As spring quickly turns to summer, the warm weather becomes a haven for people to mingle, laugh and enjoy time together outdoors.  For those who are looking to meet someone, this also opens up a variety of options for fun, impressive date ideas.  There’s a natural “feel-good” reaction when the sun comes out.  Maybe this is the reason that so many marriages take place during the summer months.

If you’re ready to pack away the heavy clothes and get outside to spice things up, here are some great ideas that are sure to impress:

By the Water: Find a small river or lake to share a romantic evening with that special someone.  Bring a blanket to lye on the ground, an Ipod to play some soft background music, a bottle of your favorite beverage and small bite sized slices of cheese, vegetables, and finger foods.  The atmosphere will be so quiet and relaxing that you won’t be able to help but fall in love.

Outdoor Concerts: Many cities offer evening symphonies and concerts in the park or you could get tickets to watch your favorite band perform at an open amphitheatre.  What you chose to do depends upon the personality of the person you’re trying to impress and his or her particular style. 

Backyard Romance:  There’s no need to leave your house.  You can spend quality romantic time together by having an intimate, private affair in your own backyard.  Nothing says romance better than an evening at home, alone under the stars.  For a special treat, bring the food over with a dozen roses and offer to cook for your date at their house.

Amusement Parks: Without children dragging you to kiddy rides, you and your date can immerse yourself in adult activities.  Try your luck at breaking a balloon for a prize or board that wooden roller coaster for some old-fashioned fun.  The experience can leave you feeling like a kid again, opening up your playful side and bringing you even closer to your partner. 

Helicopter Ride: If you’re looking for a unique idea that will have your date’s heart floating in the clouds, then take to the sky in an evening helicopter ride.  It’s hard not to be impressed when it’s just the two of you soaring over a breathtaking view of bright lights below.

Charity Events: This idea is for the person who enjoys giving back to charity while having a good time.  You can attend a formal function held outdoors under a big white tent or a casual clambake hosted by a local organization.  Whether it’s an extravagant affair or not, it will demonstrate the generous nature of your heart.

Evening Cruises:  Most cities and towns offer an option to get your feet wet (figuratively speaking) and host evening boat excursions that bring you out to sea for a few hours, complete with dinner, dancing and drinks.  If your date likes the rush of hearing slot machines and people yellowing “7” at the craps table, some bigger cities offer casino cruises as well. 

Depending on your partner and their interests, there are multitudes of ways to plan an impressive date outdoors.  It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been together, romance is still the key to any successful relationship. And, adding variety once in awhile will help strengthen your bond even more. 

Lori Bizzoco is a writer living in Brooklyn, NY.  She is working on a memoir detailing how she found love in less than a year.