Summer Date Ideas

Are you looking to have some fun this summer? Go on a date! I’ve got lots of summer date ideas for you to work through – let’s go!

Summertime isn’t just for the kids. Grown-ups get to have fun in the summer too! A great way to have fun during this summer is to go on a date. I’m a huge proponent of getting a sitter and going on a date with your significant other, but I realize that this often isn’t realistic. The good news is that you can go on traditional dates this summer, but also on solo dates and on dates with the whole family. And I’ve got summer date ideas for all of these!

I’ve grouped these summer date ideas based on my preferences, but don’t let that stop you from crossing categories. Take your kids with you on one of the summer dates I suggest for the grown-ups, or leave the kids behind when you go on one of the summer dates in the family category. Just pick a few and go. You deserve to go on dates this summer!

Grown-ups

Family

Solo

Grown-ups

If you get an opportunity to go on a grown-ups only date this summer, take it! Whether you’re able to snag some time with your significant other during the day or in the evening, I’ve got summer date ideas for you!

Drive-in movie

I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a permanent drive-in movie theatre anywhere close to me. So, the only time I can go to the drive-in is during the summer when they set up a big projector in a local park and show a classic movie. The reason I’m putting this in the grown-ups category rather than the family category is because these special showings tend to start much later than my kids can hang because the sun sets later in the summer. If you’re in a similar boat, grab your sweetheart, some blankets, and way too many snacks for two people and act like teenagers for a couple of hours at the drive-in!

Farmer’s market

In my neck of the woods, farmer’s markets only operate in the summer months. That means we have to enjoy them while we have them. And although you might also frequent your local farmer’s market in the summer, you might not think of it as a date. But it absolutely can be! Drop your kids at your sister-in-law’s house and go stroll hand-in-hand with your spouse at the farmer’s market. Pick up produce for the week, specialty food items, and maybe a handmade item or two. Just don’t forget to pick up something to thank your poor sister-in-law for watching your kids.

Cooking class

I love to cook, and I love learning new things to cook, so a cooking class is my idea of a great time. My husband could take a cooking class or leave it, though. That’s why I’m including taking a cooking class on my list of summer date ideas – summer cooking classes are more likely to include dishes my husband would be interested in cooking, like grilled meats or pizza. We’re more likely to book another date if we both have fun on a date! Lots of places have private chefs who offer cooking classes, and if you have a Sur La Table near you, they offer them too.

Winery/brewery/distillery

Alcoholic beverages aren’t a huge part of my life, but I love to go to places that make alcoholic beverages. Don’t try to make it make sense, it’s just what it is. My preference when I do drink alcohol is beer, so I’m into the local breweries. For those of you in the Pittsburgh area, my favorite brewery is Cinderlands. For my Florida readers (or readers who might find themselves in the middle of nowhere Florida), check out Sailfish. If you prefer wine or spirits, look for a winery or distillery near you.

Outdoor Dining

There is something so exciting about eating outside. It seems so much more special to eat outside than inside. Maybe it’s because we have some evolutionary pull toward eating outside or maybe it’s just because we don’t do it very often, I’ll never know. Not knowing the reason doesn’t make it any less exciting, though. That means we have to take advantage of the opportunity when we can, and why not turn it into a date?

Book a reservation for an outdoor table at your favorite restaurant. Walk up at a restaurant that has a spacious outdoor dining area. Heck, take your plates to the patio and eat dinner there. Your summer dates don’t have to be fancy!

If you live in Florida or Texas or somewhere else where being outside in the summer is intolerable, save this date idea for the Fall or Spring!

Kayak

Maybe it’s because I grew up in a waterfront community, but I love to get out on the water in a kayak. It’s just about the most peaceful form of exercise you’ll find. Kayaking also makes a great date for couples who like to be active. But might I suggest two single kayaks rather than one double? A double kayak will test even the strongest marriage.

Concert

I’m all for taking my kids basically anywhere we want to go, but I draw the line at a concert. At 5 and 3, they just can’t handle the volume of large-scale live music. I know this will change as they get older, but, for now, concerts are firmly in the grown-up date category for me.

