Summertime and the livin’ is easy. When the temps heat up, so can the romance. Enjoy the warmer weather and the longer days. Use it to add a spark to your love life and plan some fun dates. Time outside as a couple doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. Go ahead and feel free to get creative.
If you’re looking for ways to skip the old dinner and a movie routine, here are a few ideas that will woo your date and keep the fun rolling all summer long.
Plan a park picnic. Make homemade sandwiches and pack up fresh fruit. Or class it up by picking up a bottle of wine and stopping by your local cheese shop. Take your food spread to the park, lay out a blanket, and enjoy time outdoors beneath the shade of tree to eat your lunch al fresco. And don’t forget to wear your best picnic outfit!
Support your city’s baseball team. Apps like Rukkus sometimes offer inexpensive last minute tickets for games. You can typically also find better deals during the week rather than going on a Friday or Saturday. Show your team pride and go all out. Get a sign made from eSigns to bring with you. Bonus points if you get on the big screen!
Head to a local winery. Many wineries offer free or inexpensive wine tours and tastes. Take advantage of a new and beautiful surrounding while sipping wine and enjoying good conversation. Stroll through the vineyards and take in the free scenery.
Make it a mini golf day. Miniature golf is a fun way to bring out the competitive spirits. Make it fun by letting the winner choose what to do for dinner or be awarded with ice cream at the end. You can have a few hours of golfing fun for two for under twenty bucks.
Grill out. Who says you have to go anywhere to call it a date? Enjoy a summer night on the deck and grill up homemade hamburgers or steaks. Whip up a few adult cocktails and relax right at home. Sometimes staying in can be just as much fun as going out.
Watch an outdoor movie. Switch up the standard dinner and a movie and catch a flick outdoors. Many cities offer free summer movies at different parks and locations. Or, look up your local drive-in to possibly see a double feature for a two-for-one special. Do your research and go watch an old favorite while also packing your own snacks.
Visit your local farmer’s market. Many farmer’s markets have street performers and singers to entertain you as you check out the produce, food vendors, and artisan booths. Stop by for free samples, pick up products and support your community at the same time.
Listen to live music. Between street fairs and open mic nights, you can find it in nearly every neighborhood. Check your city’s weekly magazine to see performance listings of upcoming acts. You can watch great musicians perform for free or sometimes just the cost of entry to a bar.
Plan a game night. This can be a time just for two or invite over a few other couples and break out the board games for some throwback fun. Have everyone BYOB and a snack or two to share. This makes for a low-key night full of lots of laughs and memories.
There is an endless number of ways that you can shake up your dating scene during summer. The favorable weather makes it easier to plan and the laid-back feel of the season means that there’s always something going on. Also, keep an eye out for special events that only happen during summer like special festivals, pool parties, and waterpark fun.
Write down a list of things you want to do and start searching for the cheapest ways to do them. You’d be surprised at how much your city offers that’s free or low-cost. Whether you’re on a budget or just want to watch what you spend without compromising the level of fun, there’s a lot to choose from to have a different date every night this summer.
What are your best tips for planning a summer date?
