Fun and Affordable Summer Dates

Summer! A time to slow down and smell the roses; to kick your shoes off and feel the grass under your feet. It's also a great time to reconnect with your partner through dates. Setting aside quality time together is a great way to maintain your friendship and increase connection. So, here are 10 relatively cheap, fun, summer date ideas.

Have a faux-travel date night

Love traveling but don't always have the time or finances to take trips? Here's a fun little work around. Pick a city you'd like to visit and plan an evening, including food, music, etc, that you would experience if you were in that city.

For example, let's say you and your partner love New Orleans and like eating at The Famous Gumbo Pot. A faux-travel night might consist of stringing some white lights on the patio, making your version of your favorite Gumbo Pot dish, and putting on some jazz. Then, just sit outside and enjoy the evening, pretending to be in New Orleans.

Go fly a Kite

Let the sky be your canvas as you navigate kites through the wind. Enjoy the pleasure of watching vibrant colors dance against the backdrop of an endless sky. Take a blanket, pack a picnic, and make a day of it.

Catch an outdoor concert

Many times, outdoor summer concerts by the local symphonia or jazz bands are free. Just bring a blanket or chairs, a snack, and enjoy a memorable evening where the blend of music and nature create a backdrop for a enchanting date.

Visit a Saturday morning farmer's market

Imagine a beautiful Saturday morning, vibrant stalls of fresh produce, and interesting artisanal crafts. What a fun way to spend a weekend morning with someone you love. Stock up on locally grown, organic produce and end the date by making a yummy brunch together with the treasures you bring home.

Take a day trip

Exploring a small town you've never visited or discovering a new local historic site makes for an exciting day trip, offering a fun mini-adventure. Grab some snacks, some good music, and hit the road. Check out local shops and small diners to get the full flavor of the town.

Driving a section of the original Route 66 in Oklahoma is one of my favorite day trips (or two day trip). The road, adorned with nostalgic signs and weathered

motels, stretches through picturesque 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

Enjoy the beauty of the vibrant colors of nature and the fragrance of blooming flowers as you walk hand-in-hand along winding paths. As you share the amazing sensory experience, day dream together about your own garden and pick out flowers or plants that you'd like 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 little. There's no reason why we can't still love them as adults! It's a fun way to break up a hot summer afternoon and a little lighthearted competition is good for the soul.

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.

Summer is a season of adventure, and by filling it with shared experiences, you're not only creating lasting memories but strengthening the bond that holds your relationship together. Whether your exploring new places, savoring delightful picnics, or simply enjoying each other's company surrounded by nature, these moments are the building blocks of a cherished connection.