Share on Facebook

14 Perfect Summer Date Ideas That Are Absolutely Free

Summer offers some unique dating opportunities, and it’s a traditionally lazy time. So don’t be boring and offer a dinner and a movie. Be creative and research what’s available near you for no cost at all.

1 / 14
Summer date ideasPhoto: Shutterstock

Let your city take care of it

Municipalities often entertain their residents for free, especially over the summer–mostly free concerts but also free dance lessons and more. Your city should have an events calendar with details—find yours by Google-searching: “[City or town] + calendar of events.”

Not dating yet, but planning out your summer dates? Here are some interesting conversation starters.

2 / 14
Explore your townPhoto: Shutterstock

Explore your town

Stroll the nearby wilderness together at a local nature preserve or park. If you’re more comfortable hanging out first among friends, reserve a field for a pick-up game of softball or soccer. Don’t know where to go? Look up your city’s Parks and Recreation Department website for ideas.

Make sure you’re not making these common social media mistakes.

3 / 14
Sit under the starsPhoto: Shutterstock

Sit under the stars

Hey, it’s summer. Grab a bottle of wine and sit outside with your date under the stars, staring at the natural (or, if you live in a big city, man-made) beauty of the night. This is a good time to steal that first kiss, especially under a full moon.

Get off the beaten path and sample vintages in the wine world’s lesser-known regions.

4 / 14
Hit the waterPhoto: Shutterstock

Hit the water

Take your date and lose yourself in the hypnotizing effects of reflective water. It shouldn’t be too hard to find public access to the ocean or a local lake, and they’re always free.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite Canadian shores based on five different beach-ranking criteria.

5 / 14
Go to a dog-friendly parkPhoto: Shutterstock

Bark!

Do you and the object of your affection have dogs? Take them for a walk together or to a dog-friendly park. To find your local dog park, just search for it on your city’s website – some even have entire sites devoted to their dog parks. And don’t forget to bring bags to pick up after your pet. Nothing is more unattractive than a dog owner who doesn’t.

Take a peek inside Fergus Dog Park: Ontario’s Four-Acre Playground.

6 / 14
Tour a vineyardPhoto: Shutterstock

Tour a brewery or vineyard     

While the drinks might not always be free, the tours typically are. Tour an elaborate brewery or the beautiful and vast grounds of a vineyard.

Check out An Expert’s Guide to the 10 Best Beer Cities in the World.

7 / 14
Watch the sunsetPhoto: Shutterstock

Watch the sunset

Even though it’s simple and very low-key it can be a great opportunity to bond. Pack up a few snacks, grab a blanket and enjoy the beauty of the sky for a night.

Here are 10 Attractions That Prove Why Canada is the Most Beautiful Country.

8 / 14
Go geocachingPhoto: Shutterstock

Go geocaching

Many people haven’t even heard of this fun adventure. It’s basically like a treasure hunt. People from all over the country hide things and you can track them down and add your own treasures to the collection using the Internet.

9 / 14
Visit a local festival or fairPhoto: Shutterstock

Visit a local festival or fair

Towns all over hold summer festivals and fairs. Many times they even offer free food. If not, you can always enjoy looking at the art, listening to music and taking in the culture.

10 / 14
Have a spa day at homePhoto: Shutterstock

Have a spa day at home

Stay out of the heat by creating a spa in your own bathroom. Fill up the tub and enjoy a nice soak with your partner.

Try out these awesome bath bombs!

11 / 14
Go hikingPhoto: Shutterstock

Go hiking

Get fit and explore with your partner this summer. Try out easy walking trails or tackle a mountain together.

Fall in love with Canada all over again with these 10 greatest hikes.

12 / 14
Volunteer togetherPhoto: Shutterstock

Volunteer together

There’s no better way to get to know your significant other than helping others together. You’ll get to see their soft side. Volunteer at your local animal shelter or homeless shelter.

13 / 14
Pack a picnicPhoto: Shutterstock

Pack a picnic

Make a meal together and pack it up and head to the local park or beach. Enjoy each other’s company and the fresh air and you eat.

14 / 14
Join a local sports teamPhoto: Shutterstock

Join a team

Make new friends with your partner by joining a local sports team. Hit the baseball diamond or soccer field and lead your team to victory.

Here are 8 Major League Baseball Parks You Must Visit Before You Die.

Reader's Digest
Originally Published on Reader's Digest