6 cheap and unexpected date night ideas in the GTA

Living in Toronto can get busy. Between working full-time, scheduling in workouts, and keeping your side hustle going, you might find it hard to manage your love life, too.

Spending dedicated time with your boo is important for the success of your relationship. It doesn’t matter whether you’re living together or apart, setting aside time for date night gives you a break from the norm and allows you to really enjoy each other’s company.

Of course, we all know it can be costly to live in the GTA; so if there are opportunities to do date night in a budget-friendly way, we’re all for them. With that in mind, here are six cheap and unexpected date night ideas worth trying.

Hit up a vintage arcade

Arcades are always a good idea for date night, as you can compete against your S.O in a fun, lighthearted way. It doesn’t matter whether you’re any good at Skee Ball, because The Greater Good bar on Geary Avenue promises an amazing time either way. Once you’re done duking it out, order some New York-style pizza and enjoy a slice together.

Enjoy a scenic stroll

Never underestimate the power of a date-night stroll, especially when the location is as beautiful as the company. The Scarborough Bluffs escarpment has 11 parks covering 15 kilometres, so you’ve got plenty of ground to cover with walking trails, boardwalks, and vistas along the way. There are a wealth of opportunities to take the perfect Instagram couple selfies — just wait for the “cuteness overload” comments to come flooding in.

Have a romantic meal in

You don’t always have to go out to enjoy the best date night, and when you order from foodora now until September 15, staying in is even more worthwhile. Save 50% on options from more than 200 restaurants in Toronto. Hero Certified Burgers, Pi Co Pizza Bar, The Halal Guys, Touhenboku Ramen, Big Trouble Pizza, Kid Lee, Flock, Salad King, A&W, Kibo Sushi, Kinton Ramen, and Freshii are just some of your options.

This is the first time that foodora has ever done a promotion this big, and it’s yours to enjoy. Simply sign up now and order your favourite date night eats.

Watch a movie at Market Square

Going to see a movie with your favourite person doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. Instead, pick cheap Tuesday as date night and make Market Square the destination. This quaint theatre is the perfect place to watch a rom-com, and it only costs $7 to see a show! Stop by the nearest grocery store to stock up on treats and you’re all set.

Chill out on Cherry Beach

There are only a few short weeks of summer left (sorry), but if anything, that gives you even more incentive to spend time outside on date night. Kick back on Cherry Beach and check out the kiteboarding action on the water; if you’re both feeling up for the challenge, come back and take a lesson next time. Catching the sunset here is sure to make for an even more romantic date night, and you could even order some delivery to the beach if you’re staying late.

Get creative at a poetry slam

Do you or your boo have a poetic streak? If so, make Toronto Poetry Slam your next venue for date night. The event takes place twice monthly at Drake Underground. Sit back and watch the performers or take get up on the stage yourselves! The slam is open to all experience levels, so you don’t need to be a well-seasoned poet to enter.

No matter where you and your partner go on your Toronto date night this summer, make each food or adventure-related experience count.