Looking for fun summer date ideas? This post has the best ways to spend time with your person in the summer months!
Okay, I have to say, summer is HANDS DOWN my fav season for dates!! There’s just something absolutely magical about the sunny days, soaking up the warm weather, and staying out late in the great outdoors. It’s like living in a scene from a high school rom-com, where everything feels so fresh, fun, and full of possibility. To me, summer dates always bring back the feeling of young love, carefree adventures, and getting out of your comfort zone 🙂
So without further ado…
This post is all about the BEST summer date ideas to try with your partner 🙂
CUTE & ROMANTIC DATE IDEAS FOR SUMMER
Some dates are just MADE for the summer season – I’m thinking soft sunsets, romantic walks, stargazing with your favorite person. If you’re craving quality time, sweet gestures, or just a cute way to spend time with your partner, this is the section! These ideas are perfect for summer, whether you’re on your first date or 100th.
1. Go to a u-pick flower field
As someone who’s a sucker for getting flowers, this is one of my absolute favorite date ideas! You can do this so many times over the summer, too, especially because different blooms are available at different points of the season. Pick out flowers that remind you of each other, make flower crowns (throwback to the Tumblr days), and take all the pics.
2. See a drive-in movie
Drive-in movies are the MOST picturesque date idea I can think of – it’s so timeless!! Makes me think of old-school romance. Bring cozy blankets, your fav snacks, and don’t forget bug spray. Watching the movie under the stars feels soo romantic. It’s a great date night idea for when you want something low-key while not having to be at home.
3. Take a scenic drive with a summer playlist
Okay just think: windows down, your fav tunes on blast, wind in your hair, gorgeous views around you… AHH!! Each year, my boyfriend and I make a joint Spotify playlist for that summer, and it’s such a great way to actually remember the FEELING of that summer. Plus, no one can deny that summer months are the perfect time for a spontaneous lil road trip… So hop in your car and turn up the music 🙂
4. Build a sandcastle at the beach
This is such a nostalgic summer date idea and will bring out both of your inner kids. Gather tools (you could literally bring cups/bowls from around the house), snacks, and maybe even make it a contest! You could always stay for a long walk along the beach afterwards.
5. Attend a local summer festival or fair
My boyfriend and I absolutely LOVE any opportunity to bop around on foot, so festivals are our jam! Check out local events near you – from outdoor concerts to food trucks, summer festivals are the best place to spend an afternoon. Plus, it’s often a cool way to see local vendors’ or artists’ work!
6. Visit a petting zoo
Going to a petting zoo has been on my bucket list for a long time! Imagine getting to feed baby goats, seeing the alpacas, and taking chaotic selfies with animals that have absolutely NO personal space haha.
7. Take a ferry ride somewhere cute
Hop on a ferry for a fun way to feel like you’re on vacation – even if it’s just across the water! So nice to go out on the deck and enjoy the sun with the breeze. Once you dock, explore shops, grab a bite from a food truck, or go wine tasting if there’s a vineyard nearby. Such a good day-trip date!
8. Visit an art walk or open art gallery night
If you’re a couple who loves art, summer is the BEST time to go to an art walk! Go in the late afternoon and you could totally pair it with a rooftop bar for dinner, watching the sunset.
9. Take a romantic walk during golden hour or sunset
Sometimes all you need with your person is space to reconnect and talk about life, especially as summer can be so busy! After dinner, take a stroll around your neighborhood or a local park! Low-effort but high on the quality-time scale 🙂
10. Go wine tasting at a local vineyard
For wine lovers (or anyone who just loves a good time on a patio outdoors in the summer), book some time at a local vineyard to taste their selection! Wine tasting is such a classic date idea, and it’s especially a great way to enjoy the summer heat. Many cities also have a wine walk with multiple cellars that you could explore!
11. Plan a surprise date night for each other
Okay, this isn’t necessarily a summer date idea, but more of an idea for summer dates… does that make sense? LOL. If you’re looking to shake things up and try something new, pick two dates on the calendar and assign each other to plan a surprise date for that night. It could be anything from a movie night to an at-home spa night to tickets to a baseball game. The surprise element makes it flirty and fun. It’s a new way to show love and try new things together!
12. Stargaze with a cozy blanket and snacks
You don’t need a telescope – just a clear sky, a few warm blankets, and the best snacks to make this special. Lay back and whisper your future date dreams, point out constellations (real or made-up), and just be. It’s low-cost, low-effort, and ridiculously romantic. The ultimate great date idea for sunny days that turn into sparkly nights.
13. Do a sunrise coffee walk date
The best part about summer is how early the sun rises. Get a jumpstart to your day with a beautiful sunrise coffee walk! It’s such an intentional way to start your day, reconnect, and sneak in some quality time before the chaos begins. You’ll get to watch the world wake up together 🙂 AND kind of productive?? Like already got movement AND worked on my relationship for the day? Iconic for sure.
