Lately, we’ve found ourselves in need of some last minute date ideas. I like to think that I’m a pretty good planner, but even the best planners find themselves lacking ideas and in need of quick solutions. Brandon and I are really trying hard to refrain from eating out too much which makes it hard to get a fun, last minute date when you’re not going to just run out to dinner. Here are a few that we collectively thought of together to help you with those days when you’re fresh out of ideas but want to do something fun and budget friendly together.
1. Find A Food Truck
If you’re trying to save money like us, a food truck can be a very budget friendly option if you’re set on getting dinner together. We’ve got some great options in San Antonio and really love the “food court” area at The Pearl Brewery for variety.
2. Discover New Music
If it’s Friday or Saturday night and you’re looking for a last minute date idea, try googling “live music in {insert your city}”. Chances are, there’s a music venue or a bar that has live music on the weekends. We try to find smooth jazz or something that will allow us to still have a quiet conversation.
3. Go Thrifting
Look up thrift or antique shops in your city. They’re always so much fun to walk around or browse. We went to Boerne, Texas a few weekends ago and had a blast at all of the small local antique shops with what they offered. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a fun experience!
4. Have Coffee Shop Conversations
I love the idea of spending an afternoon at a local coffee shop. You could make it a work day and bring laptops, or you could just sit and talk and enjoy each other’s company. Bonus points if you find a coffee shop that you’ve never been to before!
5. Challenge Your Baking Skills
Find something crazy to bake on Pinterest and test your skills together! You could package everything up at the end and deliver to neighbors or friends; better yet, invite another couple over to share the treats!
6. Make A Target Run–See Where It Takes You
Okay, we love Target runs. Who doesn’t enjoy roaming the store mindlessly? I think it’d be fun to go looking for some kind of game. Look in the kids section or find a board game to take home. Invite friends over for a last minute couples game night.
7. Visit An Open House
If it’s a random Saturday, try looking up open houses in your city. Even if you aren’t in the market to buy, it’s so much fun to talk about the different homes, styles that you like, and dream for the future. We love getting to explore neighborhoods outside of our own!
8. A Stargazing Picnic
I actually planned this for Brandon when we first met. I packed up blankets, pillows, a lantern, thermoses full of hot chocolate, and then we picked up food along the way to our stargazing location. This one is so romantic and easy to plan at the last minute.
9. Flip A Quarter
We learned about this from our friends Lena and Bassam at Happily Ever Adventures. Hop in the car and flip a quarter. Heads you take a right turn, tails you take a left. Every time you get to a stop sign or stop light, flip your quarter and see where it takes you! To me, this is the ultimate last minute date idea!
10. Sing Your Heart Out
Last night we asked for your “go to” date suggestions on Instagram and we love the answer from Two Picky Travelers: Karaoke! There’s always going to be a place open and although we haven’t done this together, it’s on my bucket list! If karaoke isn’t your thing, a comedy club is also a budget friendly option for most weekend evenings. Thanks to my sweet sister and her husband for the recommendation on that one 🙂
PS: Be sure to check out our budget friendly dates for more inspiration here.
On Katherine: Similar lace top, AG jeans, OTK boots, Kendra Scott Earrings
Photos by Yaqar Photography