Some collegiettes hear the word “date” and their minds immediately jump to the typical dinner-and-a-movie date night seen in every rom-com since the ‘80s. However, other collegiettes are out there just waiting to meet the guy who will sweep them off their feet… and onto a rock-climbing wall. If you’re the kind of girl who would rather be the heroine of an action movie than a romantic comedy, here are a few adventurous date ideas that would be right up your alley.
1. Make a Skate Date
Though the last pair of roller skates you laced up might have been bright pink and boasting Barbie’s face, get ready to lace up for a big-girl version of rollerblading! It’s a fun, adventurous way to get active with your guy. Whether you hold hands and slow-skate around your local roller rink or you race each other all around town, you’re bound to have a blast. Be sure to wear a helmet!
2. Take a Hike
You’d probably be shocked to find out just how many natural parks, caves, mountain trails, or overall scenic areas are located in your state, maybe even in your city or town! Tie up your sneakers, put on some sunblock, and pack a few water bottles. Make sure to bring a first aid kit too, in case you get any scrapes and bumps along the way.
Even better: make some sandwiches and pack yourselves a picnic. Once you’ve made it to the top of the mountain or the end of the trail, lay out a blanket and enjoy your picnic together in the sunshine.
3. Get in the Water
It’s summertime, and hitting the air-conditioned movie theater isn’t the only way to cool off. Slip on your sexiest bikini (as long as it’s one that will stay tied) and get ready to hop into the water! Apply ample sunscreen, grab a beach towel, and pack some dry clothes for after your adventure is over.
“I had the most wonderful date with a guy who took me kayaking,” says Rachel Jerome, a recent graduate of Connecticut College. “It was not the first thing I would have chosen, but it was so fun! I really appreciated that he planned something different.”
Whether you go kayaking, surfing, tubing, jet-skiing, boogie boarding, parasailing, snorkeling, or scuba diving (depending on whether you’re close to the ocean, a lake or even a river), the day is sure to get wet and wild—even if the closest you can get to a body of water is your local pool. Splash fight, anyone?
4. Take the Leap
And not just the leap from “just friends” to “more than friends.” If you’re really looking for a date that will get your heart racing, then skydiving might be the right choice for you.
“My boyfriend and I went skydiving for our one-year anniversary,” says Kristin Doherty from Drake University. “Before the jump, we spent a few hours at the hangar watching other people skydive, which filled us with adrenaline and anticipation. The jump itself was terrifying, but so much fun.”
While she and her guy had an incredible, unforgettable experience, Kristin says that this date is probably better for longtime couples rather than for a first date.
“It was a really fun date because we got to do something really memorable and unexpected,” Kristin says. “I would definitely only suggest this for couples who have been dating for a while... If it was one of our first dates, I would have been even more nervous than I already was.”
5. Hit the Amusement Park
If you and your guy are looking for a real thrill, hop in the car and drive to the nearest amusement park. While it’s one of the more expensive date options on this list, it’s the most guaranteed to get your adrenaline rushing. Get in line for the tallest, fastest, scariest rollercoaster, and then squeeze his hand tightly as you climb the first ascent. Be sure to buy a picture taken on the ride once you exit—even if your eyes are shut and your mouths are open wide mid-scream, it’ll be a cute memento from your day together!
6. Get Messy
Remember when Patrick took Kat paintballing in 10 Things I Hate About You and they shared a romantic, colorful, messy kiss? Time to recreate the scene! Paintballing is a fun way to get a little flirtatious competition going (as long as you’re okay with getting covered in color).
“My boyfriend was really into paintballing, so he brought me along once,” said Phyu-Sin Than from Mount Holyoke College. “It was the [biggest] adrenaline rush I had ever experienced, but it was so much fun!”
7. Get Your Heart (and Your Legs) Racing
If you and your guy are the athletic type, a themed run could be the perfect date for you. Try a zombie-themed 5K to see if your guy could defend you against a zombie apocalypse or a Color Run for the happiest 5K ever.
Now that you’ve got a few shortcuts to get your guy’s heart pounding, you’ll never have to go on a dull date again. Have you gone on an exciting date that we didn’t list? Share it in the comments!