It’s Friday night and the only thing on the agenda is channel surfing with a significant other. It doesn’t have to be that way — both Iowa State and Ames offer more to do for the weekend than catching up on “Saved by the Bell” reruns.

And there is plenty to do on a meager budget, too.

Many date locations in Ames are geared toward the typical, penny-pinching college student. For example, take a stroll through the scenic Reiman Gardens, which is free to ISU students.

The gardens offer flowers and vines to gaze at, as well as fountains you can turn into personal wishing wells. Not a bad idea if you and your significant other need a little quiet time off campus in your own secret garden.

After you’ve had your fill of flowers, head for the Dairy Queen, where Student Alumni Association members get two Royal Treats for the price of one. Total cost of this date — $3.22.

Now that Friday night is taken care of, start planning for the rest of the weekend.

The Brunnier Art Museum will satisfy the inner artist, offering drawing classes, a behind-the-scenes look at museum operations and weekly speakers. There are also activities for children. Family Day events, through the fall and spring semesters, offer a “tangible outlet” for kids to interact with exhibits.

Lynette Pohlman, director of university museums, said Thursday nights and Saturday and Sunday afternoons are popular times for dates at the museum.

“A few students have gotten engaged [at the Brunnier Art Museum], and there have been student weddings at the Farm House Museum,” she said. “Much of the art on campus locations are places where people meet, like the courtyard at the Dairy Industry building and Lagomarcino courtyard.”

The Memorial Union’s Recreation Center will keep you busy the rest of the day. Nine pool tables, eight bowling lanes and more than 25 arcade and pinball games are included. Playing darts, air hockey and foosball are just a sample of what awaits you in the Memorial Union basement. Challenge another couple to moonlight bowling on Friday nights or Sunday afternoons.

Doug Swanson, recreation center manager, said the MU Recreation Center offers the largest selection of pinball machines and video games in town.

“We’re less expensive than a lot of other alternatives and you don’t have to be 21 to have access to a pool table,” he said.

Swanson said ISU students receive separate pricing, lower than that for the general public.

When Sunday rolls around, active couples are in luck.

Intramurals are everywhere and are a great chance to get some exercise with a partner. From sand volleyball to flag football, opportunities are everywhere. The cost of a workout and a great time? Nothing.

Linda Marticke, intramural coordinator, said co-ed activities are extremely popular.

“What better way to socialize together?” she said. “You can get exercise, and celebrate winning or losing together.”

If you work up an appetite during intramural competition, rest easy. Restaurants from Applebee’s to Papa Johns offer discounts to Student Alumni Association members or members of other ISU organizations.

So, the weekend is over and there’s still money in the piggy bank. Go ahead and start planning for next weekend — there are still more affordable opportunities for the taking.