20 Cheap Things The Happiest Couples Do On Weekends
You want to spend quality time with your partner, but your wallet is giving you the side-eye every time you think about date night. Here’s the thing though: the best weekends with your significant other don’t require a massive budget or some elaborate plan that costs half your paycheck.
I’ve spent years studying personal finance and relationship dynamics, and honestly? The couples who seem happiest aren’t the ones dropping hundreds on fancy restaurants every weekend. They’re the ones finding creative, meaningful ways to connect without watching their bank account cry.
So if you’re tired of choosing between romance and financial responsibility, you’re in the right spot. Let me walk you through some seriously fun cheap weekend activities for couples that’ll strengthen your bond without destroying your budget. Ready? Let’s go.
20 Cheap Things The Happiest Couples Do On Weekends
If you’re looking for fun and affordable weekend ideas for couples, you’re in the right place. Below are 20 easy and enjoyable activities that help you spend quality time together without spending much.
1. Explore Local Parks
Nature is basically free therapy, and it’s right there waiting for you. I’m talking about those local parks you probably drive past every day without giving them a second thought.
Here’s what makes this one of the best cheap weekend activities for couples: it costs absolutely nothing, and the benefits are incredible. Fresh air, exercise, quality conversation without phones buzzing every five seconds. What’s not to love?
Pack a simple picnic with stuff you already have at home. Some sandwiches, fruit, maybe some chips. Throw a blanket in your bag and find a quiet spot under a tree. The goal isn’t Instagram-perfect; it’s about being present with each other.
Want to make it more interesting? Try exploring a different trail each weekend. Bring a frisbee, play a game of spotting different birds, or just walk hand-in-hand and talk about your week. Sometimes the simplest activities create the strongest memories.
Pro tip: Check out AllTrails to find hidden gems in your area that you didn’t even know existed.
2. Cook A New Recipe Together
Cooking together is honestly one of my favorite cheap weekend activities for couples. There’s something about working as a team in the kitchen that just brings you closer.
Pick a recipe neither of you has tried before. Maybe it’s homemade pasta, Thai curry, or even just really good tacos. The point isn’t to be a master chef; it’s to laugh at the mistakes and celebrate the wins together.
Set the mood a bit. Put on some music you both like, pour some wine or make fancy mocktails, and turn your kitchen into your own little cooking show. Make jokes, steal kisses between stirring, and don’t stress if things don’t turn out perfect.
The financial benefit here is real, too. Restaurant meals can easily cost $50-100 for two people, while cooking at home might run you $15-20 for the same quality of food. That’s serious savings that add up over time.
Ever wondered why cooking together feels so intimate? It’s because you’re communicating, problem-solving, and creating something together. Those are relationship-building skills disguised as dinner prep.
3. Visit A Farmer’s Market
Farmer’s markets are where it’s at for cheap weekend activities for couples who want a little adventure without spending much.
Walking through a farmer’s market is an experience. You’ve got fresh produce, homemade bread, local honey, maybe some artisan cheese. The vibe is relaxed, the people are friendly, and you can sample stuff without feeling pressured to buy.
Here’s a fun challenge: each of you picks one ingredient you’ve never cooked with before, then go home and figure out how to use them together. It’s creative, it’s collaborative, and it gives you a story to tell.
The prices at farmer’s markets are often comparable to grocery stores, sometimes even cheaper, especially for seasonal produce. Plus, you’re supporting local farmers, which feels good if you care about that sort of thing (and you probably should).
Bring cash in small bills. It makes transactions easier and helps you stick to a budget. Decide beforehand how much you want to spend, and treat it like a fun scavenger hunt rather than a shopping trip.
4. Attend Free Community Events
Your community probably has way more free events than you realize. We’re talking outdoor concerts, art festivals, movie nights in the park, cultural celebrations, and more.
These events are perfect cheap weekend activities for couples because they offer novelty and excitement without the price tag. Plus, they get you out of your routine and expose you to new experiences together.
Check your city’s website, local Facebook groups, or event sites like Eventbrite to see what’s happening. You’ll be surprised at how much is going on that you never knew about.
Free concerts are my personal favorite. Grab a blanket, find a spot on the grass, and enjoy live music under the stars. It’s romantic, it’s fun, and it costs zero dollars. Can’t beat that, right?
The variety keeps things interesting too. One weekend it’s a jazz festival, the next it’s a food truck gathering, then maybe a poetry reading or art walk. Your weekends never have to feel repetitive.
5. Have A Movie Marathon At Home
Sometimes the best date night is the one where you don’t even leave the house. Movie marathons are classic cheap weekend activities for couples for a reason.
