Do you see Valentine’s Day as just another manufactured holiday designed to separate you from your money? Do you consider yourself a romantic but refuse to lay out a pile of cash just to show you care?

Mr. Free Stuff doesn’t believe Valentine’s Day has to mean a fancy date, big dinner or an impressive gift. We’ve compiled 44 free dates to help you and your loved one spend special time together without giving into the commercial hype.

1. Local Art Shows

Many cities have local art shows on a regular basis that are free to visit. Some even offer free wine and cheese. Look in your local newspaper or city website for an art show near you.

Photo by markhillary

2. Amateur night at a bar
These amateur nights tend to showcase local talent in either music or comedy performances, depending on the bar. Before going, do your research and make sure it’s something that would interest you and your date.

3. Attend an outdoor free concert
This is an ideal date for warmer climates. There are hundreds of free outdoor concerts and you can even make it into a fun dinner by bringing a pick-nick with you.

4. Have a game night
Everyone has a favorite childhood game, whether it’s Monopoly, Clue or Risk, so settle in for a night and play a classic. Or you might try one of the new, more complex games that are sweeping the country, like “Settlers of Canaan.”

5. Open-mike night at a comedy club
If you’re looking for a good laugh, this is the place for you and your date. Comedy clubs usually are expensive but, if you time it right, you just might catch a rising young star for free.

Photo by moonwire

6. Go stargazing
Urbanites might toss a blanket and bottle of wine in the car, then drive until you find a country location far from the city lights. If you wanted to make an entire night of it, bring a picnic and dine by the sunset.

7. Have a movie night at home
Instead of spending tons of money at the movie theater, stay home and watch one of your favorite films together. Take turns picking the movie. You never know what you’ll learn about someone by sharing movie time.

8. Go to the beach or lake
Many beaches and lakes are free, which makes them idea spots for romance. You can take a long walk on the beach, have a stone-skipping contest, or simply gaze at the waves and into your date’s eyes.

Photo by Mulsanne

9. Play poker
Instead of gambling with cash, play for things like M&M’s, peanuts, raisins, or any other edibles. The best part is that, at the end of the game, you get to eat your winnings.

10. Go to a playground
Relive your childhoods and have contests to see who can swing the highest or who can do the monkey bars the most times in a row.

11. Go on a hike
Pack lots of water and granola bars (or your preferred snacks) and dress in layers so you’re prepared for sudden weather changes. This is a great way to enjoy nature and each other’s company.

Photo by chadford

12. Play a sport you enjoy together
Whether it’s playing catch with a Frisbee, kicking the hacky sack, or shooting some hoops, you’re sure to have fun. If you have a whole day, you can play a lot of different sports and take breaks for snacks.

13. Give back to your community
If you share a passion for animals, volunteer at a local pet shelter. If you’re more interested in hefting a hammer, look into Habitat for Humanity. There are volunteer opportunities for all passions, so just find the one that best suits you and have fun!

14. Go sledding
If you don’t have a traditional sled, you can use such common household items as garbage bags, cardboard boxes or cookie sheets. You could even turn it into a contest to see who comes up with the most successful make-shift sleds.

Photo by groovnick

15. Tour a local brewery
Most tours are free and — best of all — include free samples at the end.

16. View Some Art
Most museums  charge for admission, but many frequently offer free days on a monthly or annual basis. You can also create your own tour of local free galleries to view the work of up-and-coming artists.

17. Plan a TV night
Watch your favorite shows together. Whether it’s on DVD or live on TV, it’s always more fun to share the experience.

18. Free Zoo Days
Most Zoos offer a few free days throughout the year. This is a great time to take advantage of the zoo without having to pay for entrance.

Photo by loungerie

19. Make S’mores
Who says you have to be on a camping trip to enjoy S’mores? Use a grill, fireplace or gas stove to roast up marshmallows and eat them with chocolate and gram crackers.

20. Attend a Farmers Market
Many cities now host farmers markets on the weekend. The food on offer is usually healthier and fresher than store bought and it’s always interesting to check out the work of local artisans.

