But as a college student and young professional, it can be quite expensive going on elaborate dates out of town and eating at 5-star restaurants every weekend. So instead of sucking your bank account dry, here are 10 fun date ideas that you can partake in during the last few weeks of summer.

Idea #1: Chill out by the pool and grill out

Eating out as a couple can get expensive very quickly, but food plus conversation is a classic date night idea for any season. Instead of spending a ton of money eating out, cook your favorite meal at home for half of the price with bae. Or better yet try a brand-new recipe that you been eye-balling on Pinterest for a bit of an adventurous date night experience. My favorite meals are when Titi and I hang out by the pool and grill some of our favorite meats. The meat tastes phenomenal, and I get to tan a little while he does all of the manly work of cooking on the grill.  

Idea #2: Take a day trip to another city near you

As we all know, traveling is my bread and butter. I literally love traveling, but unfortunately the cost of traveling far away can sometimes put a damper in my travel dreams. If you’re like me right now and need to ball on a budget, take a day trip to another city that’s close to you, something within a short driving distance away. Plan to wake up early, drive an hour or two, and enjoy your surrounding areas with bae. You don’t need to plan the entire day out like a traditional traveling experience but go with the flow and see where you land up at. Those are always the best adventures!

Idea #3: Go to an outdoor movie theater

The perfect summer evening is a night out at an outdoor movie theater. I know that sounds a little old school, but it’s actually really fun. Grab some snacks and drinks and head to the closest theater near you. The way that outdoor movie theaters work is that you actually sit inside your car and tune in to the movie station via the radio. You can also sit outside of your car or on the bed of your truck and turn up the volume of the radio. Either way you can be super comfortable in your own space while watching a classic or new movie out on the yard.

Idea #4: Float down the river

I’m literally adding two tubs to my Amazon cart right now because I am that excited about floating down the river this summer with bae. It looks like a ton of fun while also being very relaxing on the water. Just imagine a waterproof speaker, a couple of drinks, and the sun beating down as you float down the river and the wind blows through your hair. Bliss is what it sounds like. Am I right?

The only catch is that not every river near you is going to allow you free float down the river so just make sure it is allowed before you plan a surprise date event. You may have to go with a tour guide or pay for an excursion.

Idea #5: Attend a music festival

For most people, music holds a very special connection to them. Music can take you anywhere that you want to go. So, attending a music festival filled with your favorite OG artists and some new artists is the perfect summer date idea for you and your loved one. Lucky for Titi and I, a lot of artists stop hereby either in our city of Columbia or a drive away in Charlotte. We get some of the coolest events that come through, which are great if we are feeling a music-filled evening. Check out Eventbrite or Ticketmaster to see who’s coming on tour near you.

Idea #6: Visit a winery or brewery

Obviously for this one, you and your partner need to be of legal drinking age, but if you both are, this is a great summer date night idea! You may have to drive a little bit out of your town to get to a winery or brewery, but it’s a great date that can last all day if you want it too. Titi and I have gone to a few breweries during our travels, in-state and out-of-state. It’s a lot of fun tasting the different drinks and learning about the history of the company. Plus, you can either bring your own food for a picnic dinner or eat food at the location.

Date #7: Go old-school with a picnic dinner

A picnic dinner in the park is the perfect date for a summer evening and it’s super easy to do! Cook your favorite meal at home, pack it up, and head over to the park with your favorite blanket with some rosé. To make it even better, surprise your significant other with a picnic date at sunset during the summer time. It’ll be romantic and magical at the same time. Titi has done this for me before and I still remember it years later.

Date #8: Wake up early and attend a local market

Every Saturday morning, Soda City has this fabulous farmer’s market that is held on Main Street, and it’s one of my favorite things to do during the summer time. You can easily pick up your favorite fruits and veggies for the week while also shopping some of the other local vendors. Plus, this date is a 2 for 1 because you can take the items that you bought home and make a dinner for two out of it. It’s a win-win in my book!

Date #9: Roast some marshmallows over a fire pit 

Remember as a kid when you used to make s’mores or roast marshmallows over the fire pit and it was the best thing ever? Relive that memory now as an adult with your significant other. You get to have a tasty dessert and get a relaxing evening chatting with bae about anything and everything.

Date #10: Go on a bike ride

Going for a bike ride is the chilliest summer date idea! It’s such a classic date idea for couples that want to be active and want to enjoy each other’s company.  A bike ride could mean a simple ride on the boardwalk or a more active ride through the mountains. If you don’t own a bike, don’t fret! A lot of cities are starting to get new pop-up companies that allow you to rent bikes for a few hours in the middle of the city. That way you can ride a bike for cheap and return it when you’re done with it.

What are some of your favorite budget-friendly date ideas? Or what is one date idea that you want to use from this post?

You may also like: A Weekend at the Duke Mansion, 3-Day Weekend Itinerary in Asheville NC, and 8 Tips to Dating a Collegiate Athlete 

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