By Gracie Bathel
As we get into that wonderful time of year with pumpkin patches, cozy sweaters, and hot chocolate, plenty of opportunities remain open for activities to do with your partner (or situationship). Sure, you could paint pumpkins together or go to a movie, but if you want something a little more creative, look no further!
- Leaf Art: leaves are on the ground everywhere and can be used for an abundance of art projects! Paint and press them onto a canvas, stick them into a book to preserve, or even bleach them to leave the imprint on matching hoodies or t-shirts! If you already have a plain hoodie and bleach at home, this is basically free! There is, of course, your classic just sticking googly eyes on the leaves and calling it a day as well.
2. Board Game Night: This doesn’t mean cutesy games like Candy Land. This means all-out warfare games like Sorry, Battleships, Slap Jack, and even actual physical games if you are with friends such as Freeze Tag or Sardines. Fun for all! Competitiveness required.
3. Descendants Movie Night: Watch all three of the Disney Channel Original Movies in the Descendants franchise (not the 4th one, though-that one doesn’t count). Kick back and enjoy a night filled with laughs, tears, and iconic-ness. Bonus points for sing-alongs (without looking at the words) and dance moves.
4. Hop on a Bus: Grab a closed-top drink of choice (I highly recommend hot apple cider) and take your SO on a bus, ride it all the way around! It is completely free and gives you plenty of time to chat, whether it be small talk or deep life conversations while taking in the sights (maybe even some Halloween decorations) and just enjoying each other’s company!
5. Squirrel watching: Sit down in your car or on a bench anywhere with any kind of nature! This may be on campus, at your place of living, or even taking a chilly little hike to watch the squirrels. If you want to add an extra bit of fun, make up names for them, try to make them an interesting back story about love, vengeance, or even just everyday life.
There is nothing wrong with pumpkin patches, horror movies, and blanket forts! These are all fantastic dates to take part in, but sometimes we just feel the need to mix things up! Not all of these ideas are going to be for everybody, but it never hurts to try! You may even learn something about your partner, friend, or something in between! Happy Autumn and have fun!