Want to take a date out for a night on the town, but worried the price tag is holding you back? Here are a few inexpensive options sure to be full-priced fun.
Queens
Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image features a number of exhibits that would interest any cinema fan. From replicas of early optical devices to screenings of classic movies, the museum offers a unique, interesting and fun date experience. General Admission is only $12.
Website: www.movingimage.us
Phone: 718-777-6888
Address: 36-01 35th Avenue
Manhattan
Broadway Student Rush tickets
Nothing says romance better than a night out at a Broadway show. While this may be out of the budget of the average student, Student Rush tickets make this an affordable and fun option.
By showing a valid student ID at the box office, discounted tickets (sometimes up to 50 percent off) can be purchased. Often, one person is able to purchase two tickets. However, they must be bought at the theater’s box office the day of the show and are in limited quantity, so get there early before a line forms. Check the show of your choice’s website to make sure they offer rush tickets.
Central Park
Sometimes it’s best to just stick with the classics. Beautiful scenery and plenty of activities make Central Park an iconic date destination. The fact that almost everything is free is also pretty attractive.
Picnicking, hiking or just strolling through the park are just a few options. The Central Park Zoo is also open year-round and will only set you back $6 ($12 if you’re paying for your date).
Website: www.
centralparknyc.org
Brooklyn
Habana Outpost
This Fort Greene restaurant offers very affordable, Latino-inspired meal options. But, more importantly, it has very affordable drinks: draft beers start as low as $2.75. The frozen mojitos are a bit pricier — around $8 — but are well worth the cost. The Habana Outpost also has a number of events, like movie screenings, throughout the fall.
Website: www.habanaoutpost.com
Phone: 718-858-9500
Address: 757 Fulton Street
The New York Aquarium
Located off of the Coney Island Boardwalk is the New York Aquarium. General Admission is $14.95. For $5 more, you can purchase the “Total Experience” tickets that give you access to the Aquarium as well as new 4D theater ride. If that’s still too expensive for you, on Fridays after 3 p.m., admission can be had for a pay-what-you-wish donation. Exhibits include a shark tank (and feedings), sea lion shows and a year-round outdoor penguin exhibit.
Web: www.nyaquarium.com
Phone: 718-265-3474
Address: 602 Surf Ave
Bronx
New York Botanical Garden
What says date better than 250 acres of flowers and trees? “Grounds-Only Admission” to the New York Botanical Garden will cost you $5 with a student ID ($10 without). This gives you access to a large amount of the Garden’s grounds, which boasts some of the most well regarded botanical exhibits in the country. On top of that, admission is free all day Wednesday. Tickets for specialty exhibits will cost extra however.
Website: www.nybg.org
Phone: 718-817-8700
Address: 2900 Southern Boulevard
Bronx Zoo
From butterfly rooms to anteater eating shows, the Bronx Zoo has plenty of exhibits and activities for couples. And general admission is only $16.95. On Wednesdays, it’s suggested donation entry fee.
Website: www.bronxzoo.com
Phone: 718-220-5100
Address: 2300 Southern Boulevard
Staten Island
Clove Road Park
Tucked away in northeastern Staten Island is Clove Road Park. The park boasts a huge amount of green space, which means you’ll never have a problem finding some privacy.
Website: www.nycgovparks.org/parks/CloveLakesPark
Long Island
The Melting Pot
It’s a chain restaurant, yes, but it does things right. Located in Farmingdale, the Melting Pot’s fondue-centric menu offers diners a deliciously unique experience. While it can get a bit expensive, a quick poke around the menu will reveal cheap deals for food and drinks.
Website: www.meltingpot.com
Phone: 631-752-4242
Address: 2377 Broadhollow Road
Tommy’s Place
Tommy’s Place is a cheap and cozy option for any date. Located in Port Jefferson, the Irish pub/restaurant features a laid back, casual atmosphere. With fairly priced food and drinks, live music and outdoors seating (weather permitting), you can’t go wrong.
Website: www.tommysplace.com
Phone: 631-209-1900
Address: 109 Main Street
