Relationships take work. Sometimes men and women seem to assume that the relationship has enough going for it to sustain itself indefinitely. However, that could signal the beginning of the unraveling of the bond between you and your partner. You need to make an investment in time and creativity to keep the romance alive.

Talk of an investment may conjure up images of big bucks, but you don’t have to break the bank to maintain the romance and excitement in your relationship. There are plenty of ways to celebrate your love and explore new and exciting places and things together that don’t cost much money but will leave you with pleasant memories and a stronger-than-ever bond with your partner.

The suggestions that follow come from a handful of lifestyle websites that have dug deep to find new and different ways to spend quality time with your significant other.

Cheer on the Local Sports Team

In an Article Posted at ThoughtCatalog.com, writer Chrissy Stockton suggests that you and your partner make a date to attend a game played by a local sports team, be it a minor league baseball team or a high school sports competition. Admission fees, if any, are usually nominal, and rooting for a local team can be fun in itself even if neither of you is a big-time sports fan. The tab for food and drinks at these local games is usually reasonable and guaranteed not to break the bank.

Soak Up Low-Cost Culture

For couples who live within an easy drive of a big city, the possibilities are virtually endless. Museums, parks, lectures, first-run movies, and much more offer a variety of possibilities for a day trip or a weekend stay. Plan your visit during the off-season, and you’ll be able to find affordable accommodations and far fewer crowds at the attractions you want to take in.

Cook Yourselves a Gourmet Meal

Couples who love fine dining but don’t have the money to eat out at a high-priced gourmet restaurant can work together to prepare a memorable dining experience that won’t cost a bundle. In an article posted at LifeHack.org, Tegan Jones suggests that this is a perfect way to spend quality time together, particularly for couples who are both into cooking. “It’s a chance to test out each other’s skills in the kitchen, as well as create something delicious together,” she writes, adding, “Just don’t stick the other person with all the dirty dishes.”

Try a Game Night at Home

In a Sex and Intimacy blog posting at ForYourMarriage.org, married couple Jim and Susan Vogt offer a number of suggestions for at-home dates that are both inexpensive and fun. Couples who enjoy word play can spend an evening together challenging each other over the Scrabble game board. If word play isn’t your thing, consider finding a board game that better suits the interests of both you and your partner. To make this low-key date a bit more special, the Vogts suggest playing by candlelight while munching on your favorite snack foods.

How about a Pay-per-View Movie at Home?

A night out at the movies has become an increasingly expensive proposition in recent years with ticket prices hovering at or around $10 each for an evening show and popcorn and other snack prices that are through the roof. Alternatively, a recent movie that’s just been released to pay-per-view can be rented from your local cable TV provider for $5 to $7. If you’re feeling truly expansive, you can make this occasion a double-date with another compatible couple. Homemade snacks or those from the supermarket can be provided for only a fraction of what they would cost at the local cinema.

A Weekend Trip to the Country

No matter where you live in North America, there are nearby attractions worth visiting. A winery in central or northern California or the Finger Lakes region of New York or perhaps a wonder of Mother Nature only a short drive away. Such destinations can be the focal point for a day trip or a weekend getaway that offers not just a change of scenery but also a much-needed change of pace. Plan well in advance so you can be sure to get the best rates for accommodations. When dining out, look for quirky restaurants with a unique ambience but a budget-range menu.

Visit a Flea Market or Garage Sale

Hunting for bargains at a flea market or garage sale can provide the framework for a fun day for you and your partner. And if you’ve got a discerning eye for a good buy, you can find gently used household goods, books, or even electronics that will cost only a fraction of what you’d pay for them new.

Take a Hike

Couples who love the outdoors can soak up nature’s beauty and bond with one another while on a hike in the woods or along a scenic riverbank. No one lives more than a few miles from a hiking trail that offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of 21st-century life. It costs little beyond the cost of gasoline to get to your trailhead, and the experience it affords can be priceless.

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