The holidays are over and your pockets are a little emptier, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a quality date with your S.O. or B.F.F. We've rounded up seven free or cheap date ideas around town that won't break the bank this post-holiday season.
Geek out at Fernbank Science Center and Planetarium.
Credit: WSB-TV
Credit: WSB-TV
Remember Ross and Rachel's infamous date? You, too, can enjoy a night of star gazing inside the 70-foot diameter planetarium as the celestial theater's digital projection system guides you through the wonders of the universe. Planetarium admission tickets are just $7 for adults ages 19-61. Students ages 3-18 and seniors 62 years and older can get in for $5. On Thursday and Friday nights, Fernbank Science Center also offers free admission for anyone interested in checking out its telescope. fernbank.edu
Catch one of Atlanta's free or cheap seasonal festivals.
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Check out the Callanwolde Arts Festival on Jan. 21-22 or if you're a big fan of oysters, check out any of the two Oysterfests on Feb. 25-26 for $10-$12.
Dinner and a movie, with a twist.
Take your date out to Starlight Drive-In Theatre as you enjoy access to two flicks on the same screen in the comfort and privacy of your own car. Parking spaces are first come first serve, so be sure to come early to grab your tickets from the box office and secure a quality parking space. The audio is broadcast through your car's FM radio and you can either bring snacks from home or indulge in items from Starlight's snack bar. Admission for attendees ages 10 and up is only $9. starlightdrivein.com
Friday night out in Castleberry Hill.
Credit: Pawel Loj
Credit: Pawel Loj
The historic arts district hosts its free art stroll — in one of the top 10 arts districts in the country — on the second Friday of every month. Walk through diverse galleries with your date and get a taste of Atlanta's cool art scene on a chilly Atlanta night. If you're with your S.O., it really doesn't get more romantic than that. castleberryhill.org
Wine tasting in the Sharp Mountain Vineyards.
Road trip, anyone? At 1,500 feet, Sharp Mountain Vineyards spans five acres of rocky soil with some killer views. Head over and bring your own picnic as you sip some wine and overlook beautiful North Georgia on the pavilion. For just $5 each, you and your date can enjoy a wine tasting with four fine wines. The price increases with more sips. sharpmountainvineyards.com
De-stress in a sauna.
Cold weather bogging you down? You and your date should try out Jeju Sauna in Duluth, a 3,500-square-foot traditional Korean public bathhouse with hot tubs, showers, kiln saunas, wide-screen TVs, exercise rooms, heated mineral rooms and more. Jeju Sauna offers both gender-segregated spaces as well as unisex areas where you and your date can relax. Tickets are $25 each for adults and $20 for seniors. Not the cheapest on the list, but can you really put a price on peace of mind? jejusauna.com
Credit: CHRIS HUNT/ SPECIAL
Credit: CHRIS HUNT/ SPECIAL
There's something eerily romantic about spending your chilly Atlanta night walking through this hidden treasure located less than a mile from downtown Atlanta. If you and your date are a couple of history buffs or if you're both just up for something unique, catch a tour of the final resting place of many Georgian citizens including Margaret Mitchell, Bobby Jones and Maynard Jackson. Tours are $12 for adults and $6 for students and seniors ages 65 and up. oaklandcemetery.com
Want more date ideas? Here are 6 of our best Atlanta date night ideas.
