Parks are a simple and cheap date idea, full of possibilities. There are many different types of parks available for your next romantic interlude.

Beach Parks
What’s better than a barbecue at the beach? Some beaches have the best of both worlds: a plush grass are and a barbecue area with an incredible view of the ocean. A beach park is a great double (or triple) date location, especially if flying disks or sand castle competitions are involved. Spend the afternoon at the park, then end the evening with a quiet walk along the beach.

Neighborhood Parks
You would be surprised at just how many parks are hidden away within the neighborhoods of your city. Try to find as many parks in your city as possible, taking note of the pros and cons of each one. Discuss which park has the best playground, the best scenery, and the best location. Don’t be afraid to play on the swings, play hide-and-seek, or go down the slides!

Community Parks
Many cities have community parks that include a community center. Community centers offer many fun date opportunities, such as sports, swimming, or dancing. Community parks are hold special events, such as weekend concerts, car shows, or movie nights. Large grass areas are great for games like soccer or tag, or are nice for an intimate picnic.

Gardens
Gardens are usually smaller in size compared to most parks, but the atmosphere isn’t anything if it isn’t romantic. Browse through the different types of flowers, making sure you know your sweetheart’s favorite flower by the end of the date. Some gardens even offer tours that you can enjoy together, or special events and conferences you can attend.

Water Parks
With summer on its way, a waterpark is something to consider for your next date. Relax by the poolside together, or try something daring like a surfing simulator. Race each other down the waterslides, or take a double person raft down the tubes together. Gather other couples to join you in a game of Marco Polo or in waterslide races.

Amusement Parks
Between the mixture of thrilling rides, fun arcades, and intriguing scenery, an amusement park is a great way to go for a date night. Amusement parks have attractions for any taste, and are usually open until late evening. You can go to either large, renown amusement parks; or try smaller amusement parks that not only have rides and arcades, but also may include miniature golf courses. If you are an adrenaline junkie when it comes to rides and you know your date is not, be sure to be sensitive to your date’s tastes; you can always come back and ride the roller coasters later with your friends.

State and National Parks
State and national parks are usually protected nature areas that can be enjoyed by the public during certain hours. A lot of them involve awesome natural formations, romantic streams and rivers, and picturesque landscapes. Make a list of all the national parks you and your sweetheart would like to visit, and then check them off one by one as you visit them. Married couples even have the added option of renting an intimate cabin or going camping under the stars.

Dog Parks
Whether you each own a dog, share a dog, or haven’t a dog at all, a dog park can offer quite a bit of entertainment. Schedule a day for your dogs to play together, or just spend the afternoon watching other people’s pets. Dog parks can be found in the community or on the beach, which means you and your date can plan a date not exclusive to you and pets, but also to include a romantic walk (which your dogs are also sure to enjoy).

Wildlife Parks
Whether you go to a natural animal reserve or a zoo, wildlife parks bring out some great childhood memories, and make great new memories as well. You can either take one of the tours provided by the park, walk around yourselves and see how many animals you can identify, or even find out if you can take a safari-like adventure into the unknown. Be sure to buy each other a stuffed version of your date’s favorite animal before you leave!

Forests, Falls, and Reserves
Nothing is more magnificent or more romantic than a walk through the beauty of nature. Choose between grand forests, intense rock formations, or elegant waterfalls. All three are great opportunities for picnics, romantic pictures, hiking, and star gazing.