You don’t need a lot of money to make date night a fun night here in Chattanooga. In a city with so much to do, there’s no excuse for not getting out … even if you don’t have the funds. Don’t get stuck in a date night rut. Check out these awesome free and cheap date night ideas! PLUS - Register below to win a $50 gift card to Ruth's Christ Steak House! 

1. Go dancing on Frazier Avenue

Bring your dancing shoes and follow the inlaid brass feet along Frazier Avenue for a toe-tapping adventure. The best part? It’s all free. Learn dance steps like the the waltz, the twist, the mambo and even the hokey pokey by (literally) following the step-by-step instructions.

2. Learn archery together

On Wednesdays at 3:30-5:30 p.m. from now until March 8, Outdoor Chattanooga's hosting a “Try Archery" class. This free indoor class offers a hands-on opportunity to learn more about the sport of archery. The session is walk-in, and no reservation is necessary. Be spontaneous, take aim and give archery a try! For more information, call Outdoor Chattanooga at 423-643-6888.

3. Get artsy at a local gallery

So many local galleries offer free times to go see their exhibitions. From photography to pottery to sassy needlepoint, there is seriously always something new to see. Here are a few of our local galleries to look into: In-Town Gallery, River Gallery, Area 61 Gallery, The Hart Gallery, Cress Gallery of Art, etc. 

4. Go for a hike

Go hiking at any one of our 150 miles of hiking trails within a 15 minute drive of downtown Chattanooga. One of the best things about nature is that it’s totally free. This is such a nice way to unplug and grow closer as a couple. 

5. Ride the Coolidge Park Carousel 

Carousels aren’t just for kids. At least we don’t think so. And at $1 a ride, you can’t beat the price to get up close and personal with this 100-year-old restored piece of history. 

6. Learn to sew

Sometimes working with your hands can be a fun way to spend time together. The Chattanooga Public Library has a weekly sewing lab on Thursdays from 4-5:45 p.m. which teaches the fundamentals of sewing with one project a month. To find out what the project for the month is, check the library event calendar. 

7. Volunteer together

Whether it’s helping to clear trail, petting cats at the local shelter or spending time with residents at a nursing home, volunteering is a perfect way to give back to the community while also growing closer together. 

8. Explore Cloudland Canyon State Park (And Try Disk Golf!)

For a $5 day parking pass, you can access all of the awesome fun Lookout Mountain’s Cloudland Canyon State Park has to offer. Go hiking on one of the many trails which lead you to some of the area’s most gorgeous waterfalls or try your hand at disk golf at the park’s 18-hole course. 

9. Go watch a free movie

Gather your blankets, lawn chairs and snacks—every year First Things First, in partnership with the City of Chattanooga, hosts this free summertime series during which families gather on the grass in Coolidge Park to watch a film on a giant inflatable screen. The movies, which are shown on Saturdays around 8:30 p.m. or after the sun goes down, are current family favorites perfect for kids or kids at heart. Last year it started in July, so keep an eye out for the start of this year’s series. 

10. Learn to ride a bike (or brush up on rusty skills!)

Did you or your s/o miss out on the whole learning how to ride a bike thing? Or maybe it’s just been a while? Check out these classes in which through simple bicycling drills, Outdoor Chattanooga's League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructors will teach you all you need to know about riding a bike. Classes are held on the second Monday of each month from 4-5:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required. To learn more or sign up, call 423-643-6888.

11. Go peruse the art at the Hunter Museum

The Hunter Museum of American Art is a Chattanooga favorite, with a large collection featuring artists from the Colonial period to the present day. Although there is normally a cost associated with visiting the Hunter Museum, admission to the permanent collection is free on the first Thursday of every month from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is also free admission for active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve. 

12. Go out (or stay in) for karaoke

Find a table for two, order a drink and get to singing! Bonus if you pick songs for each other instead of picking out your own. You don’t have to spend much, but you can spend a lot of time watching the festivities and singing your heart out.

13. Thrift shop for a cause

Thrifting is like a treasure hunt. It could wind up that you leave with nothing … or you could find an incredible deal on something unexpected! Either way it’s a fun and free (or nearly free) way to spend time together. 

14. Picnic in the park

Dinner doesn’t have to be at the fanciest restaurant to be considered a date night. Dress up and take dinner to go at one of Chattanooga’s green spaces. 

15. Stroll through the sculpture garden 

Located in the Bluff View Art District, the River Gallery Sculpture Garden is a perfect place to head outside and relax. This 2 acre outdoor space overlooks the Tennessee River and is home to beautiful creations!

