Happy Spring everyone!
It’s getting warmer out and if you’re currently dating in the spring and summer you have so many fun options to enjoy getting to know the person whom you’re dating.
I live in Chicago, the third largest city in America, but I want to be cognizant of those who live and like the small town or suburban experience of dating and going out. This post is for the daters and couples out there to enjoy the weather and perhaps try something new. Here are a few ideas for dates to consider:
Trip to the museum
Pick a museum, art exhibit or gallery, zoo, aquarium, botanic garden for your spring date. These kind of locations are perfect for discussion and getting to know someone more. Get to know their intellectual side, artsy style, or favorite thing of nature. Many museums offer discounts and even free days for you take advantage of.
This photo is from my visit to the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago’s West Side:
Walk or Run for Charity
I did this last year and had a good time. Raise money for a cause and enjoy a nice walk or run with your special someone or date. This shows your humanitarian side and it’s fun to challenge your date to see who’ll raise the most donations for your race. The winner gets treated to a healthy brunch or lunch after the race! Enjoy the better weather with spring and early summer walks and runs for any cause of your choice. There are even dance marathons, themed runs, and obstacle courses for the warrior within.
One event to look into is the Gospel Run on June 3, 2017 in Chicago!
Photoshoot in the park
Spring is in the air, so why not celebrate with a photoshoot of you and your date? Charge your phones or cameras for a fun day in the park of self expression and modeling. Let your confidence shine and speak life into the person you are with, encouraging them to open up in a new way. Vulnerability in taking photos, especially on a date, can definitely happen, but it also teaches you more about the person and how they may feel about themselves. Plus you’ll have momentos from your date and new profile pics for your social media profiles!
One park I haven’t visited yet but will this season is Maggie Daley Park located in Chicago’s downtown area next to Millennium Park, where I took photos with my blogger sis Jewell of Northknits:
Find a Free event around town
Dates are not about spending money, they are about spending quality time together with the person. That includes doing something that can save money for everyone involved. Impress your partner by offering up going to an event that’s free in the area. There are plenty of free events that you can find out about through local newspapers, libraries, schools, churches, etc. Get to researching and find something that would peak both of your interests.
Dine out at a patio restaurant
It’s a good sign that the weather is getting better when the restaurants start setting up their patios and outdoor dining sets. Enjoy a nice day outside at a new restaurant with an outdoor setting. You can theme the date to make it more memorable and to have fun. For instance, if you go to a French bistro type of restaurant, try speaking a little French to each other with a language app or a language dictionary. Even if you mess up, it’s about having fun in the moment and trying something new with someone you’re getting to know.
Locations I recommend: The rooftop at the Godfrey Hotel (IO Godfrey) in the River North area.
Play outdoor games
Get active with a good workout with your date. Play some spring or summer time sports like volleyball on the beach, outdoor tennis, hard-court basketball, biking, hiking, rollerblading, the list can go on. Playing a friendly game can show off your skills and competitive side. No matter what you choose, leaving the gym for the day for a low-maintenance and healthy date is worth a try this season.
Attend a festival together
Festivals seem to get bigger and more diverse as the years go forward. From food to music, you may have a lot to choose from if you live in a big city other than the Chi, or a few options in other areas. Get some local culture by going to a festival together and enjoy a causal date. Again this is an opportunity to talk and get to know what your likes and dislikes are.
Check out ChooseChicago’s 2017 festival guide to give you some inspiration. Shout out to fellow blogger Kori aka @thechicagolite who covers plenty of happenings here including the Randolph Street Market:
Host a BBQ
Spring and summer dates don’t have to always be on your own. You can invite friends over for a fun and intimate BBQ for Memorial Day weekend or just because. Get to know their people and vice versa as you fellowship and enjoy grilled cuisine again. You don’t have to add to much pressure on yourselves if you or your date doesn’t know how to grill, just bring the friends who do and have a good time.
If this is your dating season, make the most of it and the great weather that is to come. If you’re living single, you can still enjoy all of these places and activities and have a good time with friends or yourself on a “Me Date“! Have any other ideas for spring time dates to share? Comment below or Tweet us at @BLISS_BCS
