10 Cute Summer Date Ideas on a Budget

With more free time and warm, sunny weather, summer break is the perfect time to try out new date ideas. Read on for 10 new and exciting places to go for relatively inexpensive and unforgettable dates!

1. Farmers’ markets and yard sales

Most towns host several annual gatherings of markets and coordinated yard sales, especially while the weather is nice. Farmers’ markets usually occur weekly, and visitors can browse locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as homemade products from local vendors. Yard sales are also fun to check out because you never know what you will find. Shop a farmers’ market for recipe ingredients, and then prepare a meal with your significant other, or challenge one another to see who can find the most unusual yard sale item!

2. Stargazing at the local observatory

Stargazing is always a popular date choice, but make it extra special by traveling to the closest observatory! By going to an established observatory, you can see the night sky much more clearly than just looking with the naked eye. Many offer free admission, and will have staff to help guide visitors by using their astronomy knowledge to locate specific constellations and even planets.

3. Kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boating

Regardless of where you live, there is always some form of boating available. Cool off from the summer heat by renting a paddleboat, kayaks, a canoe, or even stand-up paddleboards! Most businesses will rent by the hour, and will offer discounts for longer rental periods. Pack a lunch and spend the day out on the water!

4. Wine Tasting

For those of you 21 and older, many wineries and breweries offer wine and beer tasting events throughout the summer. Quench your thirst and find a new favorite drink while relaxing with your significant other.

5. Tour an open house

Touring an open house is the perfect date for a rainy day. Find local open house events during the day, and stop by one or two, pretending to be interested in purchasing or renting the place. Although perhaps not the most romantic thing to do, there is something fun and adventurous about fake house-hunting. If you’re in a serious relationship and considering moving in together in the future, it can also be a great opportunity to learn what they like and dislike about certain houses.

6. Walk dogs from the animal shelter

Love dogs, but don’t have one of your own? Take a trip to the local animal shelter. Many shelters have programs where visitors can “rent” a shelter dog and take him/her for a walk, giving the dog some much needed exercise and socialization. Although walking outdoors may not seem especially exciting, you can feel good knowing that you made that shelter dog’s day!

7. Ghost tours

All towns have a fascinating history to them. Many places offer nighttime ghost tours, where guests can explore a more morbid side of their town’s history. Feeling scared? Just snuggle up next to your significant other while walking the streets of your hometown. Get a group of couples together to receive a group discount!

8. Trail riding

If you’re feeling adventurous, find the closest horseback riding stable that offers trail rides! Whether you’ve never been on a horse, or you’re a seasoned competitor, a leisurely ride through woods and fields will not disappoint!

9. Geocaching

Geocaching is a combination of hiking and scavenger hunting. Create an account on geocaching.com, and download the official app on your smartphone. Then, use your phone’s GPS to navigate to the location of the geocache! A geocache is usually a small box or other container. With over 2 million geocaches hidden globally, you will never run out of new boxes to find! Once a geocache is located, you and your date can sign and date the logbook, and hide it again just as you found it. Some people even leave small trinkets in the boxes as gifts for the next person to find. Share your experience online and connect with others using the app!

10. Fruit picking

Last but not least, fruit picking can be a fun (and rewarding!) summertime activity. Many fruits come into season during the summer months, including peaches, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and plums. Satisfy your sweet tooth while getting outdoors with your significant other and picking fresh fruit right off the vine. A simple online search will find you the closest fruit farm.

No matter the weather or time of day, this list will provide you and your significant other with new and inexpensive ideas for spending time together. Enjoy the summer weather, and don’t forget to explore the SRTrends website for more articles!