Today, I am going to help all those in the St. Louis area and some from any type of community who are in need of a first date, anniversary date, or trying to escape the friend-zone for $10 or less. Because just like everyone’s parents say, “Nothing is free in life." Just understand that though you may spend $10 on food/drinks/transportation, these ideas can be completely free other than that!

1. St. Louis Zoo

It's free entry and one of the best free zoos in the country. So here, the $10 could be used on some ice cream, a few drinks, or just gas alone if it is a further drive for you.

2. Forest Park picnic

Spend a few bucks on some bread and peanut butter and jelly and drinks. Bring a nice blanket, sit and enjoy the beautiful scenes of Forest Park.

3. Take your dog for a walk in the park

This is more for an “escaping-the-friend-zone” area of relationship. Doing this will give you an opportunity to get to know the person, have some laughs and have no awkwardness because dogs are perfect conversation starters.

4. Hanging out in the quad

For fellow college students, I would highly recommend late night talks in the quad (with no phones) in the fall and spring when the weather is so perfect. From personal experience, these are for people that already know that they both are interested in each other or even the couple who has been together for a year or two. It is a time to get to know more about each other, relax and just chill.

5. Go grocery shopping

Not only will you be able to have fun people-watching, but you can do fun things like cart-racing, the risk game “what are the odds?” and even a mini-soccer game in the aisles. Walmart really teaches you a lot about someone!

6. The St. Louis Art Museum

Let’s say your wife or long-time girlfriend loves art - there is an answer, my friend! The St. Louis Art Museum in Forest Park is free of charge. Wow, that is a life-saver. It's one of the most elaborate places you could get into without paying, and your girl will love it.

7. The Muny

For some who know of the Muny, like myself, but not that much about it, here is a great fact. Every show there is about 1,500 free seats in the back that are first come, first serve! This is a big date, my friends. This is no “We’re just friends, still." This is, “It's getting SERIOUS, dude” kind of date because these are serious actors and shows up-in-here. For free.

8. Cahokia Mounds

As we move to the Illinois side, the Cahokia Mounds are a very interesting place to visit that holds so much rich history. Even for the jock who hates history, you have to be somewhat entertained by this feat of American past-times that is free to view.

9. Holiday Light Tour

Drive around (specifically during December and in expensive areas of town) and take a gander at the beautiful homes decorated with their immaculate holiday lights. Although this may sound boring, it is so much fun with that special someone, and many homes will really surprise you with how eloquent they are!

10. Play a sport

Feeling active? In many small towns, like my own, there are open parks with tennis courts. Now, this one could be for someone who is good at tennis to teach their significant other…or it could be a hilarious time of attempting to play tennis. It's either one or the other - let’s not lie to ourselves, people. Own your awful tennis skills and ‘freely’ have a great time on the courts.

11. Ritz it up

Last, but definitely not least, dress your best and hotel hop! In this extreme fun, free and exhilarating night, look your finest, park in downtown St. Louis and go into all of the best hotels’ lobbies. When you go in, there are multiple options: ask where the nearest bathroom is and check that out, ask where the bar is, ask if your reservations are still on (with a random name of course), or one really fun one is go up the elevator trying to get to the highest floor and see which hotels have a roof-plaza you can try to get on. Act like hotel guests at these fine places and live it up this night!

These are just a few ideas of dates that range from all across the board. Some are more shallow and easier than others; some options you may need more chemistry with your girlfriend/boyfriend or wife/husband in order to have a successful date. Whatever your taste is, take these ideas into consideration when trying to figure out how to ‘wow’ that special someone with an empty wallet!