This is a collaborative post.
Do you struggle like I do to come up with some interesting new date ideas? Our go to is a nice meal out or a cinema trip, but seeing as we’re both happier when we’re outside doing something in the fresh air, why aren’t our date nights reflective of this? I wanted to put together a outdoors date night bucket list, and I hope it gives you some inspiration too.
I made a promise to myself at the start of the year that LPD (Little Pickle’s Dad) and I would have more date nights together. When Pickle was first born, it wasn’t anywhere near the top of our priorities list and I think we suffered for it. And then, of course, there was the infamous ‘are we just co-existing‘ conversation. That was the turning point really, and now that Pickle does sleep much better, it’s getting easier and easier for us to spend an evening away remembering why we fell in love with each other in the first place. But maybe, in light of this list, we may try and organise a few date afternoons out instead!
Row, Row, Row your Boat
It’s a classic date idea, but taking a trip down the river on a rowing boat is always guaranteed to bring a smile to your faces. It’s something LPD and I haven’t done together yet – although we have been kayaking together a few times which has been magical (especially the time we went mackerel fishing in the sea where wild dolphins swam right past us!).
We wouldn’t have to travel far either as there are plenty of rowing boats available in the River Avon at Stratford-upon-Avon. I’m already picturing myself in a floral Joanie Clothing dress, getting stuck in the reeds and trying our best to avoid the larger boats.
All kinds of Golf
Just after we got married, I vividly remember driving past Bromsgrove Golf Club and saying to LPD that I wanted to go on a date to a driving range with him. I’m not sure exactly why, but I liked the idea of him teaching me something. He’s quite a good golf player, but I’ve only ever muddled my way through mini golf courses (which is a great date idea in itself! There’s a nice looking mini golf course at Cannon Hill Park I want to try out). I knew then that we’d need to do it fairly quick as it’d become much harder once we had children… but guess what? We didn’t.
I like the idea of building myself up the golf ladder. It could be a whole series of dates! Mini golf, pitch and put, then the driving range. Before I know it, I’ll be pulling my own golf bag with a range of Mizuno irons around a beautiful 9 hole course, followed by a leisurely lunch at the club house.
Geocaching
LPD and I used to go geocaching a lot, but it’s something we haven’t done since we had Pickle. One day, I’ll look forward to us all going together, but I’m not sure he’s quite old enough to understand it yet. The best thing about geocaching is that it can introduce you to some beautiful places and routes you may not have found before. I love exploring our local area and the excitement of following a trail and finding some hidden treasure is an added bonus.
Outdoors Cinema
You don’t have to stray too far from the typical date night mold for an outdoors experience. So many places now do outdoor cinema screenings during the summer months, and I love the idea of packing a picnic, a blanket and sitting out under the setting sun to catch a movie. Locally, we’re spoiled with choice: Hanbury Hall have an outdoor cinema programme, as well as mac birmingham.
There’s plenty of ideas to be getting on with here – but do you have any other ideas you can add to the list? Have you done any cool outdoors dates you think we should try? I’m all ears.
Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post. All content ideas, views and opinions are my own.