25 Spring Date Ideas to Enjoy as The Weather Warms Up

It's time for new beginnings—and some fresh, new date ideas.
Couple walking and holding hands during the spring
Photo: FluxFactory / Getty Images
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by
Jenn Sinrich
Jenn sinrich headshot
Jenn Sinrich
The Knot Contributor
  • Jenn writes articles for The Knot Worldwide, with a speciality in planning advice and travel.
  • Jenn also writes for a myriad of other large-scale publications, including SELF, Women's Health, and more
  • Prior to becoming a freelance writer, Jenn worked as an on-staff editor at WhatToExpect.com, American Baby, Fit Pregnancy and FreshDirect.
Updated Feb 09, 2024

You might be noticing that each and every day the sun is starting to set a little later than the day before. Finally, spring is on the horizon and you can look forward to warmer weather, longer days and an increase in your ability to enjoy outdoor events. Another activity you might be doing a whole lot more come spring than you did in winter: going out on dates!

It's actually quite common to slow down on dating during the holidays and winter months—with many people looking forward to spring date ideas. "Just like gym memberships and sobriety, dating (especially online dating) picks up around the new year," explains Lauren Korshak, L.M.F.T. and online dating expert. "The cold weather and short days of winter also tend to make people less social and more inwardly focused overall, so there is less natural motivation to date."

Spring date ideas really start to become the topic of conversation as the weather warms up and people have a renewed interest and energy for going out and meeting new people. "The warmer weather of springtime brings with it a sense of hope, optimism and new beginnings, even more than New Year's does, which drives people to naturally leave their homes and seek out community and relationships," explains Korshak. "Better mental states and optimism naturally drive people to seek connection."

If you're experiencing "spring fever," or the heightened urge to get out there and meet new people and do fun things this spring, you're in luck. We reached out to top dating experts to share the spring date ideas that they can't stop recommending to their clients—who've found romance in the months leading up to summer.

Kayak or Canoeing

If you have access to a nearby body of water, whether it's an ocean, lake or a river, consider thinking outside the box and opting for a spring date idea that involves adventure. "Activity dates create more connection, conversations and they help bring out the true personality of your date," says Amanda Rose, dating expert, matchmaker and founder and CEO of Dating Boutique and Prestige Connections. "Activity dates create fun conversations and a chance to really get to know your date and increases the opportunities for you to bond."

Horseback Riding

There's something so peaceful, romantic and simple about horseback riding through nature. "Not only are you limiting your focus on bright lights and screens, but you can enjoy the scenic views such as a trail through the forest, the beach or the countryside. It's also an opportunity for a shared adventure—trying something new and challenging can strengthen your bond and create lasting memories.

Fly a Kite

Dive into the nostalgia of a fun and youthful activity that might remind you of carefree days from your childhood. It offers couples an opportunity to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine and to work as a team to launch the kite in the sky. There's also a sense of achievement afterwards so couples can celebrate the small victory together.

Movie Night in the Backyard

If you're lucky enough to live near an outdoor movie theater, you could buy tickets and enjoy a warm night outside watching a great film. If not, simply set up your own movie night. "Bring out the comfy blankets and pillows, pop some popcorn and watch a movie from your laptop," Rose suggests. "It's the perfect excuse to cuddle up next to your date!"

Mini Golf

Who doesn't love a little friendly competition? Mini golf or putt-putt has a relaxed and casual vibe and is a sport that can be enjoyed by all levels. It's a great conversation starter, is low stress and also budget friendly, notes Rose. Many mini golf courses are designed with scenic landscapes that set the mood and provide an appealing backdrop for a spring date.

Picnic in the Park

Rose recommends bringing a bite to eat—some cheese, crackers, chips and fruit—with a bottle of wine and enjoying the sunshine or stargaze while on a picnic date. "This is a low-stress, budget-friendly date that can bring great conversation and connection with your partner," she says. "There's nothing better than relaxing with good food and good company after a long week."

Visiting a Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens tend to have a variety of plants and wildlife you and your date can observe together—admiring the beauty of nature is such a turn on, notes Korshak. "Botanical gardens provide a romantic backdrop for a date—all the wildlife and lush plant life is a reminder of springtime and the new beginning it represents," she adds.

Hiking

"Especially after a rainy or snowy winter, it can be nice to get outdoors and get your endorphins flowing as you take in all the natural growth and fresh greenery of spring," says Korshak. "Not only can walking side by side make conversation flow more easily, but the exercise combined with the quiet of being in nature can settle your nerves if you're at all nervous about your date."

