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Dates are exciting and add a breath of fresh air to a seasoned relationship or a brand new one just kicking off. If emptying your pockets for date night every time is getting quite old, get creative and save some money while still having fun and impressing your date.

Let's Save

Below are some money-saving tips for a successful, budget-friendly rendezvous with your special someone.

• Bigger isn't always better. Although you want to make an impression in a grand way, the date itself doesn't have to be over the top. Some of the best dates stem from thinking outside of the box and spending time together in good conversation. A simple walk through a park can often be more intimate than an expensive candlelit dinner.
• Show your range of interests. One of the biggest reasons for dating is to get to know each other better. Share your interests in a date setting by going on an art walk and discussing each piece, attending a free high school sporting event and talking athletics, or teaching the other person how to play your favorite card game.
• Keep up with local events. Many cities host seasonal festivals or concerts at no cost. Keep an eye out for these local events and plan an outing for your next date. It might be the best time you've spent together yet.
• Show your culinary skills. Have a date night in and show your special someone how well you can make your way around the kitchen. The ability to cook is one of the most attractive qualities in a partner.

Let's Date

Coming up with an original and romantic date idea is difficult, but it's twice as hard when your finances are limited. So surprise your sweetie with these fun and free ideas that are perfect any time of the year. Take your sweet to the symphony, the apple of your eye to an art walk, your muse to a museum and your prince or princess to the park. It's not only in your budget, it's free!

South Pointe Park
1 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-7006
www.miamibeachfl.gov

There is nothing so beautiful as the sight of South Florida's aqua marine-tinted waters. South Pointe Park is located in the heart of South Beach and offers a gorgeous bay view of the water and of the exclusive Fisher Island. It's one of the few parks that's open until 10 p.m., with the Cut Walk remaining open until 2 a.m., so you can have a daytime or nighttime date here. Walk or bike your way around the park and then venture up the observation deck to have a "Titanic"-esque moment with your significant other. This park highlights all of South Beach's natural beauty.

The Wolfsonian 
1001 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 531-1001
www.wolfsonian.org

If your date has an aptitude for art, take him or her to The Wolfsonian museum on Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It's completely free and you and your crush can enjoy artwork and furniture pieces dating back from the 1885 Industrial Revolution to the end of World War II in 1945. It has four floors of art and is usually sparsely populated, so that means plenty of time to hideaway and sneak a kiss with your sweetie. If this is a first date, you'll get plenty of time to talk to each other and compare artistic tastes.

New World Symphony
500 17 St.
Miami, FL 33139
(305) 673-3330
www.nws.edu

The New World Symphony does something kind for the community and has a free symphony, complete with superior audio, projected on its 7,000-square-foot projection wall. The season lasts until May 2014 and it's the perfect excuse to have a nighttime picnic. Bring a blanket (or two for cold weather), wine, cheese and bread and listen to the soothing sounds of the harmonious symphony as you experience the orchestra together. View the website to find out the exact symphony dates and information on Wallcast movies as well.

Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk
Between Hollywood Blvd. and Harrison St.
Hollywood, FL 33020
(877) 672-2468
www.visithollywoodfl.org

South Florida has many art walks that showcase the diversity of local art, but not all of them are conducive to dating. The great thing about the Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk is that it's in a safe, well-lit neighborhood, it's not overly crowded and the art comes courtesy of street and local artists. Parking is free if you park on the street and surprises abound if you know where to look. Window shop to the tune of a saxophone, violin or harp or just meander down the street hand in hand. Check the website first to see the changing lineup and make this a date night destination on the third Saturday of every month.

Trolley City Tour
Downtown Miami
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 416-1132
www.miamigov.com

Sometimes it's good to see your city like a tourist. It's almost like you and the city are getting reacquainted, which makes it the perfect time to introduce it your date. Hop on the free downtown trolley and tour the city. Download the free City Walk Lite app to your phone from the iTunes store and click on the City Orientation Tour. It's a free, three-hour downtown tour that covers all the hotspots like Bayside and even hits a few Coral Gables locales like the Vizcaya and the Miami Science Museum. The latter two attractions cost money to get in but if you're a Bank of America customer, you can enter into the Miami Science Museum for free on the first Sunday of the month.

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Niema Hulin was born in Newark, NJ but raised in Lexington, South Carolina for the bulk of her formative years. In 2002, she moved to Miami after graduating from the University of Florida. Since then, Niema has worked in film, television and commercials as a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator. Some of her films have included Bad Boys II and I Am Number IV. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.