Top Spots For An Outdoor Summer Date

It's summertime, and the livin's easy. The dating? Not so much. For a night out that's more interesting than an air-conditioned movie theater followed by some sweaty grappling in the front seat your dad's Buick (but still might earn you some of that!), check out our list of outdoor summer date ideas in Philly. –Chelsea Karnash

Movies Under the Stars

It seems like there's an outdoor movie screening happening every two blocks on any given night of the summer in the City of Brotherly Love. While not veering too far from the tried-and-true date night formula, theater-going al fresco ups the fun factor—who doesn't love being outside on a warm night?

And the best part about these options? They're free! And they don't require any real conversational skills! So pack up a picnic basket, grab a blanket or a lawn chair and head to one of these temporary outdoor theaters with your soon-to-be love.

Screenings Under the Stars at the RiverStage
Penn's Landing
Columbus Blvd at Chestnut St
www.delawareriverevents.com
Thursdays in July and August; 8:30 p.m. or 8 p.m.

Chill out at Penn's Landing and watch flicks that range from "The Dark Knight Rises" to "Dr. Seuss' The Lorax" and "The Hunger Games."

Moonlight Movies in Mt. Airy
Lovett Library Park
6945 Germantown Ave
www.gomtairy.com
Fridays, through Aug. 16; 8:30 p.m.

For those too lazy to pack a picnic, there are pop-up food trucks and vendors just outside the park at this Friday night film series. Chow down while you watch a showing of the classic "Grease," or even the Phillies v Cardinals game (July 24)!

Schuylkill Banks Movie Nights
Various locations
www.schuylkillbanks.org
Every other Thursday until Aug. 22, dusk

Attention cheapskates: show up to a Schuylkill Banks screening, and you and your date will get free snacks and raffle tickets! Movies range from the stylish "Midnight in Paris" to the 1986 sing-along "Little Shop of Horrors."

French Films Under the Stars
Bistrot La Minette
623 S 6th St
www.bistrotlaminette.com
Through July; Mondays and Thursdays at 8:30 p.m., Fridays at 9:30 p.m.

Whether you're wooing a Francophile or trying to fool your date into thinking you've got that je na sais quoi, Bistrot La Minette will help you out. Picture yourself in old Paris (pronounced with a French accent, of course!) as you huddle under the stars with a bottle of wine in Bistrot's gorgeous courtyard. Bonus: Even the films are French—but don't worry, there are subtitles!

The Awesome Fest
Multiple Locations
www.theawesomefest.com
Throughout the summer, times vary

For the 80s film buff/geek, the totally awesome Awesome Fest has curated a series all your favorite flicks of the decade. Check out everything from "E.T." to "The Goonies" at locations such as Eakins Oval, Liberty Lands Park and Parx Casino.

City Tap House Summer Movies
City Tap House
3925 Walnut St
www.citytaphouse.com
Thursdays, through Aug. 29; 8 p.m.

City Tap House will keep you and your date comfy with beer and popcorn at this movie series, happening on the eatery's gorg outdoor terrace. Plus, the films are each paired with a different brewery, meaning drink specials from craft breweries like Brooklyn, Ommegang and Victory.

Cinema in the Cemetery
Laurel Hill Cemetery
3822 Ridge Ave
www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org
Saturday, July 13; 9 p.m. ($10)

Bring-your-own-picnic and settle in amongst the graves for a one-time showing of the 1959 horror classic, "The House on Haunted Hill." Cue the fear-induced cuddlefest.

Outdoor Concerts

Summer is the season of love, but it's also the season of outdoor concerts. Combine the two with this date night option. For one, there are a plethora of live music events happening during Philly summers, and for another, everything is better outdoors. Noting a trend here?

Orchestra at the Mann Center
5201 Parkside Ave
www.manncenter.org
Various dates and prices

It doesn't matter what the musical repertoire is; what does is that you can BYOB! Okay, that's not the only reason why these concerts at the Mann are so much fun, but it's definitely part of it. On the roster for this season? Everything from the music of Zelda (which will have you exclaiming, "I love this level!") to the score from "Fantasia" to the sports-themed "Symphonic Sports-tacular." And at some concerts, you might be lucky enough to see some fireworks with your ticket…which might just encourage you to make some of your own (hint, hint).