Head to a Farmer's Market

While it might not initially sound like the most romantic activity, Korshak points out that farmers markets can balance activity alongside community social interaction with time for more intimate connection. "During spring, farmers' markets will have more selection and bounty and also provide a warmer, more pleasant environment for strolling and chatting," she says. "Farmers' markets are also a great date location as they allow you to see how your date interacts with other people and handles social interactions."

Attend a Baseball Game

Springtime is when the sport of baseball really picks up—and the activity can serve as a wonderful spring date idea. Not only does a baseball game provide live entertainment and an iconic venue, but couples can enjoy panoramic visits from their seats, classic food and drink and revel in the excitement and drama of the action on the field.

Play Pickleball

This popular sport can be played and enjoyed by anyone and makes for a fun spring date idea. "Being outdoors, sweating, being competitive and having a task to focus on are all things that can kick up your endorphins and create a more multidimensional dating experience," says Korshak. "Debriefing afterwards will give you something to talk about!"

Take an Outdoor Yoga Class

Yoga can be an exceptionally rejuvenating experience and one that can relax both your body and mind. If you and your date are both up for it, it can serve as a fun and unique spring date idea. Whether it's vinyasa or restorative, a yoga class can increase your mood, elevate your spirit and give you both common ground.

Go to a Brewery

From craft beers to seasonal brews, there's so much to try at a local brewery. You and your date can go on guided tours and try unique tastings led by beer gurus who can educate you on the brewing process, the ingredients and the rich history of beer in your area. Not only is a brewery a relaxed and casual atmosphere, but it can encourage fun conversation and create great memories.

Visit a Fair

Springtime is the reason for outdoor fairs and festivals. In addition to fun rides, you can enjoy street performers, food vendors, artisanal crafts and soak up all of the joy that this time-honored activity has to offer.

Head to the Zoo

If you live near a zoo or wildlife sanctuary, consider heading there for your spring date. You can bond over the fun animal specifics you see, enjoy the educational exhibits and discover some interesting facts and interests about your date.

Plant Flowers or Vegetables

If one of you has a garden or knows of one nearby, rolling up your sleeves and getting dirty can be a fun date idea—especially when blooms or fresh fruit are on the menu. There's a lot of fun to be had by picking out certain seeds and planting them knowing that soon they will grow and bloom as a symbol of your union.

Go Fishing

If you and your date can get access to a boat and are feeling adventurous, consider spending a peaceful day on the water fishing. Pack a cooler with snacks and beverages, cast your lines and enjoy the tranquility of nature as you wait for the fish to nibble. If you catch something—you can opt to cook it for a romantic candlelit dinner.

DIY Craft Project

If you're feeling creative, you and your date could create an art project inspired by the spring season. Whether it's decorating flower pots or creating a vision board for what you hope to experience in the coming months, working on a craft project together can be fun, rewarding and teach you things about your partner you never knew.

Ziplining

If you've never been ziplining before, this adrenaline-pumping experience is sure to get your heart-racing and create long-lasting memories you can share with your date. Many ziplining experiences take place in scenic settings—in forests, mountain ranges and even overlooking waterfalls. There's a thrill and sense of accomplishment you can enjoy together afterwards.

Watch the Sunset

There's something so romantic about enjoying a sunset—whether it's sitting outside on a balcony or while cuddled up in blankets on the beach. Experiencing this golden hour of nature, where the sun paints the sky in vibrant pink tones, is a perfect spring date idea.

Take a Cooking Class

Consider signing up for a local cooking class where you can learn how to prepare fun and local spring-inspired dishes. Whether it's mastering the art of grilling, baking a fresh pie or cake or crafting seasonal cocktails, creating something delicious together will create long-lasting memories.

Visit a Winery

If you and your date enjoy wine, consider making a trip to a local vineyard. You can try several different types of wine or purchase a bottle of one you enjoy. Some vineyards even offer guided tours where you can learn about how they make their wine and savor the sweeping views of springtime.

Buy Tickets to an Outdoor Concert

In the spring is when outdoor concert venues start to open their doors—and many showcase a line-up of talented artists you and your date may have been wanting to see for quite some time. A concert provides a relaxed atmosphere for you to talk, dance and learn more about each other.

Hit the Spa

Why not treat yourselves to a relaxing spa day featuring massages, facials and other pampering treatments? Depending on how long you've been dating, you may opt for a couple's massage—or individual massages—where you can rejuvenate your bodies and minds and indulge in some much-needed self-care.

Go Camping

Consider planning a romantic camping trip in the great outdoors. Not only does it require teamwork and skill, but you can savor the simplicity of sitting by the campfire telling stories and roasting marshmallows.

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