Fun and Affordable Summer Dates

Ah, summer! The perfect time to slow down, kick off your shoes, and feel the grass beneath your feet. It's also a great opportunity to reconnect with your partner and keep the spark alive. Spending quality time together is key to maintaining your friendship and strengthening that bond. So, here are 10 fun and affordable summer date ideas to make the most of this season!

Have a faux-travel date night

Love traveling but find it hard to fit in trips because of time or budget? Here's a fun idea! Pick a city you’d love to visit and plan an evening around it—food, music, the whole vibe—like you’re actually there.

For example, let’s say you and your partner are big fans of New Orleans and love dining at The Famous Gumbo Pot. For your faux-travel night, you could hang some white lights on the patio, cook up your version of your favorite Gumbo Pot dish, and play some jazz music. Then, just sit back, relax, and enjoy the evening as if you’re really in New Orleans!

Go fly a Kite

Rewind to childhood and let the sky become your playground as you soar kites through the wind! Watch as vibrant colors come to life against the endless sky. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and turn this into a day full of fun and adventure!

Catch an outdoor concert

Outdoor summer concerts featuring local symphonies or jazz bands are often free. Simply bring a blanket or chairs, pack a snack, and enjoy an unforgettable evening as music and nature come together to create a magical atmosphere.

Visit a Saturday morning farmer's market

Picture this: a sunny Saturday morning, colorful stalls filled with fresh produce and unique artisanal crafts. It’s the perfect way to spend a weekend morning with someone special. You can wander through the market, pick up some locally grown, organic goodies, and then finish off the day by making a delicious brunch together with all the treasures you’ve gathered.

Take a day trip

Taking a day trip to explore a small town you’ve never been to or checking out a local historic site can be a fun little adventure. Pack some snacks, cue up your favorite playlist, and hit the road. Stop by local shops and cozy diners to really soak in the town’s vibe and charm.

Driving a section of the original Route 66 in Oklahoma is one of my favorite day trips (or two day trip). The road, with its old-school signs and faded motels, winds through beautiful landscapes that seem to tell the stories of the countless people who once traveled it. I love the clickety-clack sound of the original Portland Concrete. It's like stepping into a time machine to experience the charm of a bygone era.

Explore the local botanical garden

Take in the vibrant colors of nature and the sweet scent of blooming flowers as you stroll hand-in-hand down winding paths. While soaking in the beauty around you, dream together about your own garden and pick out flowers or plants you'd love to have at home.

Go to a bookstore

While botanical gardens offer a feast for the senses, a bookstore offers a feast for the mind. Embarking on an adventure in a bookstore is like stepping into a treasure trove of worlds waiting to be explored. The aisles become pathways to different realms, each book a portal to new experiences and uncharted territories.

While exploring your local bookstore, find some travel guides, indulge in a cup of coffee, and plan the ideal dream vacation together. After you plan, you can always create a faux-travel date if you don't want to wait for the trip.

Put up a hammock in the yard

Some of my favorite moments when I was young was laying in the hammock under the huge maple tree in the yard of the house where I grew up. The hammock was a magical sanctuary where I could relax and feel free.

As adults, we still crave rejuvenating experiences. So, take a moment to unwind, watch the clouds, and listen to the birds. If it's super-hot outside, set up a sprinkler or a misting fan to keep you cool so you can capture the essence of those carefree hammock days even in the hustle and bustle of adulthood.

Have a water balloon fight.

We all loved these when we were kids, so why not still enjoy them as adults? It’s a great way to cool off on a hot summer afternoon, and a little friendly competition always lifts the spirits.

Go berry picking.

Berry picking is a rewarding activity that combines the joys of being outdoors with the satisfaction of collecting some of nature's treasures. As you enjoy the sprawling fields and sunshine, plan what you'll do with your harvest. Making a pie or homemade preserves is a fun way to extend the adventure and make use of your sweet treat.

Your Relationship Prescription

Regular date nights are more than just a chance to have fun—they're essential for keeping your relationship strong and healthy. Spending quality time together helps you reconnect, improves communication, and keeps the romance alive. Plus, sharing enjoyable experiences can reduce stress and remind you both why you fell in love in the first place.

So, make it a priority to carve out time for each other, try new activities, and keep that spark burning bright.