Beyond Dinner and a Movie: 50 Non-Traditional Date Ideas
So you don't want to be typical and do dinner and a movie, eh? All right. Here is a list of things to choose from that are far from a typical date (for most people anyway). Some of these may depend on the weather while others do not. In any case, live, laugh and love! 
1. Horseback riding – This is fun! Although if you've never been on a horse before be prepared for a little soreness the next day. I've only done this once but I do plan to do it again.
2. Scuba diving – If you can swim, why not? It looks like loads of fun. It's too bad I don't know how to swim or I'd try it. Maybe I'll try snorkeling instead.
3. Rock climbing – This is not particularly my cup of tea but if you and your honey are up for this type of work then go for it. After you've finished, take a bath together or give each other a massage.
4. Ice climbing – Same as above for my artic friends!
5. Classic: have a picnic in the park – This is how my 2009 Monica's Appreciation Day started–with the idea to have a private picnic in the park and have my wife serenaded by a violin player. It didn't quite work out that way when it all came together, however. I was in the middle of preparing for my play, Intimate Chaos, to open in Philadelphia and struggled with making this happen. With the help of savvyplanners.com, though, what this day turned out to be was no less than magical. Lead consultant, Marchino was on top of every single detail and I was thoroughly pleased with how the appreciation day went down. See the video below for photos!
6. Hiking and nature walks – Check out your local city, state and national parks. They almost always have hiking and nature trails. Pack a lunch with drinks and have a nice walk together. Don't forget the sunscreen and the Off!
7. Shooting range – Okay, so this is might not be ideal for some of you but it can be fun (for me it's relaxing). How about going to a diner for lunch and then hitting the range to shoot. You can do this indoors or outdoors shooting at clay targets. Who has a better eye?
8. Skydiving
9. Indoor skydiving! – I have not jumped from a real plane but have recently tried indoor skydiving at Orlando Skyventure. It was pretty fun. Even more fun was checking out the footage and seeing how ridiculous I looked! Ah, memories.
10. Hang gliding
11. Skiing – I have not tried this but I am determined at some point to get my behind on some skis and hit the beginner slopes. 12. Rollerblading
13. Ice skating
14. Bowling
15. A game of tennis, loser cooks dinner
16. Weather permitting, rent a couple of jet skis and hit the beach
17. Hang out under a tree in a park with a bottle of wine. – Cuddle and whisper those sweet nothings or pay a street artist to come do a sketch of you.
18. Camp out in your own back yard. – Build a fire and sit around it eating marshmallows or have an artistic nude photo shoot (you'd need to have a big, private back yard for this!)
19. Indoor water park – Fun for the kiddies! Fun for families with kids.
20. Go to a fashion show together and talk about what you thought was hot or not.
21. Check out your city's orchestra.
22. Museums! – There are so many museums you could do this once a month and still not see them all. Science, art, wax, bodies, weird stuff, etc., and best of all they're cheap. Grab a hot dog from a sidewalk café and go get cultured.
23. Go to the opera – I am not very enthused about the opera but I went because my wife wanted to go. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. If it's your first time, go with one that has English sub-titles. Check the performing arts schedule of your local university and start with shows there.
24. Have brunch at an ethnic restaurant like Makeda's to try a new cuisine and then visit an art gallery or photography exhibit. If you like something and can swing it, support the artist!
25. Check out your local open mic night and read something for each other if you're not afraid of taking the mic
26. Dinner theatre
27. Find and support a local musician at a hole-in-the-wall joint
28. Jazz festival
29. Seek out reggae festivals and enjoy the food as well as the music. Go ahead and by one of those rasta hats! Lol.
30. Do a photo shoot of each other in the park
31. Go to your local independent film festival
32. Go to a cook off – If neither one of you are worried about your weight, this should be a treat!
33. Rent a Log cabin
34. See a play in your theatre district
35. Volunteer – Literacy, meal, health, etc., projects – Check out volunteer organizations like New York Cares, etc all year round
36. Take a class together – Cooking, dancing, ceramics, woodshop, etc. These are often affordable and fun.
37. Go whale watching
38. Casino night in Atlantic City (or wherever is close to you)
39. Vacation with another couple – My wife and I have done this twice (with two different couples) and both times it worked out successful. We did a cruise to Bermuda once and a weekend getaway to Orlando the second time. This can be great if both couples click. If you hate shopping, chances are one partner in the other couple wouldn't mind going with your spouse so you can relax. Everyone is happy.
40. Billiards
41. Watch the sunrise/sunset together under a mountain – With hot chocolate or a glass of wine. Talk about your dreams and how you plan to make them come true
42. Explore unique hotels that you can also tour – Like the Ice hotel in Canada or this Tree house in Oregon combine one of these with a Travelzoo flight deal if you can.
43. Go to yard sales, garage sales, and to flea markets together – Find deals and be frugal
44. Snow boarding
45. Go to a comedy club. If the acts aren't bad it should be a fun night!
46. Laser tag
47. Minor (or major league) sporting event. Minor league is cheaper!
48. Zoo
49. And for those ultimate risk-takers: Bungee Jumping. If you both survive that then you're meant to be together.
50. Make a scrap book of all your fun times together. – Update it together and travel down memory lane with each new addition! **Post Update 1/10/10** I have a new e-book coming soon! 
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Comments
thank you
Hi Cheril,
I would like to commend you on providing this useful information. I can really appreciate your perspective views on any information you can provide. This is relevant to having a successful relationship that stands the test of time.
Please continue the excellent contribution and knowledge you’re providing to the Gay and Lesbian community.
Thank you,
Hey sweetie! I didn’t know you were writing an e-book on dating and romance! This is awesome! I can’t wait to read it!