7 Sizzling Date Ideas to Try This Summer

Whether you’re looking for something long-term, or a fun fling that only lasts until Labor Day, summertime can be the hottest time of year for dating. With the higher temperatures come opportunities to get outside, go on an adventure or two, and do something exciting—why not take advantage and take your summer dating game to the next level?

The possibilities are endless. You’ve got road trips, beach vacations, walks in the garden and strolls through the forest. You’ve got boating and picnics and outdoor tea parties. And for the truly adventurous daters out there, there’s camping, hiking, and wilderness exploration.

And to top it all off, summer is the best time to get rid of those layers and wear something that’s light, fancy, and fun.

But with the wide array of summer fun at your disposal, you’re probably wondering what activities will make for the greatest romantic outings. After all, amongst all of the potentially romantic hits, there are undoubtedly a few duds you’ll want to avoid.

Well, wonder no more, because we’re going to go through 7 of the most sizzling date ideas to try this summer so that you can make the most of the hottest time of the year.

Walk the Botanical Gardens, Zoo, or Park

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Nothing cements a romantic bond like nature, but not everyone wants to go for a three-mile hike on their first date—or ever. Fortunately, that’s what botanical gardens, zoos, and parks are for!

The two of you can get your warm-weather nature fix without the cost of ticks, mosquitos, and getting lost in the mountains. And, just as importantly for those who need to be always-connected, you even get to keep your cell service!

If you do this, focus on the fun and the wonder all around you rather than talking about relationship issues, your job, or past lovers. Remaining externally focused will help the two of you enjoy the experience—and forming good memories with someone is a big step toward getting another date.

Ask your date what they think of their surroundings, whether it’s the exotic plants, interesting animals, or beautiful locales. Appreciate what they enjoy alongside them.

Whatever you do, make sure you stay positive, upbeat, and appreciative of the nature around you and the beautiful person beside you, and you’ll find yourself on a perfect summer date.

Go For a Picnic

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Let’s face it—the idea of the picnic date is a little clichéd. So let’s spice it up!

Eschew the boring picnic items like sandwich supplies and Gatorade. Instead, pick up a bottle of wine and something exotic to eat—think cheeses or an interesting selection of fruit, and head to a nice, secluded spot. This might mean anything from a beautiful meadow or a high-rise rooftop—your pick.

And don’t forget the music! Grab a portable speaker, hook it up to your phone, and play something your date will love—you’ve gotten to know them a little, right?

Now, don’t just lay there! You two are secluded, surrounded by wine and goodies, and listening to your favorite music. If you and your date are up for it, get up and dance!

If that’s not your thing, well, you could just enjoy the wine until it is—that will be one memory you definitely won’t forget.

Head to a Theme Park

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Studies show that many people tend to mistake the adrenaline that stems from fear for love and sexual desire. In one experiment, researchers had one group of males cross a frightening suspension bridge and interact with an attractive female experimenter, and another group cross a safe bridge and do the same thing.

As you might expect, the men who crossed the scary bridge were much more likely to be attracted to and interested in the woman on the other side. Scares equal romance, it seems.

So it’s theme park time!

Taking your date to a theme park is the best sort of summer date—it’s exciting, different, and memorable. But not only this—if you and your date take a ride on a roller coaster or Ferris Wheel, there’s a good chance things might get a little heated later.

Or, at the very least, you’ll have had a great time and make some memories. Don’t miss out on at least one theme park date this summer.

Try a Swim

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If you feel confident about yourself in a swimsuit, it might just be time for a swim date!

This is best if you or your date actually owns a pool—no matter how small. Setting some candles all around, breaking out a bottle of something cold—nonalcoholic, this time—to drink, and slipping into delightfully warm waters is a wonderful mood-setter.

But even if you head somewhere like the beach or local lake, you can still have a wonderful time. Swimming is intimate. It means no makeup—unless you’re really good with sealer—no fancy hairstyles, and no concealing clothes. You’re just the bare essentials of you, and nothing more.

What better way to truly introduce yourself?

If you and your date are comfortable with a swim outing, this sort of date can be the perfect bridge between temporary fling and long-term love.

So why not take the risk and dive in?

Go on a Road Trip

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Wiser, older couples say that you don’t truly know someone until you’ve traveled with them.

Well, there’s no better time than summer to hit the road!

Roll down the windows, break out the map, and just go. If you and your date have gotten to know each other pretty well and are ready for a longer romantic outing, take a weekend and head a few towns over. Or take a trip out into the wilderness for some forest exploration.

Whatever you do, just go somewhere that’s different. Our brains are wired to form especially vivid memories when we’re presented with novelty—with the new. And so any good memories you and your date form while road-tripping are going to stick around for a long, long time.

So make that drive through the mountains happen. Speed along that coastline. Explore cities you’ve never seen. And make it all one, long, glorious summer date.

Boat Your Way to Romance

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Ah, boating. Just you and your date in a small, intimate setting, surrounded by tranquil waters.

Or, if something more exciting is more your speed, it can mean you and your date strapped into a two-person kayak speeding along the rapids, screaming and laughing as you desperately avoid the jagged rocks.

Your pick!

This is an unexpected and uniquely wonderful summer date, no matter what kind of boating you and your special someone might enjoy. Once you get to know him or her well enough to know what they’ll like, spring upon them a Saturday on the water!

Boating also provides the opportunity to get close—it’s just you and your love on a little boat, and that’s a great opportunity to get to know one another, bond, and maybe sneak in a few rounds of kissing.

Whether you’re canoeing for miles, floating aimlessly while reading Keats, or weathering the rapids, a boating date is sure to hit the spot this summer.

Go Backyard Camping

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Okay, so you and your date are total city-dwellers, and neither of you have ever camped in your lives. You’re probably a little wary about the idea of camping, despite the fact that an overnight stay in the great outdoors can make a great summer date.

But have no fear! You don’t have to go out into the woods to camp. You can stay right at home by camping in your backyard! You know—if you have one. Otherwise, you can head up to a rooftop to set up camp, which some hotels and apartment complexes actually allow.

Both options are great for a nice, casual camp-out. If allowed, light up the fire pit or build your own, and create a nice, cozy glow that will help both of you relax. Now is the time to tell stories, get to know one another more deeply, and steal a few kisses.

Best of all, this gets the two of you away from the hustle of modern life. Leave those cell phones, laptops, and tablets behind. It’s just the two of you and the stars.

Enjoy it.