15 Cheap And Fun Date Ideas Near Penn State University
Are you and your beau always searching for fun, new date ideas? Then look no further! If you are lucky enough to have a man by your side, check out these places near campus to bring your love life to the next level. Whether it’s a Tuesday afternoon or a Friday night, we’ve got you covered. Here are 15 cheap and fun date ideas near Penn State University.
1. Saturday Morning Waffle Shop
The Waffle Shop is a classic that will leave the two of you totally satisfied. Nothing is better after a Friday night out than a heaping plate of pancakes, eggs, and bacon (you name it they have it). It’ll help you recover and fuel up for the day to come, while being able to catch up with your man. Just make sure to get there on the earlier side, I’m sure you’ve all seen the line out the door every weekend.
2. Plan a Perfect Picnic
Every Penn State student knows that lounging on Old Main on a sunny spring day is one of the best ways to relax and de-stress during a rough week of exams. So, go grab take out from your fave spot on College Ave. and head over to the lawn. This is so convenient that you can even meet in between classes. Just don’t forget a blanket for the two of you to sit on and your cutest pair of sunnies!
3. Share a Sweet Treat
Nothing beats a cone of Creamery ice cream. Berkley Creamery is right on campus and the ice cream is just about as good as it gets. Plus, they take meal points! Sounds like a win, win, win to me. Just remember not to mix flavors: Penn State’s common courtesy!
4. A Walk in the Park
Taking a stroll around the Arboretum is a perfect low-key date, not to mention it’s completely free. If your wallet is running on empty, this might be the one for you. But, just because it’s low budget, doesn’t mean it’s low on romance! I’d recommend going in the spring so the two of you can enjoy all the beautiful flower displays.
5. Munchies and Matching Shoes
It may sound boring and nerdy, but bowling can actually be a great date, especially on a cold or rainy day! You will have an awesome time together while enjoying endless munchies. Cheeseburgers, fries, pizza? Yes, please! Lucky for you, Northland Bowl is located right in State College. And just think how cute you will look in matching bowling shoes…
6. Discover Nature at Mount Nittany
Hiking Mount Nittany is on every Penn State student’s bucket list. Although the trek up is tough, the view is completely worth it. And what’s better than getting in a good workout and spending time with your favorite guy at the same time?
7. Netflix and Chill
This one seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes just hanging out on the couch and being lazy with your dude can be just what the two of you need. Choose a show to watch together and follow it all the way through! If you’re a professional Netflix binger, this might not take you long.
8. Get Creative
If you enjoy painting, then this is the perfect date for you. 2000 Degrees is right on College Ave. and there’s so many pieces of pottery to chose from. Go with your date and paint something for each other! It’ll be sweet to see what the two of you decide to paint and a nice memory to hold onto.
9. Jam Out Together
For music lovers, seeing a concert is a great way to spend a date night. If you have a little extra cash laying around or it’s a special occasion, The State Theatre, which is right on College Ave., has plenty of concerts and music genres to offer. Even if you don’t recognize any of the artists, it’s always fun to try something new together. You never know, you could end up loving it.
10. Bring out your Inner Chef
If you are lucky enough to have graduated from dorm life into an apartment, you probably have the luxury of your own kitchen. Take advantage of it! Hit up Wegmans to grab all your ingredients, turn up your favorite Spotify playlist, and create a delicious meal that you can enjoy together.
11. Not the Met, But It Will Do…
The Palmer Museum of Art is advertised by the Lion Scouts during tours as the “best cheap date around” – and for good reason! There’s a ton to look at and the exhibits are always changing. Even if you think you don’t enjoy looking at art, give it a try. It’s free and right on campus, it doesn’t get more cheap and convenient than that.
12. Channel Tiger Woods
Mini golf on a warm spring night is a picture-perfect date. It will bring out the playful competitiveness in the two of you that you have been craving. Head on over to Happy Valley Mini Golf, located in State College, and get putting!
13. Hockey Valley
There are so many resources for cheap dates on campus and the Pegula Ice Arena is one of them! It doesn’t have to be winter to go skating around here. They are open for skate hours every week and you can rent skates right there. You even get a discount with your student ID, so don’t leave that behind!
14. Fall Fun with Pumpkin Picking
If you are looking for a cute date during the fall time, pumpkin picking is perfect. There are tons of farms in the area that have pumpkin picking and hay rides and are very cheap. It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh autumn air. Wasson Farm is a little place to check out and it’s right in State College.
15. Hot Air Balloon Ride
This one is definitely not for those with a phobia of heights. Saving the most extravagant for last, Sky’s the Limit Ballooning Inc. is located in Lemont, PA, and it guarantees an incredible time. What is more romantic than enjoying an unbelievable view thousands of feet in the air?
Pull out your calendar because you and your lucky guy now have dates planned for months! What are your favorite date spots in Happy Valley?
