So we're coming into summer weather and I couldn't be happier! Most people, including myself, have already begun to take full advantage of the spike in temperature. The summer heat may try to keep you from taking your sweetie out, but let me give you a few ideas to keep the good times rolling!

1. A picnic.

Yes, it's the old, overly played cliché date, but it's also a good one! Don't get hung up on those Insta-worthy details! Who needs that picturesque wicker basket? You can make everything at home, or pick up some ready-to-eat deli dishes at your local grocery store. Just remember to recycle those plastic containers afterward!

2. A walk to remember (with a happier ending).

From personal experience, this is one of my faves. I'm lucky enough to live by a bay, so my beau and I hit up the boardwalk as much as we can. But if your town is lacking in bodies of water, head out to any park or trail you've got! Plus, all that walking lets you completely justify the pre-/post-walk coffee.

3. Padlock your own Pont des Arts.

The Pont des Arts is a bridge in Paris where couples write or engrave their names on padlocks, and then throw the keys into the Seine (a famous French river). Irretrievably throwing the key into the water is supposed to signify a love that will never end (because you can't unlock the padlock without it). However, back in June of 2014, part of the bridge collapsed under the weight of everyone's love (45 tons of love), and city workers started de-padlocking the bridge with bolt-cutters—so I guess you don't need the key after all. Maybe you should just stick to the old tried and true method: carving your initials in a tree and hope it doesn't get chopped down!

4. How about flying a kite?

IT'S SO MUCH FUN!

I don't care who you are, or if you've never flown a kite, this activity just brings you a childlike innocent wonder that really helps a relationship grow. Plus, the satisfaction of getting a kite in the air beats any coffee date you could ever have.

Now remember, you need a breezy day for this, so if you've got long hair comme moi, repeat after me: lip-gloss is a no-go! I'm telling you, sister, do not try this one. Sparkles on your lips are fun, but hair is not. Try snapping that perfect we're-couple-goals-because-we-fly-kites pic when you've got half your ‘do in your mouth. Not cute.

5. Go camping!

Well, if you're still stuck living under parental authority, this may be a tough one for you (I know it would have been with my parents), but it never hurts to ask!

As for the rest of us, go on a camping trip! They're so much fun. You can bond over roasting hot dogs and s'mores... Plus, there's the added bonus of stargazing that makes for a very romantic night. Speaking of which…s'mores... Plus, there's the added bonus of stargazing that makes for a very romantic night. Speaking of which…

6. Just lay back and gaze at the stars.

Is that the Big Dipper or the Little Dipper? If you can't go camping, you can always make a short trip of stargazing. Drive out of city limits, where light pollution doesn't reach, and just look up at that vast beauty of twinkling brilliance.

Pro-tip: If either of you have access to a truck bed, this makes the experience even better. Lay down a few blankets, even an air mattress if you can, and enjoy each other's company in comfort under the stars.

7. Support your community by visiting the local farmers market.

This can get spendy if you're buying goods, so I mostly enjoy looking around. Farmers Markets give you an insight into the local business and culture of wherever you're shopping from (probably your hometown), and it's really interesting to see the craftsmanship and hard work of your fellow neighbors. I have the greatest time being drug around by my S.O. while he tries to keep me from throwing all my money at the busker children. Legitimately, I will give my money to any child holding a cello and making noise. Great times. The real bonus is when you eat from the vendors. If your market is really up to par, the food will all be fresh, locally sourced, and prepared before your eyes. Yum.

Bonus points if you buy ingredients from the market and spend the evening together preparing a meal.

8. Well, there's nothing better than bubbles and boats.

Try a new water sport together!

There are so many options for this. In my hometown, the big thing was to get a huge group of friends together and float down the river on floaties, inner tubes, or rafts. But beyond that, you could go kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, sailing, jet skiing, etc. Hanging out in the water is always great. Don't forget your life jacket and SPF!

9. Get back to the basics with playgrounds and popsicles.

No lie, my boyfriend and I did this date about a month ago. We picked up a few fudge bars and walked to a park. Of course, childlike splendor ensued. He and I are kind of a new couple, and we didn't know each other when we were children, so it was nice getting to see that side of him. Plus, we wound up telling each other silly childhood stories that helped us bond. So, if that sounds like the date for you, get out there and have fun! But make sure to give the little kiddies priority.

10. Troll for photo booths.

I've never done this one, but it sounds great. From what I understand, you just run around the city taking photos at photo booths, and then you have the printouts for memories and keepsakes. Granted, this can only really work if there are at least a few booths in town.

11. Start a water balloon fight.

This is fun for obvious reasons. 1. You get to hurl things at someone, and 2. You get a reprieve from the hot weather. Win-win.

12. Go ice-skating.

This is a no-brainer, so I don't understand why people don't do it more often in the hotter weather. Most local indoor ice rinks have at least a day a week where they're open to the public for a free skate. It's generally less than $10 per person for admission (plus skate rental). This is a great way to escape the heat of the day for some cool indoor fun. Also, if your S.O. is better at ice-skating than you, you can always use your ineptitude to get them to put a supportive arm around you (major props if you're slyly using this on a first or second date).

13. Sit in for an outdoor movie.

I would specifically recommend a drive-in theater to be specific, but considering my state has a shrinking population of about 7, I won't hold you to it. Just look around your community for outdoor movie events. They're super fun, and you won't get in trouble for bringing your own snacks!

14. Attend your local fair & rodeo.

A really big thing in my hometown is the end-of-Summer county fair. Practically everyone goes and then complains about how inflated the prices have become ($40 for a wristband? $3 for a water bottle?) But there's always something to love about the fair. The rides are fun, the food is good, the animals are cute, and you just might be able to get a kiss atop the Ferris Wheel!

15. Make it to a Summer concert.

People usually mention the free Summer performances towns usually have, but if there's a band you really like playing nearby, it's definitely worth the experience to save up for a ticket (save about $50-$100 for band merch and food). But if you're still short on funds, the aforementioned fair is always good for shows, as well. Mine has had some pretty big names visit my Podunk county fair (Foreigner, Hunter Hayes, Joan Jett, Zendaya, Trace Adkins, and much more).

So there you have it! My own personal list of go-to dates in the heat (and my hometown breaks 110 degrees on a regular basis in the Summer). I hope you decide to take a few of these out for a spin (just today, I went to the lake with my beau). But no matter what you guys are doing, just have some fun with it.