Looking for a sweet way to woo your beloved even though the festivals, theaters, and ball games are shut down?
Summertime is officially here, and although this year is markedly different than your typical summer, the need for thrifty summer date ideas still remains. Financial strains and shutdowns are a common reality of our time. However, you don’t need to put your pursuit of love on hold! Here are some summer 2020 date ideas that won’t break the bank or the rules of social distancing.
Picnicking and hiking.
Grab some sack lunches, a blanket, and maybe a bottle of wine on a sunny afternoon, and have yourself an old-fashioned picnic! Tack on a little hike to the picnic spot and you’ve got yourself a romantic day of fun and serenity, surrounded by nature.
There’s nothing like being out in the wilderness with someone you adore, and the space away from the chaos of life will give you the breath of fresh air you both need.
Fishing.
Your dad’s favorite pastime could be a great ice-breaking activity on a first or second date! Borrow some fishing gear from a friend if you don’t have some yourself (you could even get by with just sharing one pole and taking turns).
Most states require fishing licenses on public waters, but you can get a 24-hour license for around $10-$15 a person. The best part about going fishing with a date? The activity of fishing gives you something to focus on (or an excuse not to talk) if you’ve run out of things to say in those awkward beginning stages of dating.
Drive-in or backyard movie.
The old-fashioned movie theaters of the past are making a comeback, thanks to the pandemic. This article lists several pop up drive-in movie theaters around the country, with most costing less than a typical movie theater ticket.
No drive-ins in your area? Create your own by turning your backyard or driveway into an outdoor movie theater. A projector, white sheet, and side of a house or garage door is all that’s needed for a quick set-up. Cozy up with some blankets and lawn chairs (or even sit in your car!) and enjoy the magic of the movies under the stars.
Gardening or berry picking.
If you’ve got a green thumb, or even if you don’t, gardening is a fun physical activity to share with a date. Pick out a few seedlings at the garden center to plant in your yard, barrel, or even in just a 5-gallon bucket. Spend the summer cultivating your plants as you grow your relationship. You’ll both enjoy building a hobby together and seeing something come to fruition (pun intended) throughout the season!
If gardening just isn’t your thing, find a local berry patch/orchard and go strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, or cherry picking! You can get an amazing deal on fresh, local fruit by putting in the work it takes to pick it yourself, while enjoying some exercise and time outdoors with your match. This is also a great first or second date idea, because the activity gives you enough to focus on when the conversation slows. After picking your fill, go back to one of your homes and try your hands at baking a pie!
“Campout” dinner.
If one of you has some outdoor space where you live, make yourself a little campfire and have a “campout” for dinner. Roast hot dogs over the fire, or even try these campfire pizzas (they are easier than they sound!). And of course, it wouldn’t be a campout without roasted marshmallows and s’mores for dessert!
If one of you is musically inclined, bring out the guitar, ukulele, or other smallish stringed instrument and serenade your sweetie. Nothing is more romantic than cozying up by a warm fire with someone who makes your heart skip a beat. This is also the perfect setting to do some stargazing (also oh-so romantic)!
Geocaching.
Head on over to this website and check out all of the local geocaches in your area! There’s also an app that you can download so you can navigate to the cache right on your phone or GPS. Then spend a date (or several) hunting for geocaches! Physical activity, outdoors, free, adventurous—what isn’t there to love about geocaching with a date?
Never heard of the word? Think of it as a modern-day treasure hunt. Hidden in public parks, forests, and places you’d least expect are hundreds of geocaches—variously sized containers holding all sorts of trinkets. Inside each one is a written log for seekers to record their find. You can take what’s inside the cache and leave something of your own, or just simply gain the satisfaction of having found the treasure.
While it may seem like a different summer than most, these "COVID-friendly" date ideas will help your dating life flourish! Remember, summer is fleeting, so don’t miss the opportunity to find and grow your love in one of the most romantic seasons of the year.
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