How to Spend the “Best Date”

“Miss Rhode Island, please describe your idea of a perfect date.”

“That’s a tough one. I’d have to say April 25th. Because it’s not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket.”

Perhaps one of the greatest moments from the movie, “Miss Congeniality,” Cheryl Frasier, otherwise known as Miss Rhode Island, kind of has a point. About a month into the spring season, April 25 tends to bring clear skies and plenty of sunshine. Here are some ideas for how to get the most out of the “best date” of the year, as well as the entire spring season:

Go on a Picnic

One of my all-time-favorite activities is going on a picnic. Each spring, when the forecast calls for sunny days, I grab my picnic basket and set out for a grassy destination, be it a local park or my front yard. The beauty of this venture is that you can make it uniquely your own by creating your own picnic basket (all you need is a blanket, plates, cups, and silverware) and customizing the menu. You can pack a full-on meal, complete with all of the picnic essentials like sandwiches and potato salad, or simply munch on your favorite snacks. You can even make it a potluck style picnic with your friends, where everyone brings their favorite food. Whatever you decide, you can’t go wrong with this classic springtime activity. And there are few things as Instagrammable as a picaresque picnic; post your pics, tag us, and use the #picnic hashtag to show off your springtime fun.

Hit the Trails

If you are looking for a more active way to celebrate the beautiful springtime weather, consider going on a hike. Find a trail you have yet to explore or revisit one of your favorites. Make the trek with your family or friends, or use it as an opportunity for some “me time.”

Explore Your City on Wheels

While it can be tempting to stick with what we know and love about our cities, the warmer spring weather is a great opportunity to discover new things about the place we call home. Put some air in your bike tires and set out on a mission to find something new about your city. If you don’t own a bike, no problem! Many cities have bike shares you can rent for a couple of hours or an entire day.

Roast Some S’mores

While s’mores are often associated with summer, I’m of the belief that it’s never too early to break out the roasted mallows. Enjoy the longer days that accompany springtime by hanging with some friends by the fire. Create a s’mores bar and get creative with the fixings. Experiment with different types of chocolate and flavors of marshmallows. Opt for various cookies (chocolate chip, oreos, or even rice krispie treats) instead of graham crackers. To step it up a notch further, include peanut butter, cookie butter, nutella, and caramel.

Cook with a Solar Oven

It may have been some time since you have constructed a solar oven, but spring is a great time to recreate this classic middle school science project. Gather the necessary supplies to construct your solar oven and then let the sun do the work. See examples and post about your own in the #solaroven hashtag on Instagram. Instructions for how to build a solar oven, as well as great recipes, can be found here and here.

Hang Out in a Hammock

Nothing screams springtime more than a hammock. All you have to do is find two great trees and you are set. Spend some time soaking up the sunshine and basking in the warm breeze. You can read a good book, listen to the latest release from your favorite artist, chat with friends, or take a nap. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

Organize an Intramural Game

A little friendly competition is yet another great way to ring in the spring season. Invite friends from your school, neighborhood, or youth group to join you for a game at the park, be it volleyball, flag football, soccer, basketball, or ultimate frisbee — the possibilities are endless. Following the game, indulge in some cool drinks and sweet treats.

Get Creative with Sidewalk Chalk

To satisfy your creative desires, take to the sidewalk with some chalk and design a mural. Utilize different colors and themes to create a work of art that is truly unique. Look for inspiration and share your creations in the #chalkart hashtag on Instagram.

Regardless of how you decide to spend the “best date,” I encourage you to get outside, soak up the warmer weather, and build community with your friends. Be sure to post about your favorite perfect date (or springtime) activities on Instagram and tag us (@lifeteen) to see your adventures featured on our story!

SUBSCRIPTIONS

LOGIN
SUBSCRIPTION INFO

WHY LIFE TEEN?