity run free during this exciting outing, turning it into a memorable and artistic experience.
If you and your partner share a passion for fashion, thrifting would be the perfect opportunity to explore your unique styles and find clothes just for you. Make your thrifting experience a fun adventure by picking clothes out for each other for your next date or engaging in friendly competition to see who can create the best outfits. Thrift stores usually have an abundance of clothing and aren’t very pricey, so it’s a fun and unique way to spend Valentine’s without overspending at the mall or on an expensive dinner.
Bowling dates will forever hold a special place in my heart because it was not only my very first date, but remains one of my all-time favorites. Whether you're a pro or the worst bowler in existence, the joy lies in the shared experience of watching you and your partner fail to hit the pins and get gutterball after gutterball. For those who are competitive, the excitement is amped up, and you’re bound to have so many funny moments. Brace yourselves for an unforgettable bowling date filled with excitement and the thrill of friendly competition to celebrate your love.
Embark on a heartfelt Valentine’s museum date; wander hand-in-hand through captivating exhibits and get lost in conversations about beautiful art, historical facts, or crazy scientific discoveries. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or history buff, museums have tons to offer and is a great place to spend Valentine’s Day.
Going on an arcade date offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane, allowing you and your special someone to play iconic games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, or Pinball. Create new memories on Valentine’s as you compete for high scores in a variety of games to add excitement to your date. If video games aren’t for you, there are also other games such as air hockey, claw machines, bowling, ski ball, and many others that are just as exciting to make an unforgettable date.
8. Go to the Beach
If you're lucky enough to have a beach nearby, soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean's beauty with your significant other to celebrate Valentine’s Day. A beach date is the perfect way for you and your partner to relax and enjoy the outdoors together. Pack a picnic with your favorite snacks, find a cozy spot, and share a meal with your love. Gather your sunscreen, towels, and bathing suits, and spend a perfect day like Valentine’s at the beach.
Find a cozy spot in a nearby park or your favorite outdoor setting, and enjoy a nice meal with your special someone under the open sky. Pack a basket filled with your favorite snacks, drinks, and candies that you both love. Spread out a comfortable blanket, and take the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, play a game, or simply enjoy each other's company. A picnic date is a special way to celebrate love, and would be the perfect thing to do on Valentine's Day experience.
Celebrate the magic of love this Valentine's Day with a leisurely stroll through a park or garden. The beautiful flowers create a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for a special date. Don’t forget to take pictures with your special someone in front of the beautiful natural scenery to capture the memory. A stroll through a park or garden would be the perfect Valentine's Day adventure.
As you venture into these fun and affordable plans, do the things that will make this V-Day unique and special for you and your partner. Dive into unique experiences with your special someone and make it a day to remember. Happy Valentine's Day!
Kaila Hu is a senior in high school from Washington D.C. She currently serves as Editor in Chief for her school newspaper and Student Advisor for Quill & Scroll Honor Society. In college, she plans to pursue a degree in communications in hopes of becoming a journalist.
