With summer right around the corner, we begin thinking about what we are going to do this summer, where we want to go on vacation, and most importantly how to make it the best summer yet. Summer gives us freedom, and it would be a shame to waste this freedom that is willingly given to us for three whole months. Of course we all want to go on vacation, and most of us will, even if it is just a couple days at the beach. But, what can be the most frustrating is finding something to do on those boring nights when you’re stuck in your hometown and you’re tired of doing the same things over and over again.
My boyfriend and I have run into this problem occasionally which is why he made me a date night jar! It is filled with popsicle sticks that have different date ideas or activities that we could do. When we are bored one night, we are supposed to randomly pick a popsicle stick, and do whatever it says. The best parts about these is that most of them can be done with friends as well, and will not break the bank! So here are some ideas to switch up your dates with your significant other or different things to do with your friends:
1. Three course dinner at three different restaurants
It’s simple! Pick three of your favorite restaurants (on the cheaper side) and get something at all three of them! Pick one to go to for an appetizer, one for dinner, and finally, dessert. This is a great option to do if you cannot pick a place to go, and switches it up from the stereotypical date night of getting dinner!
2. Go see a fortune teller
Whether you believe in them or not, it can still be fun to take a peak into what your future may or may not hold!
3. Mini- Golfing
A sometimes overlooked activity, this can be fun when the weather is nice and you need something new to do. It is a fun game where you can all laugh about how bad you are.
4. Go listen to live music
Several parks or places in the city will hold free music festivals. Granted it is probably people you have never heard of performing, but that can also make it interesting and can give you the opportunity to discover new artists.
5. Explore the city/window shop
Being stuck in the suburbs can get boring. Travel into your local city or another city close by and take advantage of all it has to offer! Get whatever food the city is known for, then walk around and enjoy all of the shopping opportunities.
6. Go to a museum that you have never been to
Museums can seriously be underrated. Especially on a hot summer day, a museum is a good place to escape the heat and learn something new!
7. Pick a random movie that you don’t know anything about and go see it
Even though movie tickets these days are slightly pricey and the movie you see may not be great, it is switching up your typical night at the movie theater!
8. Dessert only
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love dessert?! Pick one or two of your favorite dessert places and have dessert for dinner! Indulge in your favorite sweets with friends or your significant other!
9. Cook dinner together
No matter how simple the meal or how awful you say you are at cooking, conjuring up a recipe with someone and then making it together can be rewarding and fun! If worse comes to worse, pizza is only a phone call away.
10. Go swimming in a lake
Forget the local pool and beach, if you’re looking for a relaxing day by the water try a lake to switch it up! Find one that is not too far away, and of course make sure swimming is allowed. Also a great place to have a picnic!
11. Go for a hike or nature walk at a place you have never been to before
The summer is the best time to explore the outdoors. Find a place that has walking trails and enjoy the natural beauty. Also a great and time and place to have a picnic!
12. No cell phones for the night
With the growing use and dependency on cell phones, it can be hard to appreciate what is right in front of us. Live in the moment, acknowledge the friends or significant other you’re with, and avoid the temptation to check your phone. Even if you are just hanging out, it is respectful and also healthy to have relationships that can interact without the use of technology.
13. Play a sport for fun
Many of these ideas involve the outdoors, but if you are anything like me, I know I get serious cabin fever in the summer. Whether you are athletic or not, just getting outside and kicking a soccer ball around or shooting a basketball can be a refreshing change from those movie nights.
14. Watch the sunset/stars
Again, just a chance to get outside, embrace the beauty of nature, and of course take some pictures that are Instagram worthy.
15. Make a time Capsule
This may not be done as much anymore, but this can be a creative way to create memories together. Get a box and fill it with pictures, notes, or anything you find relevant at the time. Then, bury it underground. The next part is up to you whether you want to keep the location between you and your friends/significant others and plan to dig it up in ten years to reminisce. Or, hide a note in a place close to where the time capsule is hidden, write the current date, where the time capsule is buried, and ask that they not dig it up for at least ten years.
