Tough economic times mean financial stress for many couples. While money may be tight, this doesn't mean couples have to give up date nights altogether.

University of Northern Iowa students Michelle Abben and Alex Weepie said they've been to a few bonfires already this summer. Since they've started dating in February, their date nights also have consisted of making dinner together, playing video games and renting and watching movies.

"We haven't gone out much," Abben, from Waterloo, said. "We usually hang out at one of our houses and we'll rent a Red Box movie because they're only like a buck."

No matter the budget, these Cedar Valley date ideas won't break the bank.

Picnic and a movie

Dust off the picnic basket and fill it with dinner for two. Enjoy free, live music by the Cedar Valley Acoustic Guitar Association and a movie at dusk at the Movies Under the Moon event at Overman Park in Cedar Falls.

Music begins at 6:30 p.m. with the movie beginning around 9 p.m.

Next show: "Open Season," rated PG

Friday

Free admission.

Enjoy the outdoors

George Wyth State Park in Waterloo offers a variety of areas to camp, picnic, walk or ride the bike trails.

The outdoors option is flexible for any time of the day and any part of the state.

Ride the trails amidst the Iowa sunrise or walk hand-in-hand under the moon.

TGIF

Explore Friday'loo in Waterloo's Lincoln Park at the corner of Mulberry and East Fourth Streets.

Free admission and entertainment makes this event a fit for any budget.

Held every other Friday night.

Next Friday'loo is 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday with music by The Ramblers.

Buy fresh, buy local

Support local growers and crafters at the Downtown Waterloo Farmer's Market, located at the Regions Bank parking lot at 100 E. Park Ave., Waterloo.

Stock up on fresh produce, plants and flowers at the outdoor market. Jams, crafts and other items are also available. Take the supplies home for a candlelight dinner for two.

Held every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon until October 31.

Admission is free. Prices of market items vary.

Stars in your eyes

Enjoy the peacefulness of the summer nights and the clarity of the summer skies with a blanket, a Thermos of cocoa and your sweetheart. Star Parties are held through the Grout Museum on select nights May through September.

The next Star Party is 9 to 10:30 p.m. June 27 at Prairie Grove Park (between West Fourth Street and Shaulis Road) in Waterloo.

Admission is free and telescopes are available.

Volunteer

Pick an organization and ask if they need some help. Spend time with your date by volunteering together.

Road trip

Drive to Sonic, order a malt and two straws and pop in a CD from the 1950's. Cruise around town in your Mercury Monterey (or whatever car you have) while listening to the sounds of Frank Sinatra or Elvis Presley.

The closest Sonic is at 42 East Tower Park Drive in Waterloo.