Dating can take a toll on your bank account like few other activities. It’s right up there with skiing, golf and days spent at the spa. Yet not everyone is ready to make this kind of financial commitment right off the bat, either because of cash flow or lack of certainty that the person you’re out with is actually worth spending a small fortune on. If you happen to find yourself in one of these situations, or another that calls for an inexpensive date, we have the answer. Here are some things you can do for cheap while keeping the focus firmly on romance.

Take a drive: Head out of your hometown on the open road on a scenic drive. Look for parks or points of interest to stop at along the way. Pack enough tunes, sandwiches, crossword puzzles or books (you can read while they drive or vice versa), blankets (for spontaneous roadside picnics) and whatever else you can think of that would make the drive more memorable. You can do a 'small town hunt' or search out festivals that spring up when the weather is nice.

Walk a mall: Take a trip to a mall or flea market for some quality widow shopping. It’s a good way to get to know what your date likes and doesn’t like and a perfect idea right before a holiday where gifts are appropriate. Try and find an unusual mall or one that you both might not have been to in a while. And in case you were wondering, despite all the rumors, in this case size might just matter.

Bowling: Get your date rolling with bowling! Smelly shoes and bad food are all part of the attraction at this inexpensive spot for romance. It’s an activity that just about everyone can enjoy.

Find a park: Nature provides some beautiful settings for dates. Find a trail or local park area where you can spend some time. If you plan on being a while, take some snacks along. You can also bring a ball to toss around or a frisbee--anything that will get the two of you doing something together.

Go bike riding: Take your date for an inexpensive tour of the town! Getting out and being active is a low cost, high benefit way to spend a day. You can cover a lot of ground on two wheels.

Play tourist: Grab a visitor’s guide of your area and roam around. You might be surprised at what hidden gems are hiding right under your nose.

Tour a museum: Most public attractions aren’t all that expensive and a good way to spend an afternoon with a date. Check out art galleries, museums, zoos and aquariums.

Finding an inexpensive date idea isn’t hard. There are plenty of things to do to keep you and your date amused. Remember, it isn’t the money that goes into a date that counts. It’s the time you spend together and what you do with it that really helps build a romance!