Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, so whether you’re tight on a budget or low on ideas, here are some cheap and easy date ideas perfect for the big day — or really any day of the year. There’s flora, there’s fauna, there’s movies in the park and way more — all for $25 or less.
Valentine’s Date Night Makers Market
Orlando Museum of Art
As jazz tunes play throughout the museum, guests are invited to enjoy extended hours. Browse local artisan makers and vendors in the Rotunda and Sculpture Garden, along with full access to the museum’s galleries and exhibitions. Credit: Photo courtesy Orlando Museum of ArtBok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales
Open 365 days a year, this historic landmark is known for its Art Deco singing tower and nearly 50 acres of scenic gardens to explore. Bok Tower Gardens single-day admission is $17 and will get you access to garden areas and the 3.5-mile Pine Ridge Preserve hiking trail. Credit:Photo via Bok Tower Gardens/FacebookValentine’s Day Movie Night
Harry P. Leu Gardens
For only $7 per ticket, upgrade your typical Valentine’s Day movie date with Leu Gardens’ Movie Night. Pack a picnic and bring a bottle of wine to see the 1997 rom-com As Good As It Gets. Credit:Photo via Harry P. Leu Gardens/FacebookSee a comedy show
29 S. Orange Ave., Orlando
Downtown Orlando’s own SAK Comedy Lab is offering three shows this Valentine’s Day for all the lovebirds who love to laugh. General admission is $25. Credit:Photo via SAK Comedy Lab/FacebookValentine’s Day dinner at Enzian Theater
1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland
Alternative movie house Enzian Theater offers independent, foreign and classic films and film events throughout the week, as well as special events the week of Valentine’s Day. Credit:Photo via Enzian Theater/FacebookWine Tasting in Winter Park
270 S. Park Ave., Winter Park
The Wine Room in Winter Park will win you huge points on elegance for a pretty decent cost. Guests purchase a wine tasting “debit” card that can be used to purchase samples of 150 different wines. Credit:Photo via The Wine Room/FacebookSelf-guided mural tour
Various locations
With the help of Mills50.org, you can experience some of Orlando’s most eye-catching murals on a self-guided tour through the city’s artworks. Impressive views and great photo-ops. Credit:Photo via Mills50.orgSilver Moon Drive In
4100 New Tampa Highway, Lakeland
Get a little retro this V-day with a movie at Lakeland’s Silver Moon Drive In. There’s two massive screens showing double features seven nights a week, all for only $7 per ticket. Credit:Photo via Silver Moon Drive In/InstagramLake Louisa State Park
Clermont
Only $5 per vehicle and 30 minutes outside of Orlando, Lake Louisa State Park offers an escape into nature for you and your Valentine to enjoy. There’s plenty of wildlife to see, trails to bike and water to canoe, kayak and paddle board through. Credit:Photo via Lake Louisa State Park/Florida State ParksLake Louisa State Park
Clermont
Only $5 per vehicle and 30 minutes outside of Orlando, Lake Louisa State Park offers an escape into nature for you and your Valentine to enjoy. There’s plenty of wildlife to see, trails to bike and water to canoe, kayak and paddle board through. Credit:Photo via Lake Louisa State Park/Florida State ParksAlbin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens
633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park
At the Polasek Museum, guests can browse exhibitions in the museum itself, or stroll through the sculpture gardens for something a bit more green. Admission is $12. Credit:Photo via Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens/FacebookMennello Museum of American Art
900 E. Princeton St., Orlando
Located in the historic Howard Phillips house in Loch Haven park, the Mennello Museum of American Art offers artwork and sculptures, as well as a permanent collection of paintings by Earl Cunningham. Adult tickets are $5, student tickets are $1. Credit:Photo via Mennello Museum of American Art/FacebookScenic wildlife drive
Lake Apopka
Make the most of the Orlando area’s flora and fauna with a guided audio tour through Lake Apopka’s wildlife drive. Credit:Photo via Lake Apopka Wildlife Tour/FacebookRollins Museum of Art
1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park
Open select hours Tuesday through Saturday, Rollins College’s on-campus art museum is completely free and a great spot to see both historically significant and contemporary art works. Credit:Photo via Rollins Museum of Art/FacebookMead Botanical Garden
1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park
For all the flower lovers and wannabe green thumbs out there, Mead Botanical Garden offers the perfect spot for a romantic stroll in Winter Park. Credit:Photo via Mead Botanical Garden/FacebookOrlando Museum of Art
2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
Wander through Orlando Museum of Art for an afternoon of culture and beauty. On display now is Twentysomethings, an exhibition showcasing the private collection of a 25-year-old local collector who has made the daring choice of embracing NFT collecting from its inception. Adult tickets are $20. Credit:Photo courtesy OMA/FacebookGreen Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead
Minneola
A perfect opportunity to get some fresh air and maybe snap a few photos while enjoying Central Florida’s great outdoors at Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead. Credit:Photo via floridahikes.comWekiwa Springs State Park
1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka
Emerald springs and lush tropical vibes encompass this state park’s energy. It’s just minutes from downtown Orlando and offers tons of activities like swimming, hiking and more. Credit:Photo via Wekiwa State Park/Florida State ParksSample local brews at Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company
1300 Alden Road, Orlando
Enjoy year-round and seasonal local brews at downtown Orlando’s Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company. Credit:Photo via Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company/FacebookTravel down Orlando’s Urban Trail
Various locations
Bike or walk this 3-mile-long trail connecting Loch Haven Park, Mead Garden in Winter Park, Orlando Cultural Park and the Gaston Edwards Trail, as well as six different lakes. Take in the sights and get some steps in. Credit:Photo via Orlando.gov
