Summer is the time to let loose and have fun. The sunny hot weather is only going to last for a few months, so getting out and enjoying the sun, sand, or city is a top priority. The last thing you need to be worried about is breaking the bank, while frolicking with your summer sweetheart.

1. Time-Sharing Babysitting
SitterCity.com shows babysitters in your area who will match your needs and budget, without busting your budget. Many families find it convenient to exchange babysitting services or have multiple kids from different families with a pair of sitters.

2. Avoid Alcohol
A glass of vino can make even reasonably priced dinners a little steep.Plan to drink and dine at a restaurant or bar that offers happy hour prices which is usually in the early evening. You can enjoy most drinks and food at very reasonable prices at a tapas bar or during afternoon specials.

3. Date With Gift Cards
Use a discount site like CardAvenue.com to save on gift cards to cool places. They will save you anywhere from 5 percent to 50 percent on restaurants and other entertainment activities.

4. Plan a Freebie
Not all dates require money. Activities — like hiking, biking or visiting farmers’ markets — don’t cost a dime and give you a better chance of bonding with your date.

5. DIY Date Night
Create your own dinner with a picnic in a local park. For a romantic touch, pack portable speakers with a pre-mixed playlist on your iPod as well as a bottle of wine and a few chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert. Not only is this DIY date an inexpensive alternative to a night on the town, but you’ll score extra brownie points for taking the time to plan this special event.

6. Get Pretty on Pennies
The internet and youtube provide many opportunities to hone your hair & make-up skills, so there is no need to spend money on fancy salon treatments. Not a DIY beauty superstar? Ask a friend for help curling your locks and pop by Sephora for a free makeover to really dazzle your date without spending a dime!

7. Seek Smart Advice from Smartphones
The Date Night iPhone app for example will help you find unique, interesting and affordable events that you can enjoy. The app randomly selects a “thing to do” for your next evening out, most of which won’t bust your budget.

8. Dial Into Daily Deals
Groupon, Living Social and other group-buying coupon companies offer some great deals — up to 50-percent off — on activities like wine tastings, boat tours, museums and comedy clubs.

Quick tip- If you’re worried about appearing “cheap,” redeem the offer when your date is in the restroom.

9. Go Cultural
Many libraries and coffee shops offer free poetry readings and musical entertainment. Look for art gallery tours or free museum days to improve your cultural IQ while impressing your date.

10. Create a Thrifty Movie Night
Instead of dishing out $20 for two movie tickets plus cost of all the typical movie accoutrements (ahem, popcorn, soda, and candy) Pick-up a free DVD from your local library or a new release for just a dollar from Redbox. Then dim the lights and serve some freshly popped popcorn or your date’s favorite candy for a theater-like experience without the sticky floors and shadows blocking the screen.

For more money saving tips and tricks follow Andrea on twitter @AndreaWoroch.