Some of the most memorable dates are made up of new experiences. Each one of these summer date ideas promise fresh excitement, no wallet required.
Summertime sun gives you that amazing chance to skip the movies, pass on the dinner dates and get drenched in sun-filled fun! This brings its own challenges though, like how to get the conversation flowing when there’s no menu to talk about or what do that’s a little unique?
Try these 3 fresh date ideas that are sure to get you connecting in the summer sun, no beach required.
1. Geocache Surprise
Starting the season with this one gives you the chance to get outdoors, and in shape. You’ll be walking/hiking for 5-10 km’s and there’ll be plenty to talk about. What’s Geocaching? Imagine a treasure hunting app on your phone that would take you to real life treasure, that’s Geocaching! The treasure is normally just some quirky doodads, but the adventure of finding it is totally awesome. Here’s a video that gives a great explanation: What is Geocaching?
Start by downloading the Geocaching mobile app. There’s a free version that will allow you to give it a go before buying the app, although you almost certainly will once you’ve found your first cache—it’s addictive. Open the app and check nearby for any Geocaches, they are all over the world so there’s certain to be some near you.
Each one will have a description, some photos, level of difficulty  and most importantly a GPS location so your phone can guide you to where it is (like a tech-compass). Each Geocache is different, some will be out bush, whereas others will be right in the heart of the CBD so you can tack this date on after your next leisurely brunch. Pick one that calls to you and save it for when the date starts.
The secret to making this an awesome date, don’t tell your partner what you’re doing! Instead simply arrange the details and hand them your phone with the Geocaching app open, it will look like a compass. This will lend an air of mystery to the adventure, which rekindles a lot of those warm-fuzzies you had when you first got together.
2. Chalk Run
This date also has a bit of a twist and is a great way to add some summer fun to an event such as going to a festival, farmers market or yoga class (or naked yoga class for the really adventurous). This one starts with a suggestion to go for a normal run or bike ride then gets interesting…
Once you’re out and about, your partner will start to see chalk arrows drawn all over the pavement – little will they know they were left by you just an hour before! Casually suggest that you follow them just to see where they go. After a while, some of the arrows become chalk notes prepping them for what’s next; such as, “Get Ready… To Try… Something New… Amanda!” Adding your date’s name in the mix will be the subtle giveaway that you’re the one behind the shenanigans, which will definitely increase their curiosity and excitement.
This is where this date heats up, as you’re now on a romantic adventure together! Continue with the arrows pointing you two towards your destination, if you’ve planned this correctly you may have this hunt lead you to an event or experience. This one will make your partner feel great since it’s obvious you’ve taken the time to think about them, even if it didn’t take you very long to prep.
If you’re stuck for ideas just check you local city guides, as these will have any upcoming major events or gatherings. If nothing jumps out at you try a new activity that neither of you have done before such as Zumba, Paintball, Lawn Bowl or a Park Run (more on this later).
If you’re more into giving gifts then going to events you could alternatively use the chalk arrows to lead the way to a present you’ve stashed somewhere. You may need to be creative about how you wrap and hide it, but this can be a lot of fun.
3. Park Run Date
This is all about merging two activities into one and making them both better, getting fit and dating. Getting fit can be an easy resolution to start, but may become a challenge to keep going with. Dating, we all know can be a lot of fun, but it’s hard to keep things fresh and find new ideas. There is a solution, a weekly Park Run. And it’s totally free too!
This a jogging group that was started about a decade ago by some volunteers and has since grown worldwide. There’s even one in my small country town down under in Australia. There’s nothing intrinsically unique about the actual run, it’s just a 5 km (3 mile) track through a park somewhere nearby. However, the volunteer atmosphere and like-minded people make for a great atmosphere.
My wife and I have found it to be a great way to get fit and connect since we always go out for breakfast afterward. I’m definitely not the kind of person who gets out of bed early for a run however having the tag-team of getting outdoors and chilling with my wife pushes me over the edge to do it.
Bonus Idea: Volunteer!
Thinking of a date idea is really just about finding something you will both enjoy, so it’s totally worth looking at volunteering together. Something like supporting the Park Run is great if you’re both into fitness since you’ll make some new friends and get to hang out together.
Some other great ways to Volunteer Date are:
- Animal Rescue Shelter –Â amazingly rewarding if you love anything cute that’s in desperate need of a bath.
- Local Church or Charity Groups – they would love some extra hands to help do more good stuff for the community.
- Guerilla Social Welfare – skip the permit, insurance and red tape of doing things the official way and just get out there and make life better! There’s bound to be something in your life that makes you think, “Why doesn’t someone fix that,” and you can make it happen. Some great ideas are:  Cleaning up the built up garbage in parks, mowing that elderly neighbor’s lawn, or donate blood (while telling terrible vampire jokes.)
[image: via shutterstock]
About the Author
Elliott Bailey: I love journeying through the wild crazy adventure of life! Being married to Amanda makes it even more beautiful and starting a new business every few years keeps the thrill in there! Currently writing a dating resource for men who think she’s still worth Fighting For.
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