Taking the time out of your busy schedule for a “date night” is a wonderful way to keep the connection with your spouse alive and well. To keep a marriage strong, you have to spend quality time together.

September might mean slightly cooler temperatures and the first signs of autumn, but the changing seasons also mean a whole new set of opportunities for a great date with your spouse! This month, try out some of these fun date ideas:

1. Build a Bonfire
Whether in your backyard, a campground, on the beach, or anywhere else you can have a sturdy fire pit, bonfires are great for snuggling up on a cool September evening for a long chat, a drink or two, and just gazing into the flames. It’s romantic and low-key, a great way to relax under the stars with the one you love!

2. Peruse Antique Shops
Antique shops and flea markets are a great portal into history, and for people who like collectables, they are an absolute gold mine! Even if you don’t buy anything, wandering through the racks of old stuff can lead to some cool discoveries and some interesting conversations. Find a town ripe with antique shops, and make a whole day of it!

3. Enjoy the Harvest
The last days of summer also mark harvest season for many, many crops. Depending on your area, this might be a perfect opportunity to eat some fresh picked apples, enjoy a wine tasting that coincides with the grape harvest, or get your hands on some squash right from the ground! Many towns have festivals and community celebrations in conjunction with the harvest season, so make the most of it!

4. Hit The Driving Range
This is better if neither (or both) of you are golfers, but you can have plenty of fun hitting a bucket of balls at the driving range. Cheer each other on, set yourself targets out on the range to compete for, and don’t be afraid to get close and “help each other with the swing.”

5. See a Play
Live theater is a departure from the typical movie date, but has some of the same fun elements! Cozy up in theater seats, hold hands, and soak in the entertainment. Depending on your area, there may be professional productions going on, or if nothing else, check out a high school theater event to see your community’s rising stars!

To learn more about how to have more fun all year round using our online videos and downloadable exercises, check out our StrongMarriageNow System. Or, check out our video where you can discover how to rev up the passion in your relationship again.

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Dr. Dana Fillmore and Amy Barnhart, co-Founders, StrongMarriageNow.com