It is officially summer, which means lots of SPF-filled days, sunsets that start at 8 p.m. and plenty of outdoor parties. But it can all go fast — it is already July!
Make sure you check off at least a few of these activities together before pumpkin spice lattes come back.
1. Chill by the water. You might not be able to make it all the way to an ocean. But make a point to get to a lake or other body of water and just spend the day there. Barring that, go to a water park or even a hotel pool. Basically, make a point to touch water that is not in your bathtub or shower. Have one good day swimming and lying on beach towels.
2. Spend an entire day outside. Bask in the sunlight, just make sure you apply sunscreen first — the American Academy of Dermatology recommends at least SPF 30. You can make it a lazy day or fit in as many outdoor activities as you possibly can. What is important is that you make time to appreciate the warm weather together, instead of another Netflix binge-watch session.
3. Berry picking. It is summertime, which means the berries are RIPE. And you have options: blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and more. If you are within driving distance of farms or orchards, you can probably head to one and pick these fruits straight off the vine (tree? bush?). You need to try doing this at least once.
4. Have a BBQ. Host one at your place, or even go to a park and grill up some hot dogs and hamburgers (or vegan alternatives). You do not want to start off September realizing you have not taken part in a summer ritual staple.
5. Go on a picnic. Getting some food and a blanket together is a cheap date, but it is also incredibly romantic. You could even attempt to pair it with a free outdoor summer concert for a date night you won’t forget. Try it at least once this summer — just watch out for ants.
6. Go hiking or even take a camping trip. Odds are that you have trails nearby. Take a day to explore them. Or even go on a multi-day hike if it is feasible. Summer is the perfect time to really rough it in the outdoors. And if one (or both) of you are really not outdoor people, you can still set up a tent in your backyard.
7. See a drive-in movie. Drive-ins are becoming rarer and rarer, but if you can hunt one down, it is a unique summertime experience. Plus, it makes even the worst movies feel suddenly watchable.
8. Attend an adult summer camp. That is right. Adult summer camps are real. Some aim to capture the feelings of traditional summer camp for adults. Others lean heavily on the “camp” aspect. They might throw in some very adult activities, like whiskey tasting, or just be a place to go and relax. There are even camps focused around the zombie apocalypse or fantasy role-playing. You will almost definitely be able to find a camp that fits you and your S.O.’s interests.
9. Go to a fair. Hit up your state fair or local carnival. If not for the dangerous carnival rides, then at least for the funnel cake and deep-fried everything.
10. Set up a rooftop cinema. Take your laptop up to the roof of your apartment with a few blankets and watch movies until the sun comes up. Or, maybe your city has a Rooftop Cinema Club. Check it out for a solid summer date night to the movies.
11. Go stargazing. Summer is the perfect time to head out away from all the light pollution with a blanket and just look up at the stars. To really make sure it’s memorable, search for upcoming meteor showers. Just be warned: You might have to wake up extra early. Need assistance finding your favorite constellation? Look for a star party near you, often available at your local conservatory or planetarium.
12. Take a drive with the windows down. Just drive aimlessly and feel the wind in your hair. This is definitely something you will not be doing together once the first cold snap hits a few months from now. But we do not need to think about that yet.
13. Go wine tasting. You most definitely have a winery within a driving distance no matter where you live. The actual quality of said wine may vary, but they are everywhere. Is food more your scene? Sign up for a cooking class together and throw a summer dinner party (including wine).
14. Visit an arboretum. Access to this kind of thing may vary, but it is worth checking out arboretums near where you live. Some may host rare butterflies or exotic animals. You might be very surprised at what you find.
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