15 Activities That Are Better in the Dark

As we inch closer to another glorious American summer, we think of sunshine reflecting off crystalline pools, hot dogs at Fourth of July barbecues, and the familiar song of the ice cream truck making its triumphant return. But while there is endless fun to be had in sun, there’s something much more enchanting about those summer nights. Some activities are simply more exciting when the lights go out. From camping shenanigans to late-night romance, thisis your guide to making the most of the darkness. Light a candle, scoot closer to your wannabe boo, and cue-up Scary Movie 2 as we explore 15 Activities That Are Better in the Dark.

Making S'mores Over a Campfire

Taking respite from daily city life is important to maintain sanity, but it’s also wildly fun in the dark of night. Who doesn’t love roasting marshmallows over a campfire? Or making out in a tent? Or staring up at a sky filled with more stars than you ever see back in boring old civilization?

Once you’ve found your perch around the fire, it’s time for some scary stories.

Telling Ghost Stories

Have you ever tried to tell a ghost story in the daytime? It just sounds like a boring rant, similar to the time your roommate had to tell you about the crazy dream he had last night. But in the dark, with the light of a flashlight shining on your face and making you look ghoulish, it’s just as spooky as it was when you were at sleepaway camp. Suspend your disbelief.

Once you’re thoroughly spooked, shift gears for some fun and games.

Playing Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek is one of those games that can range from insanely fun to insanely lame. Remember when you were a kid, playing hide and seek indoors on a rainy day? Lame. (You were hiding in the broom closet again, shielding your face with a mop, just like last time—and everyoneknew it.) But remember playing at night, with or without flashlights, on a camping trip? Perhaps you even played the more epic version of the game, Manhunt, dressed all in black? Exhilarating. Embrace the darkness, and your inner child, all at once.

Just don’t lose track of time, or you’ll miss the fireworks show.

Watching Fireworks

Nothing says “summer night” quite like fireworks, which can only coexist with a black sky. Fireworks are loud, proud, and beautiful. Get your family-friendly pyromania on.

After the grand finale, grab your friends and a towel or two.

Swimming in Lakes

Swimming is fun in the daytime, but there is a major drawback, which is that you have to wear clothes. Once the sun sets and the moms with babies go home and the stars come out, it’s skinny dipping hour. Few things are more thrilling than diving off a rock into mother nature’s cool waters, surrounded by friends.

It’s a known fact that the best thing to do after skinny dipping with your friends is to make out with them. OK, fine, maybe not all of them. But maybe the one you’ve been crushing on.

Making Out

Think of this. You’re going in for that first, all-important kiss. And it turns into a heated make out sesh. You’re thinking, I’m getting in! But then you pull back to switch the position of your faces and there’s that awkward moment: Should you make eye contact? Should you keep your eyes closed? Does your mouth taste bad? Is there a manual for this? Well, there is. The manual says: make out in the dark. You’re less inhibited, it’s way hotter, and it’s more likely to get you past the gates.

But first, get in the car and head to the party.

Rooftop Parties

In the daytime, we barbecue. At night, we party on rooftops. When the sun goes down, and you’re 30 stories high, you can see the whole city in lights. It’s the urban alternative to stars. Bonus: there’s no cover charge.

Once you’re in party mode, it’s time for the club.

Dancing

Dance like no one’s watching. Unless you can’t get over the fact that there are, in fact, people around you on the dance floor who could be watching. In which case, take a note from The Boss and dance in the dark. Get your back off the wall and drop it. If they can’t see you, it didn’t happen.

Once you’ve worked up a sweat and burned some calories bustin’ moves, it’s time for some late-night takeout.

Eating Late-Night Food

Some things taste better at 2 a.m. Namely, anything fried, anything involving cheese, and anything doused in sauce. French fries that would have been mediocre in the daylight become savory morsels of holiness at night.

But once you’ve indulged in some late-night eats, you’ve got to sit back, relax, and digest. Movie time.

Watching Scary Movies

Here’s a statistic: The Exorcist is 98 percent more scary at midnight than it is at noon. OK, actually, we made that up. But the point still stands—scary movies are far scarier in the dark, with all the lights turned out. For an added freak-out factor, use a flashlight when you have to pee.

Is your date still with you? And terrified? Good—this is the perfect time to snuggle up.

Cuddling

It’s kind of awkward to cuddle in the light of day, at least when you are first getting to know someone. But in the dark, while you are watching a scary movie under blankets, wrapping your arms around each other is only natural. Spooning? Even better.

Then maybe when the movie is over, you can get a little more intimate.

Massages

The kind of massages that you get at a spa, an acupuncture spot, or a nail salon are great on your lunch break, to relieve the stress of the workday. But the kind of massage you get from someone you are romantically involved with? Those are best in the dark of night, behind closed doors. Light some candles, cue up Sade radio on Spotify, and place the hot oil within reach. (Alternate radio: Erykah Badu or Marvin Gaye.)

Next stop: A post-massage soak.

Soaking in a Hot Tub

If you’ve ever watched Flavor of Love (or The Bachelor or The Real World or Jersey Shore) you know that hot tubs are where the magic happens. Bathing in hot, bubbly water seems all the more luxurious and sexy at night. Clothing optional.

Since you’re (luckily?) not on reality television, we will never know what happens in that hot tub. But we suggest that afterwards, you sit back, look at the stars, and let it all sink in.

Stargazing

Nothing is more humbling after a night of partying than the stars. Lie on a blanket and gaze up at their majesty and ponder how small we are in this vast, unknowable universe.

Then go to bed. (How are you still awake?)

Sleeping

After a long night of soaking in the darkness, you’re primed for a perfect night of deep sleep. Cuddle into bed and chase those Z’s like your life depends on it. There are, after all, a few things worth experiencing in the daylight, and you don’t want to sleep through it.