A Netflix movie and Chinese food…again? Let’s admit it, it’s easy to get into a rut with your date nights. Researchers have found that successful couples spend time each week having a date night (check out what else successful couples do). Now that fall is finally upon us, here are 10 exciting fall date ideas for you to enjoy in the Jacksonville area. And the best part? Most of these are free or fairly inexpensive. Good for your relationship and your wallet…score!
Get lost together in a corn maze.
What spells fall like a corn maze, hay rides & and apple cider? If you’re willing to take a drive to Hilliard, Conner’s A-maize-ing Acres offers lots of fun! There are other farms in the area too! Check out Amazing Grace Family Farm located in Green Cove Springs. Connagree and Penn offer a restaurant too!
Enjoy the beautiful beach and picnic with your favorite person.
Located at the mouth of the St. John’s River, Hanna Park is a perfect oasis away from the busyness of the city. The park is open year round, from 8 AM to 8 PM until the end of October, then 8 AM to 6 PM November through March.
Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens.
Enjoy fun for the whole family at this not-so-scary attraction. Since it’s offered on multiple dates, you might even go twice!
Pack a picnic and head to the Jacksonville Arboretum.
Often referred to as the “hidden jewel of Northeast Florida,” the Jacksonville Arboretum provides a beautiful setting to get for conversation with the one you love. If you want to add a little adventure, there are 7 natural trails through 13 distinct ecosystems.
Visit a Pumpkin patch.
Grab a large pumpkin to carve together. Take your phone or camera so you can snap some great photos of you two in all the fabulous pumpkins. There are several pumpkin patches around town. What’s more fun than posing for pictures with pumpkins?
Who doesn’t love the Blue Angels?
They always put on a show to impress. Enjoy a sky show featuring the famous Blue Angels at the NAS Jax Air Show. Don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses!
Meander through the museum at the Cummer.
Imagine standing hand in hand with your sweetheart while taking in the View of Sienne in Paris without ever leaving Jacksonville! The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens offers a wide variety of art to enjoy. They have a permanent collection as well as featured exhibits from all over the world. Wrap up your visit with a romantic stroll through the beautiful Italian garden along the St. John’s River. Free admission is offered on designated dates every month; check out their website for details.
Go on a nature trail together.
Now that the weather is cooling off, it’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors and the UNF’s Robert W. Loftin Nature Trails are a must. There are five different paths to choose from, each varying in length and landscape. The trails also include the “Sawmill Slough Preserve,” a three-hundred-acre wetland habitat. Not only can you walk, work out, fish, and sightsee, but UNF also has equipment rental services where you can check out paddle boards and kayaks. They also have a zip-line course. If you are a student, these services are free. UNF’s nature trails are free and accessible to anyone.
For those cozy nights at home…
…build a fire in the backyard and roast some marshmallows together. A fire pit is recommended! 🙂 S’mores, anyone?
Visit Nights of Lights in St. Augustine.
Every year, the city of St. Augustine “turns on” to celebrate the holidays. Ride the trolley with a cup of coffee and snuggle up to the one you love in a romantic setting of millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s oldest city.
There you have it! 10 fabulous, inexpensive, and exciting fall date ideas for you and your sweetie. Mark your calendars, make your relationship the priority, and schedule your fall dates. You’ll be glad you did. Pumpkin latte, anyone?
Does your relationship need more than a romantic date to get back on track? We can help! Learn more about couples therapy.