We have just over a month left of summer! As excited as I am for fall and pumpkin everything and snuggly blankets and crisp leaves, there are a few more things I want to do while we have to say goodbye to the beautiful summer weather.
The world is still reopening, and there are lots of new rules and restrictions we all have to get used to, but that doesn't mean we have to stop going on dates! Above all else, stay safe, wear a mask, wash your hands, and follow your city's guidelines.
Social Distance Friendly Date Ideas for the End of Summer
These can be two person dates, friend dates, or family activities!
#1: Water Balloon fight
Many stores are putting summer stuff on clearance to make room for back-to-school, so you may be able to get water balloons on discount. Whoever gets hit with the most water balloons has to pay for dinner!
#2: Geocaching
If you like hiking and treasure hunting sounds like something that's up your alley, you should definitely try geocaching! There are geocaches, sort of like treasure pods, hidden all over the U.S. and you only get GPS coordinates as a location hint. Most of them contain a log where you can sign your name and the date you found it. Some of them are large enough to hold small items as well! If you plan on taking an item out of the geocache, make sure you bring something to replace it with! It's considered bad manners to only take something. My family did this on many of our road trips and it was always fun!
#3: Tent Camping
The only drawback to this activity is that you need to own a tent. (Building my own tent is still a little too hardcore for me but it is possible for the Boy- or Girl-scout minded individuals.) You can find a state park near you to stay the night, or camp on your own property or a friend's! I have so many fond summer memories of camping out and I can't wait to share the experience with Marco. Just make sure to bring an extra blanket because the nights are starting to get colder!
#4: Campfire
I'm sure many of you have already had plenty of bonfires, but take this as an excuse to do just one more! It's a nice, relaxing way to have a cheap date; you can cook hot dogs in the fire for dinner and make S'mores for dessert. Bonus points for having a campfire while you're camping out in a tent!
#5: Ice Cream Cone Date
My absolute favorite thing to do with my family is to go out and get soft-serve ice cream. There are so many flavors to choose from, and watching each other try to catch the melting ice cream before it gets everywhere is definitely a summer highlight for me! Some places even have a mini golf course attached. If you play before you eat, challenge each other to your own competitions and keep score; the loser has to pay for ice cream!
Many of these ice cream stands are starting to include more dairy-free options, like Dole Whip, which means it's easier for everyone to participate!
#6: Grilled Pizza
I don't think it's possible for me to get sick of grilling out during the summer, but in case your partner, family, or friends are sick of hot dogs and hamburgers, try making pizza on the grill! You can make your own dough or use store-bought. HERE is a good recipe to try out! I haven't made these in a while, but they've been on my mind lately. You can top them with anything you have on hand, or if you want to go all-out, grill your tomatoes and chicken first and then use them on your pizza for that full grill experience.
#7: Tie-Dye T-shirts
This was very popular earlier this summer thank to TikTok, but the stores should have tie-dye kits back in stock by now. If you aren't into t-shirts, you can dye dozens of other things, including socks, bandannas (for you or your dog!), bed sheets, pants, towels, dresses, tank tops, curtains, blankets, or even white jean shorts!
#8: Photoshoot
I love dragging Marco to pretty outdoor locations where we can take pictures of each other and together. Personally I feel like you can never take too many pictures, and having specific times set aside for taking photos together takes some pressure off of remembering to take pictures on all our other dates. I definitely want to have pictures to look back on in the future. This also satisfies my intense desire to dress up and frolic through the woods.
#9: Drive-In Theater
While traditional theaters are starting to open back up, I'm not convinced that it is safe to attend a showing just quite yet. Drive-in theaters are the perfect solution! Marco and I love going to the movies and we have definitely been missing that experience. Our drive-in has an extensive menu, including pizza!
If you don't live close to a drive-in theater, you can create the experience at home. Trucks and vans are great for this but most other vehicles will work as well. If you have a car with lots of space, you can make up a bed with an air mattress and enjoy your movie lounging together, or you can just recline in your seats and enjoy the show from there. Make your favorite snacks and bring them with you, along with a blanket. If you have a projector, you can hang a sheet and watch it on a "big screen" or you can set your laptop on your dashboard and hook up the audio to the car stereo.
#10: Picnic
The perfect summer date is spreading out a blanket in the grass underneath a tree and eating fresh fruit and sandwiches as you watch the clouds roll through the sky and listen to the birds serenade you. You can have a fancy picnic with grilled chicken and wine, an easy picnic with apples and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or anything in between! Picnics can be so relaxing and the perfect way to end summer.
Question of the Day: Have you gone on any fun summer dates this season? Feel free to share a happy memory with us in the comments!