And every summer, there is always at least one concert that piques my interest. This summer, my husband and I are going to take it back to our ‘90s roots and see Blues Traveler, The Gin Blossoms, and The Spin Doctors. It’s a good thing ‘90s fashion is back so I’ll be dressed appropriately to rock out with my fellow elder millennials. I’m pretty sure I need these overalls for the occasion.

Family

You can absolutely take your whole family on a date this summer too. Here are some great family summer date ideas that you can work your way through from now until Labor Day.

Bike ride

My 5-year-old son has recently gotten very good on two wheels, so he constantly wants to take a bike ride. As the weather stays nice, I’m happy to oblige. We have a nice, flat, paved trail pretty close to our house that makes a great bike ride. The only downside is that I often end up carrying my 3-year-old and her balance bike at least part of the way. Weight-bearing exercise is good for my bone density in perimenopause, right?

Picnic

Who doesn’t love a picnic? Grab a blanket and some snacky foods like bread, cheese, fruit, and veggies, throw them in your cooler or picnic basket and head outside. Take your picnic to your backyard or your local park and enjoy!

Amusement park

The classic summer date idea for families of all ages is a trip to your local amusement park. You don’t have to take the trek to Disney World and spend multiple thousands of dollars to have a fun family date day this summer. Just don’t forget your sunscreen and your patient pants!

Mini golf

In addition to being obsessed with riding his bike, my 5-year-old is also very into golf this summer. To be clear, he’s been into golf since he could swing a plastic golf club. He likes to hit golf balls into the neighbor’s yard at home (sorry, Angela and Roger!), he likes to go to the driving range with dad, but he most likes to go play mini golf. If you have a kid who is into golf, or even one who just likes to hit things, mini golf should be on top of your list of summer date ideas this year.

Ice cream

I love to go get ice cream in the summertime. And, not surprisingly, so do my kids. I try to be fun mom occasionally and take them for a cool treat. My son is really into cherry dip cones lately, and my daughter loves anything that involves rainbow sprinkles. Mom usually opts for the classic hot fudge sundae. What’s your go-to ice cream order?

Hike

Take a hike doesn’t have to be a bad thing – it can be a really fun summer date idea! If you’re taking the whole family on a hiking date this summer, make sure you choose a hike with the appropriate degree of difficulty for all members of your family. With our 5- and 3-year-old kids, we stick to fairly flat, mostly shaded hikes when we can. But they’re still fun!

Baseball game

Nothing says summer in America quite like a baseball game. I hate to watch baseball on TV, but it’s a whole vibe when you attend a game in person. It’s just so fun to go to the ballpark on a beautiful summer day, grab a snack, watch the game, and enjoy the day with your family.

If you have a Major League Baseball team near you, it’s a nice splurge for a summer date. If you live too far from the big leaguers, try to find a farm team that’s within a reasonable driving distance. We’ve done both and have had great experiences.

Solo

Look, summer can be a lot. The kids are out of school, it’s hot, and you’re under so much pressure to make every day count. Sometimes, Mom just needs a break. That’s when you take yourself on a solo date! You can do many of these summer dates by yourself, but these are especially great solo summer date ideas.

Sit by the fire

If you have a firepit in your backyard or even an area where you can build a janky bonfire that won’t scare the neighbors, strike up a match and make it happen. There aren’t many activities more relaxing than staring into a fire, so if you’re overstimulated and need some alone time to refuel, sitting by the fire is a great choice.

Stargazing

If you don’t feel comfortable making a fire, consider heading outside to stargaze instead. I don’t know many moms who wouldn’t jump at the chance to sit outside in the dark alone. Just don’t forget the bug spray.

Go for a drive

When all else fails and you need a solo date, get in your car and drive. Heck, take yourself on a solo date on your way to pick your kids up from summer camp. Roll down the windows, crank up the tunes, and enjoy the drive!

Summer Date Ideas