My husband and I have been together since we were seniors in high school — yep, that’s right, high school sweethearts. In total, we’ve been together for 15 years, and we’ll be celebrating our 10-year wedding anniversary this April! 🤍
After all this time, we’ve learned that lasting love isn’t just about anniversaries or grand romantic gestures. It’s about making the daily choice to keep showing up for one another.
One way we do that? Scheduling regular date nights — even in the heat of summer. And since we try to live intentionally (with both our time and money), we love simple, meaningful dates that don’t break the bank.
We’ve put together 5 of our favorite intentional summer date nights, and we hope you’ll take a page out of our book and schedule one with your partner soon. Whether you’ve been together a few months or a few decades, setting aside time to connect is always worth it.
1. Ice Cream Tasting at Home
Pick up a few fun pints and host your own blind taste test. Try funky flavors or vote on your favorite! We like to take advantage of this during the annual 50% off ice cream at Whole Foods in July!
- Tasting Bowls & Spoons Set – so cute to elevate the evening and make it a little more special!
2. Watercolor & Wine on the Patio
Set up a chill art night — no pressure to be perfect! Just sip, paint, and see where the creativity takes you.
- Watercolor Workbook – we love this one because it provides you with an example and gives guidance!
- Watercolor Paint Set
3. Couples Coloring Night
Coloring together = screen-free connection time. Add iced coffee or mocktails for a chill vibe.
4. Clay Art Date
Get your hands messy and your hearts connected. Try pinch pots, funny faces, or hand molds!
5. Backyard Stargazing + Intentional Questions
Lay out a blanket, light some candles, and pull out a deck of question cards for an unforgettable night.
- Outdoor Candles – for ambiance and the bugs!
- Couples Conversation Cards
- Gottman Card Decks App
Final Thoughts
Date nights don’t have to be expensive — they just have to be intentional. For us, it’s one of the ways we continue choosing each other, 15 years in.
If you’re also trying to live more intentionally — with your time, your love, and your budget — I hope these ideas inspire you to slow down and reconnect.
Let me know which one you’re planning to try — I’d love to hear your ideas too!
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