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It’s that time of year when everything is heating up, the sun it up longer, and people are spending more time in shorts and sandals. It’s also the perfect time of year to change up the date night routine and fit in some really fun, unique, seasonally appropriate summer dates.
As professional date night bloggers who have been on literal thousands of dates, we’re sharing our list of dates we’ll be choosing from as we plan the date night calendar this year. We’re sharing 50 summer date ideas that include plenty of free date ideas, at-home date ideas, and really fun dates to heat things up this summer!
Water balloon fight-a fun classic that’s easy and approachable and is entertaining from start to finish.
And it just happens to be the quintessential summertime activity to bring back all the childhood nostalgia of summer.
Carnival time-when the Ferris wheel arrives in town it’s always fun to go grab some cotton candy, try to win that oversized stuffed animal, and enjoy a few thrill rides together.
Music Festival-
‘tis the season of bands touring in groups, and dressing up and attending a full music festival is a summer must.
This lazy date provides cool water, lots of sun, and a really great opportunity for conversation.Mini-golf-when you can be outdoors and enjoy some friendly competition for an inexpensive price, you have a winner in the summer date department every time!
Have s’mores night-it’s the official summer dessert for a reason, and the only thing needed for a great date! This works over fire pits, camping trips, or over a grill in the backyard. Get creative with toppings and enjoy! This s’mores kit would be perfect fro a s’mores date!
Watch the sunrise-waking up to see the sun come up is not only so memorable but super romantic.
if you’re a night person instead of a morning, watching the sunset in a scenic spot may be the way to go.
Summer DatesHot air balloon rides-
it’s on almost everyone’s bucket list, and now is the time to create a really amazing memory!
Go boating/sailing-there’s something about just being on a boat that makes it so fun, but a sunset sail or wakeboarding on a boat makes it even more exciting and memorable.
Rent a kayak-working in tandem, a few paddle splash wars, and a fun way to stay cool and active equals summer date perfection.
Indulge in summer blockbuster season-
We’re all about creativity, but the best blockbusters come out in the summer and sometimes you just have to decide dinner and movie is the perfect summer date. You can also plan a movie marathon and watch any prequels/sequels as a bonus date night!
Amusement park-roller coaster rides, merry-go-rounds, and bumper cars are the definition of summer and something dates of all ages seem to love and adore.
Set up your own car wash-there’s just something so fun about blasting the vintage song and spraying each other with the hose while you tackle your to-do list.
Cute Summer Date Ideas
Road trip to a nearby city for a day.While everyone is vacationing you can pretend you are too for a few hours while catching some new sights and making some new memories.
Go on an ice skating dateDo this on the hottest day of the year, it will be your most refreshing summer date imaginable.
Attend a baseball game-It’s a classic for a reason.
Go watch fireworks-watch for holidays and local events, you can catch a lot of summer fireworks often for free.Go stargazing-this free, romantic date is always a winner. We love to bring an air mattress and Google Sky and really enjoy some time out in nature.
Splurge on a concert.It’s tour season and there are a lot more concerts happening during the summer than other times of the year. Bonus for outdoor arenas that make it feel even more like a summer night.
Attend a soccer game-
if baseball isn’t your thing, this is one way to still enjoy stadium food, athletic events, and plenty of conversation time.
Summer Date Night Ideas
Tandem Bike DateRent a tandem bike, because figuring it out together and combining summer bike riding nostalgia goes a long way.
Enjoy dinner or drinks on the patio.
Even in the hottest places, misters save the day and make dinner or drinks feel new and fresh.
Go Rock Climbing
If you’re lucky enough to live in a place where outdoor rock climbing is available, check the summer session dates and enjoy the great outdoors! But for everyone else, and those who may not own their own gear, an indoor rock gym is the perfect place to go! They’ll provide the equipment, instructors, and plenty of endorphin boosting fun!
Take a Segway Tour of your closest large city-if you can’t beat the tourists, join them!
With warm weather, many host Segway tours and it’s surprisingly one fun summer date idea you’ve probably never tried before!
Bonfire group date-
Bring back summer camp and ghost story memories creating a bonfire in a safe location.
Attend a chalk art festival, or create your own chalk art murals.
There’s nothing like channeling your inner child, or appreciating the art of those who do!
There’s nothing quite like the great weather, giant screens, and the perfect cuddle setup on a blanket. Grab your sweetie for on of the perfect summer dates. Check for listing at your local parks and outdoor amphitheaters for their schedule and free nights!