16. Movie marathon with forts and pajamas

What, you’re not a kid anymore? But who doesn’t love the idea of being a kid again … at least for the night. Make yourself a pillow fort (consider it living room camping) and hunker down for a movie marathon complete with popcorn and pajamas.

17. Plan a game night 

This is perfect for a group date with friends. You can keep the fun at home or take it out to the park. Just grab a blanket and cards and have fun!

18. Bike on the Riverwalk

Load up your bikes and take a bike ride on the TN Riverpark, or any of the bike-friendly areas in Chattanooga. Don’t have a bike? Rent one from Bike Chattanooga.

19. Go for a walk on the Walnut Street Bridge

The crown jewel of North Chattanooga, known as the "North Shore," is the Walnut Street Bridge, the world's longest pedestrian bridge at 2,376 feet in length. On any given day you’ll see many people—runners, cyclists, families strolling the bridge with Clumpies ice cream in hand—enjoying what the bridge has to offer. Be sure to bring your camera for photo opps along the way!

20. Try a local trivia night

There are so many trivia nights in Chattanooga, it’s impossible to list them all. Tremont Tavern hosts trivia on Monday nights at 8pm, Feed Table & Tavern offers trivia on Tuesday nights, etc. Try a local restaurant or bar and challenge each other! 

21. Go listen to some tunes at Nightfall

The Nightfall Concert Series is a beloved Chattanooga tradition where national and international artists come to Miller Plaza downtown to perform. The concerts are held each Friday night usually beginning in May and ending in September. They’re free and open to the public, so you can bring a lawn chair (or stand and dance!) and enjoy the free fun. 

22. Go camping in your backyard.

Pitch a tent in the backyard for the night. Make a bonfire, roast a marshmallow and end off the evening with some stargazing. Romantic, right?

23. Get lost (on purpose)

Head to a neighborhood together that you are curious about. As your starting point, pick a park or a spot that attracted you to that neighborhood. Explore that and then start walking straight until something in another direction piques your interest. Keep wandering. Bonus points if you leave your phone at home. If you legitimately need assistance finding your way back, Chattanooga is full of nice people who will help. 

24. Try to break a Guinness World Record

Did you know that the most M&Ms eaten in one minute blindfolded with chopsticks is 20? I mean, you could probably beat that, right? Either way, it’s fun to try! Visit guinnessworldrecords.com and try to find a record of your own to break. 

25. Play people-watching bingo at Hamilton Place Mall

Come up with a list of bingo options and print them out before you go. Try things like ‘Person holding 5 or more shopping bags,’ ‘Man buying lingerie,’ etc. Grab a coffee, a bench and enjoy the game.

26. Bake (and maybe even decorate!) cookies together

Most of us already have the ingredients for a basic cookie in the kitchen. Baking together is already fun, but if you want, try taking it to the next level and make rolled sugar cookies. This way for $10 or so in supplies, you can not only bake cookies together, but you can decorate them together, too. 

27. Go explore the Chattanooga Market

Each Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning usually in April, the Tennessee Pavilion fills with local farmers and craftsman bringing their produce and handmade wares. Although you’ll want to have some cash on hand in case you want to buy groceries, gifts or a snack, you can just as easily walk around and take it all in without spending a penny. At the Tennessee Pavilion, there is a stage where bands, dance teams and theatre troupes perform. Just check in on the Chattanooga Market Facebook page at facebook.com/chattamarket or the website at chattanoogamarket.com to see the schedule of events.

28. Make a meal out of Costco samples

If you don’t do this already, you’re not a true Costco fan. Make a game of wandering around and trying all of the free samples. If you’re a member already, you are already paying for this, so why not take advantage! 

29. Create a new holiday all your own

Maybe it’s “Frank Day” on December 12 to celebrate Frank Sinatra’s birthday. On this day, you must listen to Sinatra all day and dress in 1950s fashion. Whatever holiday you choose, make it your own by coming up with rules and traditions, and celebrate it every year. 

30. Enjoy Chattanooga’s public art

Chattanooga is chock full of public art from murals to larger-than-life sculptures. No matter where you are in town, there is bound to be a piece of local art to enjoy. In Bluff View, take a self-guided walking tour of the River Gallery Sculpture Garden or just wander past the shops and restaurants to see the sculpture art integrated throughout the area. On McCallie Avenue in downtown Chattanooga, go for a driving tour through what is known as the “world’s first drive through art gallery” with murals created by a host of talented artists. For a more comprehensive list of public art and a map of where to find it, check out this guide from the Chattanooga Visitor’s Bureau at www.chattanoogafun.com/media/pac-brochure.pdf.