P.M. @ the Penn Museum
3260 South St
www.penn.museum
Wednesdays through September 11th, 5 – 8 p.m.; $5

Penn students know what a gem this place is; do you and your date? Find out on Wednesday nights, when the two of you can relax in the beautiful outdoor courtyard to the sounds of a live band playing global music, then explore the galleries until 8 p.m.

40th Street Summer Series
40th & Walnut Sts
www.universitycity.org
Saturdays; July 27, August 31, September 28; 6 p.m.

West Philly hipsters, rejoice: The 40th Street Summer Series is back, bringing with it totally out-there groups like the Philadelphia Ukelele Orchestra and Spaceship Aloha, which plays Hawaiian-inspired electronic music. Bonus: There are also free Ben & Jerry's and pretzels up for grabs at each performance.

Paddling or Tubing on the Water

It's hot as hell, so you might as well face it: There is no way you're going to look cute for the duration of your date. While jumping into the Schuylkill definitely isn't going to help the situation (um, ew), a kayak tour or tubing trip is a fun way to cool down without completely submerging yourself in the nastiness of our local rivers. Here are some options to consider:

Hidden River Outfitters
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.hiddenriveroutfitters.com
Prices vary

Want to stay within city limits? Need a little guidance? Hidden River is your pick for an on-the-water date. From classes to movie nights to brewery tours (!!!), they have a number of kayaking events scheduled throughout the warmer months, so check the sched regularly.

Bucks County River Country
2 Walters Lane
Pt. Pleasant, Pa.
www.rivercountry.net
Prices vary

Make a day trip out of your date in Bucks County. This company, one of the oldest in the area, offers tubes, canoes, kayaks and rafts for rental. Want to get really cozy? Rent a "Snuggle Tube" and go on a Tuesday for "Snuggle Date Day."

Schuylkill River Outdoors
131 N Main St
Douglassville, Pa.
www.schuylkillriveroutdoors.com
Prices vary

Head to rural Berks County for a day on the water. Pick your watercraft (tube, raft or kayak), then take a 3-4 hour float down the Schuylkill.

Northbrook Canoe Company
1810 Beagle Rd
West Chester, Pa.
www.northbrookcanoe.com
Prices vary

Rather relax and float along than brave any sort of currents? A float down the scenic Brandywine Creek is for you. Rent your kayak, canoe or tube and embark on a one to 6.5 hour trip through Chester County.

Delaware River Tubing
2998 Daniel Bray Highway (Rte 29)
Frenchtown, NJ
www.delawarerivertubing.com
Prices vary

Your tubing date begins in Frenchtown, NJ and ends with a delicious hot dog from the famous "River Hot Dog Man" at picnic tables along the river (because "you're here to spend a day, not a fortune"). Set off on your choice of kayak, tube, canoe or raft—you can even strap your floats together so you don't—literally—drift apart!

Festivals

From stuff-yourself-stupid food fests to block parties and multicultural events, the Philly area has ton of festivals happening this summer. Here are a few of the best summer fests for daters:

Bastille Day
Eastern State Penitentiary
www.easternstate.org
July 13

Because what's better than a first date involving a prison, a guillotine and free Twinkies raining down from the heavens?

Philadelphia Zoo's Summer Ale Fest
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W Girard Ave
www.philadelphiazoo.org
July 20

Adorable animals, a plethora of craft brews and tasty food from some of Philly's best restaurants provide the ingredients for one of the most awesome dates ever.

2nd Street Festival
Northern Liberties
2nd St from Germantown Ave to Green St
www.2ndstfestival.org
August 4

With multiple beer gardens, live music and a slew of vendors selling food, jewelry and art, this year's 2nd Street Fest truly offers something for everyone.

Longwood Fireworks & Fountains
Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Rd
Kennett Square, Pa.
www.longwoodgardens.org
July 3, 9:15 p.m.; July 20, 9:15 p.m.; Aug. 17, 9:15 p.m.; Aug. 31, 8:15 p.m.
$38 per person

Longwood's gardens are gorgeous as is, but add colorful fountains, sparkling fireworks, live music and a sky full of stars, and they're the stuff of a Jen Anniston rom-com. Bring or rent folding chairs (blankets are prohibited) and enjoy dinner at one of three dining venues within the blooming gardens.