By: Eric Michael (University of Miami)
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Let’s be honest with ourselves. Summer can definitely suck. Usually, you hang out with your boyfriend/girlfriend and end up doing the same things such as miniature golf of bowling. When that gets old you stay in, watching a movie and cuddling or, well, you know. But in order to prevent summer boredom, here are five ideas to give your summer a romantic flare.
1. Take a nature walk.
There has to be either a mountain to climb or even a state park nearby that you could check out and climb together. Being outdoors with your significant other is always romantic and it allows you two to do some bonding apart from the normal things that you do. Nature has a lot to offer and taking in the beauty with your boyfriend or girlfriend is always a great way to enjoy your time together. Just make sure to bring the bug spray before you head out on your journey.
2. Have a picnic.
It’s so simple, even a man can do it. Just get a cooler, fill it with the beverages of your choice, either make sandwiches or buy them from somewhere, (ask them to wrap them in tin foil so it makes it looks like you did it yourself), get a blanket, and you’re set. Just find a local park nearby and prepare to take in the sights and sounds of summer on a nice summer day.
3. Go For a Bike Ride
The smell of fresh air tells us it’s time to be outdoors. So why not go for a bike ride? The common theme here is obviously spending time outdoors. Dust off those bikes in your garage and take them out for a spin. It will remind you of the days when you were eight and thought you were cool because you were finally riding a two-wheeler. You don’t need to go on a mountain bike ride (although not a bad idea if you want to), just go find a safe place where the two of you can get outside and feel the wind in your hair.
4. Take a trip to the zoo.
Honestly, when was the last time you saw a giraffe up close in person? Or how about the last time you saw a panda chomping away on a stick of bamboo? Walk around and see what your local zoo has to offer. It will bring back memories of when you visited the tiger cage and called the tiger Shere Khan from the Jungle Book (not that I did that or anything). A date at the zoo will be something you both will be talking about for a long time.
5. Go to an amusement park.
Even if you don’t like rides, most amusement parks have games to play and plenty of overpriced food to buy. The idea is to have a day where you can hold hands and look at all the other happy couples and think, we’re happier than them. The one downside is that amusement parks can be pricey. Most parks do offer discount coupons through different resources such as Burger King or even Coke cans. Be sure to check on that before you leave, so that way you can have a fun date that is also inexpensive.
