Fall very rarely gets its due when it comes to dating. Say what you will about winter cuffing, summer romance, or love in the springtime air, but we never feel more ready for romance than when we’re traipsing under the changing leaves, likely in an adorable autumn outfit.
Let’s face it, fall is undoubtedly the most fun and cuddly season of them all – and there are no holidays to put pressure on a blossoming relationship! (You don’t bring the guy you’re seeing home to meet the folks on Halloween, now do you?) Plus, there are so many Insta-worthy things to do, it’s hard to fit them all in between September and November.
Whether you’re fully committed or looking forward to a fun dating season, here are nine adorable date ideas perfect for all things autumn.
1. Get Lost in a Corn Maze
Few things are as fun as solving a low-stakes problem with your honey. Not only is it straight-up romantic to be “trapped” (but not actually trapped) in a confined space with your date, but finding your way out is sure to bring you two together! It’s basically an outdoor, fall-themed “Escape the Room,” except maybe with apple cider donuts at the end.
And hey, if you’re having a hard time finding your way out, there’s nothing wrong with stopping for a little…uh…brain break. *Wink wink.*
2. Have a Horror Movie Marathon
If you and your date have a mutual love for the scary side of fall, then there is nothing better than a horror movie marathon. And please, make it a whole thing. Use brackets to come up with your top picks, stock your place with tons of fall-friendly food and drinks, then snuggle up under some warm blankets for your private viewing party.
3. Go to a Haunted House
Want to take the spookiness to the next level? Bring your date to a haunted house – there are some incredibly legit ones that will really scare your socks off. Nothing will strengthen a bond with someone more than screaming as a clown pops out of freaking nowhere.
Plus, has there ever been a greater excuse to get super close to someone? We think not.
4. Find a Rail-Trail
Did you know there is this super cool program across the country called Rails-to-Trails Conservancy? The organization has transformed old, out-of-date railroads into fun hiking trails all over the United States! You can walk under historic bridges and through stunning forests on these trails, to admire one of the best parts about fall: the incredible foliage.
5. Hit Up a Festival
Most areas have some kind of “Harvest Fest”-type thing that they do every year and they’re basically created to be the perfect date. Usually complete with carnival games, rides, tons of delicious food, and warm drinks to keep you toasty, you’d be remiss to not take a date to one of these celebrations of fall.
6. Have a Bake-Off
Let’s face it, we don’t have to put “apple picking” on this list, do we? You already knew that was a cute way to snap the perfect photo and get some tasty apples. But we will suggest what to do when you get home with said apples: BAKE OFF!
Compete with one another to see who can make the best pie, crumble, crisp, or any kind of fun fall dessert you’re craving. Bonus: Regardless of who wins, you get to eat your spoils at the end.