It’s that time of year when everything is heating up, the sun is up longer, and people are spending more time in shorts and sandals. It’s also the perfect time of year to change up date night routines and fit in some really fun, unique, seasonally appropriate summer dates.
In-between Mitch’s crazy work schedule, we really try to prioritize our time together and have a weekly date day. We are around each other so much because of traveling already, but we like to set aside a day each week to focus on each other. It is what I look forward to every week in our hectic schedules. No work, no stress, just spending time with my favorite human.
I’m sharing 35 summer date ideas that include plenty of free date ideas, at-home date ideas, and really fun dates to heat things up this summer! These are all social distanced approved because you know this year is unlike anything anyone has ever gone through.
Summer Date Ideas
At-Home Dates
- Have s’mores night- it’s the official summer dessert for a reason, and the only thing needed for a great date! This works over fire pits, camping trips, or over a grill in the backyard. Get creative with toppings and enjoy!
- Make ice cream together. You can do it with two cans, in a bag, or with a professional mixer. This fresh strawberry recipe looks SO GOOD!
- Bonfire group date- bring back summer camp and ghost story memories creating a bonfire in a safe location. Just make sure you are social distancing!
- Take a trip down memory lane and play night games. Kick the can, capture the flag, hide-and-go-seek. Find a game to play for two or grab a group and enjoy reliving your childhood.
- Make boozy popsicles. Stay cool (and pleasantly buzzed) with some booze-infused popsicles. you can make together easily. Just like when you were kids….except, not. These all sound super yummy!
- Go online and buy a DIY food kit and try to make it together. You can make your own hot sauce, pretzels, or sushi.
- Have a wine and cheese night. Make your own charcuterie board (tips here!) and conduct your own wine tasting.
- Have a water balloon fight – a fun way to stay cool! If you are real experienced pull out the water guns.
- Set up your own car wash- there’s just something so fun about blasting the vintage song and spraying each other with the hose while you tackle your to-do list.
- Host a boozy brunch: bottomless mimosas, bloody Mary’s, and avocado toast galore.
Outdoor Dates
- Pick in-season produce at a local farm.
- Drive-in movie- let the top down, hitch down, or windows down and enjoy some cuddle time during movie season.
- Watch the sunrise- waking up to see the sun come up is not only so memorable but super romantic.
- Have a sunset picnic- if you’re a night person instead of a morning, watching the sunset in a scenic spot may be the way to go.
- Tube the river- This lazy date provides cool water, lots of sun, and a really great opportunity for conversation.
- Go boating/sailing- there’s something about just being on a boat that makes it so fun, but a sunset sail or wakeboarding on a boat makes it even more exciting and memorable.
- Rent a kayak- working in tandem, a few paddle splash wars, and a fun way to stay cool and active equals summer date perfection.
- Road trip to a nearby city for a day. While summer vacations look different this year, this is a great way to still travel this summer.
- Go stargazing- this free, romantic date is always a winner. I’d love to bring an air mattress, use Google Sky and really enjoy some time out in nature.
- Rent a tandem bike, because figuring it out together and combining summer bike riding nostalgia goes a long way.
- Go for a hike- even if you live somewhere very warm night hikes with good lighting are always a very romantic option.
- Go camping. It can be in the backyard for a few hours or a legit trip, but it’s the perfect season to plan a trip together.
- Try stand up paddleboarding. It’s a twist on a classic that gives just enough adventure and uncertainty to make a truly memorable beat-the-heat date.
- Have a pool day. Make some PB&Js, grab your towels and spend a day in the sun and floating around.
- Head to the golf course or driving range. Golf is one of Mitch’s favorite hobbies, so sometimes I tag along and hit a few balls.
On the Town Dates
- Visit a local brewery! Y’all know Mitch and I do this as often as we can!
- Check out a local winery and order yourself a fancy charcuterie board. There are so many wineries in Kentucky that we can’t wait to explore!
- Find the best ice cream shop in your area and pay a visit.
- Enjoy dinner or drinks on the patio.
- Visit a farmer’s market- buy in-season produce to cook a romantic meal together.
- Go-cart racing- this need-for-speed date is a fun adrenaline rush.
- Go axe throwing- something about chucking axes screams romance.
- Try a new ethnic restaurant – yes, it is eating out, but when you try something you’ve never tried before, you’ll make memories that you will never forget.
- Have a 4 course meal at 4 different restaurants – do appetizers at one restaurant, main course at another, and dessert at another and drinks at the last one! Take turns picking them out. By the end, you will be super full and have a really fun story to tell.
- Hit up some food trucks. Try a little something at each one. Food trucks are our FAVORITE!
Just because summer is looking different this year, doesn’t mean your love life has to suffer. Get creative, get outside, and enjoy time with your boo!
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