Spice Things Up, Outside

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The rapid approach of summer means couples can finally store away their tired cold-weather dates and move their romance outside.

Not only will the warmer temps broaden your options for activities, but research indicates that immersing yourself in nature makes people more loving and generous toward each other.

Here are our suggestions for the perfect outdoor activities to help rekindle your romance this season, including some fresh ideas and new takes on classic dates:

1. Dance Lessons

Who says you have to learn to dance inside a studio? As long as there is music, any venue can turn into the location of a lesson. Outdoor dance classes are available in cities and towns across the country, from Seattle to New York, teaching couples how to salsa, rumba, swing and waltz. Every July, Chicago is home to the largest annual outdoor dancing series in the U.S., complete with a 4,900 square-foot dance floor, live music and free lessons.

Tip: A search for "outdoor dancing" on About.com usually brings up some events, or try your local entertainment magazine for event listings.

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2. Outdoor Movies

Spice up the traditional dinner and a movie by taking it outdoors. Find one of the U.S.’s more than 600 drive-in theaters by visiting driveintheater.com. Another option is to attend a local screening in a park, like at Moore Square in Raleigh, North Carolina or the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. Get there early so you can see the screen and stretch out. Also, pack a picnic dinner and wine (check first to confirm that your theater allows alcohol).

Tip: For films in parks, snag some low camping chairs for added comfort since many venues don’t allow seats raised off the ground.

3. Stargazing

Take this date idea to the next level by checking out your local astronomy organizations or universities. Most, like the Astronomical Unit in Santa Barbara, California, host weekly, monthly or annual star parties with high-powered telescopes set up and experts on hand to answer your questions. These events are not limited to rural areas—the High Line in New York City offers weekly viewing parties. If you want to be the expert yourself, download apps like Star Walk and Google Sky Map, which use your smartphone’s camera to create an interactive guide to the night sky above you.

Tip: To find a “Star Party” near you, check out NASA’s Night Sky Network.

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4. Get on a Boat

Whether it be on a sailboat, kayak, canoe or motorboat, cruising around your local waterways is great for either a day or evening date. Make it adventurous by paddling to forgotten landmarks, like an abandoned castle in the Hudson River with Storm King Adventure Tours. Or stay clean and dry aboard a tall ship with drinks and dinner.

Tip: Give your date warning so he or she wears appropriate clothes and shoes for a boat.