14. Recreate your first date or a special memory
If you can, go back to the place where it all started or just try to recreate the vibe! Whether it was at a fancy restaurant nearby or a cute coffee shop many states over, find a way to capture the story in your date. Add details like the same food, itinerary, outfits, or even topics of convo (if you remember!). It’s a fun way to keep the memory alive.
15. Go to a live music show or an acoustic set
Summer is the best time to go see music outdoors! Whether it’s a huge concert of an artist you both absolutely love or a local band at a rooftop bar, live music is such a cute date night idea. It’s casual but intimate, and SO easy to pair with a lil food truck crawl after.
16. Ride a hot air balloon ride
Hot air balloon rides on a sunny day are absolutely GORGEOUS. Imagine being able to see miles and miles of landscape while still feeling the air. Definitely can be a bit nerve-wracking if you’re afraid of heights.
17. Spend the day exploring your favorite places
Make a map of your fav parks, cafés, bookshops, and little corners of your city and just spend the day being in love with your life. It’s a fun way to feel grateful and connected while doing things you already adore. Tip: highly, highly recommend bookmarking all of them on Google Maps!
18. Go to a baseball game
Baseball games are such a fun summer date idea for anyone who’s looking for something casual but also energetic and fun! You can share your fav ballgame snacks (YUM hot dogs & soft pretzels), cheer for your team (even if they’re not the best), and just soak up all the sun being outdoors. Also a great opportunity for people-watching – which means lots of inside jokes to come LOL.
19. Take a pottery class outside
If you’re looking for a new way to get creative and connect, an outdoor pottery class would be super fun! A bit of mess, a bit of creativity, a bit of flirty jabs at each other’s work… sounds like a great time to me. BONUS: you get to take home a souvenir from your quality time together.
20. Go on an ice cream hopping tour
One of the best parts about being in a relationship is getting to share food… meaning more food options you can try! Instead of just grabbing ice cream at your fav place, mix it up and map out a few shops to hit together in an afternoon. You can either taste test and compare the same flavors, or get different ones to find your favorite!
ADVENTUROUS, ACTIVE & OUTDOORSY SUMMER DATE IDEAS
If you’re looking to take advantage of the warm weather and get outside, this is the section for you! These summer date ideas are all about getting active and soaking up the sunny days together. They’re perfect for any couple who loves a lil adventure and wants to get moving!
21. Paddleboard at sunset (or anytime, really)
There’s something sooo dreamy about being on the water when the sky starts to turn cotton candy. Like it’s giving a romantic walk but without the walking haha. Just make sure to get back before it’s pitch black (which luckily isn’t for a while during these looong summer days).
22. Go horseback riding
If you’re up for channeling your inner cowgirl/boy with your partner, this is a great date idea to explore trails together! Lots of places offer horse trail rides – I’ve done one on the beach, which was gorgeous (but honestly, maybe not as interesting as an actual nature trail). Definitely a fun way to bond, especially if you’re looking to try new things!
23. Take a cold plunge in a lake or river
If you’re feeling bold, this is a hot weather date idea that will help keep you cool! Jumping into freezing water together is an instant bonding moment. You’ll scream, laugh, and maybe get a lil adrenaline rush (without getting too crazy). Follow it up with cozy towels, warm drinks, and some good grub.
24. Rent bikes and ride along a beach trail
It’s the perfect season to grab bikes and hit the great outdoors together. Ride along the beach, stop at a shop or two, and catch a sunset. It’s lowkey one of the best things for quality time and moving your body. Pack a picnic basket for the cutest lil break.
25. Go on a spontaneous road trip
Fuel up, pick a favorite place or a new way to explore, and just drive. Doesn’t have to be super far – could be one to two hours exploring an area you haven’t been before! It’s the perfect time to unplug and live in the moment.
26. Snorkel or take a dive lesson
If you’re near water and have an opportunity to go snorkel or dive, this is definitely a fun way to get out of your comfort zones together! It’s an active date that hopefully feels like a tropical vacation without having to actually travel.
27. Zipline together
This is definitely for the brave ones!! Not necessarily the cutest date idea BUT it is an adrenaline rush experience that will bond you. You’ll be flying through trees, heart racing, and probs screaming “omg” every 10 seconds. Such a fun way to get outside your comfort zone together!
28. Skydive or bungee jump together
Okay, so this is one more step up from ziplining LOL. You’ll literally be jumping out of a plane or off a bridge together – ultimate trust fall maybe? Definitely plan something chill after this one as you come down from the rush. Maybe a movie night, order in, and rewatch the videos 200x together 🙂
29. Go on a scavenger hunt in the city
There are tons of apps (Let’s Roam, Scavify, or GooseChase) you can now download that will give you a list of clues, challenges, or locations to find in your city! This would be the BEST date idea for any couple that’s new to the city OR just wants to rediscover their home.
