Outdoor activities lend themselves to creative dates. Foregoing dinner and a movie to take in the beautiful weather and new terrain is a fantastic way to get to know one another. Whether you are in the midst your first date or have been dating for a while and are looking for a little creativity and spice, there are a number of outdoor opportunities to choose from.

Make the most of your natural environment. Whether you live in an area that is flat, hilly or mountainous, peppered with lakes and streams or bordering an ocean, there is so much to explore. Perhaps a hike is in order. There are usually many trails and paths that are designed for just that. Hiking does not have to be strenuous, however. A leisurely pace allows you to enjoy the serenity of the area and each other's company.

Take a picnic out wherever you decide to go. You can pack up your own food or pick up something along the way. There are usually many different and delicious groceries and delis where you can find something to take. Remember, even a couple of sandwiches and water can become special in the right setting.

If you live near a body of water, bring or rent a boat to take out. What kind of boat to choose depends on whether you live near a lake, river or ocean. You can take a motorboat out onto the ocean, but keep near shore for safety precautions. Take a rowboat onto a lake and row together. Spending time on the water both relaxing and extremely romantic.

There are plenty of outdoor activities for those living in or near more mountainous regions. Skiing, snowboarding and sledding are all great winter activities. Having a snowball fight or building snowmen can be a lot of fun as well. During the rest of the year mountains are incredibly beautiful and make for perfect opportunities to pick wildflowers and explore old hiking trails.

Spending time together outdoors is often underrated. None of these activities require on to learn any new skill, only that the two of you have fun together. For more outdoor dating activities, visit Coolest Dates (www.coolestdates.com) and Family Growth (www.familygrowth.org).