april 25th date ideas (all you need is a light jacket)

“

Miss Rhode Island, please describe your idea of a perfect date.”

We all remember the iconic Cheryl Frasier quote from Miss Congeniality (released in 2005, just so you know!). She of course answered, “That’s a tough one. I’d have to say April 25th. Because it’s not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket.”

So in the spirit of going on the perfect date—tonight or any night this spring or summer—we rounded up 25 creative dates that don’t include simply “grabbing a drink or dinner”. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed. There’s a dessert crawl.

pack a picnic

You can’t beat picnics in the spring. Pack up all your favorite finger foods, a bit of bubbly, and enjoy the fresh air with your partner.

create your own dessert crawl

Foodies, this one’s for you. Why settle for dessert from one place, when you could fit in, say, three? Create your own dessert tour and either get tasting samples or small sizes from a few establishments for a more diverse culinary experience.

try a new restaurant

Okay, this isn’t rocket science. But how often do you revisit your favorite, go-to spots time after time because you have your favorite dish and it’s easy, blah, blah, blah! Try a new restaurant—or even cuisine if you’re feeling bold—for a new, unexpected experience.

sporting event

As the old adage goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Sporting events—like baseball—in the spring and summer are always a good time. You  don’t even have to be a sports fan, as long as you’re a fan of beer, fried food, and the outdoors, you’re good to go.

hit a speakeasy

There’s nothing more fun than sipping fancy cocktails at a speakeasy. Whether you have to give a secret password at the door or simply are in the know that storefronts like this barber shop hide bars behind them, it’s easy and exciting to stop by a speakeasy instead of your usual spot.

see a comedy show

In bigger cities, you’ll have no problem finding standup or improv shows for tonight. If you’re having trouble finding an act, it’s okay to settle for a Netflix binge. Amy Schumer and Aziz Ansari both have real tv shows, which are also acceptable viewing in lieu of the live thing.

play with puppies

Even though this is an activity we would willingly do solo, doing it with your S.O. is sure to be an even better time. Look up local shelters in your area and get to cuddling. Who knows, you could leave with a new member of the family?

roller skating 

Hit the nearest roller rink and relive your elementary school days. Bonus points for holding hands and wearing ’90s-inspired outfits.

get a mani/pedi

Yes, really. It will be both a relaxing and probably funny experience for both of you.

take a cooking class

Don’t write this one off just yet. You might think cooking classes are cheesy and cliché, but they’re actually cool. Did you know you can learn how to make Milk Bar’s infamous Birthday Cake? Search your local cooking classes and we bet you’ll find classes like how to make pasta from scratch, which we think is pretty epic.

see some live music

No, it doesn’t have to be a festival, but you can’t deny live music is better enjoyed outside in the spring and summer months. Plus, most outdoor concerts hosted at your local parks are free or affordable.

try a fancy fitness class

Tag along to your partner’s favorite boutique fitness class. It will most likely be a little funny and a lot challenging. Neither of you have one? Try a new class together—it will be a bonding exercise, as you’re both bound to mess a few moves up on the first try.

trivia night

Grab some friends, join a team of strangers, or go it alone as a twosome and test your knowledge over a round of beers.

progressive dinner

Stop by one restaurant for your favorite appetizer, move onto another restaurant for the main course, maybe stop at your favorite cocktail spot, and don’t forget dessert! It might be a lot of transit, but it will be a culinary adventure you won’t soon forget.

create a sunset challenge

Starting tonight! Make a list of all the places you think have the best view of the sunset and go to the first one on your list, ASAP. Make sure to take pictures and rank each one. At the end of the summer you’ll have a whole lot of memories… And someone’s pick will be named the winner.

take a walk in the park

If you and your partner tend to catch up after a long day at the office on the sofa, meet at a park instead. There’s nothing like spending time in the great outdoors.

outdoor movie night

Seeing a movie is an obvious date night move, but outdoors? Not so much. Many parks screen them for free over the spring  and summer, creating a totally different movie viewing experience. If no parks near you do and you have a backyard, surprise your S.O. and set up a screen yourself.

get a massage

Splurge and book a last minute massage—together or separately. Either way, you’ll be refreshed, relaxed, and happy to hang after the massage is done.

have a phone-free night

Whether you stash your cell in your purse or leave them in the car, make a point to be off your technology for the evening and focus on your date, not your texts from friends, calls from mom, or Instagram tags.

try your hand at shuffleboard

Never tried shuffleboard before? Even better! Grab two friends for a face off or play a few strangers and make some new ones.

host an impromptu dinner party

Whether you invite two or twenty people, getting the menu and table setting together quickly will alleviate pressure on yourself and from your guests.

grab a drink at a rooftop bar

It’s no secret drinking on rooftops is way more fun than drinking inside, or even at a regular outdoor location. The views paired with the good company of your date should make the night one to remember.

do something you’ve been meaning to do

We don’t have your to-do list on hand, but we’re guessing you and your partner have a date you’ve been meaning to go on or plan that just hasn’t happened yet… So stop being lazy and just do it! Quit talking about how much fun a paint night would be and sign up—or better yet—go tonight!

go on a bike ride

We always forget how enjoyable bike rides are. If you don’t own one, they’re becoming increasingly easy to rent across the country. Bike somewhere with a great view, race, or just enjoy riding side by side with your date.

go wine tasting

Pick your poison. Whether it’s wine, beer, or whiskey, attending a tasting with your partner will be fun, especially if one of you is already an expert on the chosen spirit. No tastings available tonight? Head to your nearest bar and enlist the bartender to help you create your own mini tasting.