Date nights are always fun, but there’s only so many date ideas on the list after dark – and even less for those couples that love spending time outdoors.
[Post updated as of May 2021] Since this year people are spending more time outdoors the best way they can – there are more than 10 activities listed now!
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Not every date needs to involve spending money, either, which is great because it tests each other’s expectations out of the relationship. If it’s a romance turning into a long-term relationship, couples need other options besides movies, bars, dinner and staying in watching ‘Netflix’. If the relationship is going somewhere, couples should prepare to ‘go places’.
For the couples that enjoy nature and the outdoors – you must get pretty creative. Here I have come up with date ideas that have both romance and outdoor satisfaction.
The best outdoor day date activities for couples
Day “camp”…or overnight camp under the stars
Maybe it’s just me, but when I was a kid I always had a blast “pretending” that I was camping (or living primitively) in my backyard. So…why not do the same and call it a date?! Not a first date, by any means (please don’t). But it can always be fun to “set up camp” somewhere, make some lunch by bonfire, catch some vitamin D, do some exploring and dive into how you would manage being on a deserted island or lost in the wilderness.
And if you so desire, turn that day date into an overnight camping trip under the stars. Pack a bottle of wine or champagne – who says you can’t make rustic into romance? So, bring a portable radio, and spend a quiet night with nothing but nature and each other, and slow dance under the clear night sky.
Take your pooch(es) to the dog beach/dog park
If your’e close to the beaches, look up any that are pet friendly, or find local dog parks in your area. It’s a fun way to let loose and still spend time with each other and your furry friends. Bring some pub subs and you’ve just made yourselves a dognic – dog…picnic – get it? LOL.
Go kayaking, paddle boarding, or canoeing
Whether its on a lake, river or the ocean, bring out your adventurous side together. It’s a great outdoor activity for exercise as well as enjoying spending time together in nature. My husband and I recently purchased kayaks – it’s something we both love to do – and they have made such a positive impact on our time together. You can find single kayaks, or they have double-seated kayaks, and they can be easily transported from any vehicle.
Go on a nature hiking trail
There are many wooded hiking trails to find, anywhere. State parks are another choice of hiking trails. Not only are you getting exercise together, but you get to enjoy the beauty of nature through a serene nature trail. So, pack some snacks and water and go take a walk!
Go to the zoo
Every couple should feel like a child sometimes, so what better way than feeling childish at a zoo! If you are not close to any animal encounters, then look up any aquariums or wildlife rescues you are allowed to take tours of in your area. And if you’re down to zero of those options, visit a local animal shelter and walk some shelter dogs together – plus its for a feel good cause!
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Visit your local springs
If you have any natural springs in your area, they are a great way to cool off and enjoy a day in the water. Go snorkeling, fishing and tubing down while enjoying the springs notorious wildlife. So grab some snorkeling gear, take a GoPro and capture the fun together in crystal clear waters together.
Zip-lining
There are many places to do this, since now a lot of zip-lining attractions are man-made, and don’t need foliage to have them. It’s a fun and exhilarating way to enjoy each other’s company yet feel adventurous together.
Go fishing, bird watching, scavenger-hunting
Don’t have all the fancy dancy fishing gear? That’s cool – no worries – all you need is this. Or one of these – they’re compact and easy to use with simply line, a small weight and a hook.
Ever been bird-watching? Sound like a bore? Maybe, but I said that once until I actually went out and did it. Now birds are basically majestical creatures in my book. Speaking of – grab a bird book (of birds in your area), get some binnocs (binnoculars), and go marvel at the amount of species at your nearest Preserve!
Scavenger hunting…outdoor edition. This might take some creativity, but if you’re reading this post…more than likely you have it in you to come up with something. Simply choose an outdoor destination and go from there!
A bike ride – or rollerblading
So simple, right? And good exercise! There are so many changes of scenery options, too. Go to a paved trail, the beach or just around your neighborhood!
People watching
I will just about ALWAYS list this as a fun date activity. Unless you have no sense of humor, then this is probably not for you. Simply grab a bite to eat To-Go style, post up somewhere with a good number of people in proximity and wait for the people doing crazy, dumb, funny, human things to come rolling in.
Does this seem a bit harsh? If we have a proposed name for crazy women who openly go around judging people about stupid stuff, and post videos about it all over social media, then I think this is seemingly harmless. Creepy? Depends how creepy you get. But I don’t see anything creepy about sitting on a park bench with some ice cream in hand and taking in the view as people meander on by.
Golfing, batting range, volleyball, tennis, soccer…(?)
Who wouldn’t enjoy smacking a few balls around now and then? I may have stretched this one a bit thin, but it can be something really enjoyable and light-hearted to get the blood pumping!
Grill out by the pool
Whether you have your own pool, or a community pool – use it and make a day of it with a grill out and cocktails! If you don’t have a pool, be silly and go get a few water guns, sprinklers or blow up kiddie pool. Invite another couple over and enjoy water balloon corn hole or a water gun war.
[mailerlite_form form_id=23]Horseback riding
This date spells romance! Take a horseback ride along the beach, on a trail, or up a mountainside. This quality time allows the both of you to engage in each other in a different perspective – whether you ride together on one horse or separate.
Shuffleboard, cornhole, ringtoss, crochet, ladderball or bocce ball
These are super fun games you can easily and endlessly play outdoors. Maybe not so much with the shuffleboard – unless if you can find somewhere that has it! That might be more of an up north thing or old folks home recreational sport, but either way it’s something different
If you haven’t heard any of these – please check these out (plus they’re kid-friendly, too)! Here I’ve done half the work for you:
- Cornhole – this one is foldable for easy setup, and you can just stow it away in your car for your next outing outdoors.
- Ringtoss – So there are [two] kinds. There’s this one, which may be a bit difficult when locating the space to set it up. But if you can it’s worth it! Then this one is a bit more straightforward and easy to take from place to place.
- Croquet – a classic you can easily do in the space of your own backyard, or at the park! It’s like mini-golf, but more customizable, creative, and challenging in it’s own way.
- Bocce ball – another classic you can play anywhere – the beach, the park – as long as there is soft ground like grass, sand, or dirt. A super fun straightforward game you can easily spend hours playing.
- Ladderball – similar to cornhole and ringtoss, but I’d say a notch up in strategy and challenge!
Go fruit picking
Like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples, or oranges. Go pick your own together. Throughout the year there are different fruits available for picking your own. Or go to a vineyard and sample some wine and tour the grape vineyards. It’s a great way to get close and enjoy something delicious in a unique way!
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