108. Wii, Karaoke, Guitar Hero Nights, What Else?

Don't be a couch potato at home, so come out and play!

Wii Nintendo is not just for kids! Playing games with your partner can bring out the competitiveness and hopefully teamwork spirit between the two of you, especially when playing against other couples. After investing some money into the gaming system itself (AKA capital), then it's a FREE date idea after that. Invite friends over for a group date night.

Or better yet, head out to Barney's Beanery for some fun on a weeknight. There are 4 bar locations from which to choose across Los Angeles: West Hollywood (WeHo), Burbank, Santa Monica (SM) and Pasadena. These make for good late date night since the start time is usually 8, 9, or 10 PM (check their Google Calendar online for updates at each specific location). One of these weekly themed activities should tickle your fancy:

Wii Tennis: Their Own Enemies (Part Deux)
Originally uploaded by geeky artist librarian

• Bingo Night - Something easy to do on Mondays in WeHo
• Comedy Night - Laughing is always good for the soul on Mondays in Pasadena.
• Wii Sports Night - Feel like you are IN the game with their 10-foot wide big screen on Tuesdays in SM (Wii Sports game include bowling, tennis, golf, baseball and boxing)
• Karaoke Night - Perfect for serenading your partner on mostly Wednesdays everywhere, sometimes Sundays and Tuesdays
• Trivia Night - Show off your useless knowledge on Wednesdays in Burbank and Thursdays in Pasadena
• Guitar Hero Night - Make it a group date night on Thursdays in SM

If weeknights are "school nights" for you, Happy Hour either on weekdays at all locations OR Weekend Happy Hour at the original WeHo Barney's (yes, every Saturday and Sunday!) may work for you, always 4-7 PM. Keep yourself entertained with air hockey tables, pool tables, foosball tables, arcade games, shuffleboard- what else can you ask for? By the way, I've never seen an extensive menu like the one at Barney's Beanery. Seriously, there is something for everybody's palette, plus breakfast is served 24/7!

Or if you prefer to stay at home altogether, try the couple's challenge by EA Active. Click HERE for more info. Thanks to @normzrib for sharing the DIY cheap date idea.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission + Food & Drinks

Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless

101. $30 Date Night at The Grove

As we all know, dinner & movies are not really cheap dates.
Well, The Grove is making it more affordable with this special deal, $30 Date Night on weeknights (Mon-Thurs). At $30 per person, you get a 3-course meal for two, movie passes for two, and complimentary valet parking for you (which means pick up your date and carpool).

I Love Popcorn
Originally uploaded by Daveblog

Bring your appetite since a 3-course meal is from start to finish: an appetizer, a main entree, and a dessert. The menus are available online for the 7 participating restaurants, which include places such as The Cheesecake Factory and Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro.

For a current listing of the movies showing at the Pacific Theatres at The Grove, click HERE. I personally recommend...

71. Day Trip: San Diego Harbor Cruise

Taking a cruise is a classy day date idea anytime!
Get 1/2 off tickets for a cruise around San Diego Harbor in January and February through Goldstar.com:
a) 1-Hour Cruise for only $10 Admission plus $3.50 Service Fee (Regular Admission $20 pp), or
b) 2-Hour Cruise for 3 bucks more at $12.50 Admission + $4 Service Fee (Regularly $25 pp).
There are 13 cruise times from which to choose between the 1-Hour and 2-Hour Cruises, daily starting at 10 AM. I suggest reserving the last one of the day at 4:15 PM or 5:30 PM, just in time to enjoy the sunset, which is typically the first one to sell out.

Cruising at dawn
Originally uploaded by boiani

Taking a cruise is a classy day date idea anytime, especially on Valentine's! Yes, this special deal is available every day, including Sunday, February 14th. I'm sure those tickets will sell out soon. If you want to splurge for your loved one, Hornblower Cruises is offering special brunch and dinner cruises that Sunday for $63-175 per person. Just some non-so-cheap romantic date ideas. More cheap date ideas to come, so stay tuned...

Parking is not too bad during weekdays and early on Sundays. Alcohol and snacks are available for sale on the boat, but you can bring your own snacks. Don't forget to bundle up, bring sunscreen and a camera. By the way, over 1,000 members have rated Hornblower Cruises at 3.3 out of 4 Stars.

Before the cruise, stop by La Jolla on the way for a hike through Torrey Pines State Beach and Park (more info at Cheap Date Idea #59). However, if you prefer to stay local in Orange County, check out Cheap Date Idea #66 in Dana Point. Whichever cruise you do, have fun!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $13.50-16.50 Per Person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $40-50 Total.

70. 2 Buck Bowling, Beers & More

Yes, $2 on weekdays, Mondays through Thursdays, after 6 PM.

At Irvine Lanes, it's only $2 for each of the following: bowling games, rental shoes, draft beers, well drinks, chili dogs, and nachos! Don't forget to sign up for their email newsletter online to get free coupons on your birthday and more. I'm not a bowling expert by no means but have found that it's something easy (unless you are competitive, of course) and casual to do. Funny moments are bound to happen in any bowling alley.

Bowling for Beer
Originally uploaded by trigger.is

If you love bowling AND breakfast buffets, then you might want to go bowling AGAIN on Sundays (check out Cheap Date Idea #61). It's only $11 total per person with special $2 mimosas. Concourse Entertainment Center in Anaheim also offers a similar 2-buck deal in the evenings for Sunday Fundays.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $4 Per Person + Food & Drink.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $8 Total + Food & Drink.

Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @OCdeals