Meet them for brunch (or lunch) instead of dinner. Cheaper prices and alcohol is rarely added.
Suggest ethnic restaurants that are cheaper.
Look for freebie or cheap entertainment - hiking, free outdoor concert or music, outdoor movies, fall apple picking, canoeing/kayaking...particularly in the summer it is is super easy to find free entertainment, but even wintertime you can find an outdoor pond for skating, or walk along a pretty lighted path, or go cross-country skiing (buy used skis)...
Meet them for a picnic
Trade off driving further to meet at houses/apartments
ETA: Also try spliting an entree with your husband. Often they're big enough for two.