What can we do?
Ever need a date night, or even want a date night but can’t figure out what to do because you can’t afford a night out. Think again there’s plenty of options out there and a ton of options available for military families!
My life
Let me explain something. As time went on, I would just be sitting on my couch bored out of my mind and broke. So, I searched the area around me. Soon I realized there are a lot of things I can do.
What is there
Cheap Dates and Adventures
First, I will share ways of going on cheap dates and adventure that won’t break your bank. Sounds good right? It’s always a plus when you can save money and build your bank up.
So here are some cheap dates and adventures I found near Camp Pendleton
- Ice Cream Night
- Movies – If you go to ITT on base you can get two movies tickets for $19. Normally here in SoCal for two movies tickets it is about $26. Also, ITT offers a package for $29 where you can get TWO tickets AND $10 concessions gift card.
- Big Bear or Snow Summit – Every Wednesday Big Bear and Snow Summit offers military days where it is only $37 lift tickets instead of $62 lift tickets
- Dana Point Whale Watchers – For those who enjoy marine life. Every Tuesday they offer ½ off tickets. Which end up being around $28 per person.
- Del Mar Beach and Marina – Rent Paddleboards/Kayaks $10, Sailboats Ranging in size and price $10-$40 as well as power boats $20-$40
At Camp Lejeune
- Lynnwood Park Zoo – $10 Adult $8 Children Admission
- Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium
- Hammock State Park Beach – Take the ferry over for $7 a person and explore the area. You may see the wild horses you may find shark teeth!
- Cracked it Escape Room
- Movies – Same as Camp Pendleton ITT sells cheaper tickets!
- Smash Box – $10 for a box of 15 items to smash
Free Dates and Adventures
Free dates and Adventures are sometimes hard to find, but most of the time for these all you really have to do is drive to them. So, it would cost you at least gas. However, you could always walk, ride a bike, skateboard etc. to where you want to go.
Free dates and adventures at Camp Pendleton:
- Oso Creek Trail – For those who like to hike or walk this is a beautiful trail to walk and is dog friendly! While going through it you will see different pieces of art as well. My favorite is the mosaic tiles.
- City of Laguna Park – Here there are many trails to walk, and a lot of nature to see. After about walking .5 mile you will find the Laguna Botanical Gardens which are really pretty.
- Sea World – It will cost money in gas, but you can get up to FOUR free admission tickets to Sea World each year.
- OC Night Market – It is free to walk around explore, but food and vendors do cost some money.
- San Diego County Fair – the first night is usually FREE for Military, after that tickets are about $18
- Oceanside Market Night – every Thursday from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm – FREE however food vendors cost anywhere from $2-$20
- Bainbridge Circle Holiday Extravaganza – Christmas light show and its FREE. You can either walk it, or you can drive through it. Make sure to tune into the radio station if you drive it or roll down your windows so that you can hear the music that all the houses and lights are synchronized to.
Free at Camp Lejeune
- North Topsail Beach – Parking is always FREE!
- Lejeune Memorial Gardens
- Onslow Beach – I love to collect shark teeth from here, you can find some at Hammock State Park Beach, and on Topsail Island as well too!
- Riverwalk – In Wilmington NC. Nice walk way for a night out in downtown. P.s. If getting Dinner there, the George is really good!
- Veterans Memorial
FREE Worldwide
- Blue Star Museums
- America the Beautiful National Parks
As you can see free and cheap dates and adventures do indeed exist. It’s just a matter or searching, finding, and compromising. Some may not be as extravagant as actual dates where you blow your money. However, what’s important is the time you spend with your significant other and family. Not what you’re doing. You never know how much longer you have before their gone on a deployment or heading back home from a visit.
Xx
O.
