Summer is a great time to find a new love or spend quality time with your significant other. Unfortunately, with gas and food prices on the rise, going out is more expensive than ever before. The good news is there are still plenty of great (cheap) ways to plan a date and enjoy the season's best activities. Here are just a few ideas to get you going:
Go to the Beach
Going to the beach is the epitome of summer. Grab a frisbee or volleyball for some fun in the sand, or just dive in and enjoy the waves. Forget expensive boardwalk food and pack the perfect picnic lunch with your date's favorite snacks!
Pick Fresh Fruit
Check with local farms to see if they offer seasonal fruit picking. You can pick your own berries, peaches, plums and more. Some places also offer vegetable picking as well. Plus, "pick-your-own" prices are generally cheaper than buying produce at the supermarket.
Hit the Trails
Find out what local trails are open to the public. Then, grab your date and go for a hike or bike ride through the woods. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and cool shade as you wander, or bring a camera for some great photos.
Break a Sweat
Summer sports are not only fun, they are a great way to burn some extra calories. Go for an evening jog or grab a football and challenge your sweetie to a game of touch. Whatever you do, make sure you drink plenty of water!
Be a Chef
Cooking a meal together is a great alternative to an expensive meal out. Pick a meal you can share and prepare it together. Then, set a nice table, pour some wine, and enjoy a romantic night in. If the weather is nice, take the meal outside and enjoy the summer evening.
Get some Ice Cream
Ice Cream is perhaps the best part of summer. Take your date out for a cone or shake to cool off after a hot day. Skip the over-priced chains and try a local, homemade ice cream parlor. These are usually more romantic and more delicious!
Window Shop
Most towns have at least one main street where you can walk around and check out some small, eclectic shops. See if there is one near you and go exploring. You will probably find some great places to eat there as well.
Be a Kid
Pretend you are a kid again and have some fun in your own backyard. Go ahead, run through the sprinklers and flag down the ice cream man. You can get some cheap backyard toys and challenge your date to a hula-hoop contest or a game of T-ball. Better yet, get some balloons and have a water balloon fight!
