Summer date ideas

Something simpler today: date ideas!

Since it's summer right now (well...almost!), I'm going to stick to listing only sun-friendly suggestions, and I'll save the winter date ideas for a later post.

Baseball game. From April through October (if you're lucky), and even in February and March if you live in Arizona or Florida, one of your greatest options is a good old baseball game. First of all, it's something to do, which is a good start, and it's an activity that not only allows for conversation but actually provides the perfect backdrop for it and can even feed it (commentary on the game/players, asking/answering questions about the rules, talking to/about other fans, etc). It's also really inexpensive, particularly in comparison to other professional sporting events. Most box offices sell tickets for under $10, and if your team is bad, you can easily get $5 tickets from scalpers or websites like StubHub. Really, the only risk you run in suggesting this--aside from your date getting beaned by a wayward foul ball--is that the person you're asking doesn't like baseball. And then you wouldn't want to date him/her anyway...... just kidding. If that's the case, (s)he'll probably say so, and then one of you can suggest something else instead.

If your city has an MLS team, you can go to a soccer game instead, but tickets tend to be much more expensive than for baseball games, and the continuous action doesn't lend itself as well to conversation. Still, if your date loves soccer, I'm sure (s)he would be thrilled to go.

Walk. Going for a walk is always sweet and romantic, and you're likely to encounter various points and/or people of interest along the way to prevent any potential monotony. It also obviously facilitates conversation very well, and getting some sunshine while exercising will naturally brighten your mood.

If you're up for it, try going on a really long walk with a destination in mind. It's a challenge and adventure that you can share with your date (probably best with someone whom you've been dating for at least a little while). You can walk farther than you think!

Hike. It's like a walk, but with a particularly outdoorsy leaning. Choose your own preference, and use your judgment to decide which your date would prefer. Or, if you date long enough, you can do both!

Bike ride. Again, absorbing some Vitamin D while increasing your production of endorphins will make you glow inside and out--thereby putting you in perfect condition to make a great impression on your date. While it is possible to have a conversation, it's a little more difficult, so you might want to save this idea for someone whom you've been seeing for a while already and not a first date.

Zoo. It's like going for a walk but with entertainment in the form of intriguing, adorable, scary, ugly, moody, snuggly, stupid, goofy, clumsy, clever, and generally amazing animals. People tend to scoff at this idea at first, passing it off as silly, but I've never heard someone regret going to the zoo--or have anything but a fantastic and fun time.

Fake tourists. Pretend you are tourists in your own city. Go see the sights. Take the tours. Pose at the token photo spots. Eat at the famous restaurants, or use a guidebook or sites like Yelp to find new places to try. Chances are you'll do some things that you've never done before, and you'll have tons of activity to keep you busy and fuel conversation.

Picnic. Unless your date is deathly allergic to bees, this is tough to beat as a date. It sets a great romantic vibe, but not overwhelmingly so, and you can still feel relaxed because the setting is very casual (park, beach, etc). Plus packing your own food is cheaper than going out to eat!

Jog/other outdoor workout. If you fitness buffs out there have found your match, don't be shy about asking him/her to join you for a workout. Some people do strongly prefer to keep exercise a solo activity, but many people enjoy the social and/or competitive aspect of having company. Plus, let's be honest: exercising is sexy! And guys, don't worry about being too sweaty: studies have shown that male sweat actually attracts females.

Play catch, frisbee, ping-pong, etc. There are tons of casual, outdoor sporting activities that you can do, and if you're in a quiet enough area, you can still talk. It might not be the best for a first date, but you definitely can still do it in the getting-to-know-each-other phase. Plus, if you have serious skills, you can show off :) Depending on what you play, you also can insert the flirtatious, competitive aspect into it. One note: outdoor ping-pong can be frustrating in the wind, so pick your spot carefully!

I think you get the idea. Go outside, get some sun, incorporate some physical activity, and make sure that you are able to talk to each other (particularly in the early stages of dating). Every city has its own great date destinations, so make sure to utilize the ones particular to your area.

One more word of advice: please avoid going to a movie for a first--or even second or third--date. It eliminates all chance of conversation and therefore getting to know each other, which is the entire purpose of going on a date. There are countless other options (even in the winter but especially in the summer) that will be a better use of your time and money!

Have fun! Feel free to comment with your own ideas.