Something about the summer heat brings on the heat in romance! Whether you are in a new relationship or a long-lasting love, these summer date night ideas will take the heat up a notch. Take advantage of the warm weather and switch up your usual dinner at a restaurant or at home movie night with these 16 summer date night ideas to heat up your love.
1. Let sparks fly with a fireworks show
Summer is prime time to go see fireworks. Grab a soft blanket, some snacks, and your significant other. Marvel at the sky together as it lights up so beautifully. The fireworks will be almost as beautiful as your feelings for each other.
2. Share your love with a local restaurant with outdoor dining
During the pandemic, we have seen the importance of supporting local restaurants. Pick one of your favorites around town and ask for a table outside. As a plus, you will feel good supporting a local business. Meanwhile, you will be appreciating the summer weather without having to lift a finger for your meal!
3. Let your hearts melt with a fondue date night
Life is all about balance, and sometimes you just need a little chocolate! In fact, fondue pots can be purchased on a budget, like this Nostalgia FPS6AQ 12-Cup Electric Fondue Pot for only $30. Then, all you need is your favorite fruits and meltable chocolate (I think dark is the best!) Put on some music and dip away.
4. Get toasty by roasting s’mores over a campfire
Sorry, not sorry….but here we go with more chocolate! After all, it does have aphrodisiac qualities. This time, add marshmallows, graham crackers, and a toasty fire. Next, get your hoodies on, grab a comfortable seat, and tell each other stories while you enjoy your ooey-gooey-oh-so-good dessert. Not to mention, campfires are the perfect cozy setting to really open up to each other.
5. Watch stars sparkle on a moonlight date night picnic
Romanticize your relationship and take a scene out of so many romance films and novels. You don’t have to go further than your own backyard, or you can try a nearby park if that works better for you. Just make sure to confirm open hours. As you prepare, my food of choice is a charcuterie board including dairy-free cheeses, meats (if you eat them), fruits, jams, and crackers. Don’t forget to bring along some glasses for a bottle of white wine or seltzer to share and let the stars take you to the galaxy of love.
6. It’s 5’oclock at a local vineyard
In theme with a bottle of white wine, vineyards are a beautiful summer date destination if you and your partner both have healthy terms with alcohol. While it is not healthy to drink in large amounts often, allow yourselves a little balance and enjoy a glass of wine surrounded by fields of grapes. You will feel like you’re in a romantic movie!
7. Cuddle up to an outdoor movie date night
During the summer, many venues will host old-fashioned drive-in movie nights. So, channel your inner Grease girl and choose a classic movie to drive up to and watch. If you don’t have nearby venues that offer this, make your own outdoor movie night! For example, you can hang a sheet on a clothesline or between trees and purchase an outdoor movie projector like this NISOO Projector. While the projector is on the pricier side initially, this is all the more reason to repeat this date night all summer long!
8. Gracefully swim beneath the night sky
If you are lucky enough to have access to a pool or live on a lake, this is the easiest romantic date night idea! So, get your swimsuits on, prepare some snacks on a water-side tray, and hop in the water. Night swimming will be a memorable date night whether in the rain or with a star-lit sky.
9. Camping…no…glamping for date night
Camping sounds like a good date night idea in theory. In reality, it can end in discomfort and crankiness! For this reason, I recommend a date night of glamping! In case you aren’t familiar, this is glamorous camping. For tips on glamping, follow the link to this article by the pros at REI on Glamping 101.
10. Let loose at an amusement park
From day into night, spending a summer day at an amusement park is pure fun. The adrenaline from going on rides will make for a rush of excitement. Meanwhile, you can let both loose and scream away as you feel butterflies in your stomach from something other than each other.
11. Channel your inner diva at a karaoke date night
Singing and dancing make for a FUN night! Hit up your local karaoke bar for date night and sign up for an upbeat and silly song with your partner. Making this a group date night can be fun too. But during the night, make sure to reserve a song for just the two of you (queue: Crazy in Love by Beyonce).
12. Find flirtiness at a fair
Fairs are so easy to find in the summer and for good reason! Make date night wholesome and fun by going to a local fair. There are endless things to do while you flirt the night away, from perusing the food trucks to playing silly games to going on a few rides. Don’t forget the Ferris wheel!
13. Date night is a home run at a baseball game
Even if you aren’t the biggest sports fanatic, going to a baseball game in beautiful weather can be so much fun! The energetic atmosphere is sure to bring a smile to your face. Plus, it brings out your fun competitive side. Pick a team with your partner and cheer for them to hit the ball! If you like opposing teams, you can make a fun and very fair bet where the winner buys dinner after!
14. Mix up some magic with a cocktail creation night
If you are an alcohol-friendly couple, try playing professional bartenders for the night. If not, find some elegant mocktail recipes to try. This date night is all about mixing up some magic together. Again, we are all about balance! Follow this link for 8 Date Night Cocktails, and this link for 6 Best Summer Mocktails For Date Night.
15. Feel like a kid again with boardgame date night
Let’s be real – there are some pressures that come along with dating as a young adult. That’s why having a board game date night is one of the best date nights there is! Additionally, it is great for a rainy or stormy summer night. Light a candle, grab some snacks and let any pressure lift away as you both feel like silly competitive kids again.
16. Float to Italy by making your own pizza
Turn on an Italian restaurant music playlist and let the dough fly! To begin preparations, stop by Trader Joe’s or your local grocery store for pizza dough, sauce, mozzarella cheese (yes, TJ’s has vegan mozzarella shreds), and any other toppings you desire. As a plus, you can keep it inexpensive with this Cuisanart Pizza Pan for only $15. Most importantly, don’t forget that having fun together is the most important part – you can have your local pizzeria’s number ready just in case!