May Date Ideas We Love

May is the perfect month for new romance. Blossom is on the trees, flowers are blooming, birds are singing, the evenings are getting longer—you just need someone to frolic through the meadows with (or at least meet for a coffee). Here are seven fun date ideas for May that will help you make the most of the month’s positive vibe. 

Everyone wants to make a good first impression on a date, whether that’s in May or any other month, and what you wear can send certain messages about the type of person you are: Outdoorsy? Music-lover? Fashion-forward? As with most things, you can't go too far wrong by simply being yourself; your personality will shine through any outfit you choose, so there's no need to overthink it. Comfort first, people!

But, if we could give you one piece of advice for dating in May specifically, it’s this: layer, layer, layer! One minute you’re enjoying a picnic in the sun, the next you’re wondering if you’ll ever be able to feel your feet again. Being sartorially prepared for unpredictability means you’ll be able to focus on connecting with your date whatever the weather.

Before you write off the humble picnic as too cheesy or romantic-comedy-ish, at least for a first date—consider this: Picnics are the perfect, no-pressure May date idea. After all, who doesn’t love lying under a tree as the buds are starting to bloom, sharing a tub of hummus, and drinking warm Prosecco from plastic cups? 

Why not suggest you both contribute to the picnic—one brings sweet things and the other savory? Or perhaps you sort the food, and they pick the spot? It’s a great way of feeling that you’ve both contributed to the experience and that you’re starting this relationship on equal ground. And talking of equal ground, make sure you bring a waterproof picnic mat big enough for both of you, and lay it out somewhere you can have a bit of privacy. 

There is no better meal to enjoy together on a May date than brunch in our opinion. Here’s why: Firstly, you’re likely to get the best of the day and feel the sun on your face for a hot second which will get your endorphins fizzing. Next, while it’s perfectly acceptable to drink alcohol if you want to, there’s also less pressure to do so than at a dinner. 

And finally, if brunch finishes at 2 p.m., you’ve got the whole day and night ahead of you if you’ve really hit it off. And if you haven’t, well—you still have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy!

OK, it’s a fancy way of saying ‘going for a walk’, but we’re into it. Many people find walking next to someone less awkward than sitting opposite them when it comes to making conversation. It can lead to more honest and authentic discussion. There’s also less pressure to break those inevitable silent moments as you can just breathe, just be—the only sound being the sound of your footsteps on the forest floor.

The practice is said to be great for your physical and mental wellbeing as it has been proven to reduce stress hormone production, improve feelings of happiness, and free up creativity, as well as lower heart rate and blood pressure, boost the immune system and accelerate recovery from illness. Perhaps it can also lead to world peace? But seriously, even if the date doesn’t work out, science tells us you’ll have done yourself a favour. And best of all—it’s free!

If you’re looking for a slightly more unusual date idea for May, you might consider booking a little sojourn on a boat. (If you’re not near a sea, river, or lake perhaps skip to our fifth idea.) There’s something so calming and meditative about being on the water.

In May, many boat hire places are opening again for the season and prices won’t be as high as they would be in the summer. You could go for the classic Rom-Com moment of hiring a rowing boat at a lake. More adventurous? Try canoeing! Or, take a sightseeing tour along a river, even if you both know the city well. It can bring a new perspective and if the conversation isn’t flowing at least you can just sit back and enjoy the changing landscape together.

Sure, this might take a little more forward planning than a regular May date, but you’ll score points for originality and cuteness. Find a garden centre near you and go choose some wild flower seeds to plant together. 

Now comes the fun part. Choose a patch of nature to toss the seeds. Just make sure you’re not accidentally trespassing in someone’s back yard! This is a nice way of measuring the passage of your relationship: will you still be together by the time these wildflowers bloom? Let’s hope so as it’ll be a super romantic place to go back to on a date next May if you are! 

Planting seeds is lovely and all, but sometimes we just need a bit of old fashioned glamour on a date. May is the perfect time for a night out with a view. This is normally the month when restaurants, hotels and bars will be welcoming guests back into their outdoor spaces with fun new menus or revamped decor. Be sure to book in advance to avoid being disappointed and,  when booking, look for a spot with indoor and outdoor space in case it gets chilly. Many places will provide blankets and, in our experience, snuggling up as you admire the twinkling lights of the city below makes for a cute, romantic moment. 

There are bound to be lots of photo and social media opportunities at the destination which can be a fun way to break the ice on a date. This could even be the first picture of you as a couple—so get those angles right if you’re doing a joint selfie!

Doing an activity like bike riding on a date might not be exactly conducive to deep and meaningful conversations, but there’s something very bonding about working up a bit of a sweat together and heading, literally and metaphorically, towards an end goal. 
As we’ve established by this point, we think May is one of the most fun months of the year, so why not make a slightly wild suggestion and hire a tandem bike? If they take the front seat it’s a great way to check out their….riding skills from behind and you’ll certainly have a laugh about it one way or another. Scientists have long studied the importance of humour in relationships and found that laughing together can be one of the greatest signs of longevity. Ride on.