The best cheap date ideas in Chicago

Not only is the Lincoln Park Zoo open every day of the year, it's also 100 percent free to visit. Get cozy while you check out the lions, tigers and bears, and be sure to head back in December, when the grounds are illuminated with colorful holiday lights for ZooLights.

Make it a date: Once you’re done looking at the animals, grab a bite to eat at nearby Cafecito in Lincoln Park. The Cubano sandwich is less than $12 and one of the best versions in the city. If you need a jolt of energy to keep the romance going, order the restaurant's namesake drink—a Cuban espresso.

While it's undeniably one of Chicago's biggest tourist traps, Millennium Park has a lot to offer to local couples looking for affordable entertainment. Come summer, you can lay out a blanket on the lawn of Pritzker Pavilion and check out free concerts, movies and festivals.

Make it a date: Before heading downtown, swing by any of Goddess and Grocer's three locations for sandwiches, salads and desserts to go (booze is banned at some Millennium Park summer events, but outside food is almost always allowed).

Looking for a toe-tapping night out? On most Mondays, the Empty Bottle hosts free shows featuring local acts and touring bands, including indie rockers and experimental electronic artists.

Make it a date: Grab a table next door at Pizza Friendly Pizza and order a $5 square for some energy to keep you dancing all night. 

The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of Chicago’s most stunning sights and best of all, it doesn’t cost a cent (but donations are appreciated). Bring your date here to marvel at “landscape art under glass,” which features thousands of plants from around the world spread across eight indoor display gardens. During summertime, wander through the 12-acre outdoor gardens to escape the urban bustle of the city. Reservations are required and can be made online.

Make it a date: Not too far, stumble across Inspiration Kitchens, a non-profit restaurant in East Garfield Park funding the organization’s job training program. Dine in for a good cause and try rich shrimp and grits or a smash burger. The restaurant is only open for lunch on Fridays and brunch on Saturdays.

The Music Box's 90-year-old main theater is the most romantic place to see a movie, with its Italian architecture and simulated clouds rolling across the ceiling. The prices are just as nice: Adult admission is just $11, but weekend matinees are $7 for members.

Make it a date: After the credits roll, walk two blocks south to the Butcher's Tap, which features a menu of affordable sandwiches and more than 80 beers.

Lakeview comedy club the Laugh Factory highlights both established and and up-and-coming comics. At least once a week, you can score free tickets to see standup shows from some of the best local acts. Who knows, you may just see the next big star during your visit.

Make it a date: Grab dinner across the street at Chicken Hut, where you can share a whole charbroiled chicken for less than $22. Or head to nearby DryHop Brewers for a cold pint.

Some of the world's most famous collections and exhibits can be found in Chicago. Want to see premier pieces from famous artists? Make your way to the Art Institute or Museum of Contemporary Art. Obsessed with the deep unknown of the sea or space? Take a trip to the Shedd Aquarium or Adler Planetarium. The pro tip? Most museums offer free days throughout the year, so check online beforehand to save on your visit.

Make it a date: If you're at the Art Institute or Museum Campus, Oasis Cafe is a solid bet. The popular and affordable Middle Eastern restaurant offers staples like smoky baba ganoush and crispy falafel, as well as daily specials.

Did you know the country's largest video game arcade is located just outside the city? Take a trip to Brookfield's Galloping Ghost, where you'll find nearly 900 cabinets. Entry is $25, but the machines are set to free play and there's no time limit, meaning you can spend an entire day here.

Make it a date: When you need a break from the action, head a few blocks over to Imperial Oak Brewing for a cold pint (reentry is free at Galloping Ghost). Guests are welcome to bring their own food or enjoy pizzas from Candlelite Chicago.

Bond with your special someone by releasing some rage—Bad Axe is only $27 per person for walk-ins. Not only is it an out-of-the-ordinary activity that will definitely woo your date, but also a great way to bring out the competitive spirit. Make sure you check daily walk-in hours before visiting.

Make it a date: After such an intense round of precision weapon throwing, you’re sure to need to grab a meal. Make it pretty casual with burgers and fries at Small Cheval just down the street. It’s hard to ruin a date with a menu so simple—splurge on fries with truffle cheese sauce and a specialty milkshake if you've got some extra dollars.

Brush up on your drawing skills at the Agitator Artist Collective for Figure Tuesdays. For $12-$15, you and your date can become masters in the art of human figure sketching. Figure Tuesdays are every Tuesday from 7-9pm. Beginners are welcome and most basic materials are available on-site as well. Get the creative juices flowing and make a memorable experience all while keeping your wallet happy.

Make it a date: Walk just a few blocks over to L'Patron for some of the city's best tacos. The carne asada is the most popular filling, but you can also get your tacos, burritos and tortas with al pastor, chorizo, pescado and more.

