It can be a challenge to plan a date night amid a pandemic, especially if you are on a budget. Even though a pandemic may not be the greatest time to start dating, you can still make the most of it with these date ideas. Socially-distant dates can be just as romantic, even if you are not physically together.

If you are looking for frugal date ideas that you can do during the pandemic, you are in the right place. This article provides a list of socially-distant date ideas that work if you are on a budget.

Try a New Recipe

Because most restaurants are closed or are only serving takeout, you can use this time to recreate your favorite dish at home. Trying new things is always a good idea when you are getting to know someone or want to reconnect with your partner.

A great way to have date night at home is to pretend you are at a restaurant. One of you can cook for the other or you can cook together. You can also recreate your first dinner date together and make homemade versions of what you ordered.

If neither of you likes to cook, you can order takeout from a restaurant, light candles at your kitchen table, and have a romantic “night out” at home. Pair your dinner with wine, beer, or cocktails to make the most of eating at home.

Have an Outdoor Picnic

Picnics are one of the most romantic ways to spend time together. You can bring your favorite snacks and get to know each other in the fresh air. Planning a picnic date is a perfect and inexpensive way to show your partner you care about them.

Picnics are also an excellent frugal date idea. It doesn’t cost anything to go to a park and you can bring food you already have at home. Bringing your partner’s favorite snacks as a surprise shows you appreciate them.

Virtual Museum Tour

While you may not be able to visit an actual museum, you can still learn and explore together on a virtual museum tour. Museums aren’t for everyone, so make sure your partner would enjoy the museum tour, or you can find a museum with exhibits they are interested in.

It doesn’t have to be a museum! Zoos and theme parks also offer virtual tours. Don’t let the pandemic stop you from visiting places. Virtual trips can be just as informative and fun.

You can even go on a trip to “Disney” together from the comfort of your own home. Make t-shirts and take pictures as if you really went to Disney World. You can even make a scrapbook together of your “trip.”

Watch a Virtual Concert

Even though live in-person events have been canceled, you can still listen to live music virtually. Many artists are putting on live performances in their homes and broadcasting to people around the world.

Listening to music together is a great way to pass the time in quarantine. And exploring new music helps you get to know someone. So, whether you have been in a relationship for a while or are just starting one, watching virtual concerts is a great date idea.

Watch Movies

Drive-in theaters are finally making their comeback! Watching a movie at the drive-in is a socially-distant, romantic date idea.

If there are no drive-in theaters near you, you can also use joint movie viewing, which allows you to watch a movie or video on one screen and video chat with your partner on a different screen.

If you live with your partner and are socially distancing together, you can watch a movie marathon. Sitting on the couch watching movies and eating snacks can be a great way to spend time together when you are on a budget.

Date night doesn’t have to be complicated. Even though social-distancing is required, you can still spend time with your partner and get to know them.

There are many more date ideas than the ones listed in this article. Use this time to get creative with your date nights.

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