11 Valentine's Day Date Ideas That Are Free

Since when did romance become so expensive? Every February, people spend hundreds of dollars on flower deliveries, expensive jewelry, and fancy dinners, but if you don't feel like maxing out your credit card for a greeting card holiday, there are plenty of free Valentine's Day date ideas perfect for your sweetheart whose love can't be bought.

In 2015, Americans spent nearly $19 billion dollars on Valentine's Day. According to the National Retail Federation's Valentine's Day Consumer Spending Survey, the average person celebrating the holiday spends around $143 on everything from candy to clothing to a night on the town. For a holiday that is supposed to celebrate love, its focus sure has shifted, and now it seems to be a day about who can out-romance, out-surprise, and out-spend who.

This year, change all that. Don't stress out about what expensive restaurant to take your sweetheart to or how to afford that hot balloon ride over at sunset. This is Valentine's Day, after all, not The Bachelor, so spend your time and effort thinking of a meaningful way to spend time with your Valentine, not how to spend the most money on them.

You don't need to go broke to show someone how much you love them. Instead, try one of these 11 fun, free Valentine's Day date ideas you and your partner will love.

1. Have A Movie Marathon

Get comfortable on the couch with your sweetheart, and settle in for a day of watching whatever the heck you want. You can pick a favorite movie series or find a brand new show to watch together. It's a low key, relaxing way to unwind with your Valentine, and a great way to spend the holiday this Sunday.

2. Have A Game Night At Home

Whether you and your sweetheart like to team up and play video games or play against each other in board games and cards, a romantic night in spent playing games is a great, free way to spend Valentine's Day together. Nothing says "I love you" like a little friendly competition and a whole lot of laughter.

3. Give Each Other Massages

This year, skip the expensive couple's massages at the spa, and create your own relaxing oasis at home with your Valentine. Take turns giving each other massages and get ready for a day of comfort, intimacy, and relaxation. If there's a better way to spend the holiday, I haven't found it yet.

4. Take A Trip To The Beach

Whether you live somewhere whose weather is bathing suit-friendly or you're bundled up in layers, a trip to the beach is a fun, romantic way to spend Valentine's Day. Bring sand toys and build sand castles together like you're little kids again, or pack a blanket and some wine to watch the sunset. No matter what you do there, the beach is an ideal Valentine's Day date destination, totally free of charge.

5. Make A Scavenger Hunt

Yes, it's a bit cliche, but making a scavenger hunt for your Valentine is a great way to plan an activity that's not only free, but completely personalized. Show your person just how much you love them with a fun day of mysteries, clues, and sentimental romance.

6. Volunteer At An Animal Shelter

Forget cuddling with your significant other on Valentine's Day and instead cuddle with cute, fuzzy animals in need! Find a local animal shelter, and volunteer to spend the day walking the dogs and playing with the cats. It's a great way to warm the heart of your loved one, in more ways than one.

7. Take Free Yoga Class

Get physical with your partner on Valentine's Day with a free yoga class in your community. From libraries to churches to community centers, plenty of programs regularly offer free or donation based classes. Can't find a free class? Watch an online video and make a yoga studio in your living room instead.

8. Go On A Sunset Stroll

Is there anything more romantic than the sunset? Wherever you live, whether it's in a small town or a big city, find the most beautiful area of your home with the best view and take your Valentine there at sunset. You can walk hand in hand and enjoy the view, or more likely, plan the perfect selfie for Instagram.

9. Visit A Bookstore

If you and your Valentine are book-lovers like me, then there's no better place to spend Feb. 14 than at a bookstore. You can walk the aisles talking about your favorite authors, and stop to read each other your favorite passages or love poems. OK, chances are you'll leave with a book or two in hand, but the date itself is still fun and free.

10. Go Hiking

Valentine's Day is on a weekend this year, so you have the entire day to work with. Get outside and get moving by taking your Valentine on a hike. It's a great way to get your adrenaline pumping, and if you time it right, you just might catch a romantic sunset. Even if you live in a cold part of the country, there are plenty of beautiful snowy sights to be seen, and who better to see them with than the one you love? Don't worry, you can keep each other warm.

11. Take An Online Dance Class

Just browse the Internet, and you'll find that there are hundreds of instructional videos at your disposal. Find a fun and sexy dance class to watch with your partner, and try and recreate the moves in your living room. It's free of cost and free of embarrassment, for those who have two left feet but still like to dance.

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