Pick a theme to make it more fun. Maybe you’re doing all the Marvel movies in order, classic ’80s rom-coms, or every film from your favorite director. Having a theme makes it feel more intentional than just randomly scrolling Netflix for 30 minutes.
Make it special with homemade snacks. Pop some popcorn, make nachos, whip up some milkshakes. Set up a cozy fort with blankets and pillows if you’re feeling extra. Turn off your phones and commit to being fully present.
Here’s the thing: streaming services you already pay for make this essentially free. Compare that to movie theater tickets at $15-20 each, plus $30 for snacks, and you’re saving $60-80 every time you do this instead.
The conversations between movies are where the magic happens. Discussing what you just watched, debating plot points, sharing opinions. That’s quality time right there.
6. Play Board Games Or Puzzles
Board games aren’t just for kids or family gatherings. They’re actually amazing cheap weekend activities for couples who want to have fun and connect.
The variety is endless. Strategy games like Catan or Ticket to Ride, word games like Scrabble, cooperative games like Pandemic, or classic card games. Pick what matches your mood and competitive level (because yes, some of us get way too into Monopoly).
Puzzles are underrated for couples. Working together on a 1,000-piece puzzle requires patience, communication, and teamwork. It’s meditative and satisfying, plus you can do it over multiple weekends while chatting about life.
The investment is minimal. A good board game costs $20-40 and provides entertainment for years. A puzzle might be $15-25 and can be swapped with friends or donated when you’re done.
Create a weekly game night tradition. Make it your thing. Order pizza, pour some drinks, and let the friendly competition begin. The routine becomes something you both look forward to.
7. Visit A Museum Or Art Gallery
Museums and art galleries are surprisingly affordable options for cheap weekend activities for couples, especially if you know when to go.
Many museums have free admission days, usually once a month. Check their websites or call ahead to find out when. Even paid admission is often reasonable, like $10-15 per person, which is cheaper than most entertainment options.
Walking through exhibits together sparks conversations you might not otherwise have. You’re discussing history, art, science, philosophy. It’s intellectually stimulating and gives you insight into how your partner thinks.
Make it playful. Create a game where you each pick your favorite piece and explain why. Make up silly backstories for the people in paintings. Try to guess what abstract art is supposed to represent before reading the description.
Local galleries often have completely free exhibits, especially during opening receptions where they serve wine and snacks. You get culture, conversation, and free refreshments. That’s a win-win-win situation.
8. Go For A Bike Ride
Biking together is one of those cheap weekend activities for couples that checks multiple boxes: exercise, adventure, quality time, and fresh air.
Find a scenic bike trail in your area. Most cities have dedicated bike paths that take you through parks, along rivers, or through interesting neighborhoods. The change of scenery does wonders for your mood and your relationship.
Don’t own bikes? Many cities have bike-share programs where you can rent bikes affordably. Or check Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for used bikes. You don’t need fancy equipment; you just need wheels that work.
Set small goals together. Maybe you’re biking to a specific coffee shop, trying to reach a landmark, or just seeing how far you can go in an hour. Having a shared objective, even a small one, creates a sense of teamwork.
The endorphins from exercise naturally boost your mood and reduce stress. You’re literally making yourselves happier while spending time together. Science backs this up, and it doesn’t cost anything beyond the initial bike investment.
9. Volunteer Together
Volunteering might not be the first thing that comes to mind for cheap weekend activities for couples, but hear me out. It’s incredibly fulfilling and brings you closer in unexpected ways.
Find a cause that matters to both of you. Animal shelters, food banks, environmental cleanups, mentoring programs, community gardens. When you’re working toward something meaningful together, your bond strengthens.
The shared sense of purpose is powerful. You’re not just having fun; you’re making a difference. That creates a deeper level of connection than most typical date activities ever could.
It’s completely free and looks great on resumes if you’re career-focused. Plus, you’re contributing to your community, which just feels good. It’s hard to leave a volunteer shift without feeling better about yourself and your relationship.
Check out VolunteerMatch to find opportunities in your area that match your interests and schedule. Most organizations are super flexible and grateful for any time you can give.
10. Have A DIY Spa Day
Professional spa days are expensive. Like, ridiculously expensive. But you can create your own spa experience at home for a fraction of the cost, making it one of the best cheap weekend activities for couples.
Set the atmosphere first. Light some candles, play relaxing music, get your fluffiest towels ready. The vibe matters just as much as the actual treatments.
Give each other massages using lotion or essential oils you probably already have. Watch a quick YouTube tutorial if you want to learn some techniques. The physical touch releases oxytocin, which strengthens your emotional bond (science is cool like that).
