Toledo Dates on a Budget

Dates nights are crucial for any relationships (even one with yourself.) Budgeting for a date night is one thing but coming up with ideas is a whole other challenge. Here are some budget friendly ideas for your next date night in Toledo.

Photo credit: ZakFilms

*Note: These are estimated price points.

Under $10

Toledo Metropark
Have you been to one recently? They are amazing. From paddleboat ponds to ice skating rinks there is something you and your significant other will enjoy. Check out what your park has to offer here.

Walk Along The Docks
You don’t have to eat at The Docks in order to enjoy the river view. Take a stroll along the river, ignite thought provoking conversation and get romantic under the stars.

Toledo Botanical Garden
There is no charge for admission or for parking. Though the gardens are only open during daylight hours this date is best for a Saturday afternoon. Be mindful of the different events Toledo Botanical Gardens hosts throughout the summer season. The events are listed on their website here.

Toledo Museum of Art
You only have to pay for parking. At the Toledo Museum of Art gaze upon art, indulge in history and make incredible conversation over the pieces you experience.

Toledo Zoo
If you are a resident of Lucas Country you can visit the Toledo Zoo on Monday’s for free. I know this isn’t a Friday night date excursion but an option for a Monday.

Silver Screen Classics
The Valentine Theatre offers a unique experience to watch a classic film in the theater. The coolest part is the Valentine treating the showing the same way the showing would have been treated in the 30’s; intermission and all. I suggest sitting in the balcony for viewing.

Dates Under $25

Movie Night
Whether you are going to the drive-in or heading to your local Cinemark, movie nights are always fun. Depending on where you go determines the price but I typically spend around $21 for a Cinemark and $16-18 for the drive-in.

Drinks
Most places downtown Toledo you can get 2 drinks and an appetizer for under $25. This all depends on what you get, the quantity and where you go. At Maumee Bay Brewing Co. you can each get the $7 sample plank and share mozzarella sticks for under $25.

Imagination Station
For those of you with a childlike heart this is the place for you. If you are a Lucas County resident you can save $1.50 off your Imagination Station admission ticket and kids, under 12, get in free with a purchase of an adult ticket. Plus, the new Key Bank Discovery Theater hosts special showings of locally made films and big feature films like Lord of the Rings, Titanic and more.

Under $60

Dinner
Although there are several places you can dine under $40 The Docks provides a unique experience for that extra special date night. The Docks has a variety of restaurants ranging from Italian, Mexican, Sea Food and Sushi. Also, you get a discount if you go on your birth date!

Mancy’s Steakhouse

Live Performance
Whether you are going to see a show at The Valentine or rock out to music at a concert in Hensville most tickets are $25-$30 per head. Again, this does vary. Check out the upcoming performances at The Valentine here.

Sports
I love going to Mud Hens and Walleye games. They are so fun and lively. For under $60 you can get 2 tickets and 2 beers, depending on the day and seating arrangement you choose.

Drinking Festivals
Toledo has several of these including The Glass City Wine Festival and Beer Fest. The tickets cost anywhere from $25-$50 a person. We typically go with the standard tickets making the cost be $60 total for our date night.

Go All Out

At Levis Commons there are several options you can choose from to go all out on your date.

Dinner & a Movie - There are 12 restaurants at Levis Commons along with a Cinemark. Order your movie ticket online and enjoy a nice dinner with your significant other.

Pub and Dessert-At Bar Louie you can get a drink and app per person and still be under budget to get a dessert at Taste of Heaven Chocolates.

Toledo Funny Bone-so many forget about this, I do too. You can enjoy a night of comedy and get dinner and drinks all in one place.

There are so many things to do and enjoy in the Glass City. Hopefully these ideas will have you and your significant other spending less time debating on where to go and more time enjoying the evening together.

*Note, these price points are estimated and may change depending on what you order (standing ticket vs. seat ticket, more drinks, extra food ect.).

What is your favorite way to spend a date night? Comment below.