Authors, including celebrities, best-selling writers and debut novelists, often are scheduled as guest speakers at bookstores, libraries or a local college campus. Make their lectures a date and save money.

Or, plan a date around free days offered weekly, monthly or annually at museums. If it's a favorite museum, becoming a member would allow you to visit for free and attend special events.

Getting out and about might take you to a festival. Events such as an apple festival in the fall to a springtime garden tour are often free, so check your state's and city's tourism website for the calendar. And when the temperatures are warm, there are free outdoor movies and concerts hosted by communities, park departments, schools and religious organizations.