10 Date Ideas for Outdoor Lovers

Dating an outdoor lover? For outdoor enthusiasts, there's no better way to spend quality time together than by immersing yourselves in the beauty of the great outdoors. Build your bond with your partner in the fresh air and surrounded by scenic landscapes. Below, find ten unforgettable date ideas to inspire your next adventure.

1. Pack a Picnic

From the back deck to a local public park, picnics are easy to enjoy in a variety of outdoor settings. Pack your favorite snacks, a comfortable blanket, and a beverage to share. Optional add-ons include a frisbee or deck of cards to pass the time. This simple and convenient date is easy to fit in, even for couples with busy schedules. If you plan this date for nighttime hours, you may even pair your picnic with a sunset or stargazing.

2. Do Some Scouting

If you’re both passionate about hunting, plan a date to scout new hunting areas. Pack a pair of binoculars and use an application like onX Maps to check out the terrain and topography of local public hunting areas. You might also use this time to set up trail cameras for the upcoming season. As an added bonus, plan a playlist for your drive time to get the energy high. If you’re not a hunting enthusiast, you can still do this date but instead pack a camera for a photo safari—capturing local landscapes and wildlife on film along the way.

3. Sunset Stroll

The sunset creates a magical backdrop for any occasion, but especially when you're strolling hand in hand with the one you love. Head to a local trail, park, or greenspace, but make sure your visit will coincide with the mesmerizing colors of the sunset. This date is all about being in the present, together: listen to the sounds of your surroundings, and revel in the beauty of nature.

4. Hit the Water

Find a nearby lake or river and rent a boat, canoe, kayaks, or paddle boards for a day on the water. Explore the shoreline and enjoy the solitude of time on the water. Plus, canoes or tandem kayaks can force you and your partner to work in harmony as you navigate the waterway. Take this time to slow down, and savor the shared experience.

5. Plan a Getaway

Escape to a cabin in the woods or find a unique local short-term vacation rental for a romantic weekend getaway. These days, there are all kinds of unique vacation rentals—from glamping tents to yurts, you’re bound to find one in your region that will shake up your usual sleeping patterns and allow you to escape from your day-to-day routine. Take this time to unplug from the world and embrace quality time spent together.

6. Adventure Park

If you're both thrill-seekers, challenge yourselves with a day at an adventure park. Conquer ziplines, rock climbing walls, and rope courses as you bond over adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities. This action-packed date is perfect for couples seeking a rush of adventure and a shared sense of accomplishment.

7. Hit a Hiking Trail

Don a pair of hiking boots (or snowshoes in the winter) and explore local trail networks with your significant other. You can find a trail with a destination—such as a waterfall or overlook—or just enjoy a journey through the woods. This date is easy to plan and prepare for, because you really only need some comfortable outdoor apparel, water, and snacks to spend a day outdoors together.

8. Go Fishing

Escape to your favorite river or lake (or one you’ve never fished before) to spend a day fishing together. Find a spot where you can cast your lines, relax, and soak in the beauty of nature. Whether you’re fly fishing or casting lines from the shore, the peacefulness of the surroundings will provide the perfect setting for quality time spent together.

9. Embrace Your Spark

Cozy up in the outdoors over an outdoor fire. Hopefully, your yard can accommodate (or already has) a backyard firepit. Beyond that, all you need is some wood, a few chairs, and blankets. You can enhance the ambiance of this setting with an outdoor speaker, lighting from torches or lanterns, and a s’mores bar with a variety of candy bars. While relatively simple, this setting sets the stage for connection and intimate conversations.

10. Go Foraging

Depending on your area, you can often forage for food on your local lands during the spring and summer. From mushrooms to wild fruits, it can be fun to share in the hunt for these finds together. For an option that’s slightly less wild, seek out local farms that invite visitors to pick their own vegetables, apples, or other fruits. Conclude your date by making something together with your harvest.

In a world filled with distractions, spending quality time outdoors with your loved one allows you both to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with each other and nature. When it comes to outdoor dates, the possibilities are truly endless—it may just require a little bit of creativity! Skip the traditional dinner date and embrace your shared enthusiasm for the outdoors, letting nature be the backdrop to your love story.