It’s tough not to love a dinner and drinks date night or even a classic Netflix-and-chill. The simplicity, comfort, and ease make it easy to get to know someone new or enjoy the company of your longtime lover. But if you’re ready to switch things up a bit and are looking for something more adventurous, try pushing the boat out with these five al fresco date ideas.
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1. Take a bike tour around town
My boyfriend and I are big advocates for biking, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this tip isn’t for you. Recently, we visited Charleston, South Carolina and rented bikes to tour around town. Our main motivation may have been the fact that all the breweries we wanted to visit were far out of town, but we were excited to bike around all the same. For the next day, we toured around the city in powder blue cruisers, stopping whenever we felt like it (mostly at BBQ joints) and taking side streets that looked interesting. We could have Ubered to all of our destinations, but the bikes meant touring the city became an all-day activity, which meant we saw so much more at our own pace and got a little exercise out of it. If you’ve never biked around your own city, do it. It’s a great way to explore, go further than you could (or would) when walking, and get a little exercise while you’re at it.
2. Volunteer to walk doggos
Your local shelter is likely desperate for a few helping hands, so why not take your date on a four-legged adventure? The Humane Society and ASPCA are great places to start your adventure and find a program that works for you. Working with animals and volunteering are two great ways to bring you and your date closer together. You’ll get to work together caring for something (furry and adorable, I might add) and spend time together. A win-win!
3. Take a hike
Depending on your desired level of exertion, your hike can be as killer as scaling a mountain or as tame as a long city stroll. Whatever floats your boat. Make the objective to just get out there and go. If you’ll be spending a lot of time outside, be sure to pack plenty of snacks, research the hike beforehand, and prepare for the weather. Your date will quickly go south if you’re hangry and cold. Trust me.
Source: Hello Fashion Blog
4. Take a free fitness class
In many cities, gyms, yoga studios, and personal trainers offer free classes so potential new clients can try out their style. Find one by searching online for your local fitness center, yoga studio, or gym, and find a class that would suit you both. Maybe hot yoga on a Sunday morning is your style, or perhaps you prefer an intense kickboxing class. Whatever floats your boat, schedule in your date, gear up in your workout attire, and sweat it out together. What’s better than a date that leaves you feeling energized, refreshed, and fit? Not much else if you ask me. Comfortable dates are sometimes… boring. It’s easy to get drinks and dinner with someone, whether it be your first date or millionth with them. Challenging yourself to do something outside of your comfort zone can be exhilarating and a confidence booster, and who doesn’t like feeling sexy on a date?
READ: A Complete List of the Best Free & Cheap Fitness Apps
5. Find a new neighborhood and wander
Living in a big city can, over time, mean less exploring and more sticking to your local haunts. Suddenly, a 20-minute ride on the L feels like an eternity you’re not ready to endure, so suddenly your big city becomes small. Break out of that mold and pick a neighborhood that you haven’t seen much of and explore. You’ll find new haunts together, explore an area you’ve never been, and probably enjoy some great chats while you wander the streets. Who knows, maybe it’ll become your new favorite area.
So, next time you’re making that dinner reservation for another date, stop and think about what you could be doing outside. You might be surprised at how much more fun you have doing something out of the ordinary.
