Dating, as much as you can, is important for a relationship. It is quality time with that person doing something fun or enjoyable together. My parents went on dates a lot when I was growing up and I think it's one of the reasons they are still married more than 30 years later.

Here are some inexpensive date ideas I want to share. I tried to include different date ideas for all types of couples. Hopefully, you will find an idea or two for an inexpensive date in the future.

1. Movie night at home

Rent a movie or watch one you have already. Make some popcorn and cuddle up together and watch a movie or two.

2. Have a Netflix night at home

Same as movie night except you binge watch some Netflix together. We have this kind of date a lot. Snuggle up on the couch or in bed and watch something you both enjoy.

3. Pick up ingredients for a favorite meal from the grocery store and come home and make dinner together.

4. Work on a project together

Maybe something needs to be painted or put together. Spend time doing it together and make it fun, then grab something to eat.

5. Try lunch dates versus dinner dates for a lower price

6. Go to the movies

It can be expensive but if you are able to go to a matinee, that saves a lot of money. We go to matinees a lot and then usually share a drink. Going in the day versus the night can cut the price in half.

7. If you go out to eat, try to choose a cafe or something that is less expensive than a fancy restaurant.

8. Go on a walk or a hike together

if that is the type of thing you both enjoy. Find somewhere pretty to walk around and do it together.

9. Check your city for local concerts or events that may be inexpensive

10. Make it a game night

Break out a board game and play a game together.

11. Have a video game competition

This one my husband would love for us to do. Play a Wii, X-box or a PlayStation game.

12. Go on a drive together

It won't be free since gas is still rather expensive but sometimes it's nice to go on a drive. My husband and I always have nice talks on a car ride.

13. Have a spa day at home

Take a bath together if you have a large enough tub, give each other back massages with oil or lotion. Very romantic and relaxing date.

14. Go get a cup of coffee at a coffee shop together

15 . Take a tour of a nearby landmark

You both could learn something about a place together.

16. Go walk around Ikea or another home furnishing store together and imagine how you would decorate a home.

17. Look through old photos or videos together

This is especially fun if you've been together a long time and when you have a child. You can see how much things change.

18. Take a class together

Dancing, art, cooking something.

19. Go out for ice cream or frozen yogurt

20. Paint your own pottery

21. Have a "Make Your Own Pizza Night."

Get creative with your toppings.

22. Take a visit to the zoo

23. Go rollerblading

24. Go on a picnic

25. Go wine tasting

26. Get up, make breakfast and have breakfast in bed together

27. Go miniature golfing

28. Build a fire and make s'mores together outside

29. Go camping

30. Go bowling

31. Go to a book store and go find a book that you think the other would like

Then, if you want, buy them and take them home. Sometimes it's fun just to see what your partner would choose for you.

32. Go find open houses to check out

Just for fun.

33. Go see a local play together

Usually schools or smaller companies put on plays that are relatively inexpensive.

34. Go to the beach

We live close to one and it's fun just to walk along the beach or the pier.

35. Watch a sunrise or sunset together

36. Go Kayaking

37. Play pool together

38. Make ice cream sundaes at home and enjoy

39. Have a water gun or nerf gun fight

40. Go to an arcade

41. Take your dog on a walk together

42. Bake cookies together

43. Make a bucket list together of things you want to do in your relationship

44. Go to a high school sports game together. (baseball, football,etc.)

45. Go play at the park

46. Read a book out loud together, each taking turns reading

47. Take a blanket outside and lay down and look at the stars

48. Try out a new place to eat

49. If you like a restaurant that is pricey, just go get drinks and dessert

A lot cheaper but still can be a fun night out.

50. Play 20 questions

Come up with a list of 20 questions to ask each other.

51. Go indoor rock climbing

52. Go swimming or in a hot tub

53. Go fruit picking

54. Visit a nearby city or town and play tourists

I hope this gives you some fun new inexpensive date ideas. I tried to include outdoor ideas, indoor ideas, sporty ideas, food ideas, etc., to give everyone some new choices since we all wouldn't enjoy the same type of date.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Karissa Ancell's blog, A Fresh Start. It has been modified and republished here with permission.