Great Summer Date Ideas
Hit up a food truck festival.They tend to gather more trucks, stay longer, and plan for bigger events when the weather is nice.
Go rollerblading or learn to skateboard together.You may pick up a new hobby or at least have a lot of laughs.
Pick in-season produce at a local farm.
It’s berry season and many farms offer times to pick strawberries and blueberries by the bushel. We love peach harvesting in August! It’s a fun way to experience a piece of the summer harvest.
It’s an adventure that gets you out of the heat while definitely feeling a cool breeze.Summer Group Date Ideas
Host an outdoor potluck.
Invite other couples to make their summer specialty and enjoy trying all the dishes and socializing together.
Have a BBQ cookoff.Plan the menu and compete for the best items served.
Go for a hike-
Even if you live somewhere very warm night hikes with good lighting are always a very romantic option. Here are a lot of tips for making a hiking date a success!
Plan a huge summer trip-
Whether you actually go or don’t is totally up to you, but there’s a lot of fun in heading to a bookstore and planning your dream vacation.
Buy in-season produce to cook a romantic meal together. You could also hit up your local food trucks and enjoy dinner while you walk around on a romantic farmer’s market date.
Summer Dates for Couples
Visit a botanical garden festival.
It’s rose season almost everywhere, but other floral festivals are in bloom during the summer. They make for a romantic scene and perfect selfie backdrop for some pictures together.
Go camping.
It can be in the backyard for a few hours or a legit trip, but it’s the perfect season to plan a trip together. If You can’t make it on a camping trip, plan an indoor camping date night.
Take a long walk on the beach.
Whether it’s the actual beach or the beach of a lake, it still is a great totally free date perfect for a summer evening.
Go-cart racing-
Oh my have outdoor options open in the summer, and this need-for-speed date is a fun adrenaline rush.
Summer Date Ideas for Couples
Attend an outdoor play.
I thought I loved plays. But then I saw my first outdoor theater and fell even more in love with this open atmosphere and actors working with nature to create scenes.
Try SUP- stand-up paddleboarding.
It’s a twist on a classic that gives just enough adventure and uncertainty to make a truly memorable beat-the-heat date.
Outdoor Summer Dates
Games in the park.
Whether it’s a formal event organized by your community, and ask to join the regulars or just bring your favorite board game or deck of cards, it’s fun to create the community feel of a park event and enjoy it with a date. Here’s a list of couple games that are perfect for this date night!
Attend a local summer festival.This is different in every city, town, and state. However, there’s always a harvest or pie-eating or cultural celebration. Check your city’s calendar.
Buy water guns for an epic fight.When you’re ready to take your relationship to the next level and commit to more than water balloons, large water guns and set rules and boundaries make for a more intense and fun date night.
Give nostalgia a nod and play night games.
Kick the can, capture the flag, hide-and-go-seek ruled a lot of children’s summers. Find a game to play for two or grab a group and enjoy reliving your childhood.
Host a sand volleyball tournament.
It’s the perfect double (or quadruple) date. Plus, you can play classic volleyball, beach ball volleyball, or get creative with beach towel/water balloon volleyball. All make for a fun, friendly competition for all athletic levels.
Make ice cream together. You can do it with two cans, in a bag, or with a professional mixer. Find a method and enjoy making everyone’s favorite summer treat from scratch.
Try an Adventure Challenge for Couples: So many of these scratch-off date nights are perfect to do around town while the weather is fabulous!
Make popsicles. You can get super fancy with yogurt, sparkling drinks, and real fruit. Get creative and have some fun!
Attend a Rodeo. It’s rodeo season in many small towns. Find your nearest one and support the locals. We were surprised how much we enjoyed our rodeo date night.
Take an outdoor yoga class. Look for a sunrise yoga session or goat yoa session for a truly quirky date you’ll never forget!
Like these summer dates? You may love these date ideas lists too:
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if you’re a night person instead of a morning, watching the sunset in a scenic spot may be the way to go.
if baseball isn’t your thing, this is one way to still enjoy stadium food, athletic events, and plenty of conversation time.
There’s nothing quite like the great weather, giant screens, and the perfect cuddle setup on a blanket. Grab your sweetie for on of the perfect summer dates.
It’s a twist on a classic that gives just enough adventure and uncertainty to make a truly memorable beat-the-heat date.
Hey! I love this list!! 🙂 Can I share your intro blurb and a photo (with Chrissy mentioned of course) on my Davis County Dates site??
I’ll surprise my wife with a couple of the dates you’ve listed above. Thank you, great post!