Looking for new ideas for date night? Or are you meeting someone for the first time and want to plan an outdoorsy adventure? 

Whether you're meeting up with a close friend or that special someone, Three Rivers is full of memorable ways to enjoy the outdoors. With over 27,000 acres of parks and trails, there's plenty of space to explore and share some quality time this summer.

Here are some of our favorite date ideas to try while the weather is still warm:

1. Listen to music at an outdoor concert.

Bring a couple of chairs and head over to Silverwood Park for one of their free outdoor concerts during Silverwood OnStage, which runs through mid-September. Be sure to save some time to get a beverage or treat at the café beforehand! 

Helpful Tip: If the date goes well, take a walk on Silverwood’s poetry or sculpture trail to enjoy some more time together.

2. Bike to dinner. 

Three Rivers has 240 miles of off-road bike trails. Several trails go through towns with plentiful restaurant options, such as Cedar Lake Regional Trail, Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail and Dakota Rail Regional Trail. 

While you're there, stop for a bite or a beverage in Excelsior, Victoria, Hopkins or other towns along the trails. 

3. Enjoy good company and views with a picnic.

What’s more romantic than an easy afternoon picnic? Bring a blanket, some finger foods and sparkling wine or soft drinks. Then find a scenic spot by one of Three Rivers’ many lakes to nibble your hors d’oeuvres and watch the boaters go by. 

Helpful Tip: For literary lovers, pack a couple of books. May we suggest something about nature?

4. Sign up for a guided activity together. 

If planning isn’t your thing, Three Rivers hosts guided tours and activities year-round. Sign up for a hike, meet the barn animals at Gale Woods Farm or join a moonlit paddle. 

Browse the calendar to see what sparks your interest and then get that date on the books!

5. Try geocaching.

If you’re looking for adventure, try geocaching, the game where you literally hunt for hidden treasure. You may not find a pot of gold, but it’s still fun! 

All you’ll need is a GPS unit or app on your phone and coordinates to give it a try. Geocaches are hidden in many of the parks, and you can check out the geocaching website to find coordinates. 

Helpful Tip: Don’t forget to bring a pen so you can sign the logbook once you find the geocache, plus a little treasure of your own to leave in the cache for the next person to find. 

6. Go for a paddle.

Rent a boat or bring your own and paddle your way into time well spent together. Three Rivers offers kayak, canoe, paddleboat, rowboat and stand-up paddleboard rentals through September at select locations. Adapted boats are also available. 

Helpful Tip: If you and your date are not already experienced paddlers, you can also sign up for private or group lessons together. What better way to get to know someone than trying a new activity!

Take Your Summer Date Outside with Three Rivers

No matter who you're spending time with, whether it's a long-time friend, a new connection or your other half, Three Rivers offers countless ways to get outside and make the most of summer. Pick an idea, pack a snack or two and start planning your next memorable outing!

For more date ideas year-round, check out the full list of things to do in the parks.

P.S. If things continue to go well and you decide to make it official, Three Rivers offers gorgeous venues to tie the knot!

About the Author

Mary Christine Kane is a volunteer blog contributor who has been participating in Three Rivers Park District activities for many years, as both a volunteer and participant. 

She enjoys camping, hiking, skiing, biking, kayaking and canoeing. Mary is also a poet. Her chapbook, Between the stars where you are lost, is available from Finishing Line Press. You can find her online at MaryChristineKane.com.