Nothing breaks the ice quite like smacking a small plastic ball as hard as you can. This River North Ping Pong club charges $29 an hour for use of one of its tables (Monday-Thursday), but if you're a night owl, you can save big on Fridays and Saturdays after 10pm, when tables are only $10.

Make it a date: Head across the river to the iconic Billy Goat Tavern. Impress you date by pronouncing "cheezborger" correctly and rattling off a few facts about the framed photos of journalists hanging on the restaurant's walls.

Ever been to a turtle race? It's never too late. Join in on Tin Lizzie's tradition of weekly turtle races while grabbing a Coney Island Dog or classic mozzarella sticks and pint of beer to wash it down. Bet on your favorite turtle, and if your reptile wins the race, you get free shots.  

Make it a date: After the races, take your date two blocks north to the Wiener's Circle, a Chicago institution known for its sassy employees and great hot dogs. Just don't ask for a chocolate shake.

If your date had "cinephile" or "film buff" in their dating profile, this is sure to win you brownie points. Curated by the University of Chicago, Doc Films screens movies every day of the academic year, often showing flicks that can’t be seen anywhere else. Tickets are always just $7, and quarterly memberships are $40.

Make it a date: Have a drink at neighborhood bar Woodlawn Tap while dusting off your film analysis skills. The cash-only Hyde Park staple is great for a casual burger, fries and brews.

For only $7 per person, you can play all the board games your heart desires at this Bucktown cafe. There are more than 800 options, so you and your date won't have to worry about getting bored. It's a cheap and fun way to spend a few hours, and you may even discover a new favorite.

Make it a date: Right around the corner is Margie's Candies, an old school ice cream parlor that's over 100 years old. Split a giant sundae or banana split—board game loser has to pay!

The liquors that Koval Distillery produces are expensive, but a tour of the Chicago facility where they’re made is a bargain. For just $12 per person, you and your boo will get to see how Koval formulates its organic whiskeys while sampling the product.

Make it a date: Balance out the booze at Sun Wah BBQ in Uptown. The restaurant is known for its Hong Kong-style barbecue, and if you don’t order the jumbo-sized family portions, you can easily feast on egg rolls, Chinese broccoli and roast duck for less than $40.

Going on an adventure is a great way to get to know someone, but you don't have to book a flight to spend an evening exploring. Every second Friday of the month, the Chicago Arts District hosts 2nd Fridays Gallery Night, allowing you and your date to explore the galleries and studios along Halsted Street in Pilsen at your own pace.

Make it a date: After you've taken in paintings, sculptures and photographs by local creators, walk south on Halsted Street to Del Toro, a Pilsen restaurant that serves cheap tacos and excellent margaritas—we recommend the hibiscus.

If you’re trying to impress a bookworm, the Poetry Foundation should probably be your first stop on date night. Check out the collection of 30,000 poetry archives in the Poetry Foundation Library, where you can crack open a book or even catch video recordings in private listening booths. You’ll be sure to impress your date immensely without hurting your wallet—entrance to the library is free. If it’s a literary adventure or rainy date link-up, this is a great spot for romance (on a budget).

Make it a date: In a sea of fanciful yet expensive restaurant options of River North, hunker down at Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap for some more pocket-friendly barbeque options and some of the best wings in the city. To really break the ice, split a half slab of ribs for only $20 bucks while saving room for some of the restaurant’s classic desserts, including fried Oreos and Uncle Robin’s bread pudding.

They say nothing's sexier than talent, so why not impress your date by getting a high score on one of Headquarter's pinball machines? In addition to a selection of retro arcade games, this River North haunt boats a full bar and kitchen. Best of all? The cabinets are all free play so you can save your money for food and drinks.

Make it a date: Like when Harry met Sally, you can grab a bite to eat at nearby Griddle 24, a 24-hour diner. Or walk a little farther to iconic Mr. Beef, which inspired FX's hit series The Bear, for Italian beef sandwiches.

If you're dating someone who's vegan or vegetarian, you know it can be hard to find restaurants that are accommodating. Start your Sunday with a healthy brunch at Lucy’s Cafe, a small Roscoe Village haunt that boasts an entirely vegan and vegetarian menu. Prices are reasonable, with most entrees costing $15 or less.

Make it a date: Of course, it wouldn’t be brunch without a little day drinking. After your meal, head over to Lush Wine and Spirits for a two-hour tasting, priced at $25, that includes four wines, two beers and one signature craft cocktail.

Dinner and a movie may not be the most original date idea, but it's an undeniably fun way to spend an evening with someone you love—and it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. The Davis Theater boasts ticket prices that are a bit less than the multiplex.

Make it a date: Just across the street, try Luella's Southern Kitchen for dinner. Dive into tasty Southern essentials like chicken gumbo, collard greens and beignets, all at affordable price points.