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9 Summer Date Ideas

I love a good winter romance. I put some blame on the corny movies with snowy cabins, roaring fires, and hunks donning plaid flannel. But the other reason is that sweating isn’t romantic, and I sweat in every season except winter. When I think of summer date ideas, mosquitos and sunscreen are the first images that pop into my head, and neither makes me want to snuggle up with my husband.

Romance shouldn’t take a break over the summer, though. And even I have to admit there are opportunities only this season of sun and a slower pace can offer. So instead of holing up in the air conditioning until October and ignoring opportunities for connection with your husband, here are 9 summer date ideas.

1. Model Home Date

Before you say “I would never do that,” hear me out. The people who work at model homes don’t care if you’re not in the market for a new home. Just don’t be a pest, and don’t keep them if an actual potential buyer shows up. Since it’s a day date, you might get a sitter for cheap. Take a tour and talk about how your family would fit there. What do you like about the house? What would you change? Discuss your favorite rooms. You might get ideas for the future.

2. Summer Concert

Summer months are full of different concert series. No matter what your preference in music, a city near you is sure to host some fantastic music festivals and concerts for any budget. Bring your lawn chairs—or better yet—a blanket, and park your cabooses under the stars. Wait for that song that reminds you of your love for each other, and then steal a dance or a kiss. Oh, what the heck—why not steal both?

3. Outdoor Movies

Many local parks and universities offer free movies on the lawn during the summer. You can catch a new movie or an old flick at your nearby drive-in. Your favorite film isn’t playing? You can always scoot to the back seat for a little married make-out session!

4. Fun at the Park

Leave the kids, but take their toys to your favorite park. Toss the football, fly a kite, or see who can get higher on the swings. End your playtime with a grown-up kind of picnic—think charcuterie, not PB&Js. You can even combine a park date with the outdoor movie idea and watch a rom-com on a laptop in the shade.

5. Small Town Date

Take a drive to a tiny town nearby that neither of you has explored before. Enjoy being somewhere new together. Eat at a mom-and-pop diner, and duck into a local gift shop or two. On the way home, take turns telling each other why you’d love to live in the new place or why you’re happy staying in the city you live in.

6. Christmas in July

Take a day to get some Christmas shopping done. Get some iced mochas and head to the mall or the outlet where you always find the best deals. Try to knock out a couple of gifts per child. You’ll be ahead of the game come December as long as you don’t forget where you hid the presents!

7. Get Your Feet Wet

Be it by boat, skis, canoe, kayak, or just a good old-fashioned swim, playing in the water is the ultimate summer date idea. When was the last time you were kid-free around the water? You’ll enjoy it differently when you don’t have to blow up water wings or settle a fight about splashing and dunking. Don’t forget to dry off together in an oversized towel.

8. Theme Park Adulting

If you live near a theme park, do you only go with the kids? Then you’re missing out. Sure, this might be a more expensive summer date idea, but make it a one-time treat. You’ll get to go on all the rides the kids aren’t tall enough to get on, and you’ll only have to stop for the bathroom when you have to go. And don’t miss out on a chance to be like teenagers and steal a kiss as you weave in line.

9. Ice Cream Madness

Think: March Madness, but replace basketball with ice cream shops around town. Spread this date out over the next couple of months. Pick eight shops and visit two per night. (You can do it!) Stick to one flavor throughout the whole tournament—either compare a classic flavor like vanilla or mint chocolate chip, or go with each shop’s signature flavor. Crown the winner at the end of the summer. Maybe even take the kids to the place that comes out victorious. Maybe.

Whatever season, dates should never be boring! Explore more ideas.

What’s your favorite summer date idea to beat the heat?

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