18 Date Ideas To Plan With Your Man This Summer Besides Dinner

It’s important to spend one-on-one time with your man, and with summertime bringing a slower pace of work and life routines, there’s never been a better time to call a babysitter and reconnect with one another. Going to dinner is a been there and done that for many of us, so here are 18 more creative date ideas to plan with your man this summer.

1. See a Drive-In Movie

There’s just something about a drive-in movie that makes you feel like a teenager again. Snuggle up with your boo and share some popcorn in front of the big screen. Even if your local area doesn’t have a drive-in, most places host movie screenings in parks and other urban spots. Bonus points if you see a movie you actually enjoy or a movie that’s not a cartoon or geared toward kids. When was the last time you actually sat through a movie start to finish, just the two of you? Bring your favorite snacks or adult beverages and enjoy. 

2. Take a Day Trip

Wherever you live, there’s probably a destination within a day’s drive that you haven’t visited yet. If there’s a small, historic town nearby that’s caught your eye, drop the kids with a friend or family member and make a run for it. Walk around, try good local food, and forget the chain hotels – find a local bed and breakfast to stay in. It’ll still feel like an escape, no matter how close you are to home.

3. Relax at a Concert

An afternoon concert in the park sounds pretty fancy and sophisticated, but it’s also a relaxing way to enjoy good music in a great space. If you want to get really fancy with it, get dolled up for a symphony. If you’re wanting a more casual vibe, research shows at local venues – it's a great excuse to get extra close to your man while dancing. Bonus points if you're also supporting local artists and businesses. 

4. Have Fun at an Arcade

Bring on the competition. There’s nothing like a day of arcade games and counting your tickets to win a prize to make you feel like a kid. At the end of the day, though, you’ve already got your prize. Take things to the next level by introducing some adult competition into the mix and spice up the games a little bit – winner gets whatever they want. 

5. Try Indoor Golf or Mini Golf

You don’t have to be a Masters participant to enjoy golf. Just have fun with it! Put on an outfit that makes you feel extra cute, and head for the driving range. Maybe he can help you with your downswing?

6. Have a Four-Course Meal with Food Trucks 

Food trucks, largely made popular by Millennials, are one of those things that absolutely deserve the hype they get. Why not create a four-course meal out of them? Find a local food-truck festival or community event hosting some, and get appetizers at one, entrees at another, and so on. You’ll likely end up stuffed but get to try a wide variety of delicious food. 

7. Plan a Picnic

There’s nothing more classically romantic than a picnic. Bring your favorite snacks and treats for both of you, and post-up on a nice blanket in the park or even in your backyard if the kids are napping. Soak up the vitamin D, and watch the clouds as they roll by. Summertime and the livin’ is easy, as they say.

8. Go Sailing or Boating

Nothing says summertime like being on the water. You might need a sailing or boating expert to help you out (nothing kills the mood like flooding an engine or getting stranded somewhere), but go out on the water for the day and soak up the sun with your man. Bring a few beers, show off a spicy new bathing suit, and get a tan. 

9. Shop a Farmers Market

Shopping for fresh fruit and vegetables from your local farmers and businesses is one of the best things about summer. Make an ingredient list for his favorite dish and get your man to help you shop for everything you need. You can make a delicious meal with your fresh ingredients and make new friends as you shop. 

10. Watch Fireworks

Maybe it’s the Old Hollywood feel of it, but there’s something dreamy and romantic about fireworks. Sitting on a blanket and watching them under the stars with your man’s arm wrapped around you? Nothing better. 

11. Travel to a Landmark

Making a couples’ bucket list at the beginning of the summer can get you energized and inspired about doing more activities together. Visiting a famous landmark should absolutely be on the list! Take plenty of pictures while you’re there, and add them to a photo album to remember the summer. 

12. Volunteer for a Good Cause

This kind of date might be out of the ordinary, but what better way to spend your time than by helping others? If your nearby soup kitchen or homeless shelter needs an extra pair of hands, sign up for the two of you. This is one date that will definitely be well-spent.

13. Go Wine Tasting

If you don’t know a lot about wine, don’t fret. You can learn! And what better way to learn than by catching a buzz and trying all the wines you can? You might not be an expert or a qualified sommelier by the end, but you’re sure to have an enjoyable time.

14. Visit a Museum or Botanical Garden

You don’t have to be an art connoisseur or a fan of the outdoors to enjoy museums or a local garden. A botanical garden is the perfect option for a low-key, casual afternoon, and a museum is ideal for those rainy summer days when you need to be inside. Go to one you’ve never been to before, and take a casual stroll through a gallery or a greenhouse. 

15. Tackle a DIY Project

If you’ve been eyeing a wonky shelf or a nasty space in your laundry room for a little too long, a kid-free day with your man could be the time to tackle it. Do plenty of research beforehand, get all your supplies and equipment, and tackle the space together while jamming to music and downing some delivery pizza. You’ll wind up with something new in your home that you created, just the two of you, and can feel satisfied at the prospect of a job well done.

16. Organize a Bar Crawl

If you're longing for a group date, gather your mutual friends and draw up a map. Explore your city, try different beers or cocktails, and see who lasts the longest. 

17. Go Camping

The mountains are calling, and you must go! Pack the essentials, turn your phone off, and get out into nature. Sing songs around your campfire, make s’mores, cuddle under the stars, and leave your cares and worries behind. Bring plenty of bug spray and enjoy a night away. 

18. Do Something New

Water skiing, cliff diving, axe throwing? Try something new and get out of your date-night comfort zone. Encourage each other to do something neither of you has ever done before and make lasting memories. Maybe you’ll love it, maybe you’ll hate it, but you’re spending time together, and that’s all that really matters.

Closing Thoughts

Dinner is always nice, but why not zhuzh it up? Chances are, there are experiences, places, activities, meals, and memories you have yet to discover. Be adventurous with your loved one, spend time with one another, and bask in the magic of summertime.

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