Best Date Ideas for the Summer

Summer is officially underway, and with it comes sunny weather and the itch to get outside.

Every season comes with its joys and new things to do—autumn has apple picking, winter has ice skating, and spring brings the excitement of stepping outdoors without a coat again. Summer is especially exciting because it is jam-packed with fun things to do, and new opportunities bring more ways to get to know a person.

Here are some of my favorite summer dates to go on with my boyfriend when we want to stay active and get outside.

1. Kayaking. You just can’t beat being on a lake in the summer months. My family owns two kayaks, so I am lucky in that respect, but I have also been to places where it is relatively inexpensive to rent the boats for a few hours. It is peaceful, relaxing, and gives you time to talk as you float along. And bonus—if you are newly dating and stumble into an awkward silence, it isn’t that awkward, because the two of you can just pick up the paddles and continue quietly until you are ready to start talking again.
2. Tennis. This may not be for everyone, but tennis is a fun, inexpensive sport that is pretty easy to learn (you might not be good at it, but that’s not the point!). Pick up some rackets and tennis balls from a Walmart and head to a court at a local park or school to get a little competitive. It is a game that is made for two people, so that makes it ideal for a date.
3. Horseback riding. This is a great way to experience something new together and take in some beautiful scenery. Make a whole day of it and get dinner on the way home. Plus, you will get some adorable pictures of the two of you on horses!
4. Picnic. Okay, so this may seem like a simple one, but there is nothing better than packing a lunch and going somewhere special when you are trying to amp the romance on a date. Whether it is the beach, a park in your town, or the backyard, sharing a meal together is so important. Picnicking makes it unique and casual. Bring lemonade, strawberries, sandwiches, whatever you want— soak in the sun with your significant other and enjoy the weather.
5. Ice Cream. Call me old-fashioned, but I am a sucker for someone who will take me to a quaint ice cream shop and share a sundae with me. I’m talking about the good places, with dairy cows in the field and homemade whipped cream. I loved it in high school and I love it as an adult. Ice cream and summer just plain go together.
6. Ultimate Frisbee. This is a game even non-sporty people can play. All you need to know is how to throw and catch a frisbee! Get a group of friends together at the beach or the park.
7. Drive-In Theater. Search your local listings for outdoor movies or a drive-in movie theater. Step back in time by watching a movie classic under the stars. Most of the time the showing is free and all you need is a blanket and a snack.
8. Garden. Get involved in your community garden that helps feed the poor. There is something about working on the land that is so fulfilling and invigorating. Planting has already begun, but you can help harvest the goods at the end of the summer.
9. Bake a Pie. In the autumn you can pick apples, but a fun summer date is to find a local farm and pick fresh strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. If you are feeling adventurous, turn your berries into a pie or jam.
10. Visit an International Festival. The summer is filled with all kinds of cultural festivals. Watch an Irish dance competition at the Irish Feis, sample the best Italian food at the Italian food festival. In my neck of the woods there is a state fair with horse shows, art competitions, and country concerts.
11. Minor League Baseball. If major league baseball is too expensive or too far away, consider going to a minor league baseball game. Tickets are often inexpensive and the (light) beer is cheap. What better way to spend a summer afternoon, then with America's greatest past time?
12. Wine Tasting. Okay, I admit that most guys are dragged by the ladies to the local vineyards, but for a small fee you can taste multiple wines and be surrounded by lush fields of grapes and gorgeous views. Don't like wine? The local brewery gives tours and free samples at the end.
13. Visit a Monastery. Go experience the peace and beauty of a local religious community. Call ahead to find out what activities are open to the public. In most cases you can attend Mass or prayer with the community. Ask if they have a gift shop. You can find some of the best homemade goodies made by nuns or brothers.
14. Watch the Sunset. Okay maybe this seems cliché, but don't forget to take advantage of the surrounding natural beauty. Go find a spot where you can watch a beautiful summer sunset, whether it is on the beach, in the mountains, or on a rooftop. Take pictures of the quickly changing view. If you are an artist, try painting it.
15. Go Star Gazing. And once the sun goes down find a open place to count the stars. Download SkyView or Sky Map to identify the planets, constellations and even satellites. All you have to do is point your phone at the sky and the app gives you a map of what you are looking at. Now you don't have to wonder if you are looking at Orion's Belt or the Big Dipper.

This season is the time of vacations and outdoor adventures, but it doesn’t have to be crazy and elaborate to be memorable and unique. Sunny weather and long weekends are great opportunities to try new things with someone you love (or are falling in love with!)

What are your plans for the summer?