Fun Summer Date Ideas Under $20 In Western New York

Now that Summer in Buffalo is here, there are plenty of opportunities to grab your honey and spend some quality time together out on the town. Unfortunately, not all of the activities around here are exactly wallet-friendly. That doesn’t mean you should spend every night this summer on the couch binge-watching Netflix together! 

We’ve rounded up some budget-friendly date ideas around Western New York that are cheap or (even better!) totally free - and achieve the most important purpose - spending some one-on-one time with the one you love (or at least like a lot).

Spend a day in Delaware Park

Take a stroll in the Japanese garden, followed by a romantic half-hour FLOATmingo paddle boat ride for just $15. Both will get you some sweet Instagram pics that your friends will comment on with all “❤️”s.

Watch a Movie Outdoors

Buffalo waterfront movies at Canalside are back for 2022. Grab a blanket and share a bag of popcorn brought from home for Raya and the Last Dragon on July 20th and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle on August 17th.

Have a Beach Day at Sunset Bay

It costs only 5 bucks to spend a day soaking up the sun and playing in the sand. Don’t forget the sunscreen - and have your hot date get the spot on your back that always gets burned. 

Grill at Broderick Park

Grab a pack of Sahlen’s and cookout on one of the park’s provided grills while enjoying views of the Niagara River. 

Road trip to Niagara Falls

Is it cheesy? Maybe. But Niagara Falls used to be one of the most romantic places in the world (sorry, Paris). Lean into the corniness by dressing in vintage clothes and pretending you're on your honeymoon in the 1950s. 

Go for a Bike Ride

Reddy Bikes have hundreds of bikes posted around the city for just $6 an hour - and even less if you're a first-time rider with a promo code. Hop on and get riding - just don’t forget a helmet!

Volunteer Together

Bond over a cause you both are passionate about while helping out our community. VolunteerMatch is a great site for finding a non-profit where you and your significant other can make a difference. 

Go Out for Ice Cream

Get two scoops at 2 Scoops in Hamburg. They've got a ridiculous selection of Perry’s Ice Cream flavors, so each of you can pick out a flavor for the other for a sweet surprise. 

Take a Fitness Class Together

A couple that sweats together stays together! Fitness In The Parks offers over 40 classes a week in 25 different Buffalo parks - from cardio kickboxing in Larkin Square to boot camp in Orchard Park, to yoga in Lockport - all for zero dollars.

Go Flea Market Shopping

Spend a few hours at Fillmore Express Flea Market and pick out a quirky gift for each other - just stick to the $20 limit! 

Take a Drive Literally Anywhere

Sure, $20 in the gas tank won't get you too far these days - but sometimes all you need for a great time with your partner-in-crime are some backroads, salty snacks, and a playlist of your favorite songs as a couple.