Cheap date night ideas
So, you want a night out on the town with your favourite guy or gal, but you’re feeling the pinch. There are still plenty of fun things to do besides the standard (not to mention, costly) dinner and a movie. Get out of your comfort zone and try something new with these cheap date nights – all ringing in at around $20 or less.
TELUS World of Science Edmonton
11211 142 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 4A1What could be more romantic than gazing at the stars together? Located in Coronation Park, just southeast of Telus World of Science, the Observatory is the perfect way to explore the sky with proper telescopes. Admission is free. To avoid spoiling your date, phone ahead to double-check if the Observatory is open, as hours are weather-dependent.
Table Top Cafe
5716 75 Street Northwest, Edmonton, AB T6E 5X6If you’re looking for a relaxing place to hang out and connect low-tech style, a board game or two may be just what you’re looking for. For only $5 a person, you can play as many board games as you like. Choose from their huge selection of more than 300 games, while snacking on munchies and satisfying your slurpee craving (yes, slurpees!), as well as the usual coffee and beer.
Edmonton Public Library
10212 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 5A3I feel reluctant to share this tidbit of information, as this is one of my ‘go-to’ cheap date nights with my husband, but I’ll relent. Going to a full-price movie adds up, but luckily the downtown library screens movies every Wednesday evening for free. Don’t expect standard blockbuster movies here (after all, you could just stay home and have a Netflix binge if you wanted that). Instead, you’ll find thought-provoking independent or foreign films and documentaries.
John Janzen Nature Centre
7000 143 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 2G8If you’re tired of being cooped up all day, get some fresh air and enjoy nature at the John Janzen Nature Centre. For only $7 per adult, you can try geocaching, check out critters at the pond, look at wildflowers and go on a nature walk. Pack a picnic, as the snack vending machines here don’t exactly satisfy your hunger after exploring the great outdoors.
Denizen Hall
10266 103 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0Y8Old-school pinball machines and arcade games abound here in this cool, dive-y pub/arcade/live music venue. You may have to wait your turn during the weekends for the best pinball games (buy two tokens for $1), so it’s best to come here on a weekday night. Tuesday nights offer $9 burgers, or share a few appies from their reasonably-priced and surprisingly delicious menu.
Art Gallery Of Alberta
2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 2C1Enjoy free admission to art exhibits every last Thursday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., courtesy of Servus. Besides art, the AGA also offers yoga classes within different exhibits. You’ll be able to glimpse the latest artworks while practicing your downward dog for only $10 per drop-in session.
Monster Mini Golf Edmonton
3414 Gateway Blvd, Edmonton, AB T6J 6R5Romantic? Not exactly. Fun? Definitely! Glow-in-the-dark mini-golf combined with roaring monsters makes for a campy, fun time for all ages. Every Tuesday, couples play one round of golf for $18.00. Visit their website to print out your coupon.
Sugar Swing Dance Club
Put on your best dancing shoes and head out for an old-fashioned swing dance at Sugar Swing Dance Club’s Friday Night Stomp! Designed for dancers of all ages and abilities, the weekly dance is $10 per person. If you want a beginner’s intro to swing dancing, pay an extra $2 for the lesson.
Citadel Theatre
9828 101A Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 3C6Go to the theatre for a fraction of the box ticket price on Pay-What-You-Can Sundays, courtesy of Servus. Tickets go on sale at 3 p.m. for that evening’s performance and are sold on a first-come, first-served policy (so line up early for popular shows). It’s recommended you pay between $5 to $20 per person.
Edmonton Sport & Social Club
17406 106A Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5S 1E6If being active is more your speed, stop by the ESSC on Friday evenings for co-ed Drop-In Dodgeball. For only $5 a person, this is a great way to get your blood pumping, meet new people and show off your awesome dodgeball skills (or lack thereof). Don’t fret if you haven’t played dogdgeball since the third grade; this is a non-competitive, fun-focused environment.
