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So, you’ve snagged yourself a date: now what? First dates can be nerve-wracking, and it can be tough to decide what to do. It can even be essential to a successful date! But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll show you some of the best ideas for a date. Some are classics; some are new and exciting ideas! So, let’s get started!
Here are some great first date ideas that are sure to make a good impression:
1. Play mini-golf
Almost everybody likes mini-golf. I mean, come on! How can’t you? Mini-golf is a really fun and laid-back activity that gives you plenty of room to talk with each other.
You can turn it into a competition or not; it totally depends on who the two of you are. And if you’re not the best at golf, it’s okay! Just have fun and make sure your date is having fun too.
2. Go to a bookstore or library
Alright, hear me out: this idea can even work for people who don’t like reading. Books can tell a lot about a person, even if a person doesn’t like reading!
For this idea, go to a bookstore, split up, and after ten minutes, come back with two books. One of these books you’ll hide for now. The first book is the book you expect your date to like – just from their first impression. This will already spark lots of topics to talk about.
After that, show the other book. This book is a book you’d like to read – if you’d like to read. It is about a topic you’re fascinated by. That will also create lots of things to talk about. If your date doesn’t like reading, they can at least appreciate the thought you put into this date!
And who knows, maybe they’ll like the book you showed them so much that you can buy it for them as a souvenir! They’ll always think of you that way when they look at it!
3. Have a picnic
That’s a classic for a reason. Having a picnic with somebody in which both bring food is a great way to get to know them better. You can either do this in a park or even in your backyard if you want to be more comfortable.
This is a really great activity for getting to know somebody on a date. You can ask lots of questions and get to know each other in a relaxed setting. Plus, you can get creative with the food you bring!
4. Go go-karting
Go-karting is always a good time. And it’s a great way to get an adrenaline rush with your date. This is definitely more of an active date, but that can be really fun too!
Get competitive or just have fun, but make sure you keep safety in mind. Nobody wants to get hurt on a date! But other than that, go-karting is a great way to have some fun and show your date a good time.
But better be safe than sorry: Maybe your date doesn’t enjoy the idea of racing it out, so better have a plan B!
5. Take a cooking class
This is a great idea for couples or potential couples. Learning how to cook together can be really romantic, and it’s a skill that you can use for the rest of your life! Also, it’s much more fun than you think!
You get to learn something new together and have a lot of fun in the process. And at the end, you get a delicious meal that you made together!
6. Get out and explore
This one is more general, but it’s definitely worth mentioning. Going out and exploring can be really fun, especially if you do it with somebody you’re interested in.
This can be anything from exploring a new city to hiking in the woods. The possibilities are endless! And it’s a great way to get to know each other and bond over common interests.
7. Visit an amusement park
Amusement parks are always great fun! And they’re definitely a great way to get to know somebody. You can go on all the rides together and bond over your shared love of thrill-seeking!
But amusement parks can also be really overwhelming, so it’s important to take that into consideration too. If you think your date might not enjoy being in a crowded place with lots of people or they don’t consider themselves a thrill-seeker, then this probably isn’t the best idea.
8. Have a game night
This is a great way to have some fun and get to know each other better. You can play all kinds of games, from board games to video games. This can also be in an arcade, of course! And it’s a great way to bond over shared interests!
But it’s important to make sure that you’re both on the same page when it comes to games. If one person is really into competition and the other person just wants to have some fun, that can be a recipe for disaster. So make sure you know what kind of game night your date is looking for!
9. Go stargazing
Probably one of the most romantic things to do is to gaze at the night sky. It’s a great way to bond with your date, and it’s really romantic!
But it’s important to make sure that you pick a good spot for stargazing. If it’s too light pollution, you won’t be able to see anything. So maybe do some research beforehand or ask around for the best spots in your area.
And while you’re gazing at the night sky, you should also ask some of these flirty questions!
10. Go for a walk or a hike
Take advantage of beautiful days! If the weather is nice, why not go for a walk together? This is another great opportunity to get to know each other while getting some fresh air.
You can even make this more fun by turning it into a scavenger hunt or a photo walk! There are endless possibilities for making this a really fun date.
11. Draw each other
It may be weird at first to have somebody stare at you while you’re trying to draw them, but it’s actually a really fun way to get to know somebody! And it’s a great way to bond over shared interests!
This can even be a lot of fun if the both of you can’t draw that well! Just don’t take it too seriously.
