Dating should be amazing and fun. But in the current generation, you need money but you do not need to break the bank just to impress a girl or a guy, you just need to be creative.

Personally, I would recommend a place where there is less noise and where you can have a conversation and enjoy each other’s company.

Here are a few ideas for having the perfect date that will make your date crave more and more dates.

1. Bowling

The most advantageous thing about bowling is that you can find it in several places and that it is very affordable and open to everyone. Bowling is a target spot where the player rolls the bowling ball down a lane to knock down all the bowling pins. Once all the bowling pins are down you get awarded points and your opponent plays. If you don’t knock all the bowls at once on your first attempt then you get a second trial. An essential in bowling is the bowling shoe, one does not need to buy the bowling shoe as you will be given before the game.
Some of the affordable bowling places in Nairobi are listed below:

The village bowl

The village bowl is located in the Village market along Limuru road. It is one of the most affordable bowling joints. On weekdays one pays 500 Kenyan shillings for a bowling session and there is an offer on Thursdays where one pays 350 Kenyan shillings. It is an easily accessible place as the village market is located along the road and can be easily seen.

Hyper-game zone

It is located in Stellato Mall along Muthithi road Westlands. It is also a very affordable bowling joint. On weekdays before 5 pm they charge Kenyan Shillings 300 and Kenyan Shillings 400 after 5 pm. Over the weekend they charge Kenyan Shillings 400. Apart from bowling the hyper game zone has a variety of other games like VR, and PlayStation among others.

The Nairobi club

Being one of the oldest bowling alleys in Nairobi, the Nairobi club is located in the Upper hill area on Ngong road. Their bowling sport is a little different, as it is done outdoors and they call it green bowling. Their charges are Kenyan Shillings 150 per member and Kenyan Shillings 200 per guest.

Strikez Bowling Alley

Strikez bowling alley is in West Gate Mall located in Westlands. It is also quite an affordable spot as their charges range from Kenyan Shillings 350 to Kenyan Shillings 500. The area has other games as well.

Pins Entertainment

Pins Entertainment is located in one of the biggest malls in Nairobi, Sarit centre. It is perfect for a date with friends or your partner, and family too as there is something for everyone. The are several games in this area such as air hockey tables, football games, and surprisingly a private movie theatre. They hold bowling tournaments regularly and everyone is always welcome to compete. On Mondays, they have an offer of two bowling tickets and two pizzas for Kenyan Shillings 1,500. On weekdays before 4, they charge Kenyan Shillings 350 while on weekends and holidays they charge Kenyan Shillings 500.

Play Land Amusement Park

Play Land Amusement Park is located in Next Gen Mall along Mombasa Road. It is very affordable and has other games and activities. Their charges are Kenyan Shillings 500 per bowling game. In case you and your partner opt to go bowling you have several bowling joints to pick from.

2. Karura Forest

If you and your partner are looking to get away from the bustling city and catch a breath of fresh air with privacy and some alone time without breaking the bank, then Karura forest might be the place you are looking for. Karura forest is known as one of the most peaceful and romantic places. If you are looking to ride a bike as well, you can rent one and they charge Kenyan Shillings 500 for a two-hour cycling adventure. The place is very affordable as the entrance fee is only Kenyan Shillings 100 bob.

An added advantage is that there is a restaurant in the middle of the forest. You can also carry some snacks from home but be aware they do not allow plastic bottles in the forest for the sake of conserving the environment. In the middle of the forest, there is a waterfall and some cages too. This place can serve as a picnic spot or a hiking spot, the choice is yours. The main entrance is on Limuru Road directly across from the Belgian Embassy.

Why you should visit Karura Forest

3. Ololua Nature Trail

There is always something for everyone, even the lovers of nature. If you or your significant other loves being out and observing nature then you might want to visit the Ololua nature trail. The calmness, tranquillity, and privacy of this location are refreshing. You can choose to have a picnic at Ololua nature trail or hike. The nature trail is such a vibe and a therapeutic experience. It also has campsites, caves, and waterfalls. Ololua nature trail is easily accessible either by private means or public means. It is located on Karen Road Nairobi. The entrance fee for residents is Kenyan Shillings 200 per person and Kenyan Shillings 600 for tourists.

4. The Hub Karen Zip Lining

We all love a thrilling adventure. Why miss out on zip lining? With just Kshs 1,200 you will be able to zip line in the hub. Apart from zip lining, there are other adventurous activities that one can experience in The Hub with just Kenyan Shillings 3000. The hub is located along Dagoretti Road.

5. Kilimanjaro Jamia

Are you looking to wine and dine without digging deep into your pockets? If yes then Kilimanjaro Jamia is your place to go. The restaurant is nothing short of awesome, they have great ambience, their dishes are affordable and their portions are large. You can have a whole platter of different delicacies and top up with drinks and your bill will not exceed Kenyan Shillings.3000. Its main branch is located on Kimathi Street.

6. Movies

Dates with your significant other don’t have to be boring. You can spice up your date by having a movie night at a cinema. There are several cinemas within the city and they are all affordable, all you have to do is to pick your preferred choice of cinema and the movie that will be shown on that particular day. Movie ticket prices range from Kenyan Shillings 300 to Kenyan Shillings 1000 depending on the time and date. You will need to buy the 3D glasses and some snacks and that’s all. Some of the cinemas in the city are:
i. Century Cinemax Garden city Mall along Thika Road highway.
ii. Century Cinemax Junction Mall Ngong Road
iii. Westgate Cinema in Westgate Westlands
iv. Anga Sky Cinema Panari
v. Century Cinemax Sarit Centre

I might not have exhausted the list but those are some of the most affordable cinemas you and your date can visit. Tickets can be bought online via websites.

7. Big Knife

Big Knife is a Turkish restaurant that is known for its shawarmas. Their meals are very affordable, and their famous shawarma goes for Kenyan Shillings 250 only. They also sell pizza and other dishes. You can eat to your fill at this pocket-friendly restaurant. They have several branches one is located on Hurlingham Argwings Kodhek Road and another one at Monrovia Street Muindi Mbingu street.

8. Arboretum

Located a few kilometres from CBD is the arboretum. It is a safe open space and it is the perfect spot for picnics. You can also take long therapeutic walks with your partner. The entrance fee is Kenyan Shillings 65 for adults and Kenyan Shillings 27 for children.

9. Giraffe Center

A perfect way to spend a weekend with the love of your life while passing time is by visiting the giraffe centre. You can chit-chat while feeding the giraffes and take some cute photos. The entrance fee is Kenyan Shillings 400 only. The centre is located on Duma Road Nairobi.

5 Group Activities That Are Perfect For You And Your Friends

10. Ice skating at Panari

Ice skating at Panari is fun especially since Kenya never snows. For only Kenyan Shillings, 1000 one can go ice skating at the Panari. TheSolar Ice Rink at Panari is the only one of its kind in East and Central Africa. The ice rink temperatures are normally very low, so it is always advisable to dress warmly. If you have never skated at Panari it is time you try something new with your partner. The Panari Ice skating rink is located at Panari Sky Centre on Mombasa Road.

Also, check out;

10 Places To Take A Girl On A First Date In Nairobi

The Best Bookshops For Dates In Nairobi

Why you should visit Karura Forest

Date Ideas For Two For Under Ksh. 1000 In Nairobi

It Started As A TikTok Challenge But Ended Up As A The Love Story

Fun Places To Hang Out With Your Kids (or date or friends) In Nairobi