30. Go geocaching together
If you’ve never tried geocaching, this is your sign!! It’s like a real-life treasure hunt where you use your phone to find hidden containers all around your city or local parks. It gives you and your partner an opportunity to learn how to work together and bond over solving challenges.
31. Rollerblade in the park
Throw on some skates and turn a nearby park into your lil roller disco! Even if neither of you have much experience, you’ll both be laughing and holding hands to stay upright. It’s the summer version of a winter park ice skating rink.
32. Explore on a historical walking tour
This one is perfect if you want to feel a bit more cultured while still getting your steps in—a cool way to explore your city through a new lens! Whether it’s ghost stories, famous landmarks, or just quirky history facts, there’s something fun about learning random facts together.
33. Float the river
Floating the river is the perfect summer date idea for when it’s hot and you just wanna relax on the water. Pack a cooler with drinks, tie your tubes together, and let the river do alllll the work while you chat, laugh, and maybe even nap side by side.
34. Rent a kayak or paddle boats at the lake
If you wanna do something a bit more chill but also outside, go to your local lake and see if they have rentals! And if there are swan boats?? You have to do it. Something so goofy and romantic about paddling around in a giant swan together haha.
35. Play at a water park or amusement park
Nothing screams summer more than water parks or amusement parks! This is one of those all-day, run-around-like-kids again kind of dates. Make sure to stay hydrated and fueled – full day park dates are a marathon for sure!
36. Hike together
Hiking is such a good date when you just wanna move your body, have real convos, and be out in nature together. Highly recommend using AllTrails to pick a route that works for both of you. Don’t forget to pack water and snacks to enjoy when you get to the top!
AT-HOME SUMMER DATE IDEAS
Not every date has to be a big adventure – sometimes the best ones happen right at home!! These at-home summer date ideas are perfect for when you want to stay cozy, save a little money, or beat the summer heat without having to sacrifice fun 🙂
37. Camp in your backyard (or fake it inside)
Whether it’s a yard, patio, or even your living room floor, set up camp! Pitch a tent (or a fort), string fairy lights around, make s’mores (on the stove), tell silly stories, and cuddle! This is such a fun way to break up the routine of your day-to-day… just sleeping somewhere new—even if it’s your own house!
38. DIY ice cream sundae bar
The summer heat is the perfect excuse to grab all your fav flavors of ice cream and the best toppings to build a DIY ice cream bar at home. Do this one on the first day of summer so you’re all stocked up on cold sweets for the season 😉
39. Tie-dye together
Tie-dye is PEAK summer core. Grab a couple of old tees you wanna spice up and prepare to get chaotic. Do it outside if you can, play some music, and turn it into a full summer afternoon.
40. Make homemade popsicles
Homemade popsicles are honestly underrated. Try fruity layers, coconut milk swirls, or even adult ones with a lil bottle of wine mixed in (crazy, I know). This one could be paired with another creative activity while you wait for them to freeze!
41. Write love letters and read them out loud
Alright, this might sound cheesy but TRUST – it’s actually so sweet!! Write each other letters (or even just a few lines) and read them under the stars or by candlelight. It’s the best way to reconnect and remind yourselves of what you love most. Definitely a special date you’ll remember.
42. Paint tote bags or hats together
This is the kind of artsy date that can be as cute or chaotic as you make it—totes and hats can be super goofy if you want! Grab some blank totes or bucket hats (Michael’s has them), bring out the fabric paint, and go wild with your best designs.
43. Try a new summer recipe
Trying new things together is an instant chemistry boost. You can grab a new recipe, follow a TikTok tutorial (my personal fav), or find a virtual cooking class! I always love cooking new dishes by the season and challenging myself to make a recipe that incorporates what’s in season 🙂
44. Make a summer date jar with activity ideas
Take popsicle sticks and write down all your fun summer date ideas – from baseball games to wine tasting. Pull one out anytime you need inspo! It’s a great way to keep your way of scheduling date nights fresh and exciting. AND it makes planning feel like a game in itself. At the end of summer, you can see which ones you did and keep the ones you didn’t for next year!
45. Project an outdoor movie at home
Don’t want to go to a drive-in movie? Set up a little backyard (or living room) theater with a projector, string lights, and all your favorite snacks. This way, you can pause for popcorn refills or mid-movie bathroom breaks LOL. Bring out all the blankets, cuddle up, and turn a regular movie night into something a lil more magical.
46. Do a sunset photoshoot with a tripod
This is your sign to romanticize your life like you’re in a summer rom-com!! Set up a tripod in your backyard, put on something cute, and chase golden hour together. Bonus points if you add this to another activity, like a picnic.
47. Start a shared summer journal
Ever feel like the days just fly by so quickly? Especially during the summer? Start a shared journal to document your summer together with daily or weekly lil entries – memories, funny quotes, new restaurants you tried. It’s a sweet keepsake and helps you stay present during the best time of the year. Something you’ll be able to look back on and reminisce!
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