Balancing your relationships, classwork and jobs or internships can be tricky at times. More often than not at least one aspect in your life is being neglected when you have so much on your plate. A good date night now and then can make all the difference. We can all agree that college and relationships can be expensive but one of them doesn’t have to be. Luckily for us, there are so many fun things to do in our area beyond just dinner and a movie. Next time you and your significant other are stumped for what to do during the weekend, check out these dates for under $50.
- Make your own chocolates at Farris and Foster’s
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When my boyfriend and I spent a night laughing over how terrible our DIY chocolates looked, I knew we would have to come back and redeem ourselves. Farris and Foster’s is located in Lake Baldwin (a nice place for a dinner or walk, by the way) and hosts date night every Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Couples can make virtually any chocolate they can imagine for $34 (or $17.50 each) and take home one pound.
- Channel your inner YouTuber and follow a Bob Ross tutorial
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These are some of my favorite videos to watch but I’ve been itching to try it myself. You’d be surprised how even someone with little art experience can create something amazing while following along. This date tab will depend on what art supplies you already own, but you can pick up a set of oil paints for $20 at Michael’s and find affordable canvases at places like Jo-Ann’s. Make sure to double-check the supplies Ross uses in the painting you want to recreate before shopping, and remember, there’s no such thing as mistakes, only happy accidents.
- Check out local community events
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Surprisingly, our favorite date we’ve ever done was a musical we saw at Boone High School. They performed Matilda, the students were amazing singers, the production value was high quality and the best part was we were supporting local kids doing what they were passionate about. Our tickets were only $12 and we were even allowed to reserve our seats ahead of time. Another place to keep an eye on for community get-togethers is Boxi Park in Lake Nona.
- Spend a Knight under the stars
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Stargazing can be difficult in a city like Orlando, but UCF’s Robinson Observatory makes it possible by hosting a free “Knights Under the Stars” event open to both students and the general public. Each telescope will have a knowledgeable guide so you can brush up on your astronomy during date night. Make sure to check their schedule before planning your date.
These are just a few activities the UCF area has to offer. What makes the most of a date isn’t how much you spend but the experience you’ll share. Get creative and turn anything into a date night!