23 Fun, Romantic Summer Date Ideas to Warm Your Date’s Heart & Make It Melt

Are you looking for some cool and fun summer date ideas? Well, look no further! We’ve got you covered to make this summer as hot and romantic as possible! 

After the cold winter and unsettled spring months, the temperatures are finally rising and so are the pheromones of singletons everywhere. That means you might be looking for some fun summer date ideas.

This is the perfect time of year to get away from the more traditional ubiquitous dates and spice things up by going out and making the most of the warmer days and balmy nights. [Read: 55 tips and things to do on a first date to leave your date smitten and in awe!]

Top fun and romantic summer date ideas

If you’re looking for something fresh and fun, with just the right dash of adventure and romance, just use these top date ideas this summer, and you’ll surely do more than just wow your date!

1. Food glorious food

They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so summer is the ideal time to explore the many farmer’s markets and food festivals that pop up during the warmer months.

Check out local listings for foodie events in your area or search the web for food festival dates. There are so many options from chocolate festivals to exhibition shows that you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice. [Read: How to be more romantic – 46 cute ways to melt your partner’s heart]

2. Dining al fresco

Al fresco dining always makes for a good date choice, especially during summer! Making the most of the warm weather and eating outside is a great way to spend time relaxing. Picnics are what you make them, so whether you’re thinking casual or romantic, pack accordingly.

All the major supermarkets now stock a wide range of picnic foods which saves time for you. But, if you have the time, why not prepare something homemade or create sparks with your own BBQ for two? [Read: 67 sweet yet romantic gestures that show your love in the biggest way]

3. Adrenaline rush

A boost of adrenaline is the perfect complement to those jittery date nerves. The exciting rush of adrenaline that one gets from the rides at theme parks is just the thing to get both of your hearts racing!

There is scientific evidence showing that levels of brain chemicals like serotonin increase during the adrenaline rush of excited fear we experience on a theme park ride.

And these chemicals mimic the feeling one gets during the mad-love phase at the beginning of a new relationship, which in turn, makes the individual feel more connected to their date. [Read: 25 must-follow rules for truly happy love]

4. Row your boat

If you’re looking for summer date ideas, then look no further. A classic summer pastime and a favorite with rowers and non-rowers alike is boating.

Taking a boat trip, even around a lake in the park, is liberating, romantic, and can be a lot of fun.

Even the most inexperienced rower can come across well for thinking up such a cool date. Just be careful not to mimic the films where you both fall in, as the water is deceptively colder than the weather!

5. Rooftop rendezvous

Many cities have rooftop terraces housing bars and restaurants with amazing views across the city. These gorgeous roof-top venues will impress your date in addition to getting you guys away from the hustle and bustle of life at street level.

Rooftop bars also make for one of the best places to sip cocktails as the sun goes down. Men can score extra chivalry points by lending her their jacket at the end of the evening as the sun starts to set. And it’s also a good excuse to cuddle up closer. [Read: 50 best relationship topics and things to talk about in a relationship]

6. Meal with a view

Just like rooftop bars, restaurants on the upper floors of tall buildings impress the senses with the world spread out in front of you.

For example, London’s OXO Tower is the ideal place to have lunch or dinner whilst enjoying the amazing views over the UK capital.

While everyone is enjoying the sunshine, a few slots at those hard-to-get-into restaurants often open up. Just make sure your date doesn’t suffer from vertigo before booking a table by the window! [Read: Romantic dinner date ideas – 17 fun dates you both will never forget]

7. Season of sport

Summer is the time when the sporting season gets into full swing with a number of high-profile events that are attended by celebrities, bankers, media moguls, and the like. So, when you’re thinking of the perfect summer date ideas, pick out your best hat or dust off your snazziest suit and take your date off to something stylish and spectacular.

Summer isn’t just about rowing, racing, and polo. There are a number of different events during the season that should appeal to most tastes.

8. Try an open-air matinee film

A very popular choice for summer date ideas among those who enjoy music and film are the various open-air cinemas and concerts that take place in many major cities.

Whether you want to treat your date to a classic movie in the afternoon or under the stars, it’s a great choice of date.

Having a date in the open air has all the makings of a fun night out, and is much more interesting than a more traditional date. [Read: 21 secrets to be a happy couple that’s truly in love and envied by all]

9. Get on your bike

Summer is the ideal season to get active. And a great way to combine exercise with dating is to grab a couple of bicycles and go for a leisurely ride along one of those cute cycle paths along rivers or through one of the larger parks.

Cycling dates allow both of you to see the most of nature and the picturesque scenery whilst enjoying each other’s company. [Read: Relationship stages – 10 phases couples go through by months and years]

10. Beside the seaside

As things heat up, head to the beach for some summer fun and make the most of the sunny weather. Release your inner child by beach-combing and building sandcastles, walk by the sea whilst paddling in the surf, eat an ice cream sitting on the pier, and play crazy golf for some friendly competition with lots of laughs.

Why not enjoy strolling along the promenade at the end of the day or watch the sunset from a westerly waterfront bar or restaurant?