12. Dine at your favorite restaurant
Eating is one of the best things in life! And what better way to bond with somebody than over a shared love of food?
This can be a great way to get to know each other’s taste in food, and it’s also a great opportunity to try something new! So definitely consider this as one of your first dates!
13. Go out for a dessert
You’ve got a sweet tooth? Well, why eat dinner when you can skip right ahead to dessert? This is a great way to get to know somebody’s taste in sweets!
You could go eat some ice cream or visit your local bakery. There are endless possibilities! And it’s a great opportunity to bond over your shared love of sweets!
14. Go out for coffee or tea
This is probably the most classic first date idea. It’s simple, it’s easy, and it’s a great way to get to know somebody.
You can chat over coffee or tea about all kinds of things! And it’s also a great opportunity to see if there’s any chemistry between the two of you. So, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the classics!
You don’t know how to behave on a first date? These 10 amazing tips show you how!
15. Go to the cinema
This is a great idea for shy or introverted people. You can sit next to each other in the dark and watch a movie together! And after that, you’ve got plenty of topics to talk about, even if the movie was horrible!
But it’s important to make sure that you pick a movie that you’re both interested in. There’s nothing worse than sitting through a whole movie that you’re not enjoying.
16. Try an escape room
Trust me: You’ll get to know each other quite well in this hour! An escape room is a great way to have some fun, and it’s also a great way to test your teamwork skills.
And if you manage to escape, you can always celebrate with a drink afterward!
But escape rooms can be a real hit-or-miss. Some people really dislike them, and maybe the two of you get into a fight during this tense one-hour game. So maybe do some research beforehand to make sure this is something your date would enjoy.
17. Visit a museum
This is a great way to bond over shared interests! If you both love art, history, or science, visiting a museum can be a great way to spend some quality time together.
You can learn all kinds of new things, and it’s also a great opportunity to take some really great photos!
18. Go to a concert or a show
This is a great idea for music lovers! Going to see a band or a show together can be a great way to spend some quality time together.
You can bond over your shared love of music, and it’s also a great opportunity to get to know each other better. So, definitely consider this as one of your first date ideas!
19. Attend a trivia night at a bar
Let’s see who’s the smarter one! This can be a really fun way to spend an evening together. You can bond over your shared love of trivia, and it’s also a great opportunity to test your teamwork skills.
And if you manage to win, you can always celebrate with a drink afterward! Maybe turn it into a competition: the person who knows the most gets a free drink!
20. Go swimming
This is a great way to have some fun and get some exercise! Going swimming together can be a really great way to spend an afternoon. You can bond over your shared love of swimming, and it’s also a great opportunity to get to know each other better.
21. Walk shelter dogs
Dogs need love too! This is a great way to do something good, and it’s also a great way to get to know each other. Walking shelter dogs can be a really fun and rewarding experience.
During your walk, you’ve got plenty of time to get to know each other!
22. Look out for local events
This is a great way to find something fun to do together! There are always plenty of local events happening; you just need to keep your eyes open. There might be a food festival, a concert, or a sports event happening in your area.
Just have a look online or ask around, and you’re sure to find something that you’ll both enjoy!
23. Everybody brings three things
Okay, I just came up with this one, and it is more of a game, but it will also tell you a lot about a person. Everybody brings three things to the date: one thing they hold near and dear, one thing they despise, and the third thing is something they think their date might enjoy.
Example: You could bring the DVD of your favorite movie of all time, a picture of a spider because you hate them, and the third thing is a strawberry cupcake because you feel like your date might enjoy it.
That way, you’ll have plenty of topics to talk about, and it’s really fun to get to know each other on such a level!
Hopefully, you found these first-date ideas helpful, and you’re now ready to take on the dating world! Good luck!
How to win at early stages dating: The ultimate list of books
If you're looking for books about the early stages of dating, you've come to the right place. We've put together a list of some of our favorite books about dating, all of which are perfect for early stages in a relationship.
- Dating Sucks, but You Don't: The Modern Guy's Guide to Total Confidence, Romantic Connection, and Finding the Perfect Partner
- Seven Secrets of Modern Dating: The He Said, She Said Guide for Getting from Single to Spouse
- First Date Mastery: The Complete First Date Psychology Guide For Men
- Just Send the Text: An Expert's Guide to Letting Go of the Stress and Anxiety of Modern Dating
Janet Smith
Janet Smith is a freelance writer who writes about psychology, relationships, and dating. She has always been interested in understanding the human brain and how it affects our …
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