The 2018 Guide To Cheap Outdoor Dates in Philly!

The 2018 Guide To Cheap Outdoor Dates in Philly!

Okay summer is literally around the corner.  Warm weather means the city has way more outdoor activity.  More concerts, events, festivals etc.  However, not everything is pocket friendly.  So if you’re on a budget this summer but still want to make a love connection, or keep your current flame burning with desire, we have the perfect plans for you.  Check out our 2018 guide to cheap outdoor dates in Philly.  No matter your situation, there’s a perfect date here for you.

Enjoy the Boardwalk Without Leaving Philly

The Midway at Penn’s Landing was a smash hit when it debuted last summer. In case you still haven’t been (even though it’s hard to miss a big ass ferris wheel) The Midway is essentially an urban boardwalk.  So if you’re a cheapskate looking for the Wildwood feel while saving money on gas and tolls, this is your spot. The Midway’s main attraction is without a doubt the 60-foot Ferris Wheel ($4 per person to ride). Other pocket friendly activities include a carousel ($3 per person to ride) as well as the following boardwalk games:

Water Race ($3 per player)

A group of players shoot water at a target, making their character rise. The first player that makes it to the top of the game wins. The more players there are, the larger the size prize.

Basketball game ($2 a shot or 3 for $5)

Players take aim and shoot their basketball into the basketball net.

Balloon Bust (3 darts for $5)

Players aim and throw their dart at a board filled with inflated balloons. The more balloons the player breaks, the bigger their prize is.

High Striker/Ring the Bell game (3 swings for $5, everyone wins a prize)

Kids get to show how strong they are by swinging a kid-sized hammer at a target. Hit the target hard enough and they ring the bell. And if they don’t ring the bell, they’re still winning!

Cork Gun game ($5 to play, players keep shooting until they win)

Players use an old-fashioned Daisy cork gun to shoot corks at plastic cups. The player keeps shooting until they knock one over. The prize size is listed on the cup they knock over.

Break a plate game (3 balls for $5) 

Players take aim at plastic plates lined up side by side in rows. Break 2 plates with a ball and win a prize.
 

Take a Beer Garden Tour

If there’s one thing Philly has during the summer it’s tourists that clog up the streets and beer gardens!  The Philadelphia Horticulture Society and Parks on Tap curate some of the hottest pop up beer gardens in Philly.  Entry is free and the food and drinks are fairly priced.  It’s a perfect chill date on a hammock together while gazing up to the stars.  Ahhhh, doesn’t that sound so romantic?

Eat Food From Around the World Without Leaving the City

Roughly once a month during the summer the city’s best food trucks gather for what is known as The Night Market.  Each summer Night Market is hosted in different neighborhoods throughout Philly.  From South Philly, to Center City, to the Northeast and everywhere in-between.  With the wide variety of food trucks, you can eat dishes from literally anywhere in the world.  Okay so the dishes will run you about $10 on average per person but it’s a cool date to eat, chill, walk around and explore new neighborhoods.  For a cheapskate foodie date, this is top notch.

Outdoor Movies & Chill

Several of Philly area parks including Penn’s Landing, Dilworth, Schuylkill Banks, Schmidt’s Commons & Clark Park will be screening movies outdoors all summer long.  Just pick a movie, showtime, and don’t forget to pack some drinks and snacks.  It’s quite possibly the best way to score a cheap date without having to look like a penny pincher.

Shop for Less

Why not take your date shopping?  Well, not to any malls or fancy stores at least.  Instead head over to Spruce Street Harbor Park every Saturday from 12-5 pm and check out the Art Star Pop-up Market.  Here you’ll find some cool new and used items at affordable prices.  So if you have a little cash to splurge, then shop til’ you drop.

Find a Concert Series

Outdoor live music in the summertime is a natural aphrodisiac.  Serenade your date with some free musical talent.  Off-hand you can find weekly live entertainment at places such as Penn’s Landing Jazz in the Park or at unique unsuspecting places such as the Penn Museum.  Either way a free concert is always in the budget.
 

Rooftop Beer Garden Anyone?

You have until the end of June to check out the Free Library’s rooftop soirees every Thursday.  It’s free to get in (yay) and the drinks and food are very pocket friendly, from $2 chips to $5 dogs.  This is a cool and unique champagne date on a beer budget.

Take Your Date to Japan

Okay maybe not the actual country but you can feel like your there if you visit the Japanese House in Fairmount Park.  Just $10 a person and you can feel like you just stepped off a 17 hour flight. The scenery is incredible with cherry blossoms and immaculately landscaped grounds, it’s an oasis in the city.  So if you’re going for the uber romantic feel, this is the cheap date for you.

Take a Ride

You know those blue bike stations you now see in just about every corner of the city?  Well those aren’t just for hipsters and people with suspended licenses.  These are actually a cool way to spend a day with a date.  Pick a route with some cool points of interest and ride there on the Indedgo Bikes.  It’s scenic, cheap and hey you get to burn some calories in the process.  If you haven’t had a chance to tour Philly on a bike, now’s the best time to do it.