10 Cute, Fun, and Budget-Friendly Date Ideas in the White Mountains

Looking for a charming and affordable date night idea while visiting Pinetop-Lakeside or Show Low? Whether you're planning a first date or a fun evening with your longtime partner, the White Mountains offer plenty of cozy, creative, and memorable experiences that won't break the bank.

Here are 10 budget-friendly date ideas that are perfect for summer nights and mountain air!

#1: Watch the Sunset

Get out a blanket and watch as the sun goes down. After it goes down, build a fire and cook some tinfoil dinners, s’mores, and some hot cocoa. Then relax and watch as the stars come out. Don't forget to get some star maps so you can find the constellations.

#2: Do a Dessert Crawl

Have you ever had fried ice cream? A sundae? A cannoli? A banana split? A macron? It may seem simple, but trying out a new dessert together could be life-changing. The best places in Pinetop-Lakeside to get these rare treats are:

• Sweet Slade’s (of course!)

• The Italian Lady of Pinetop

• Paleteria y Dulceria Teresa

• Baked In Pinetop

• Twisted Sugar Show Low

• Red Barn Creamery & Sweets Shop

• The Lucky Minnow

• Sweet Confections By PersNIKKIty’s

• Arizona Mountain Coffee Co.

• Love You A Latte

• Darbi's Cafe

#3: Make Homemade Pizza and Have a Game Night

Sometimes the best date nights are at home! Have fun and make some homemade pizza using this recipe by Food Charlatan. Afterwards, you can play some board games, or fun group games like Signs, Mafia, or Murder in the Dark.

#4: Get Ice Cream and Throw Axes at Sweet Slade’s

Try our new ice cream flavors of the month and throw some axes. Don’t forget to book your axe-throwing appointment beforehand to make sure your lane will be available.

#5: Have a Bob Ross Painting Date Night

You don't have to be good at art to enjoy it! Grab some canvases, brushes and paint colors of your choise and paint along to a Bob Ross video — or go rogue!

#6: Take a Hike (in a fun way)

Whether it's an epic hike or a ramble through the woods, getting out into nature with your date can be relaxing and a good way to get to know each other. A great way to make it even better is to have a picnic! Here is a great article by the Telegraph that will help you plan your picnic.

#7: Have a Lake Day in a Canoe

If your canoe turns upside down on the water, you can safely wear it on your head. Do you know why? Because it's “cap”-sized.

All joking aside, canoeing on the lake makes for a great date. There are several lakes in the Pinetop-Lakeside area, such as Woodland Lake, Show Low Lake, and Rainbow Lake.

#8: Go to the Craft Fair or Farmer’s Market

This date idea is seasonal since most farmers' markets are only open during the spring, summer, and the beginning of the fall. However, there are farmers' markets and craft fairs all around the White Mountains, including ones in Show Low, Pinetop Lakeside, and Taylor, AZ.

#9: Do a Watch-and-Eat Night

Here’s another at-home date idea! Watch Kung Fu Panda with homemade dumplings, or The Count of Monte Cristo with a Monte Cristo sandwich. Get creative with food and film pairings for a date night that’s as delicious as it is fun.

#10: Hit the Theater

Sometimes the classics are best. For a simple and fun movie night outside the house in the Pinetop-Lakeside area, go to the WME Village 8, get some popcorn, and watch a movie with your date.

Whether you're visiting the White Mountains for a weekend getaway or just planning a night out, these Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low date ideas are fun, affordable, and full of mountain-town charm. Don't forget to end your evening with a sweet stop at Sweet Slade’s—where the ice cream is cold, the axe-throwing is on point, and the memories last long after the date is over!