Look, if there's anything we can all agree on, it's the fact that dating is hard. Especially in the early stages. And furthermore, sometimes the standard dinner/movie combo or afternoon coffee date ideas can get a little... boring. So, what are some more inventive and cheap ideas for dates?

Well, it turns out there are a lot of creative ways to date -- and most of them actually happen to be pretty affordable, to boot. And there's something for everyone: for the more active types, outdoor activities like bike riding could make for a good romantic date, while for more introspective folds, a trip to the local modern art museum might just be in order. So, ready to plan your next date? Read on for some great creative date ideas!

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Try: An Outdoor Shakespeare Festival

If you want to get a little cultural enrichment into your dating game, you might want to seek out your local Shakespeare fest. They're often free and/or inexpensive, and they also happen to be a lot of fun. Plus, don't you want to seem extra cultured and smart in front of your date? Just remember to pack a bottle of wine and a killer picnic spread.

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Try: A Hike

This depends a lot on the area you live in, but a nice walk through nature can be quite relaxing and romantic. Whether you live in a dry climate with dusty craggy hills like LA, or an area with fairytale-style woods like the Pacific Northwest, a long, secluded walk is a great way to spend some quality time together.

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Try: A Carnival

So, carnivals are kind of a seasonal thing, and you're not always going to be able to find one in your area... but if you're lucky, and all the stars align, it could make for a really fun, low-key date. Seriously, doesn't eating cotton candy on a rickety Ferris wheel sound impossibly romantic in an old-school kind of way?

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Try: A Local Museum

Okay, so it may not be the Instagram wonderland that is the Museum of Ice Cream, but you'll see some really great things on a trip to your local museum, which makes it a fun date idea on a budget. You'll have a lot to talk about, and a lot of freedom -- strolling around together can feel less limiting than your traditional dinner/movie combo.

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