Key Takeaways
- Fall is a great time to take advantage of the crisp weather and vibrant colors in nature before it gets too cold to stay outdoors.
- Pick from any of these accessible yet romantic date ideas that relationship experts recommend.
- Dating your partner adds variety to your routine, creates new memories, and strengthens your connection and commitment to each other.
Ahhh autumn. Probably the best season for romance. The sweltering summer months are over, and it finally feels like cuddle weather.
Whether you’re planning a surprise for your partner or brainstorming fall date ideas together, let our list of ideas inspire your autumn romance. From pumpkin picking to cozy movie nights, here are some to get you in the mood for fall.
Get Your Nature Fix on a Foliage Hike
If you’re located in an area where you can truly experience the season’s changes, why not enjoy the beauty of the fall colors outdoors?
“There is nothing better than slowing down with your partner and connecting, plus getting those endorphins up equals creating more joy in the relationship,” says professional counselor Abbey Sangmeister, MSEd, LPC. “Hikes are a great way to explore and connect without added distractions.”
Research local hot spots for leaf peeping, or cozy up together in a park for a picnic complete with hot apple cider or pumpkin spice lattes. You could even time your date around sunset to take in even more of the vibrant colors.
Go Wine Tasting
Wine tasting isn’t merely an indulgence in rich flavors; it also sets the stage for deeper connections,” says Julianna Lyddon, a certified life coach with a master’s degree in marriage, family, and child therapy.
“Enrich the experience by posing insightful questions like, ‘If money were no object, what would be your dream job?’ or ‘What genuinely ignites joy in your heart?’” Lyddon says. “Moving beyond casual conversation, you open the opportunity for a stronger and more authentic connection.”
Warm Up By a Blazing Bonfire
Chilly evenings wrapped up in blankets around a flickering fire are pure fall magic. It also has some serious romance potential, especially if you lean on each other to warm up. Make s’mores, sip some tea, tell spooky stories, or dive into deep conversation.
“You could make the experience meaningful by sharing childhood or life experiences that describe what fall and all of the tastes and smells mean to each of you,” suggests Rikki Dymond, a dating coach with Flirtini. “Being vulnerable is a great way to build trust and get to know your date or partner on a deeper level.”
Play in the Leaves
Channel your childhood spirit by diving into a giant pile of colorful, crispy, fall-scented leaves. “It is so important to find play in our daily lives—especially as adults,” notes Sangmeister. “Good childhood fun is a great way to connect and bond. Keep some of the leaves and create some art to remember the date.”
One study found a correlation between playing as adults and overall life satisfaction. Another found that people who play more have lower stress levels and are able to cope more healthily in their daily lives.
Pick Out a Pumpkin Together
“For a fun, possibly new date experience, grab your partner and go for a stroll through a pumpkin patch, picking out some cute pumpkins while you’re there,” Dymond says. “Be sure to cozy up to your date as you walk and bring some hot cocoa to warm things up!” You can always head to a farmers’ market or supermarket if there isn’t a pumpkin patch near you.
“Choose various sizes and shapes, then work together to carve pumpkins,” suggests mental health counselor Daniel Rinaldi, LMHC. “Brainstorm creative pumpkin carving ideas together and see whose design turns out the best. Carve your initials into the pumpkin for an extra romantic flair!”
Cook a Seasonal Meal Together
Start this date by heading to the local farmers’ market or grocery store to gather ingredients for a season-appropriate meal. Maybe it’s tasty pork chops with apples, a classic batch of chili, or stuffed acorn squash. Then, come home and whip up your meal.
“Cooking together is the ultimate bonding experience because you work on how to communicate and come together to create something, plus who doesn’t love a cozy meal?” Sangmeister says.
If it’s a meal that takes a while—like smoked meats or soup, break out some board games or connect in conversation while you wait.
Have a Spooky Movie Night
Plan to spend the evening together cozied up with some tasty popcorn, festive beverages, and a Halloween movie. Go classic with an iconic thriller or keep it low-key with something a bit more campy.
“Nothing says ‘I like spending time with you’ more than cuddles and clutching each other during a scary movie,” Dymond says. The discussions around choosing the movie can also reveal a lot about each other’s tastes and preferences!
Go Apple Picking (and Bake a Tasty Pie)
Apple picking is another way to enjoy the autumn weather with your special someone, and it’s definitely a great moment for some cute photos together, too. Rinaldi says to research different orchards together (which builds communication skills) and then hand-pick the best apples together.
“You can take a little time and research different apple varieties and their best uses, talk about your favorite apples and why you like them, and do an apple tasting together,” Rinaldi says. “Afterward, you can bake an apple pie together. When baking the pie, take turns with different tasks and share stories about your favorite fall memories or traditions.”
Take a Scenic Fall Drive and Have a Picnic
Scout some of the best spots for leaf peeping within a few hours and head out for a fun road trip to take in the views. Rinaldi says to put on a podcast or some tunes, and to pack some fall snacks to enjoy along the way.
To really enjoy your surroundings once, consider hiking through the woods, laying out a picnic spread, or dabbling in some yoga or meditation together.
Try a Couples’ Tarot Reading
If you’re curious about new age practices, consider getting your tarot cards read together, suggests Lyddon. This feels particularly on theme throughout autumn and close to Halloween, and whether you believe in the validity of the reading or not, it can spark some interesting conversations.
If you are a believer, Lyddon says, “This experience can offer insights into your bond’s future trajectory or even help longtime partners reconnect with each other on a deeper level.”
