You love to KISS, right? Aside from smooching, the “keep it simple stupid” approach to date night is sometimes best! Summer fun doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive to be enjoyable. These 30 ideas will transform you from busy grown-ups to fun-loving kids with simply playful summer date nights.
1. Build a sandcastle.
Don’t just sunbathe on the beach… skip rocks, hunt for seashells and grab a pail to tackle this summer bucket list idea.
2. Catch fireflies.
Lighten up date night with the magic of nature’s blinking lights. You know you still think these bioluminescent bugs are cool!
3. Roast s’mores.
Bite into classic summertime ooey-gooey yumminess.
4. Get a treat from the ice cream truck.
Grab a cone and stroll the neighborhood hand-in-hand.
5. Pick wildflowers on a hike.
Explore parks and pastures picking flowers along the way to make a simple arrangement.
6. Play Frisbee.
Pass the day tossing this childhood toy or, for an adult version, play a round of Frisbee golf.
7. Go for a bike ride.
Take a step toward ultimate date night leisure with a twosome tryst.
8. Fly a kite.
8. Fly a kite. Be blown away by the beauty of this cheap entertainment.
9. Go to a carnival or fair.
Games, rides, prizes, fried food… sounds like a summertime recipe for date night.
10. Try geocaching.
Have a gem of a date night exploring together for hidden treasures.
11. Write your name or love sentiments with sparklers.
This is an easy way to add a spark to your date night with playful art!
12. Ride a carousal or roller coaster.
Amusement rides aren’t just for kids but for the young at heart. Buckle up for exhilaration!
13. Belly flop onto a slip-n-slide.
Guaranteed summer fun! Buy a slip-n-slide or make your own.
14. Play backyard games.
Challenge your partner to competitive outdoor games.
15. Play Marco Polo.
Add a splash of fun to your poolside date.
16. Kiss or dance in the rain.
It’s hot… so why not naturally cool off (and play) with your love during a sun shower. And don’t forget to look up at the rainbow afterwards.
17. Swing by the playground to hit the swings.
Just park it for a rocking date night chat and youthful shenanigans galore.
18. Take a ferry ride.
No time for a summer cruise? Simplify with a local ferry ride.
19. Picnic in the park.
There’s nothing quite as romantic as a laid-back picnic surrounded by nature!
20. Go fishing.
20. Go fishing. Play footsy as your feet dangle off the pier and reel in waterside date night memories.
21. Watch fireworks.
For a dynamite night, watch a fireworks show with your one and only firecracker.
22. Read a book (aloud).
Make a novel date night lounging together in a hammock reading pages of poems and love stories.
23. Host a backyard movie night.
Create a DIY production for a blockbuster night.
24. Have a living room sleepover.
No time for a hotel staycation? Try a new spot for slumber and other nighttime things (wink wink).
25. Make fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Pucker up to summer’s freshness by squeezing lemons for homemade deliciousness. Skip hosting a lemonade stand of course but, if desired, mix in some vodka.
26. Skinny dip!
The naked truth is that swimming in the buff is liberating. Dare to dive into the pool or lake sans bathing suit.
27. Watch a movie at the drive-in.
Make your car your very own theater VIP space… bring snacks, wear comfy pajamas and engage in PDA without judgment.
28. Watch the sunset (and rise).
28. Watch the sunset (and rise). Let the sun be the superstar of date night. Classic… beautiful…
29. Stargaze laying in the grass.
A starry moonlit night can be out-of-this-world.
30. Pick fresh fruit.
Head to a local u-pick with the apple of your eye for flavorful fun.
Nancy DeVault is the managing editor of Date Night Guide and a contributor to publications such as Babble, AmeriDisability Services Magazine and Orlando Magazine. She enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband and toddler.