15 Fun and Unique Summer Date Ideas

I think summer is one of the best dating seasons. Because of the warm weather, it opens up a lot of outdoor activities that you wouldn't be able to do otherwise. It's also a time when everything feels possible and falling in love should be easy. I can't think of anything worse and more boring than a traditional sit down dinner date followed by a movie. That just screams unoriginal to me. Summer provides the perfect excuse to turn this unoriginal date into one for the books. The following are my favorite summer date ideas ranked by how much I like each one.

1.) Walk on the Beach- I've always, always, loved being near the water. It brings a sort of calm and clarity over me. It makes me feel small, yet important in this world. Going on a walk on the beach with someone I care about only intensifies those feelings. Think about it, you're walking, toes in the sand, waves splashing, it's just so romantic and sweet. There's no pressure or the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It's the perfect setting to walk and talk and get to know one another. It's relaxing and safe. You can wander off for more privacy or keep close to other beach goers if you don't know your date very well. Either way it's a winner.

2.) Carnival- Going to a summertime carnival or fairground is just plain fun. Think about it, there's delicious food, rides, music, games, and the atmosphere is just exciting. I've been on a few dates to a carnival and they've always been great. There's no pressure to talk too much, because there's so much going on. There's still opportunity to get to know one another because you can see what type of food and sweets the other person likes. You can also learn a lot about how adventurous they are by the types of rides they prefer. It's also pretty sweet if they win you a big toy in one of those carnival games. You can even get your fortune told by one of those gypsy psychics and laugh if it sounds true. Getting a kiss on top of the Ferris Wheel is about as romantic as it can get. It's just a super fun date that puts no pressure on anyone. Even if you don't end up dating this person forever, you'll still have a good memory of the time you spend together at a carnival. Remember how Allie and Noah from the Notebook met at a carnival?

3.) Music Festival- A man who has the same music taste as me is a man after my own heart. That's one of my favorite things to have in common with someone I date. It's like we speak the same language through music. Going to a music festival on a date sounds like one of the most fun things a couple could do. It's just a blast to sing along to the same songs and know all the words. I think it'll bring you closer together to know you have this huge thing in common. You can really tell a lot about a person by the type of music they listen to so to have this in common is great. There's intermission at a concert so you can take this time to talk and get to know each other. Again, there's no pressure and it's an all around fun date that you'll always remember. Plus you can get band t-shirts and if you end up together they would make great souvenirs to keep.

4.) Zoo- Going to the zoo on a date is pretty fun and original if you ask me. I love animals and learning more about them on a date is a super interesting thing to do. It doesn't matter how many times you've been to the zoo before, the person you go with is what determines the type of experience you will have. You'll find yourself seeing everything new through his eyes and it'll totally shape your perspective differently. It's a great way to talk and learn more about your date and what kind of animals he likes and if he had pets growing up. There's also fun cafes near zoos where you can talk and eat. You can have a really great time at a zoo on a date.

5.) Aquarium- This is sort of related to going to the zoo, but it's quite different in itself. You can make a whole day of going to the aquarium and seeing all the marine life and learning about their habitats. It's just a fun, no pressure type of date that can lead into a dinner at a nearby cafe.

6.) Mini Golf- I've done this one on a first date before and it's actually a lot of fun. I'm not a big fan of golf by any means, but this is just a good date idea. You can laugh and make fun of yourself because of how bad you are and that's okay. They can "teach" you how to properly swing the golf club and that's where things can get even more interesting. You can check out how competitive they are and it's just a good environment to play and talk.

7.) Drive-in Movie- This used to be really popular in the past, but how it's becoming harder to find a good drive-in movie theater. This is a great summer twist on the traditional movie date because you can sit in your car outside and talk rather than be confined to a stuffy movie theater indoors. It really doesn't matter what movie is playing either because you'll probably end up talking and getting to know each other. I don't recall the plot of many movies I've seen on dates because my attention was elsewhere. If the date's going well, you'll be talking and laughing, and if it's not, well you can always just watch the movie.

8.) Summer hike- If you live in an area that has a lot of hiking trails, then a summer date hiking is the perfect idea. Just make sure you pick an easy trail if you don't know the person very well. You might be an experienced hiker, but they might not be, so it's better if they don't pass out on the first date. Pick a hike that's meant for beginners on a summer day that's not too hot. If you finish too quickly, you can always choose another hike or maybe do something else all together. It's just a good start to an adventurous first date.

9.) Bike Ride- Who doesn't like to ride bikes? It takes me back to a simpler time when I was a kid and didn't have my license and rode my bike for run. Pick a spot that's known for good scenery and ride bikes with your partner there. You can have fun and make it a competition or just ride slow and talk to get to know one another. Who knows where the roads will lead you?

10. Boat ride- Summer's a great time to take out the boat or yacht and enjoy the water. If one of you has a boat great, if not you can always rent one. Just make sure neither of you get seasick because that would really be unpleasant. A sunset boat ride is really romantic and gives you time to talk and get to know one another.

11. Beach bonfire- The only thing better than summer days is summer nights. This date has everything going for it. Talk about romance: there's a fire burning, waves splashing in the background, and stars in the night sky. It's really a winner on all sides. All that's left is good company and a warm blanket for the night chill. Make sure to pack some snacks and drinks too. The fresh air really works up an appetite.

12. Surfing- This is a really adventurous date, but if one of you is already a surfer, why not teach your partner? The first surf lesson is always on dry land anyways, so it's not too dangerous. If you decide to keep seeing this person, well then your surf lessons can progress. Teaching someone a skill they don't have, or learning a new skill yourself is always interesting. It is also telling of your partner's character. Are they open to new lessons or are they set in their ways? It's a good date that involves lots of communication and maybe even some competition if someone decides they are ready for the waves.

13. Picnic in the park- Summers were made for picnics in the park. If you live in a climate that has four seasons, you really only have a few short months to enjoy the great outdoors. Find out about your partner's favorite food and pack a basket to take to a local park. Talk, laugh, and get to know one another while enjoying your surroundings.

14. Road trip- I only recommend this date idea if you've known the person you're dating for awhile. Don't try to bring a stranger on a road trip, that probably won't be a good or safe idea. It's kind of like that rule to never pick up a hitchhiker. But if you know and trust your partner, and you want to do some exploring, then a road trip is a great idea. It doesn't have to be cross country either. It could just be to a few destinations that you pick out. You can really tell a lot about a person when you're stuck in the car with them for a long time. Their music choice is one of them. You can also tell if they can hold an interesting conversation for a long time. A road trip with a boring person can be classified as cruel and unusual punishment. This should be a rule: before you marry someone take them on a road trip and then make your decision. I think that's fair to everyone involved.

15. A baseball game- As a woman, my first instinct is not to go to a baseball game on a day I have off, but as a date it's a great idea. If I know for a fact that my partner is into sports, I would totally take him to a game, whether his team is playing or mine. If we're both rooting for the same team, well then that's even better. With the right person a baseball game is fun. You can see how competitive your partner gets when his team wins or loses. It's entertaining to watch a man lose his mind over his favorite baseball team because as women we are the complete opposite. There's food, drinks, and a chance to talk during innings. Play ball!