If you’re someone that’s been with your significant other for what feels like forever and miss doing things like you did at the beginning of the relationship, these date ideas are for you.

1. Picnics

On a nice day, you can have a picnic anywhere. The park. The beach. Your backyard. Preferably a place that is free. Bring some food and some good company and BAM. Perfect date.

2. Cooking/baking

Is it raining out? No problem. Spend the day baking and/or cooking. It’s almost always cheaper to make food than it is to order it. You two can even go grocery shopping for the ingredients together, go back to your place (or theirs), cook, eat, talk. Simple. Easy. Fun.

3. Coffee

Can’t cook? How about a coffee date? Now I know this is a classic first date type of thing, but what if it’s not your first date? Can’t you get coffee with your long-term boyfriend and talk the same way as you would if you were just meeting? I think sometimes we forget the simple things once we get comfortable in a relationship. Just some food for thought… or you know… coffee.

4. Ice cream

This works the same way as coffee just more of a mid-afternoon/after dinner type thing. You could try out a fancy place like Milkcraft if you’ve never been or keep to the basics such as Dairy Queen or Carvel. Either way, it’ll a sweet treat to enjoy with your sweetie (and/or friend, ice cream is appreciated by everyone.)

5. Pottery/painting

I know in my area there’s a few different places to drink wine and paint and that whole thing but those can get expensive fast. (Obviously cheaper if you don’t include the wine) There are other places however that do pottery painting. How it works is you pick a piece to paint, (prices vary based on the item, usually anywhere from $5-$50) you paint it and then pay a small fee for it to be glazed and fired. You then pick it up at a later date. You can make matching mugs. Piggy banks to save up for future dates. A bowl for your mom. ANYTHING.

6. Split some fries

The cheapest places I’ve ever been to eat are usually diners and every city has them. Grab some food, split some fries and everyone’s happy. Unless you’re dating Joey from friends, then maybe get your own fries.

7. Napping

Who doesn’t love a good nap? Grab your cuddle buddy, find a nice blanket and snooze after a long day. (or even a short day, I don’t judge) This might be better for longer-term relationships though, seems like a weird suggestion for a first time thing but you know, whatever floats your boat.

8. Local festivals/events

Spring/Summer is the perfect time to explore what your city has to offer. In Stamford, we have The Stamford Museum and Nature Center which is one of my favorite places to have a picnic, visit the goats and have a relaxed day. They have special events, hiking trails, and an art gallery, all of which are available with $6 admission (if you’re a student). Harbor Point in Stamford also hosts quite a few festivals/events around this time of year too which are usually free to attend. Farmer markets, craft shows, and art exhibits are also plentiful throughout the summer. Pick your event and get going!

9. Walk/hike

Connecticut, and even New York (if you live close enough to me), have beautiful places to go hiking. Sure, this is a more of a physical activity than most of the other things I listed but hey, if it’s a nice day, who wants to stay inside anyway? Challenge yourself and enjoy nature while you’re at it. But don’t complain about how tired or hot you are while doing it. Your date probably won’t like that.

10. Late night drives

This is an old time favorite. Just driving around talking is one of the best dates. Why? Because it’s peaceful, especially late at night. Sometimes as we get older and become busier we don’t take time to just talk with our significant others. Taking a drive allows you to have that time with just each other, no interruptions.

Whether it’s your first date or your five hundredth, dates are still fun and important for relationships. You don’t need to go crazy with them either. Simple things always end up being the best anyway.