When the cash flow a bit tight you can still enjoy a great date – All it takes is a little imagination.

Here are a some cheap date ideas to get you started –

Take a hike or go for a walk. Regardless of season – the best way to get to know someone is to go for a ‘walk and talk’. At the end of your walk, you can always stop into a local cafe or coffee shop if you’re both interested in talking more.

Play a game. Nothing ‘spells’ fun like Scrabble! Maybe a deck of cards and while away an afternoon or evening playing games together. You can learn a lot about a person by watching how they react to winning or losing a simple game.

Do a wine tour. Check around for local wineries, consider doing a tour. Most wineries offer free tastings and you might discover a cheap local vintage that you both particularly enjoy.

Attend a book reading. Authors promoting their latest book will sometimes travel from city to city giving readings at local bookstores or libraries. Dates will be posted in the store or you can make a quick call to find out when one might be held.

See a play. Local theater productions in smaller venues often cost very little per ticket and they’re almost always great! Check out some local undiscovered talent!

Have a cook-in. If you enjoy cooking, or would you like to learn? Get together with your date, pick a recipe and get cooking! Cooking together will be fun and much less stressful than if you’re doing it all yourself.

Free concerts. Many cities and large towns host musical functions in their on weekends during the warmer weather. Check the newspaper for free concerts playing in your area.

Visit a museum or art gallery. Many museums and art galleries have discounted fees and even free days on occasion. Let your fingers do the walking through the yellow pages. Call ahead to find out when they are held, then go and soak up some local culture.

Volunteer. Is there a local charity or sporting event taking place near you? Look into volunteering to help them out for the day. Not only will you have fun and meet new people, but you’ll feel really good for having made the special effort too.

Related posts:

1. 300 Creative & Inexpensive Date Ideas
2. Are Cheap Dates A Problem?
3. The After Date Phone Call

Melissa Braverman, who blogs about dating, said she knows someone who was asked out on a walking date and considered it a turnoff. And in the last six months, she’s noticed that men don’t suggest meals. When they meet for drinks, they limit it to one hour. She believes it’s so she won’t order a second drink.

“The recession is almost becoming an excuse,” said Braverman, 35, of New York. “Men don’t want to take the initiative, suggesting something fun that is inexpensive. It’s more, well, ‘I can’t afford to take you out for a meal, let’s keep it brief.’ Unfortunately, a lot of times chemistry needs time to develop.”

I agree that chemistry takes time to develop, that you need time to get to know one another (that’s why I’ve given cheap ways to meet potential mates and listed cheap date ideas), but are men (and women too) weaseling out and being cheap as opposed to being practical or thrifty in these economic times? If so, they are selling themselves and possible relationships short.

Related posts:

1. Cheap Date Ideas
2. Searching for Friendship or Dates
3. A Singles Guide to Dating on a Budget

Just because times are tough and you want to make an effort at remaining ‘budget conscious’ – that doesn’t mean you have to look or act like a cheapskate on a date.

Match Special has a wonderful list of ideas on how you can maintain an active dating life and not put a strain on your wallet.

The one I’ve always liked most is going Dutch!  To be honest, I always felt guilty having the guy pay for everything and most of all, I never wanted to feel I owed him anything following the date.

Dutch is the best way to go as far as I’m concerned.

What about dating during lunch and happy hour instead of going out during the most expensive times of day?

Go out to eat early in the day and then make it a home date complete with movie rental and popcorn.

For more ideas on dating on a budget, check out Match Special’s Guide to Dating on a Budget

Related posts:

1. Are Cheap Dates A Problem?
2. Cheap Date Ideas
3. Dating Tips & Advice for a Successful First Date