Try homemade face masks. Mix honey and avocado, or oatmeal and yogurt. Sure, you might look ridiculous with green goop on your faces, but that’s part of the fun. Take silly selfies, laugh at each other, enjoy the moment.
Soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salt. Paint each other’s nails if you’re feeling adventurous. The point is pampering each other, showing care and affection through simple acts of service.
11. Attend A Dance Class
Dancing together is romantic, fun, and surprisingly accessible as one of the cheap weekend activities for couples in your area.
Many community centers offer free or low-cost dance classes. Salsa, swing, ballroom, line dancing. Pick something that sounds fun, even if you have zero experience. Being beginners together is actually bonding.
Can’t find a class or don’t want to go out? YouTube has thousands of free dance tutorials. Clear some space in your living room, pull up a video, and just go for it. Who cares if you mess up? You’re doing it together.
The physical coordination required in partner dancing improves communication in subtle ways. You’re learning to read each other’s cues, move in sync, and support each other (literally). Those skills transfer to other areas of your relationship.
Plus, dancing is exercise disguised as fun. You’re burning calories, improving cardiovascular health, and boosting mood. All while holding your partner close. IMO, that’s pretty much perfect.
12. Visit A Bookstore Or Library
For couples who love reading, bookstores and libraries are underrated cheap weekend activities for couples that offer quiet connection and intellectual stimulation.
Spend an afternoon browsing together. Pick out books for each other based on what you think they’d enjoy. It shows you pay attention to their interests and gives you insight into how they see you.
Many bookstores have cafes attached. Grab a coffee, find a cozy corner, and read together in comfortable silence. There’s something intimate about sharing space while each doing your own thing.
Libraries are completely free and often have more than just books. Many host author talks, book clubs, movie screenings, and other events. Check their calendar and make it a regular thing.
Try reading aloud to each other. Pick poetry, short stories, or even just interesting articles. Hearing your partner’s voice while they read something meaningful creates a unique form of closeness that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
13. Go Stargazing
Stargazing is hands-down one of the most romantic cheap weekend activities for couples, and it costs absolutely nothing.
Find a spot away from city lights. The darker the location, the more stars you’ll see. Bring a blanket, lie down, and just look up. It’s peaceful, awe-inspiring, and puts your daily worries into perspective.
Download a stargazing app like Star Walk or SkyView. Point your phone at the sky and it’ll identify constellations, planets, and satellites. It’s educational and makes the experience more interactive.
Bring hot chocolate or tea in a thermos to make it extra cozy. Play soft music if you want, or just enjoy the silence and each other’s company. Sometimes the best conversations happen under a sky full of stars.
The vastness of the universe has a way of making you feel connected to something bigger, which ironically makes you feel more connected to the person beside you. It’s philosophical and romantic all at once.
14. Have A Themed Dinner Night
Themed dinner nights are creative cheap weekend activities for couples that transform ordinary meals into memorable experiences.
Pick a cuisine or era and commit to it. Italian night with homemade pasta and Sinatra playing. Mexican fiesta with tacos and margaritas. Retro ’50s diner with burgers and milkshakes. The theme makes it feel special and intentional.
Dress up if you want. Wear something that matches the theme, even if it’s silly. The effort shows you’re both invested in making the evening fun, and the photos will be great memories later.
Research recipes together beforehand. Part of the fun is planning and anticipating. You’re building excitement throughout the week, which makes the actual dinner even better.
The cost is minimal since you’re cooking at home, but the experience feels elevated because of the creativity and effort involved. You’re proving that romance doesn’t require expensive restaurants.
15. Take A Scenic Drive
Sometimes the best cheap weekend activities for couples are the spontaneous ones. A scenic drive with no particular destination fits that perfectly.
Pick a direction and just go. Roll down the windows, create a road trip playlist, and see where you end up. The lack of agenda is actually freeing and allows for organic conversation and discovery.
Stop at random places that look interesting. A roadside fruit stand, a quirky antique shop, a scenic overlook. These unplanned stops often become the highlights of the trip.
The gas cost is your only expense, and even that’s manageable if you’re not going too far. An hour or two of driving can take you to completely different scenery and give you a mini-vacation feeling.
Use the time to really talk. No TV, no phones demanding attention, just you two and the open road. Some of the best relationship conversations happen during car rides when you’re both relaxed and the pressure to make eye contact is removed.
16. Visit An Animal Shelter
Animal shelters welcome visitors, and spending time with animals is one of the most heartwarming cheap weekend activities for couples you can do.
Many shelters let you play with cats and dogs, walk the dogs, or even participate in socialization programs. The animals benefit from the attention, and you get all the joy of pet interaction without the long-term commitment or expense.
