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Summer is finally here after a harsh winter, and if you’re anything like me and my sweetie, you’re jonesing to get out and have some fun in the sun with your beau. And the warm season offers a wealth of ideas for making date night special without necessarily blowing through a bankroll. Many romantic and fun summer date ideas cost no money at all!
If you’re making plans for the coming weekend, you’re in luck. Here are 12 fun summer date ideas for making your one-on-one time with your sweetie fun and (hopefully) frisky for both of you. Now, while the days are longer and the temperatures and warmer, get out there and celebrate your love!
Does anything scream “romance” more than a moonlit stroll along the beach? Not only will you and your beloved enjoy uninterrupted time to talk after the madding crowds have departed, but you’ll also inhale the fresh ocean air, which some scientists believe is beneficial for human health.
Take a bottle of wine along or go for some piña coladas. Who knows? You may end up enjoying making love at midnight in the dunes of the cape!
Hitting up an outdoor concert during the summer is one of my favorite fun summer date ideas because it always gets you and your honey up and dancing. Outdoor concerts offer the benefit of having all the space you want to spread out and enjoy the good vibes. You can soak up some sun and help your body produce more vitamin D while jamming out to your favorite tunes.
Picnics are so old-school and quaint — that’s what makes them awesome AF! Whether or not you decide to invest in a cute, red-and-white-checked basket or simply load up an old cooler, you’ll love dining al fresco with your amor.
Feeling super-ambitious? Whip up a batch of homemade fried chicken the night before to carry along cold. Bake it in the oven instead of frying to reduce fat. Vegan or vegetarian? Schlep along a kale and beet pizza for an interesting twist on the Italian classic.
If you’ve got a tougher stomach than mine (the vertigo is strong in this one), taking a hot air balloon ride with your lover allows you to see your city or town from a whole new perspective. Plus, there’s something exhilarating about holding hands dozens or hundreds of feet in the air. Many popular tourist destinations also offer such rides, so if you’re taking a road trip, consider booking a flight somewhere along your travels.
Farmers markets aren’t only for fresh produce anymore, although you can certainly snag some organic bargains on your trip. Many farmers markets are full-blown flea marts these days where vendors offer all types of wares. Pick out humanely raised or vegetarian noms and cook up dinner together when you get home.
C’mon, you know you’ve always wanted a cotton-candy kiss atop the Ferris wheel. Summertime is fair season in the majority of the U.S. Most fairs allow you to buy tickets per ride, so if money is tight, you can still enjoy a spin on the Tilt-A-Whirl and maybe win your favorite teddy bear a stuffed memento if you have a wicked pitching arm.
Summer is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors, so head out to the nearest nature preserve or natural forest and get a little dirty. If you’re sensitive to poison ivy, learn about what plants to watch out for ahead of time. Brush up on hiking safety tips in advance, too — while most easy hikes are safe for all fitness levels, there’s nothing romantic about a twisted ankle.
Have a wad of money in savings you’re dying to blow? If you have the funds, a trip to Disney World is romantic for kids-at-heart of all ages.
Those who live in cooler climes often underestimate how strong the Florida sun can be. Plus, the high humidity brings the skeeters and noseeums out of hiding. Have no fear — mix up your own homemade sunscreen and bug spray before you depart.
When temps approach the triple digits, there’s nowhere cooler to hang out than an indoor ice skating rink. Even if you have all the coordination of a newborn doe, you can seek relief from the heat. Plus, you and your boo can recreate your favorite scene from “Happy Gilmore” if you can bribe the DJ to play “Endless Love.”
Prefer your water wet, not frozen? Most outdoor recreation areas rent out canoes, kayaks and even jet skis. Take advantage of the instructional demonstrations, then get out on the lake or ocean and find your own private romantic cove.
If the temps aren’t too sweltering, why not take a tandem bike ride? Even if you don’t have such a bike, many places rent them out. Feeling lazy? Rent a tandem bike so you can switch to motor power when your legs get tired (or you hit a hill).
Finally, what could be more romantic than laying on a blanket under the stars gazing at constellations with your sweetie? Warm summer nights are perfect for camping — even if you go no further than your own backyard.
Just because the original Woodstock went down before you were born, it shouldn’t stop you from making your own summer of love with that special someone. With these great date ideas, you can take your relationship to new heights while enjoying fun in the sun!
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