In an increasingly expensive city like Denver and on a student’s budget, date options can feel a little bleak; dinner and a movie under $20 is impossible—unless, of course, your idea of dinner involves dumpster-diving and the remnants of an apple core and pizza crust. But don’t let that stop you, there are plenty of unconventional and cheap ways to enjoy the company of your special someone in the Mile High City.
A Rockies “Rockpile” game
Baseball season is finally back, ushering in those magical days of day drinking on a warm afternoon in an ocean of purple. The “Rockpile” is legendary and tickets are only $8, so you can enjoy a game with your significant other and still have money left over for a hot dog or two.
Drive in movies
Drive-in theaters may seem like a relic of another time—you know, when letterman jackets and “going steady” were a thing—but it’s precisely this novelty that makes them a killer date. It’s a legitimate date because you leave the house, but you still get some privacy with your guy or girl in your own little space. 88 Drive-In in Commerce City offers $8 tickets for a double feature, so the next time you’re hard-pressed for a unique date idea, hop in your car, pick up your sweetheart and head to a show.
The Big Wonderful
This farmer’s market has locations in Denver, Littleton and the Stanley Marketplace and blends food with entertainment. The Big Wonderful goes all summer long and entry is free so you can buy all the food, beer and goods your $20 bill can handle.
Take a hike
Bring a little romance into the wilderness with a 100 percent free nature hike—that’s why Colorado is here, right? Couple your scenic adventure with a lakeside picnic and make the most of this state’s beautiful weather. A trip to Hanging Lake offers a breathtaking getaway, challenging hike and massive payoff at the top that offers both a lake and waterfall.
Go straight for dessert
Let’s be honest, dessert is the best part of a meal so why not save some money and skip the rest? Sweet Action, Liks and Little Man’s provide delicious ice cream and a beautiful atmosphere—and single scoops won’t cost you more than $5.
