Big Fun, Small Budget: Discover 7 Cheap Date Ideas in Albany NY for $30 or Less
Trying to plan a fun, affordable date? Our area has plenty of spots that fit the bill. Perfect for teens or adults, you and your significant other can enjoy local attractions and activities without breaking the bank. Check out these 7 cheap date ideas in Albany, NY, and nearby all for $30 or less!
Treat Your Sweetie to Out-Of-This-World Ice Cream
Take your date out for a treat—a sweet treat! Emack & Bolio's is a charming Albany ice cream parlor that offers a wide selection of ice cream, pastries, smoothies, and more.
Browse their inventive flavors and eye-catching toppings before you and your date indulge in a scoop (or two) of out-of-this-world ice cream.
The best part? The surprisingly budget-friendly prices allow you to savor your cones without breaking the bank!
This is also a unique date idea where you can bring your furry friend along, as they offer dog-friendly ice cream options. One reviewer noted, “Ice cream for me and my dog. The dog version is yogurt, peanut butter, and a milk bone. We both loved our treats!!!”
Once you’ve ordered your ice cream, grab a seat and stick around for the free live music they have on Friday and Saturday nights. Groove to the tunes of talented local musicians with your date.
Enjoy Mini-Golf & More Exciting Activities
Mini-golf is an excellent date activity, whether you're just starting out in a new relationship, enjoying a long-term romance, or married. The setting allows for easy conversation and the opportunity to deepen your connection in a relaxed atmosphere.
The occasional mishap, such as your ball bouncing off a wall or landing in the water, will surely lead to lighthearted laughter.
While there are several mini-golf places in the Albany area, some feature other ways to channel your inner kid and indulge in juvenile fun. In particular, Funplex Fun Park in East Greenbush offers both go-karts and mini-golf!
Their pricing for mini-golf for $10.00 per adult, and go-karts are $10.00 per person (an additional $4.50 if you share a go-kart); riders must be at least 16 to drive.
When at the Fun Park, choose which attractions appeal to you!
Bonus suggestion: Take the one-hour drive to Lake George, a mini-golfing haven.
Kick It Old School With Roller Skating
Want to glide around, hand in hand with your loved one? Rollarama in Schenectady has excellent prices, which can vary depending on the day of your visit. This summer's skate schedule shows a maximum cost of $17.00 per person.
The roller rink has received numerous positive reviews highlighting its nostalgic "old school" atmosphere. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to relive their childhood memories and experience the joy of feeling like a kid again at this popular spot.
On Tuesdays, you can get a discount and skate for $15.00 per person. Tuesdays also include adult skating for couples 21+.
Go on a Museum Crawl
When was the last time you visited the New York State Museum? Perhaps you went as a child but haven't been for years, or maybe you've never had the chance to visit the museum at all. Here's your opportunity to finally go!
Immerse yourselves in the New York State Museum world, where admission is free and the experience is vast.
Spend quality time with your significant other as you explore captivating exhibitions on the Adirondack wilderness, New York State birds, Indigenous cultures, the World Trade Center, and other fascinating topics.
This museum can easily occupy you for several hours, creating a memorable and romantic day out.
And, depending on what, if anything, you spend on parking, you may want to check out another museum, such as the Albany Institute of History & Art and the USS Slater.
The Albany Institute of History & Art is $12.00 per adult. This is one of the oldest museums in the US and is a treasure trove of historical collections from our local area over the years.
The USS Slater is a museum on a boat, but not just any vessel. It is the last Destroyer Escort still afloat in this country today. If your partner isn't into art museums but would love to see some history dating back to World War II, this might be the museum for your date.
The USS Slater offers museum tours from April through November, Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Admission is $12.00 per adult.
Discover more Albany area museums >>
Laugh Hysterically at Improv Comedy
Have you ever witnessed improv comedy in person? Unlike stand-up comedy, improv involves creating dialogue and stories at the moment, making each show unpredictable.
The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady offers thrilling shows for a truly unique date night experience.
You can attend shows such as Theatresports, which features two teams of improvisers competing, or Workout Night, an ongoing open drop-in class.
With no set plan for each Workout Night class, the instructor surveys the group and figures out what would serve best that particular night. As a result, this class is suitable for all experience levels.
Improvisers use inspiration from the audience to help invent scenes and songs on the spot. But no worries - comedians never pick on audience members, and you're not obligated to get on stage.
Although prices vary depending on the event, most shows offer general admission for $15 per person, making this a perfect $30 date.
Support Your Local Baseball Team
Baseball is a much better sport to watch in person than on TV. When you attend a Tri-City ValleyCats game in Troy during the summer, you will inevitably get caught up in the excitement and energy of the crowd.
They always have something extra going on besides the game, such as a theme, a promotion, or a special event, like Star Wars Night and Under the Sea!
The pricing for games is unbeatable too. Ticket prices on game day range from $10.50 to $17.50, ensuring an affordable night out.
Many fans rave about the exciting games, with one reviewer noting, “Minor league baseball at its best. It's a great place to watch a baseball game with no bad seats in the house. It's reasonably inexpensive for family entertainment, and the fireworks after the game are always a bonus!”
Grab your partner and head to the ballpark for an unforgettable evening of America’s favorite pastime.
View the ValleyCats' summer game schedule >>
Catch a Movie Under the Stars at the Jericho Drive-In
Experience the nostalgia of a drive-in movie at the Jericho Drive-In in Glenmont. This drive-in theater provides an excellent opportunity to cuddle up in your car and watch the latest blockbusters on the big screen.
One reviewer exclaimed, “Old school fun! This classic drive-in gives you a deep dive into the American culture of the drive-in cinema. Drive your car to the entrance, pay, find a good spot on the field, tune in with your car radio to sync the movie sound, and enjoy the movie on the huge screen. This is an experience you don’t want to miss! Highly recommended.”
Admission is wallet-friendly, with prices typically around $12.00 per person. Be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot, and bring some cozy blankets.
Before or after the movie, we recommend stopping at the on-site Twist Ice Cream Shoppe for a sweet treat. This local favorite offers a wide selection of ice cream flavors, sundaes, shakes, and other tasty desserts.
And for the ultimate cheap date - plan a walk together >>
