Dates are important. In the first seven months after my oldest son was born we had only been on 2 dates. Yeah, I know. We needed to get out more. We still have issues with finding the time to go out just the two of us.

For real, our last date was getting out taxes done. I am not even joking.

Also, like so many of you, are living a frugal life, so we are dating on a budget.

Here are 10 ideas for cheap (or FREE) dates you will actually want to go on:

1. Don't be afraid to BOGO.

We purchased an Enjoy the City book and it is filled with great buy one get one bargain. Also, check out Groupon for some great deals in your area.

2. Pick your own.

Our area has some great pick your own farms. Blackberries, strawberries, you name it you can pick it. Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon picking your favorite fruits for later. While this honestly isn't my favorite activity in the whole wide world (seriously? Manual labor??) but I know a lot of people who enjoy it.

3. See the great outdoors.

Do you have a great park, local beach or walking trail? Grab your sunscreen, pack a sandwich and hit your local patch of nature.

4. Keep it local.

If your city has a great museum they might have some free days for those who live in the county. Seriously, Google "free museum days" and a ton of info pops up.

5. Dinner and a movie, budget style.

You can make a great homemade pizza for about $3. Pair it with a Netflix marathon of Lost and you have a pretty good evening.

6. Pin it.

Go bowling. A lot of bowling alleys offer great weeknight deals. You can get a 2-for-1 game or free shoe rentals.

7. Gift challenge.

This sounds real not fun, but it is. Each year when it is Toys for Tots time my husband and I budget what we're going to spend and then we make it a challenge to see who can get the most bang for their buck. I always win.

8. Play along.

Does your town have a local playhouse? Or is your local high school performing the music man? Why not go? You can probably get a couple tickets for $20. Put on your fancy shoes and go take in a show.

9.Wii game night.

Put a batch of chocolate chip cookies in the oven. Fire up the Wii (or whatever gaming console you like) and have an indoor tennis match, car race or discover the cake is a lie (yes, that is a portal reference).

10. What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing?

One of my favorite memories of my time with Beardface (my husband Jason) was when we were still in college. There was a meteor shower. So we went to our university's golf course in the middle of the night and just laid down and watched the stars fall around us. We drank coffee and talked about the future. It was a sweet memory that didn't cost us a thing.

What about you? What are your suggestions for free or frugal dates?

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