30 Summer Date Ideas That Will Heat Up Your Romance

You can make a lot of warm memories with your loved one on winter dates, but there's something about summertime that just spells romance. It’s the ideal time to take in nature with your partner by your side, whether you’re hiking, biking, swimming, or even just reading or lounging lazily in the backyard together. Summer festivals and cultural experiences abound, too, which makes it easy to play the tourist in your own town. You can also get creative by making a DIY summer craft together and then enjoying it on a date, whether it’s a fire pit, a beach tent, or your very own hammock.

Since there's no shortage of fun summer things to do, electronic devices should be far from your minds (and hands). Instead, you should focus on making memories with your very favorite person. Take pictures with an old camera. Play to your heart’s content at a carnival. Or bring back childhood activities that you used to do during summers long ago. Any one of these summer date ideas is sure to spark a little romance in your relationship so take your pick and get out there and have some fun in the sun!

Summer is the season to spend all your time outside, and that includes an outdoor board game date night. Pull out your old favorites or make your own colorful chess set that’ll match your summer decor.

Get the tutorial at A Kailo Chic Life.

SHOP SCISSORS

For a super sweet date, head to a local ice cream shop. Go all out with sprinkles, nuts, and hot fudge, or keep it simple with vanilla or chocolate cones.

Think of a new summer activity that the two of you can try together. Perhaps you could both take up running or give stand-up paddleboarding a whirl. You can do anything, as long as you do it together.

How’s this for an old-school summer activity to do with your honey? Rent a canoe (yes, just like the ones you paddled at camp), and go to a scenic locale with your partner.

Don’t just have a picnic with your partner—make it one that’s worthy of Instagram. Bring out your prettiest blankets, plates, pillows, and baskets to really set the scene and make it special.

SHOP BASKETS

No big vacation planned this summer? In that case, make a date out of pretending to be tourists in your own town. Create a list of shops and stops you’ve always wanted to make (and don’t forget cultural experiences like museums and art galleries).

Elevate your at-home cocktail hour with a summertime sipper fit for a balmy night, like this boozy take on snow cones.

Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.

Sure, you probably take pictures of each other with your cell phones all the time. But for this date, you can switch things up by taking photos with an old camera (you can find one on eBay or at a thrift store or flea market). Load it up with that bygone film and take pictures at your favorite summer locales.

There’s nothing prettier than sweeping fields of purple lavender in the summer, and you can share the experience with your other half. Linger, meander hand in hand, and breathe in all the soothing scents.

You can definitely count having your morning coffee together as a date. Drink it in your backyard for some summertime ambiance before heading off to work.

SHOP MUGS

Take movie night into the great outdoors! You can either purchase a movie screen or make your own with this tutorial. Set up chairs and cozy pillows—and don’t forget the snacks.

Get the tutorial at The Merrythought.

Is there anything more magical than gazing up at the night sky with the one you love? Head to a dark place without artificial light (away from homes, street lamps, etc.) and either use an app or an old-school book to pick out the constellations. Take it to the next level with a telescope to really take a closer look.

Your dog can totally join you on your summertime date! Find a new place to take Fido for a walk, go to a dog park, or sit with a couple pints at a dog-friendly brewery.

"Whew, refreshing!" That’s what you’ll probably say after jumping in a lake with your partner in crime. It’s sure to cool you down on a hot summer day, and it’s a way to soak up some nature together.

Did you know that you can create your very own stock tank pool to enjoy in your backyard? This little pool has date night written all over it and is best enjoyed with either cocktails or lemonade in your hands.

Get the tutorial at Hey Wanderer.

SHOP POOL PUMPS

We’re betting that there are a few parks in your area that you’ve never visited with your partner. Check out a map and pick one or more to explore this summer, and make a walk-and-talk date out of it.

When was the last time you laid in a field and spotted shapes in the clouds? Try this nostalgic activity with your sweetie for a date that’ll take you right back to your childhood summers.

Dance like no one is watching…because no one will be! Head to your backyard, put on some romantic music, and make it a dance party for two on a beautiful summer night.

Gardening doesn’t have to feel like a chore when you share it with someone you love. Make it an activity for two by picking out flowers together, wearing cute gardening clothes, and have great conversations as you beautify your yard.

Who says making chalk drawings is just for children? Act like a couple of kids again by breaking out the chalk and creating masterpieces in your driveway.

SHOP CHALK

A summer without a bonfire…well, just isn’t summer! A date by the fireplace is always romantic, and a backyard bonfire will offer that same vibe. You can even build the fire pit together if you'd like.

Get the tutorial at Dream Green DIY.

If you both can’t get enough of fresh summertime eats, go to a farmer’s market for a date. Plan a meal ahead of time and shop for all the ingredients together.

Challenge your partner to a game of (oversized) yard dice! While you can make these dice yourselves, you can also head online to buy giant, backyard-friendly versions of four-in-a-row and Jenga.

Get the tutorial at Love & Renovations.

Talk about sparking romance! Take in a fireworks show together for a truly magical evening.

Bike around town together on your favorite routes. Dress up your bikes with baskets or make it even more adorable with a bicycle built for two.

Get the tutorial at Francois et Moi.

SHOP BIKE BASKETS

Don’t miss all the deliciousness that summer has to offer. Make it a date at a berry-picking farm and gather your fill of raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries.

Start a bucket list of state and national parks that you and your partner would love to visit. Then make a point of covering two or three this summer and getting some hiking in as a twosome.

Is there anything more summery than going to a carnival or county fair? Go all in by eating deep-fried everything, driving bumper cars, and winning prizes for each other at the midway.

For the couple that enjoys dates with a side of friendly competition, look no further than your local mini golf course. Pick balls in your favorite colors, cheer for those holes-in-one, and let the winner buy ice cream.

Block off an entire afternoon and simply lay in a hammock together. While a nap would be lovely, the two of you could also read books or make even more summer plans.

Get the tutorial at The Merrythought.

SHOP HAMMERS