Dating in the summer time is awesome. The weather is warm, moods are high and there’s plenty of fun activities to take advantage of. However, when it comes to planning the perfect first date, not all summer date ideas are created equal. While there are lots of great options, there are also some dates that just shouldn’t be attempted (some of which might surprise you!)
Want to impress your date? Here are the best and worst ideas summer date ideas –
BAD –
Playing outdoor sports – Scroll through an article about dating in the summertime and you’ll indoubtedly find a dating expert that recommends you do something “fun” and “active” for your first date like, playing a few rounds of beach volleyball or hitting the tennis courts together. This sounds good in theory; if and only if your date actually likes sports and doesn’t turn into a loud, super-competitive (read: jerk) when they are put in front of a ball and a net. I personally can’t stand beach volleyball, so the idea of my date kicking my butt while I get hot, sweaty and covered in sand doesn’t exactly sound romantic.
GOOD –
An evening beach date – Avoid the sun and crowds with a romantic, evening beach date. All you need is a blanket, a bottle of wine (or some iced coffees), a sunset and some good company. There’s a reason why the “I like long walks on the beach” cliche exists. An evening beach hangout is a simple and romantic way to get to know each other while enjoying the summer weather.
BAD –
Watching this summer’s blockbuster together – I don’t care how much you want to see the latest Jurassic movie; going to the movies as a first date is kind of terrible. Think about it: you’ve just started to get to know each other before the movie and then you’re forced to spend two hours in darkness and silence. Not even JJ Abrams could save this date from being totally awkward.
GOOD –
Checking out a local food and/or beverage festival – One of the great things about dating in the summertime is that most cities seem to come alive with all kinds of cool festivals and events. If you enjoy good food and drink, why not check out a local festival together? Bonding over Hops at a beerfest or sampling local eats at a food truck festival is the perfect way to get to know each other while enjoying delicious treats.
BAD –
A BBQ or cookout where your whole family will be in attendance – Yes, cookouts are fun but I think you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who wants to meet someone’s entire family on the first date. Not only will you lack privacy to get to know each other and be bombarded by nosy relatives inquiring about your budding relationship, you’ll also continually be interrupted by your Uncle Ed who insists on cornering your date so he can share gruesome stories about “that one time in ‘Nam.” True story.
GOOD –
Going to an outdoor concert – If you want to get outside, why not check out an outdoor concert, play or film? Many cities offer these events free or at very little cost. Checking out an outdoor event not only is fun and different, it also provides you will a bit more leeway to chat and get to know each other than you’d have if you were enjoying a similar event in a more traditional venue.
BAD –
Hiking – Yes, hiking is a healthy and enjoyable summer time activity but it’s also hot, sweaty and way too private – and not in a good way. Also, if someone I didn’t know very well asked me if I wanted to go hang out with them in the woods, I’d probably be more scared than anything.
GOOD –
Ice Cream – As the Simpson’s said, “You can’t win friends with salad” but you can win people over with ice cream. Whether it’s gelato or an organic coconut milk cone, almost everyone enjoys a delicious frozen treat in the summertime. Whether it’s grabbing something to walk around with after dinner and drinks, or planning your date around this really great gelateria in your hood, you can’t go wrong with a simple ice cream date.
BAD –
Amusement park – Amusement parks are fun but they’re also expensive, chaotic and incredibly noisy. In other words, not exactly the ideal setting for getting to know someone. They’re also usually located in areas that aren’t that accessible or easy to get to. Translation: you can’t really escape. Once you’ve arrived and paid your hefty admission fee, the pressure will be on to stick around even if the date starts to go South.
