Take Advantage of the Warmer Weather With These Spring Date Ideas

People in nature, Spring, Beauty, Happy, Sitting, Flower, Photography, Blossom, Tree, Smile, — (Image credit: ClassicStock)

At last, the warm weather is starting to creep in—and with it comes a whole bunch of opportunities to frolic with a loved one. Whether you're in the early stages of getting to know a new person, or looking to spice things up with a long-time love, we've got options in here for everybody, at a range of price points (lots of them are free or close to free!). You probably already know about some of the basics—taking a long walk, going to a coffee shop—so here are a few unique ideas to get you thinking outside the box for your next date.

Get Gardening

Whether you're sprucing up your place, tending to your garden, or volunteering at your local park, thinking about the plant life you can nurture isn't just relaxing, it's eco-conscious. As an alternative, go and take care of the trees in your area—particularly in cities, parks departments are often underfunded, and it can be up to locals to take care of their own greenery.

Volunteer Together

An activity always makes for a great date, especially when the relationship's in its early stages (best case, you bond, worst case, you don't have to talk!). There are always nonprofits looking for volunteers, and as the weather changes, there'll be opportunities for nature preservation like clearing trails and picking up trash.

Take the Picnic Indoors

It's like being outside, but without the mud! (I'm mostly joking—get outdoors when you can.) But if the weather's kind of crummy and it's still too cold to sit on the ground, open the windows, prepare some sandwiches, sit on the floor with a blanket, and chow down together. This works ever better as a double date.

Find a Furry Friend

Even if you don't have a dog, chances are you know someone who does. You can even head to the local shelter (another chance to volunteer!) or dog park, if it's not against the rules, to watch the little fluffballs prance around in the grass and mud.

Grab That Outdoor Seating

Some rooftop bars won't be open until the summer, but some restaurants get creative with the use of awnings and space heaters. Plan carefully, because everyone will be rushing to sit outside when the weather's good. And layer, just in case the temperature starts to dip as the sun goes down.

Lean In to Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning, also known as that time when you strategically get rid of all the (literal and metaphorical) junk in your life, is a perfect thing to do as a couple. I'm translating it literally here, but it could also be a time to read a self-help book together, learn a shared hobby, do that thing you've been planning to do forever, or anything that makes you feel refreshed.

Get Out on the Water

Depending on where you live, it might be too cold to swim or flock to the beach in a bikini, but that doesn't mean you can't partake in water-based activities. Rowing, renting a paddle boat, or taking a local boat cruise (even a duck boat, if you want to channel your inner kid) will get you out on the water—no bathing suit required.

Take a Moment to Relax

If you've been cooped up over the winter, getting outside isn't just the moment to finally get out of the house. It's also a time to re-center and spend some quality time as a couple. Take a beginner's meditation class together. Do outdoors yoga (super low-stakes if your partner isn't athletic/bendy). Or just walk and listen to some chill music without talking.

Make a Seasonal Meal

Check and see what's available right now, then head to a local farmer's market or organic supermarket to pick up the day's ingredients. Make a meal that day and revel in the freshness. If you do this regularly, it's a sustainable way to eat, too.

Spruce Up the Decor

If you guys live together, take on a shared project—and if you don't, take turns making each other's homes more lively and bright. Adding plants, painting the walls, buying some throw pillows: There are plenty of inexpensive ways to make a space look lighter and revel in your handiwork.

Go Wine Tasting

Wineries and orchards can have beautiful outdoor tours and fun spring activities. So there'll be a ton to do in addition to sampling the local wine—even if you're not drinking, there's so much to do that there's no way you'll be bored.

Go Low-Stakes Golfing

Unless both of you are super-into golf (I am not), pick a low-stakes alternative that's fun for you both. From mini-golf to a driving range, this can serve as a way to refamiliarize yourself with the sport/help the other person actually learn how to hit the ball.

Travel Without the Tourists

Think of those fun, often-touristy destinations near you and go to visit before it gets too crowded. For example: Portland, Maine, which is few hours away from me, has beautiful sights in the fall and spring, but tourists primarily visit in the summer. Get in before the crowds and have the chance to see the sights in an underrated way.

Do a Seasonal Photoshoot

If you hate having your photo taken (me), or need to take one million photos before you find one you like (also me), spring's a great time to get out there, snap a bunch of pics, and take your time finding one you love. Instagram aside, taking photos is a sweet way to document your relationship—so get out there and have a good time doing it.

Find a Sunset

The last time my husband took me out to see a sunrise, I complained the entire time (a morning person I am not). Sunsets, on the other hand, I can get behind. How often do you just sit together and actually look out at the sky? Take some time to find a good viewing spot, bring a beverage of choice, and relax.

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Katherine’s a contributing syndications editor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. In her role, she writes stories that are syndicated by MSN and other outlets. She’s been a full-time freelancer for over a decade and has had roles with Cosmopolitan (where she covered lifestyle, culture, and fashion SEO content) and Bustle (where she was their movies and culture writer). She has bylines in New York Times, Parents, InStyle, Refinery29, and elsewhere. Her work has also been syndicated by ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, and Women’s Health, among others. In addition to her stories reaching millions of readers, content she's written and edited has qualified for a Bell Ringer Award and received a Communicator Award.

Katherine has a BA in English and art history from the University of Notre Dame and an MA in art business from the Sotheby's Institute of Art (with a focus on marketing/communications). She covers a wide breadth of topics: she's written about how to find the very best petite jeans, how sustainable travel has found its footing on Instagram, and what it's like to be a professional advice-giver in the modern world. Her personal essays have run the gamut from learning to dress as a queer woman to navigating food allergies as a mom. She also has deep knowledge of SEO/EATT, affiliate revenue, commerce, and social media; she regularly edits the work of other writers. She speaks at writing-related events and podcasts about freelancing and journalism, mentors students and other new writers, and consults on coursework. Currently, Katherine lives in Boston with her husband and two kids, and you can follow her on Instagram. If you're wondering about her last name, it’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.