It’s impossible to be in a bad mood when you’re cuddling a kitten or playing fetch with an excited dog. The pure, unconditional affection animals give is therapeutic and mood-boosting.
If you’re considering getting a pet eventually, this is great research. You can see how you work together in a caregiving role and what type of animal might fit your lifestyle.
Plus, you’re supporting a good cause just by being there. Some people find it so fulfilling that it becomes a regular volunteer activity, which brings us back to that earlier point about volunteering together.
17. Practice A New Hobby Together
Learning something new as a couple is one of those cheap weekend activities for couples that keeps your relationship fresh and exciting.
Pick a hobby that interests both of you. Photography, painting, gardening, learning an instrument, calligraphy, woodworking. The options are endless, and many hobbies have low startup costs.
The key is choosing something where you’re both beginners. Being equally inexperienced removes pressure and creates a level playing field. You can laugh at mistakes together and celebrate progress as a team.
YouTube and free online resources make learning accessible. You don’t need expensive classes or equipment to get started. A basic set of supplies and some tutorial videos are often enough.
As you develop the skill together, you’re creating a shared interest that gives you something to bond over long-term. It becomes “your thing” as a couple, which strengthens your identity as a partnership.
18. Have A Photo Shoot
You don’t need professional equipment for a fun photo shoot, making this one of the most creative cheap weekend activities for couples.
Use your smartphone, find good natural lighting, and get creative with locations and poses. Parks, urban areas with interesting architecture, even your own home can provide great backdrops.
Take turns being photographer and subject. Try different angles, silly poses, serious artistic shots. The process is fun, and you’ll end up with great photos for social media or just to keep as memories.
Use a tripod or prop your phone up on a stable surface to get couple shots together. Set the timer and run into frame. The rushed, laughing attempts often produce the best candid moments.
Apps like VSCO or Snapseed offer free editing tools to make your photos look more professional. Learning basic editing together can become another shared skill.
19. Attend A Local Sports Event
Local sports events are surprisingly affordable cheap weekend activities for couples that bring energy and excitement to your weekend.
Minor league baseball, college basketball, community soccer matches. These events have the fun atmosphere of professional sports without the crazy ticket prices. You’re often looking at $10-20 per ticket instead of $100+.
The crowd energy is contagious. Cheering together, groaning at missed plays, celebrating victories. It’s a shared emotional experience that creates memories and inside jokes.
Don’t care about sports? Go anyway for the experience and people-watching. The atmosphere itself is entertaining, and you might discover you enjoy it more than you expected.
Can’t make it to a game? Create your own sports night at home. Pick teams to root for, make snacks, wear team colors. You get the fun without the ticket cost or crowds.
20. Plan Future Goals Together
This might seem like an unusual entry on a list of cheap weekend activities for couples, but stay with me. Planning your future together is both free and incredibly valuable for your relationship.
Set aside a relaxed afternoon to talk about your dreams and goals. Where do you want to travel? What financial milestones are you working toward? What does your ideal life look like in five or ten years?
Create a vision board together using magazines, printouts, or digital tools like Canva. Making your goals visual and tangible makes them feel more real and achievable.
Discuss financial goals specifically since that’s my area of expertise. How much do you want in savings? When do you want to buy a house? What’s your retirement plan? Couples who openly discuss money have stronger, more stable relationships.
Write down a bucket list of experiences you want to share. Then start researching and planning how to make them happen affordably. Having shared goals gives you something to work toward together, which strengthens your partnership.
The conversations that happen during this planning are gold. You learn about each other’s values, priorities, and dreams. You’re building a shared vision of your life together, which is foundational for long-term relationship success.
Final Thoughts
Here’s what I’ve learned after years of studying both personal finance and relationships: the amount you spend has almost nothing to do with the quality of time you share together.
The happiest couples aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets. They’re the ones who prioritize connection, creativity, and presence. They understand that a $5 picnic in the park can be more meaningful than a $200 dinner if you’re fully engaged with each other.
These cheap weekend activities for couples prove that romance and financial responsibility aren’t opposites. They actually complement each other beautifully. When you’re not stressed about money, you can relax and enjoy each other more fully.
Start incorporating some of these ideas into your routine. Mix it up, try new things, see what resonates with both of you. The goal isn’t to do everything on this list, it’s to find the activities that bring you closer and make you both happy.
Your relationship deserves investment, but that investment doesn’t have to be financial. Time, attention, creativity, and effort are worth far more than money. And honestly? Those are the things that build lasting love anyway.
So grab your partner, pick an activity from this list, and make this weekend memorable without making your bank account cry. You’ve got this. 🙂
