God’s creation is beautiful, breathtaking and inspiring, and getting out to enjoy it is good for the soul. Making the natural world part of your dating life can be beneficial too. Date ideas in nature can open up a world of possibilities. There’s so much to see in the world, wherever you are, and sharing it with someone can make a date special and memorable. Some of the times I feel closest to God are when I am awestruck by the beauty of a view that He has created. Finding the things that you appreciate in that way and turning them into dates can give you new things to talk about, learn about and enjoy together. Here are some suggestions to help you explore.

Skygazing

One of the easiest ways you can appreciate the natural world is simply to look up. The sky will often have something interesting to offer, day or night. Local weather features may have their own quirks – blazing sun, relentless rain or unpredictable patterns – but pick the right day and you might be able to see something special.

Daytimes could offer the opportunity to cloud-spot. Take a picnic and make a game out of it – what shapes can you see? Are you an expert who can identify the different types? If you find yourself considering joining the Cloud Appreciation Society, you might have found a new passion!

At night, stargazing can make a really romantic date – especially if you use the canopy of stars as a backdrop to sharing stories and asking deep questions. A ‘cheat’ option is a trip to a planetarium or observatory to get a closer look at space and the stars, no matter what the weather. Knowing the vastness of God’s creation puts things into a fresh perspective.

Take to the water

If you live near a river, lake or other water feature, there are lots of aquatic options for date ideas in nature. You could have a gentle stroll along the riverbank or around the lake edge – look for designated paths and trails, which can take the stress out of planning.

You could go further and set sail! Is there an opportunity to hire a boat, join a river cruise or take a trip on a barge? These kinds of date ideas may take some planning if there’s nothing nearby, but consider saving for a special trip.

Become a tree hugger!

Head to your local woodland, forest or parkland to experience the joy of trees. Whether you’re looking for tranquillity, exploration or a canopy filled with wildlife, a tree-themed date can feel like your own magical world.

‘Forest bathing’ has become a great pastime for promoting wellbeing – the calming environment of thousands of trees, the light filtering through the branches, the restful shades of green and other beautiful colours of nature.

Birds and animals

Making birds or animals the theme of your date can make for a fun encounter. Whether you disappear into the wilds to spot some rare species of bird, splurge on a horse riding trek, visit an animal sanctuary or just take a friendly dog for a walk, spending time with other species can help you bond too.

Maybe one of you has a birdwatching hobby you’re desperate to share, or you’re both up for a whale watching excursion, or a trip to wetlands to see some water-loving creatures. These are date ideas that can provide excitement, focus, peace or whatever you want to experience together.

Going underground

If daylight dates just aren’t where you’re at, what about a subterranean encounter? It would be likely to be a special trip rather than a spontaneous one, but if you wanted to see a different side to creation, look for places that take you underground.

Depending on your appetite for adventure, you might choose caverns or caves that have clear paths and guides, or decide to explore underground tunnels or even potholes. Safety should be a major consideration, especially if you’re just getting to know each other, but with the right equipment and attitude you could find yourselves in a thrilling new world.

Pick your own

Nature can offer a generous harvest for a couple prepared to get their hands dirty! Respecting whatever local restrictions exist, you can unearth treasures to share and make your date memorable. Whether you find wild-growing fruit on a walk or something more intentional, you can share and enjoy.

Check out farms and nurseries that offer seasonal ‘pick your own’ options – whether fruit or flowers. Enjoying the fruits of your labours together – whether sharing the fruit you’ve picked, incorporating it into a recipe or cocktail, or creating a bouquet, the date will live on after your efforts on the day.

Beach day

Not all date ideas in nature involve immersing yourself in greenery! A day experiencing sea and sand could give you both a new appreciation of creation – maybe with a sandcastle-making competition or two. Whether you decide to relax on a beach, get active in the water, or explore the local wildlife, you won’t be short of things to talk about.

A beach date doesn’t have to be just a seasonal outing. Coastal regions have different types of beauty throughout the year. Going off-season could give you a new perspective and lots more to see.

Unique local features

Whether it’s grand or humble, wherever you live, there likely will be a notable local landmark or two that could make for an interesting date. Perhaps you don’t live by a world-famous waterfall or at the foot of beautiful rolling hills, but there could be something of interest to visit. Maybe a cute pond to see the waterfowl and their babies. My favourite is a local deer park with a stunning view.

Perhaps there is something nearby that brings visitors on special trips. A fishing lake, a butterfly farm, conserved wetlands, botanical gardens, an animal sanctuary or national park. Whether spectacular or just a little diversion from your day, sharing what’s close by can help your date get to know more about you.

Gardening

If you want to experience nature together in a very down-to-earth way, you could always consider gardening together. Whether it’s planting your own garden, helping someone who needs a hand managing their overgrown patch or a community project to revive a neglected site, you can spend time bonding as you work on something together. Whether you choose flowers to plant, vegetables or herbs to grow, or just wield the strimmer, it’s a satisfying way to spend time outdoors.

God’s world offers so much that is worth seeing and exploring; date ideas in nature are a great way to show your appreciation. Look around where you live and make the most of what is around you.

Enjoyed reading ‘9 date ideas in nature to enrich your time together’? Find lots more date ideas on the Christian Connection blog