A Summer Date Bucket List for You and Your Spouse or the Whole Family

It’s finally summertime! For some of you, summer brings pure excitement and joy because it’s hot and sunny and you have extra time on your hands. For others, you might not be so thrilled for summer because, well, it’s hot and sunny and you have extra time on your hands (with your kids). Whatever your feelings about this new season, we hope you’ll find opportunities for fun. To help, we have 40 summer date ideas that double as family activities. We’ve done the thinking for you—so, scan this list, pick an idea, and spend much-needed quality time with your spouse, or enjoy a fantastic family fun day where the kids will be involved, too.

1. Go Fishing

Break out the poles and bait for an afternoon of fishing at a nearby pond or lake. Don’t like to fish? Sit back, relax, and enjoy time together by the water. Take it back to the good old days, and skip a rock or two.

2. Plan a Pool Day

You and your spouse? Grab your favorite books and portable speaker. Kids tagging along? Pack the pool toys and PB and Js. Either way, head to the pool for a day at the water.

3. Have a Board Game Marathon

Get a break from the heat, dust off your old board games, and partake in family-friendly competition by hosting a board game marathon. Who will come out on top?

4. Go Bowling

You may strike out while bowling, but you won’t strike out with a bowling date. A game for all ages—this date will be a win in the books for sure.

5. Check Out a Museum

Spend a leisurely afternoon together at a museum. They say, “You learn something new every day.” It’ll be hard not to during this date.

6. Go to a Baseball Game

Take your love or your family out to a ball game. It doesn’t have to be the big leagues—check out the schedule for the minor leagues or a college team near you.

7. Host a Backyard BBQ

Whether it’s the two of you, your couple friends, or other families in your neighborhood, spend a summer evening grilling out and playing backyard games.

8. Create a Backyard Oasis

Bring the beach to your yard. Whether for the kids or the two of you, blow up a mini pool, and fill it with cold water. Take it to the next level by adding sand to your setup. Then, hang out, and sunbathe in your own backyard.

9. Go to an Amusement Park

Seeking a thrill? The perfect idea for a summer staycation is to spend a day at an amusement park. Get ready to laugh, maybe cry, and scream during this exhilarating date.

10. Play Mini Golf

Remember how fun Putt-Putt was as a kid? Try your hand at scoring a hole in one during this date. Maybe, you can sweet talk your spouse into letting you use a mulligan if need be.

11. Attend a Cooking Class 

Spice up an everyday chore—cooking—and sign you and your spouse or your family up for a cooking class. Learn a new recipe together, and put the fun back into something you do daily.

12. Go to a Drive-in Movie 

A slow summer night is the perfect time to check the movie schedule at your local drive-in. Pick a film, pack your favorite snacks, and enjoy an evening together in front of the big screen.

13. Go on a Food Truck Tour 

It’s time to expand your palette—and food trucks are a great place to start. Encourage each person to order from a different food truck. Then, get adventurous by passing plates to find what each of you like!

14. Rock Climb

Find a local rock climbing gym for this active date. Ditch the fancy clothes, put on your athletic wear, and spend the afternoon conquering challenges together.

15. Go River Tubing

Beat the summer heat in the water. All you need are tubes to enjoy an afternoon together soaking up the sun while floating down the river.

16. Go on a Hike

Get fresh air and exercise—locate nearby trails near, and enjoy an afternoon hike together. You could also bring a picnic lunch to eat at a pit stop.

17. Play an Escape Room

Test your mental stamina and teamwork skills. This date is especially fun with a group of couple friends or your whole family. Will you be able to escape?

18. Pick Berries

Summer is the perfect season to load up on delicious fresh fruit. Check out local farms in your area that offer berry picking, and head out with your spouse or family for an afternoon of fun.

19. Go Out for Ice Cream

You don’t always have to get dressed up for a dinner date. Cook at home, and then once the sun sets, drive to your local ice cream shop for a delicious dessert date.

