Executing some date ideas on summer’s warmer days and longer nights are perfect for rekindling love. Whether by way of adventure, revisiting a shared hobby or favourite place, or learning in our partner’s interests (or vice-versa), we’ve found that intentional and uninterrupted time together helps our relationships grow stronger (and fonder).
Below, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite summer date night ideas—from getting all dressed up and going out to experiencing new activities and adventures together:
1. Grab a drink and blanket and head to a secret concert in your city. Sofar Sounds hosts live music in unique spaces around the globe. The artists and location are always a surprise!
2. Make a meal from scratch together—like really from scratch. Make your own bread, dressings and condiments, and top it off with a homemade dessert. Save the dishes for tomorrow.
3. Explore a botanical garden together and learn the names of plant species you didn’t previously know.
4. Go thrifting and create stories about the histories of the treasures you find.
5. Drive to the nearest natural body of water—ocean, lake, or pond and share your favourite water memories from childhood. (And go for a swim!)
6. Take a fitness or movement class together that’s new for both of you.
7. DJ a playlist for each other for a summer concert series at home.
8. If either of you has musical skills, break out the instruments. Write a song, play your favourite covers, and be easy on yourselves—it’s just for fun!
9. Teach each other a new skill. One of you can give guitar lessons; the other can give crochet lessons. Be patient with each other, and gain some new appreciation for your partner’s strengths.
10. Support your local theatre in the park and watch a play together. Don’t forget the picnic supplies.
11. Volunteer together for a cause you both care about.
12. Make a favourite bakery treat—cake, cookies, brownies, croissants—the sky’s the limit. Rate each other’s creations for deliciousness and presentation.
13. Travel back in time and visit your local drive-in. Bring each other a surprise snack.
14. Find your nearest amusement park and spend a day riding roller coasters.
15. Alternatively, head to the fairgrounds for some cotton candy. It is summer, after all!
16. Visit your local library and create a summer reading stack for each other.
17. Support your local bookstore by checking their events calendar—head to a poetry reading or author panel and get inspired! (Pick up a book or two while you’re at it).
18. Take a scenic drive and simply enjoy each other’s company.
19. Get a little hot and sweaty by learning how to salsa—either in your living room or by taking a dance class!
20. Soar even higher and challenge each other to try skydiving.
21. Bring your heart rates back down with an afternoon couples’ massage.
22. Or spend the whole day getting pampered at your favourite local spa!
23. For a sober summer, sign up for a subscription to one of these booze-free elixirs. Make a tasting night of it with your SO!
24. Get creative in a couples’ paint class, then frame your art at home.
25. Sculpting classes are another great afternoon date for boosting creativity together—find a class near you or try one of these at-home pottery kits.
“Sculpting classes are another great afternoon date for boosting creativity together.”
26. This isn’t your typical wine and canvas night—make a new art piece for your home using your bodies together.
27. We’re all in need of more laughter these days. Take your date to a comedy club for a lighthearted night to remember.
28. Take a leisurely bike ride around your city. Take turns leading and see where the roads take you.
29. Find an old polaroid camera on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Spend an afternoon walking around your favourite streets and create a photo map of your neighbourhood together.
30. If you need something new, give Randonautica a try. This app turns finding new things and places into a game, and you’ll discover anomalies in your neighbourhood.
31. What is your city’s “thing”? Figure out what gets manufactured in your current city of residence, and look for factory tours. From pickle factories to local breweries to micro-molding manufacturing, take a tour and learn something new.
32. Eat your way through your city! Make a list of all the must-try restaurants (prioritising hole-in-the-wall restaurants), and then put dinner dates on the calendar throughout the summer.
33. Catch a ballgame together, or attend a sporting match of your choice. Use Gametime for finding last-minute tickets.
34. Pack up your tent and sleeping bags for a date night under the stars.
“Rent kayaks or paddle boards for the day.”
35. Live near a lake? Rent kayaks or paddle boards for the day.
36. Closer to a river? Book a rafting adventure for a true bonding experience!
37. Leisure and water also pair well together. Consider a leisurely tube float or picnic or a river shore for a relaxing day date.
38. Sometimes the best date night calls for takeout and a good movie. Flip a coin for who gets to choose the food and who chooses the film. Share your tastes with one another!
39. Or bring the front-row seats to your living room by finding a full concert on YouTube (a Tiny Desk Concert works, too!)
40. Another affordable option is to find a secondhand movie projector, hang a white sheet, and grab a favourite film from your childhood. Then create a living room fort for at-home viewing. Snuggles encouraged!
41. A trip to your local vineyard and wineries can make for a fun summer afternoon. Just make sure to Uber!
42. Try a new board game together! 60 Second City is a collaborative game that requires good communication or get competitive with Rivals for Catan.
43. If your partner is a gamer, grab a controller! Spend an evening learning why they love it and play together.
44. Spend the day creating a home video or movie. Take turns playing director and record your memories for nostalgia’s sake.
45. When the weather gets chilly, warm up some soup, light some candles, and get in your PJs. Play a board game or try your skills at chess!
46. Mini-golf never goes out of style.
47. Better yet, head to the driving range and learn the art of the long shot.
48. Get social with strangers and book an escape room date night!
49. Is either of you a coffee fan? Grab a late-night cup of Jo (decaf preferably!) at your favourite coffee shop. Or find one in town that has an open mic night.
50. Treat yourselves to some manis and pedis! If you’re going for colour, why not select each other’s polish?
