Dates are an important part of any relationship, old or new — and while dinner and a movie is always a reliable option, you might want to try something new this summer. With the weather being warm and welcoming, now is your opportunity to enjoy yourself in the great outdoors.
But we know what you’re thinking. Dates can be expensive and hard to find time for, especially if you have kids or a hands-on career. But luckily, we put together a list of outdoor summer date ideas with some great affordable, quick, and simple options. Some of these activities are even completely free and can be done in your own backyard.
What to Do On a Date This Summer
Spice things up with your spouse or impress your blind date by taking them on one of these unique outdoor dates this season:
- Find a local drive-in movie theater or make your own. Pack some snacks, snuggle in the back seat, and watch a movie at a local drive-in. And if there isn’t one near you, all you need is a screen and a great film to recreate this classic and romantic date idea.
- Visit the farmer’s market and make dinner at home. This two-part date is perfect for couples who want to spend time together both in and out of the house. Browse a local farmer’s market, pick out some fruits and vegetables together, and prepare a delicious dinner at home.
- Build a fire in the backyard or a nearby wooded area. Nothing says “summer love” quite like sitting around a warm fire under a blanket, roasting marshmallows, and exchanging stories.
- Have a picnic or BBQ. Picture it — you set up a picnic blanket in your backyard or at a park. You prepared delicious food. You and your date are eating, drinking a bottle of wine, and laughing under the stars. It doesn’t get much more romantic than that.
- Go on a mini camping trip. Don’t have time to escape into the wilderness? Turn your backyard into a campground! Pitch a tent or pillow fort, and grill hotdogs to create a little getaway just a few feet from home.
- Go hiking or walking through nature. This simple and active date can happen on any day of the week. Whisk your date away to spend some time exploring the outdoors and enjoying conversation without any distractions.
- Go geocaching. This game of hide-and-seek is a great way to explore together during a date. Using an app on your smartphone, you can search for specific hidden items based on your GPS location.
- Go stargazing. You can make stargazing a part of any date night this summer. Lay a blanket out in the grass, relax with your date, and spend an hour looking up at the beautiful night sky.
- Make your own lazy river. This fun activity is perfect for a mini weekend getaway. Get two rafts, pack two bottles of wine, and float around in your local lake or river.
- Go kayaking. Even if you don’t own a kayak, go to a local rental shop or state park to rent one for the day. Spend the day being active on the lake and pack a lunch to enjoy on the shore halfway through.
- Go fishing. Neither of you need to be a pro to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon fishing. Pick up some bait, share a fishing rod, and sit on the dock together while waiting for a bite.
Go to a local sporting event. We know, sporting events can be expensive and overcrowded. But you can avoid that by going to a local high school, college, or union game and bringing a few snacks. This way, you’ll still get the fun of the game without any major-league malfunctions.- Visit local wineries. We’re clearly a little biased toward this idea, but why wouldn’t we be? Spend a Saturday exploring wineries near you, sipping on samples, and sightseeing breathtaking vineyards.
- Go to an outdoor festival. Food truck festivals, fundraisers, block parties, carnivals and fairs — the opportunities are endless, especially if you live near a big city. If you look online, you’re likely to find a bunch of festivals near you throughout the summer.
- Go to an outdoor concert. Whether you like intimate shows in the park, local tours from your favorite bands, or weekend-long music festivals, summer hosts its fair share of them. Concerts are a great chance to dance and sing, let loose, and have a memorable night with your date.
- Take a mini road trip. Does your date have any sights they’ve been wanting to see? Stow a few snacks in your glove compartment, put your iPod on shuffle, drive with the windows down, and explore new places during driving breaks.
- Go to the zoo. Bring your animal-loving date to the zoo for a lighthearted and inexpensive adventure. Feed some animals, stroll through exhibits, and pack a lunch for the perfect day.
- Pick berries together. Picking berries is a wonderful summer day activity, especially if you’re bringing kids or friends along. Find a local farm, explore the grounds, and pick a bushel of the best fruits you find together.
- Make your own popsicles. Or better yet, turn those berries into popsicles (and to make them even tastier, make them wine popsicles). These can be made quickly and enjoyed by the pool on a hot day.
- Have a beach day. Summer is never complete without having a date on the beach at night. Take a long and romantic walk in the sand together (wine glass in hand) to create the perfect summer date.
- Go mini golfing. This affordable and stress-free date is a great idea for fun-loving couples. Plus, teaching your date how to putt is the perfect way to break the ice.
- Go for a bike ride. Why not enjoy each other’s company while being active? Bike off the beaten path and explore new scenery as you wheel around together.
- Have morning coffee and brunch at an outdoor cafe. It’s the little things that are always the most special. Give your date a morning pick-me-up by sweeping them away to their favorite cafe on a warm summer morning.
- Go to a rooftop happy hour. Want to feel like you’re sitting in the lap of luxury? Impress your date by bringing them up to a romantic and trendy rooftop bar in the city.
- Set off some fireworks (if they’re legal in your state, of course). Create a picturesque summer night by stocking up on small fireworks at your local store and setting them off in the backyard. And better yet, spell out their name in sparklers to really sweep them off their feet.
Things to Bring
Now that we recommended what to do, we figured we’d help you pack your bag for your next date as well. What you should bring depends on the date you plan, but make sure you always have these essentials:
- Snacks
- Ingredients if you’re making food
- An umbrella (just in case!)
- Cash
- Medicine/an emergency kit
- Gas money
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- A camera
- A bottle (or a few) of wine!
Make It a Date to Remember
But no matter you choose to do or bring, all you have to do is make it memorable. Because at the end of the day, it’s not what you do on your date — it’s how you do it. It all depends on how well you plan it and how you act when you get there. So make sure you have an idea, take out enough cash, get all the essential materials, and take a nap if you need more energy before you go. And of course, make sure you act like yourself and have fun with whoever you bring on your date.
And, perhaps most importantly, bring wine that your date will love. Sip on summery whites, roses, and light reds while you’re at the beach, in the park, or even in the backyard to add a little romance and flavor to your date. Or, better yet, surprise them by arriving to the date with their favorite wine in hand. The right bottle can improve any night and make a wonderful impression, so make sure you find the perfect fit at WTSO.
Get quick delivery before your date by ordering today! Call us at 866-957-2795 for more information or to request a specific bottle.