20. Have a Water Balloon Fight

It’s time to channel your competitive nature. Use your water hose to fill up a bucket of balloons. Then—3…2…1…—launch the balloons at one another. At least you’ll be cool! Pro tip—try reusable water balloons!

21. Watch Fireworks

Mark your calendar for any fireworks shows in your area. Then, grab a blanket, and enjoy the beautiful summertime spectacle together.

22. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset

Early bird or night owl? Whichever camp you and your spouse or family find yourselves in, use the sunrise or sunset as an opportunity to slow down, rest, and enjoy nature together.

23. Volunteer

It’s never too early or late to give back to your community. Whether you volunteer often or it’ll be your kids’ first time, find something you’re passionate about, and give back together.

24. Go Roller Skating

It’s time to show your kids your tricks or maybe how it’s OK to laugh at yourself when you fall. Coordinated or not, spend an afternoon at a roller skating rink.

25. Go to an Arcade

Who will take home the grand prize? See how many tickets you can earn while playing all the classics like basketball, Whac-A-Mole, and Skee-Ball.

26. Canoe 

Rent a canoe and head to a nearby lake. You’ll need teamwork to paddle well together while you explore the lake and enjoy the tranquility of being on the water. 

27. Visit a Historical Landmark 

This date is for the history buff in your family—what historical landmark is in your hometown that you didn’t realize was there? Find out together and go check it out! 

28. Take a Day Trip to the Beach 

Head out early and get home late—take a day trip with your love to the beach! Even if it’s a few hours away, enjoy quality time talking in the car; then, make the most of the day on the coast going on a long walk, sunbathing, and building a sandcastle. 

29. Explore a New Town 

Pull up the map on your phone and find a city near you, within driving distance, you’ve never been to. Spend the day visiting local shops and dining at a new restaurant. 

30. Attend a Local Festival 

Look for local summer festivals in your area where you can enjoy live music, food vendors, fun activities, and craft vendors to celebrate the summer season. 

31. Attend a Pottery Class 

It’s time to put your creative hats on—sign up for a local pottery class. Enjoy the hands-on experience learning about ceramics, and if you’re any good, you can display your artwork in your home as a memento. 

32. Go on a Paddleboat 

If a canoe isn’t for you, try a paddleboat. You’ll still be able to enjoy a leisurely afternoon relaxing on the water together. Pack snacks and drinks, too! 

33. Have a DIY Craft Night 

You don’t have to sign up for an art class to be creative. Host a DIY craft night at home the whole family will enjoy. Choose a project, gather supplies, and enjoy creating together. 

34. Hike to a Waterfall 

This time, you should chase waterfalls…find a nearby waterfall and take a hike to see it. Enjoy the beauty and the cooling mist of the water. 

35. Visit a Wildlife Sanctuary 

Spend the day at a wildlife sanctuary learning about local wildlife and conservation efforts while enjoying the natural surroundings. 

36. Go on a Hot-Air Balloon 

This may be one of those once in a lifetime dates. For a truly unique experience, book a hot air-balloon ride and enjoy stunning views and a peaceful flight. 

37. Go Zip-Lining 

For an adrenaline-filled adventure, try zip-lining. It’s a thrilling way to experience nature from a different perspective. 

38. Build a Bonfire 

Set up a bonfire in your backyard or at a local beach. Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and enjoy the warmth of the fire under the stars. 

39. Visit a Planetarium 

For your little ones who are fascinated with space or your spouse who is interested in science, spend an evening at a planetarium. Learn about the stars, planets, and constellations in a fun and educational setting. 

40. Go Fishing at Night  

We started our list with fishing, and we end with it, this time fishing at night. Experience the tranquility of night fishing. Bring lanterns, enjoy the quiet, and see what you can catch under the stars. 

Whether you’re young and in love, raising little ones, looking to spend time with your adult children, or you’re in the empty nest phase of your marriage, there’s certain to be a date or two on this list you’ll enjoy. Get started checking off your summer date bucket list today!