Cheap date ideas around Indianapolis are a great way to spend some quality time with your significant other without breaking the bank. When you start adding the cost of even a simple evening out--dinner, movie, babysitter--it can add up! Don't let financial concerns get in the way! There are plenty of free or inexpensive date night ideas around Indianapolis, where you can have a ton of fun and enjoy some quality time with your partner. Perhaps you can even consider a babysitter swap with a friend, so you can ditch the childcare expense, too! Do you have other ways to save on date nights?


 
    Fort Harrison State Park

     (592.8 mi)

    Erin P.:  You and your date can enjoy all that nature has to offer at Fort Harrison State Park. The park features hiking trails for all levels of hikers. Perhaps you can enjoy a picnic alongside Fall Creek, or if you're feeling adventurous, hop in a canoe and enjoy the creek from this vantage point. Filled with wildflowers in the spring and beautiful autumn colors in the fall, there is no wrong time to visit this 1,700-acre park.


    Cost: $7/car

    Fountain Square Theatre Swing Dancing Nights

     (601.0 mi)

    Every other Friday

    Erin P.:  The historic Fountain Square Theatre hosts swing dancing nights every other Friday. The evening begins with a one-hour lesson before you have the opportunity to wow the crowd with your newly-honed dancing skills, or if not quite that, at least have a blast with your dancing partner while enjoying the live music.

    Cost: $14 for lesson and dancing; $12 dance only

    Easley Winery

     (601.5 mi)

    Erin P.:  Easley Winery is Indiana's oldest winery. They have been crushing grapes since 1974! You and your honey can stop by on the weekend for a wine tasting and winery tour. The tasting includes seven samples, selected from among their many award-winning wines.

    Cost: $5.00/Tasting, includes winery tour on weekends

    ComedySportz Cheap Seats Thursday Nights

     (601.6 mi)

    Every Thursday

    Erin P.:  If it's a good laugh you're after, consider a Thursday night date to ComedySportz. They offer a team competitive improvisation show -- comedy played out as a sport! Each show is improvised based on audience suggestions. Most of the short-form improv shows consist of a series of theater games pitting two teams against each other. Each short show runs about 3-6 minutes. There will be a referee to run the show and call fouls when necessary.

    Cost: Cheap Seat Thursday tickets are $10.

    Indianapolis City Market

     (602.1 mi)

    Erin P.:  The historic Indianapolis City Market first opened its doors in 1886, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With an awesome selection of eateries, retailers, coffee, and an all-Indiana craft beer bar, strolling the Market could be a perfectly fun and inexpensive destination for your next date!

    Cost: Free to browse!

    Downtown Indy Cultural Districts

     (602.1 mi)

    Erin P.:  Imagine a day in which you and your sweetheart can explore downtown Indy by wandering the six Cultural Districts: The Canal and White River State Park, Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Market East, Mass Ave and Wholesale District. You can stroll along the canal, pop into art galleries, enjoy rich architecture and historic neighborhoods, or relax with a cup of coffee, glass of wine or Indiana-brewed beer. You'll love the spontaneity of finding where the day takes you and enjoying all that this great city has to offer!

    Cost: Free.

    Monument Circle

     (602.3 mi)

    Erin P.:  You and your date will love the hustle and bustle of downtown Indy that can often be found at Monument Circle, as well as the great city views from the observation deck. There are lots of great restaurants and cafes around Monument Circle. Consider popping in at Shapiro's Delicatessen, Coat Check Coffee, or Pearings Cafe + Frozen Yogurt.

    Cost: Observation deck is free if you take the stairs and $2 if you want to take the elevator.

    Indianapolis Artsgarden

     (602.4 mi)

    Erin P.:  If a day date is your jam (and who doesn't love a good day date??), be sure to check the Indianapolis Artsgarden calendar. The Arts Council of Indianapolis owns and operates the Artsgarden, which hosts more than 300 free arts performances and exhibits each year. See what's going on, and enjoy this opportunity to appreciate some art and culture with your significant other!

    Cost: Free.

    Circle Centre Mall

     (602.4 mi)

    Erin P.:  Sometimes strolling a mall with your sweetheart while window shopping can be just what the doctor ordered! And with the multi-million dollar renovation at the Circle Centre Mall, which includes a new dining pavilion with new lounge areas, televisions, lighting and flooring, this great mall can be just the place! There are several great sit-down restaurants available in the mall to grab dinner or a drink and appetizer, or more casual restaurants, such as Panera, for a faster or more inexpensive route!

    Cost: Free to window shop!

    Indianapolis Indians Two-for-One Tuesdays

     (603.1 mi)

    Any Tuesday homegame

    Erin P.:  Nothing says a summertime date better than an afternoon or evening at the ballpark! Victory Field is home to the Indianapolis Indians, a minor league baseball team in the Pittsburgh Pirates' farm system. You can stop by any Indianapolis-area McAlister's Deli location to pick up two-for-one vouchers for any Tuesday home game. You can purchase your tickets at the box office, but you will save $2 if you purchase them ahead of time.

    Cost: Adult ticket prices start at $11

    Tibbs Drive-in Theatre

     (606.4 mi)

    Erin P.:  There are not many more romantic ways to catch a movie than at an old-school drive-in movie theater! The Tibbs Drive-In Theatre opened in 1967. It is currently the only remaining drive-in theater in Indianapolis, which at one time boasted as many as 18. For the budget-conscious date planner, consider this: you can see up to three movies for the price of one. (That is if you can stay awake for the late-late showing, but if not, even two-for-one is a deal that I can get behind!) Concessions are available for purchase. Check here for what's coming soon!

    Cost: $11/person

    Hickory Hall Polo Club

     (615.7 mi)

    Erin P.:  A Saturday afternoon polo match is a fun and unique date idea! It's a great way to kickback with your better half and enjoy the beautiful outdoors while taking in a sporting event that hearkens back to days past but still provides great enjoyment today. It is relatively inexpensive, especially if you pack your own lunch and drinks! You can also choose to order from the delicious options available onsite from L.A. Cafe.

    Cost: $20/carload

Primary photo:   Crew on Unsplash

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