This is up there with some of the most unforgettable and romantic summer date ideas. [Read: 30 really sweet and romantic ideas for couples to feel loved and connected 24/7]

11. Find the oasis of the urban desert

By this, we’re referring to areas that have air conditioning. Get out of the house and go to a place with AC, like the movies, a restaurant, a museum, a gallery, the shopping mall, your artsy friend’s photography studio, etc.

This may sound cliché, but literally, this could mean any single place away from home that has AC. Get creative and stay cool. [Read: 33 awesome date ideas every couple should try]

12. Channel your inner child and have a water balloon fight

Face it, during the hot days, the last thing you are concerned about is how you look. You just want to get rid of the sloppy, sweaty feeling. That’s where a water balloon fight will come in handy.

It’s fun, unorthodox for adults, and a great way to cool down. Plus, you can get other people to join you. The more the merrier!

13. Be a cliché and try wine tasting

Wine tasting in and of itself isn’t a new concept, but clearing out your schedule for three days and staying at a cozy bed & breakfast or rented cabin will definitely stand out in your date’s memory! Especially when you take the other two days to explore the canoe areas or sightseeing options around town that offer AC.

Don’t just drink wine, consider it a vacation with some wine-tasting involved. [Read: 10 popular alcoholic drinks – how to prepare them to impress anyone]

14. Find a sweet treat

Some days, you don’t want a big event, but you also don’t want to stay indoors. Getting ice cream *or a sorbet or granita or gelato* is simple, gets you out of the house, and allows you to enjoy a cold, tasty treat with your partner.

It’s wholesome, easy to do, and you can do it as often as you like… or at least, as often as your diet allows.

15. Take a road trip

What’s a home away from home that has AC and lets you be outside? Your trusty car. Taking a road trip will cool you and your partner down, and allow for multiple pit-stops into mini golf places, ice cream shops, organic fruit and vegetable stands, and stores with AC.

Even if you don’t have a designated destination, you can have a blast exploring. [Read: 59 fun things to do on a road trip to create awesome memories together]

16. Stay in, play hooky, and have an R&R day

You’re trying to avoid the sun’s sweltering rays, right? So why not hole up inside the house, switch your fans to the highest setting, and hang out while watching movies, playing games, or snacking on some cold treats?

Or for something more intimate, have a relaxing spa day with your partner, where you soak in the tub, give each other massages, or pamper yourselves with grooming products, and a long nap.

17. Take an oyster-shucking class

If you’re near the coast, why not head to an oyster-shucking class? You know that oysters are aphrodisiacs, right? You’ll learn something new and gain the benefits a little later on!

Of course, trying something different together is also a bonding experience, so this has to be one of the best and most unique summer date ideas. [Read: 28 natural aphrodisiacs in your kitchen to make yourself horny AF]

18. Wake up early and watch the sunrise

What could be more romantic than being two of the earliest risers, with nobody else awake? You can head outside, with almost the world to yourself. Then, watch the colors of the sky change before your eyes as the sun rises for a brand new day.

Of course, you can then treat yourselves to breakfast!

19. Go fruit picking

There are many farms that need help with fruit picking, so why not join up? You can pick some fruit, enjoy some time together in the Great Outdoors, and you might be able to keep some at the end of the day. Then you can make a delicious fruit pie together.

Or you can just eat the fruit if you’re not particularly good at baking! [Read: Outdoor sex – 24 best, hottest places and ways to make it less risky]

20. Make sangria

Now, this is a great idea that’s probably going to lead to some wild fun later on, making it a great summer date idea! Grab all the ingredients you need and make a big jug of ice-cold sangria!

Throw on some tunes and make your own summer party in your house. What better way to spend a sunny day?

21. Stargaze

Super romantic, right? Grab a blanket and some pillows, find a comfortable spot, lay down, and gaze up at the sky.

Point out the stars you see and you might even see a shooting star. If you do, remember to wish on it! [Read: How to make your bedroom more romantic]

22. Go skinny dipping

A little naughty, but super fun, don’t you think? Give skinny dipping a try, just make sure you don’t get caught!

This is likely to lead to steamy times a little later on, but if you’re at that point in your relationship, you probably won’t mind that in the least bit! [Read: Skinny dipping – How to dip and convince your friends to get naked too]

23. Sip a frosty cocktail at an ice bar

Head online and find the nearest ice bar. The name alone tells you that it’s going to be pretty popular in summer, but head on down there and choose a frosty cocktail to share. Or you can have one each, whatever works for you.

It’s a great way to cool down and share a fun experience together.

Summer fun leads to love!

Many long-term relationships start with a summer love affair, and that means coming up with the best summer date ideas if you want to be in that gang! These ideas will get you started, but don’t be afraid to come up with a few of your own; let our ideas inspire you!

[Read: 65 couples activities and fun things to do that’ll make you feel closer than ever]

Now go on out there and use these top summer date ideas! After all, what better way to spend the summer than by enjoying the sunshine with the one you love?