This year for Valentine’s Day, take a look at this list of affordable and fun dates you can go on with your significant other or with your crush to celebrate the holiday. Even if you don’t have a significant other, you can still participate in these enjoyable events with someone special.

Cheap Fast Food Dinner

Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. There are plenty of cheap restaurants doing special things in celebration of the holiday. White Castle is taking reservations for table service, Chick-fil-A will save food in heart boxes and Papa John’s will have a heart-shaped pizza special.

Romantic-Comedy Movie Marathon

The weather in February does not always guarantee sunshine and flowers, and this year, the forecast isn’t looking too great, so cuddle up with your significant other and stay in instead.

There’s a wide variety of romantic-comedy movies out there, on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and Cable TV, perfect for laughing with your significant other and having fun while at home. Make some popcorn, order a pizza and be sure to check out these titles:

• Olivia Evans recommends “10 Things I Hate About You”
• Olivia Dawson recommends “Stuck In Love”
• Piper Hansen recommends “Silver Linings Playbook”

Cooking

There’s no better way to bond than to spend a night cooking and eating cute desserts in your kitchen. This date is cheap and easy and you can put in as much effort as you’d like. It provides the opportunity to feel more grown up and independent while also allowing your bond to grow stronger. Here are some ideas for Valentine’s themed treats; sugar cookies, chocolate covered strawberries, truffles, chocolate covered pretzels and caramel brownies. Stay tuned to RedEye for more Valentine’s recipes. If you want to go the savory route, look up your favorite recipes online or cook some of mama’s best, but as long as you do it together it will be fun. 

Planetariums and Museums

For a more creative date, take your crush to look at planets, stars and the universe at the Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium located on UofL’s campus. Admission is only $8 and provides a unique experience much different than the typical dinner and a movie date. 

If space isn’t your thing, Louisville has several museums that are always updating their exhibits. They have cheap admissions fees and are sure to start interesting conversations with your significant other. Be sure to check out the Speed Art Museum, Kentucky Science Center and the Frazier History Museum. 

Crafting

Crafts are an adorable way keep memories of your relationship. Here are some ideas for Valentine’s themed crafts; homemade Valentine’s Day cards, homemade heart crayons, conversation stones, heart shaped frames and so much more. Don’t worry if your crafts don’t turn out like the Pinterest ones; it’s more fun to fail through the steps together.

Sporting Events

For the athletic duo, hit up a basketball game or any other local sports game that may be taking place. Cheer on your favorite team while hitting a home-run with your partner on the cuteness scale. Let loose, eat, greasy food and yell your heart out.

Concerts

Concerts can range in price, so you can choose to go big or spend a little. They’re a great way to bond over a shared interest in music and spend quality time with someone you like, and they also make great memories to look back on.