Summer Lovin': 5 Summer Date Ideas

The winter coats and boots are gone. It's finally summer. Now is the time to take you and your crush (or boyfriend!) outside, spend some time in the sun, and enjoy the warm weather (and each other)!
 
Here are five fun ways to spend time with your boy (or a boy you wish was your boy) during the hot summer months.
 
Pack a lunch

A picnic is the perfect way to relax and spend time together outside. Pack up a lunch for you and your boy, bring a blanket, and find the perfect patch of green grass. Bring some foods that are fun to feed each other, like strawberries, grapes, or any kind of finger food.
 
If you're of age, pick up a bottle of your favorite wine to bring on the picnic. It might help to loosen up the mood and get the conversation rolling, or to just add a more romantic feel to the date.
 
This date is a less active one, so it's all about the conversation. Take the time to chat with your crush about his favorite places to visit, movies, or restaurants. It's the perfect opportunity to get to know each other even better.
 
If you're worried about not having enough to talk about, or afraid he may think it's a bit too romantic for his taste, bring a pack of cards, or a board game to play to lighten the atmosphere. Plus, guys love competition. Tell him you'll dominate in Go Fish and he's bound to be up for a few games just to prove you wrong.
 
This is an inexpensive date idea (just food and a blanket!), and one you can do pretty much anywhere.
 
Jump In

On those super hot summer days, what could be better than going swimming? Cooling off in the water and soaking up the sun (don't forget to wear sunscreen!). Plus, it's never a bad thing when you get to show off your new bikini bod you've been working for all spring. And get to see his of course!  (Still need help achieving that bikini bod?  Check out HC's Bikini Body Workout here: http://hercampus.com/health/how-get-bikini-body-one-month)
 
Swimming is ideal for a date that can be both romantic and fun. While the sun's out at the beach, heat up while being active, then cool off in the water. Maybe your crush is a boogie boarding fan. Have him teach you a trick or two. Were you on the volleyball team in high school? Always wanted to learn? Play a game of one-on-one or show off your spiking skills.
 
Then later in the day, get a little closer. Cuddle up on a blanket or beach towel together, or take a walk on the beach and watch the sun set (yes, it's the corniest trick in the romance book, but there's a good reason for that).
 
Obviously the beach is the first place that comes to mind with summer swimming, but for those of you landlocked babes, visit a local lake, river, or swimming hole. Can't find any water? Head over to a store like Wal-Mart and buy yourself a plastic baby pool or sprinkler. Hey, it's better than nothing. Plus he'll probably get a kick out of running through the sprinkler like a five year-old.
 
Take a Hike

You'd probably think this is an awful idea to do when it's already 80 degrees outside. But actually, it's a lot cooler in the woods under the shade of all those trees. A lot of times, hiking trails also follow a stream or small river that runs down the mountain. This makes for the perfect spot to sit on a rock, cool off with your feet in the water, and take a cuddle break with your cutie before making it up the rest of the trail.
 
Hiking can be a great way to get outside, get some exercise, and spend time chatting. Unless you both decide to race up the mountain (hey, be my guest), there will be lots of time to talk together.
 
Depending on where you go, and how big the mountain is, hiking can take anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours. So choose the best hike for both of your abilities (and for how sweaty you want to get).
 
When you reach the summit, there's bound to be a beautiful view, worthy of taking some cute new couple pictures. Take the time to enjoy the scenery and chat some more before heading back down.
 
Day Trip

Going for a drive on a gorgeous summer day, windows down, sun roof open, is a classic date activity. It's a great way to spend time together and visit places in your area. Maybe you and your crush have done every possible thing you can think of in your town. So why not go see what other towns have to offer?
 
Use the Internet to search for activities, or places to visit before you leave so you don't arrive without something already in mind. Find out what your guy loves and make those pit stops on your route, or places you visit at your destination.
 
Put together the perfect playlist for the car ride to keep the energy going until you reach your destination. Then, spend the whole day exploring new places, trying out new restaurants, and, of course, enjoying each other's company.
 
Doing something new together can be a great bonding experience for you and your crush. Driving to a place you've never been before also adds a sense of excitement to the date.
 
The perfect ending to a day-trip date? Stopping at a drive-in movie (Grease anyone?).
 
Get Sporty

Guys are usually more than happy to engage in anything competitive. So if you're not sure what to do on your date, look to his sporty side. Set up a game of tennis, soccer, or basketball. Obviously if you're hoping for this to be more date-like than sporty, just play one-on-one. Tell his pals they can join another time (maybe).
 
Want to get a little closer? Have him help you with your tennis serve, or show you how to make the perfect penalty kick for soccer.
 
Athletic activities work great as low-key dates so do this if you're looking to have some fun and aren't worried about getting a little hot and sweaty (guys love sweaty girls anyway, right?).  Just don't forget to bring enough water and sunscreen. Having a heat stroke or getting sun poisoning is not the best way to end your date.
 
According to Mayo Clinic, working out is shown to improve your mood, make you feel happier, and more relaxed. Sounds like just what we want for a date.  Exercise also boosts your energy, so after a few games of hoops you'll both be ready for whatever's next.
 
Summer makes the perfect time to get creative with your date ideas. The sun and those blue skies practically call your name, and make you want someone to share them with. Take advantage of the sunny warm days spending time outside with your boy, trying new things, and seeing new places. There are unlimited date possibilities during the summer months, so don't just stop at these five!