31.Go googly-eye bombing

Ever see something randomly while walking down the street and thought that it looks like a face? Take a walk downtown with a pocket of google eyes to stick onto things that give you this impression. It’s a non-harmful and funny way to make you and others smile. 

32. Have a cooking contest

See which of you can make the best meal using only the contents of your fridge. Ready, set, go!

33. Take a yoga class 

Relax and stretch today and your body will thank you tomorrow. There are multiple yoga studios around town and pop-up free events sporadically throughout the week.

34. Make a DIY kite and fly it together

You’d be surprised how many super duper easy kite DIYs there are out there. Using items you already have at home, you can make a kite that actually flies! Google and find the best one for you, and make a day of it. 

35. Go to a playground

Playgrounds aren’t just for kids, you know. See who can swing the highest or who can actually do the monkey bars the longest. Bonus—you can actually burn some calories. 

36. Watch fireworks

You might not be able to buy tickets for Riverbend, Chattanooga’s nine-day concert series held on the riverfront each June. But you can easily see the grand finale fireworks from pretty much anywhere downtown! Grab a coveted spot on the Walnut Street Bridge and watch the festivities. 

37. Visit Cravens House

Robert Cravens was a local iron master in antebellum Chattanooga, and his home was one of the few permanent residences on Lookout Mountain at that time. During the siege of Chattanooga in the Civil War, the Cravens family fled to their property in Georgia, and the Confederate Army used the home as a headquarters and encampment. Because it was visible from Moccasin Bend, Union gunners used the home as a target point when they fired at Confederates on the mountain. Cool, right? The home still stands and you can wander the property for free from sunrise to sunset daily. 

38. Have a dance-off

Don’t worry, you can do this in the privacy of your own home. The person with the best moves gets bragging rights.

39. Join a running club

If you want to get in shape, it’s better to have accountability. Beyond spending time together, you can also meet friends. Plus, some of the meet up groups—like Running for Brews—end the evening at the local pub. Not a bad finale to your workout, right? 

40. Learn how to give great massages

YouTube is a mecca for all the knowledge you ever wanted (and some you never wanted) to know. Fire up the computer and watch videos on how to give the best massages. Take turns trying out your new skills. 

41. Go swimming in one of Chattanooga’s best spots

The North Chick Blue Hole is a local favorite for when summers just get too sweaty to handle. But that’s not the only spot! Check out this article for more swimming holes to visit this summer: https://www.thetorgersonteam.com/blog/our-guide-to-the-chattanooga-areas-5-best-blue-holes.html

42. Make a paint chip mural

Grab some free paint chips from the local hardware store and get to creating. Google ‘paint chip mural’ to see what we mean. 

43. Offer to pet sit or babysit for a friend

Not only are you doing someone a favor by giving them the night off, you’re giving yourself a fun night in with kiddos (especially if you don’t have any of your own) or a fur-child. Either way there are fun dog walks to be had or cartoons to be watched. 

44. Go enjoy some fun in the sun at Chester Frost Park

Boating, fishing, swimming—Chester Frost Park in Hixson has it all when it comes to lakefront summer fun. This 280-acre park on the shores of Chickamauga Lake offers a boat launch, boat docks and ramps, a swimming beach, fishing piers, group picnic facilities and an indoor pavilion.

45. Play a game of “Getting to Know You” 

Make a list of questions like ‘What did you think when you first met me?’ or ‘What do you think has been the hands-down most funniest moment since we’ve since we’ve been together?’ Take turns answering and enjoy learning even more about each other. 

46. Go box sledding down Renaissance Park’s hill

Chattanooga doesn’t get much snow, but that’s no excuse to have never been sledding. All you have to do is find parking near Renaissance Park in North Chattanooga, a box and some courage in order to have a fun day at the cardboard hill. This is all-seasons fun for all ages. 

47. Have an impromptu photoshoot

Dress up in your best, grab a camera and a tripod and go have fun taking photos of one another and together! Besides, you needed a new Facebook profile pic anyway, right? 

48. Have a water balloon fight

Hopefully you have some old balloons lying around from birthday parties past. But if not, a quick trip to the dollar store can offer hours of entertainment with a giant water balloon battle. 

49. Go for a scenic drive

Chattanooga is not short on some seriously beautiful scenery, and a relaxing drive is a great way for a couple to catch up and enjoy some time together. Bring good tunes and snacks and see some of the beauty our city has to offer. 

50. Visit the Chattanooga Choo Choo

Built in 1908, this historic downtown inn was once the terminal station for the Southern Railway line. It’s totally free to walk through the gardens, peruse the shops on the property and check out the outside of the rail cars. If you do have a few dollars to spare, cross the street and end the night by splitting a dessert at The Hot Chocolatier.  

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