21. Karaoke Nights
Many bars have Karaoke Nights during the week. These are a great time to show off your singing abilities and have a blast learning more about each other in a social environment.

Photo by ibeamee

22. Test Drive Cars
You may have to pretend you’re looking to buy, so you’ll want to prepare a cover story. Have fun test driving your dream car or any car that looks like fun.

23. Re-arrange your home
Ever been curious to see what your apartment would look like if it was feng shui’d? Or wanted to see what a crazy arrangement would do to liven up the space? This is a great way to enjoy each other and have fun with your creativity.

24. Build a snowman
Try to make crazy shapes, a la Calvin and Hobbes, or simply perfect the classic snowman. Hot coco makes the perfect follow-up to a day in the snow.

Photo by alexfrance

25. Photo Shoot
Everyone loves having pictures of their special someone, whether for your wallet, on your desk at work, or just for your home. Get silly with your photo shoot and come up with interesting costumes, backdrops and angles.

26. Play in the Mud
What better activity is there to enjoy the new mud after a fresh rain? Get into your messiest clothes and head out to the local mud puddle (or just some mud you find in your back yard) and have a mud fight.

Photo by thirteenofclubs

27. Build a fort
Who didn’t love building forts as a kid? Why not build one now with your significant other for a date? You can camp out in the fort for as long as you like, pretend it’s a secret hiding place, go on an adventure or just have a great camping trip inside. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can always build a snow fort.

28. Sandcastle competition
This works out best if you either live by a sandy beach/ocean or if you have a kid’s sandbox around. Gather up some items that can be used to build castles (bowls, cups, etc.) and see who can build the best sandcastle.

29. Leap into leaves
If you don’t have a yard of your own, borrow a local park’s leaves to create your pile.

Photo by kton25

30. Be in a TV Audience
Most TV shows don’t charge for admission, but you may need to call ahead and make a reservation. Who knows? You might even win some money for dinner after the show.

31. Watch Fireworks
Check to see when local sporting teams are going to be having a fireworks show. Take a blanket and cuddle up while you watch the free  show.

32. Cloud Watching
Lie in the grass and watch the clouds go by. Compete to see who can find the most unusual critters in the cloud formations.

Photo by Moomettesgram

33. Fly a Kite
Fly the kite that’s been gathering dust in your garage or make a new one. Then head to the park on a windy day.

34. Host a dance party
Turn your home into a club with a particular theme. You could even do this weekly with rotating themes.

35. Visit a farm
Some farms offer free tours or visiting hours. Visit the animals and learn about how a farm actually operates.

36. Amateur night at a coffee house
Many local coffee houses have amateur nights, where people can come in and perform or simply read their poetry. You never know what kind of performances you’ll find, so expect the unexpected. If you’re bold, you might jump in and participate.

Photo by Chris Blakeley

37. Tour a Winery
Most of these tours are completely free and even offer free samples. It’s a great way to learn about the local wines of your area and to spend time together.

38. Dream House Adventure
Drive around to find your special-someone’s dream home. Take a self-initiated tour around the house’s exterior to see what it’s like. Just don’t get caught!

Photo by kyleplastock

39. Have a Yard Sale
This can be a fun way to bond over old things you have laying around while earning some cash. Establish a goal like, “If we make $50 dollars, we’ll go out to eat at an expensive restaurant.” Or make it a competition to see who can sell the most.

40. Rock Skipping
Find a smooth lake surface and hold a competition. If you want to make a day of it, bring a picnic and enjoy the water.

41. Go on a Bike Ride
This is a great way to get in some exercise while having fun. Look for some cool paths around your area and explore new areas.

Photo by docman

42. Dress Up
Each of you get as dressed up in a certain theme from things you have laying around the house. See who can make the best costume.

43. Water Balloon Fight
Hopefully you have some old balloons lying around from a birthday party. Use these to create water balloons and have fun with a giant water balloon battle.

44. Have a Picnic
Instead of eating sandwiches at home for lunch, pack up and head out on an adventure to a local park or lake.

Photo by davdog