Tubing Down The River Date Ideas 

As the days heat up and the sun comes out, we’re always looking for fun summer activities to turn into incredible summer dates. We like to think we’ve hit on something new: river tubing dates! If you’re looking for a fun and quirky activity to do as a couple, tubing on the river might be it. 

This one’s more unusual than bowling or bar-hopping, so we’ll give you the details on how to organize a trip, turn tubing into an amazing date, and all the essentials you need to bring on your trip. 

If you’re new to tubing, it involves riding down a river on an inflatable tube (or "duckie") connected to other riders' tubes with a rope. You can tube in small creeks or large rivers, and tubers usually like to bring snacks and drinks to tow in a coolbox as they float, lazy river style. 

This date idea depends on where you are, but many places have the right geography to make tubing possible. Websites, local blogs, and social media groups dedicated to outdoor activities can help you find popular places in your area and less crowded hidden gems. As always, research the local regulations and safety guidelines in the area you plan to visit. 

When researching places to go tubing as a couple, you’ll find two options: self-guided tubing or tubing with a specialized company. 

Going on a self-guided tubing date allows you to choose your pace, route, and schedule. However, it requires serious planning—checking river conditions, arranging transport, and stocking up on equipment. 

Choosing a company specializing in tubing trips means you’ll have a hassle-free experience. They often supply top-quality tubes, life jackets, coolboxes, ice, lock boxes, and other things to ensure you’ll have a great date. Their experienced guides can help with everything from snacks to spotting local wildlife, so you know you’ll get the most from your tubing experience. You’ll usually float with a larger group—so it’s low-pressure but not the most romantic. 

First-time tubers? We recommend trying it out with a guide first. Then, next time, you can dial up the romance by going it alone.

So if you’re going with a guide, they’ll usually cover all the essentials. However, check in with them about anything extra you need to bring. 

If you’re going solo: invest in or rent a sturdy tube designed for rivers and lakes. No gas station inflatables, please! The tube should come with rope and have handles for tying yourselves together. 

We also strongly suggest using life jackets—in fact, some locations will require them by law. Check local regulations before you go. We know you’ll be wearing SPF anyway (factor 50 every day, team!) but make especially sure that your legs, forehead, and ears are well-covered. Bring it with you and re-apply regularly throughout the date.

So that’s the tubing essentials covered. With anything else you’re thinking about bringing, ask yourself: does it matter if it gets wet? If the answer is no, add it to your list. If it’s something that won’t like being dunked in a river, leave it at home. And remember, water-resistant phones can usually only be splashed or partially submerged. Bring a good-quality waterproof phone case to keep yours safe. 

You’ll likely want to bring sunglasses, but make sure they’re not your favorite pair. Sunglasses don’t usually float, and tubers always risk dropping sunglasses in the river.

A floating coolbox tied to your tube is a great way to enjoy snacks as you float. Go for things easily eaten with one dry hand (think sandwiches, energy bars, jerky, and fruit). If you’re bringing drinks, remember to pop some ice in the coolbox before setting off, and don’t bring glass bottles or styrofoam. Collect cans, wrappers, and any other trash to take home—think about a way to store it during your trip.

Wear something quick-drying and comfortable for the beginning and end of your trip, like shorts and a light shirt. And there are few things worse than putting on dry clothes over wet underwear, so bring spares! You may also want to choose water shoes or sandals. Otherwise, get your favorite swimwear out for your date, and remember to cover yourself in SPF. 

If you’ve tubed before and are planning a self-guided trip, remember to look into the river's difficulty level: Tubing experiences can range from a calm, lazy river to more challenging rapids. Choose a river that suits your experience levels and comfort zones. And wherever you pick for your tubing date, both you and your partner should be competent swimmers. 

Since you'll be floating downstream, remember to coordinate transport to get back to your starting point. Many tubing locations offer shuttle services, or you can arrange for a friend to pick you up at the end of your adventure.

We’ve covered all the general essentials for finding a tubing location, getting your equipment together, and staying safe on the river. Next, let’s go over some river tubing tips to make your trip a memorable, romantic date!

Drifting along is a great, low-pressure way to chat and get to know your date better. You could also look for wildlife or just relax and enjoy each other’s company, soak in the sun, and embrace the serenity of the river. Remember to capture the memories: Bring a waterproof camera or phone case, and take turns snapping photos of your tubing adventure.

Before or after your tubing adventure, you could enjoy a romantic picnic by the river. Remember a cozy blanket to sit on, towels for drying off, and your favorite snacks.

We hope our guide to tubing as a couple has given you another date idea for this summer! Remember to plan for your trip, always keep safety in mind, and only go on self-guided tubing trips with dates you know and trust. Otherwise, enjoy floating down the river and sipping a cold drink, soaking up the sun’s rays. Heavenly.