After the cold winter and unsettled spring months, the temperatures are finally rising and so are the pheromones of singletons everywhere.
If you are looking for some summer romance without the price that goes with a plane ticket, summer definitely has the answer!
This is the perfect time of year to get away from the more traditional ubiquitous dates and spice things up by going out and making the most of the warmer days and balmy nights.
Top 10 fun and romantic summer date ideas
If you’re looking for something fresh and fun, with just the right dash of adventure and romance, just use these top 10 date ideas this summer, and you’ll surely do more than just wow your date!
#1 Food glorious food!
They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so summer is the ideal time to explore the many farmers markets and food festivals that pop up during the warmer months.
Taking your boyfriend to one of these havens of yumminess will surely earn you extra brownie points.
And many offer free tastings, so if you’re lucky you might even have the chance to indulge in your very own gooey chocolate brownie too! [Read: 10 ways to be more romantic without being cheesy]
Check out local listings for foodie events in your area or search the web for food festival dates. There are so many options from chocolate festivals to exhibition shows, and you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice.
The great thing about foodie dates though, is that they give you the opportunity to enjoy your date and have a spin off next date when you can team up and cook your purchases for a romantic dinner for two or perhaps, a double date too. It’s also the perfect date to try something new and encourage your date to do the same, which is a clear sign that you can be fun and a little adventurous. [Read: Unique double date ideas for couples]
#2 Dining al fresco
Al fresco dining always makes for a good date choice! Especially during summer, making the most of the warm weather and eating outside is a great way to spend time relaxing. Picnics are what you make them, so whether you’re thinking casual or romantic, pack accordingly.
Remember, nothing says romance more than strawberries and champagne, but choose foods that are easy to pick at and eat because nothing is more of a turn-off than licking one’s fingers with sauce dripping down one’s chin.
All the major supermarkets now stock a wide range of picnic foods which save time for you, but if you have the time, why not prepare something homemade or create sparks with your own BBQ for two.
Another tip here, the location is very important as well. A leafy park, a manicured lawn, somewhere by a river or lake – choose a venue that will help set the mood to a lovely date. You can also add a twist to your date by perhaps, flying a kite or catching a round of crazy golf nearby! Try anything, as long as it’s something that allows you to bring out each other’s playful sides. [Read: 25 sweet romantic gestures for everyday life!]
#3 Adrenaline rush
A boost of adrenaline is the perfect complement to the jittery date nerves we can all experience from time to time. The exciting rush of adrenaline that one gets from the rides at theme parks is just the thing to get both of your hearts racing!
There is scientific evidence showing that levels of brain chemicals like serotonin increase during the adrenaline rush of excited fear we experience on a theme park ride. And these chemicals mimic the feeling one gets during the mad-love phase at the beginning of a new relationship, which in turn, makes the individual feel more connected to their date.
So whether you need a quick recharge of why you fell in love with your partner or want to trick your brain and your date’s brain into a love connection, this is the date for you. [Read: 25 must-follow rules for truly happy love]
#4 Row your boat
A classic summer pastime and a favorite with rowers and non-rowers alike is boating. Taking a boat trip, even around a lake in the park, is liberating, romantic and can be a lot of fun as long as you know what you’re doing.
Even the most inexperienced rower can come across well for thinking up such a cool date, but just be careful not to mimic the films where you both fall in, as the water is deceptively colder than the weather!
And for the more adventurous couples out there, one might consider hiring a punt where available or perhaps something more energetic like canoeing or kayaking.
#5 Rooftop rendezvous
Many cities have rooftop terraces housing bars and restaurants with amazing views across the city which will impress your date in addition to getting away from the hustle and bustle of life at street level and ascending to the heights of sophistication.
Rooftop bars also make for one of the best places to sip cocktails as the sun goes down. Men can score extra chivalry points by lending her your jacket at the end of the evening as the sun starts to set. And it’s also a good excuse to cuddle up closer. [Read: 25 topics of conversation that ensure a happy relationship!]
#6 Meal with a view
Just like rooftop bars, restaurants on the upper floors of tall buildings impress the senses with the world spread out in front of you. For example, London’s OXO Tower is the ideal place to have lunch or dinner whilst enjoying the amazing views over the UK capital.
While everyone is enjoying the sunshine, a few slots at those hard-to-get-into restaurants often open up. Just make sure your date doesn’t suffer from vertigo before booking the table by the window! [Read: 13 really romantic dinner date ideas for two]
#7 Season of sport
Summer is the time when the sporting season gets into full swing with a number of high profile events that are attended by celebrities, bankers, media moguls and the like. So pick out your best hat or dust off your snazziest suit and take your date off to something stylish and spectacular.
The Season isn’t just about rowing, racing and polo. There are a number of different events during the Season which should appeal to most tastes. This date is about trying something new and enjoying being different for the day. It can bring out another side to you to show your date, and who knows, you might even place a cheeky wager on the winning team to go towards your next date!
#8 Out in the open
A very popular choice with those who enjoy music and film are the various open-air cinemas and concerts that take place in many major cities. Whether you want to treat your date to a classic movie under the stars or enjoy a balmy summer evening listening to great music, having a date in the open air has all the makings of a fun night out, and is much more interesting than a more traditional date.
Again, preparation is key, often you can bring your own delicious goodies and your favorite bottle of wine. This type of date *especially open air music concerts and festivals* often lends itself to larger groups which adds variety to your dating life.
After all, it is important to not cut yourself off from your friends and to mix a romantic date with a group of friends gathering together is the perfect antidote to losing yourself in the honeymoon period. [Read: 12 easy tips to be a happy couple that’s envied by everyone else!]
#9 Get on your bike
Summer is the ideal season to get active. And a great way to combine exercise with dating is to grab a couple of bicycles and go for a leisurely ride along one of the cycle paths one finds by rivers or through one of the larger parks. Cycling dates allow both of you to see the most of nature and the picturesque scenery whilst enjoying each other’s company.
And if exercise isn’t for you, grab a tandem and take it slowly. If you have time, perhaps team this with a country drive so you get to spend more time with each other. For an extra dynamic date, grab your rollerblades and skate your way to romance! [Read: 9 relationship stages all couples go through in a relationship]
#10 Beside the seaside
As things heat up, head for the beach for some summer fun and make the most of the sunny weather. Release your inner child by beachcombing and building sandcastles, walk by the sea whilst paddling in the surf, eat an ice cream sitting on the pier, play crazy golf for some friendly competition with lots of laughs, enjoy strolling along the promenade and at the end of the day, watch the sunset from a westerly waterfront bar or restaurant.
And if the beach is too far away, find a nice local park and have fun on the swings, play Frisbee, feed the ducks by the lake and go for a romantic walk under the trees holding hands. [Read: 50 amazing date ideas to wow your date every single time!]
Now go on out there and use these top 10 summer dating ideas! After all, what better way to spend the summer than by enjoying the sunshine with the one you love?
