We are smack-dab in the middle of summer now, which means it's time for dates to get a little more creative. Dinner and a movie may sound good when it's pouring buckets outside or dropping several feet of snow, but unless you're faced with blizzards and thunderstorms, you should be thinking outside the dinner-and-the-cinema box.
Take advantage of the warmer weather by letting your outdoorsy side take the lead for your romantic rendezvous. Here are a few great summer date ideas:
- Pack a picnic. It's kind of like dinner and movie, but with homemade food and real life people-watching instead of a cheesy rom-com. A picnic offers more opportunity for conversation than catching the latest theatrical release, plus it's the perfect chance to show off your skills in the kitchen.
- Go for a bike ride. It's a workout and a date all wrapped into one! It's also an opportunity to be a tourist in your own city, and see the sights from a new perspective. If you really want to make it memorable, you can even rent a "bicycle built for two."
- Go horseback riding. You like the idea of going for a ride, but biking isn't for you. Then try a horse instead. There's something undeniably romantic about horseback riding - just think of the irresistible knight in shining armor.
- Spend an afternoon on the water. If you want a relaxing date, rent a boat and go for a cruise. If you want a date that doubles as a workout, try a canoe or a kayak. If you want to test your date's daredevil cred, go whitewater rafting.
- Take a hike. Find a scenic local route and invite your date to explore it with you. Enjoy the resident flora (and maybe even a bit of fauna) while getting to know each other. You may even have a chance to impress your date with knowledge from your scouting days.
- Try rock climbing. Dating experts always suggest indoor rock climbing as a creative date idea, but why do it indoors when you could do it outside? It may require an intro class if you and your date don't already have climbing experience, but what's wrong with that? That's date one and date two - already planned!
- Go camping. Not right for date one, but perfect for dates that have hit the sleepover stage. Going on an outdoor adventure in a secluded spot removes all the distractions - like wondering whether it's appropriate to take a mid-date phone call or fighting over who's going to pay the bill - so you can focus entirely on each other.
- Skydive. Yeah, it's not for the faint of heart, but a date doesn't get any more memorable than this. Scientists have proven that activities that get your adrenaline pumping also increase attraction, so not only will it be a thrilling rush, jumping out of a plane together will also increase the connection you feel to each other.