The first date is a big deal. It’s very likely the deciding factor in whether or not they want to see each other again. There are so many factors that need to be considered when planning the first date and it can be difficult! What should you wear? What should you say? Where should you go on your date? We will answer these questions and more in our article today!
Table of Contents
Top Date Ideas
1. Bowling
What’s a first date without some good old-fashioned competition? Put your competitive side on display while knocking down pins and having fun with the person sitting next to you at a bowling alley!
It’s a casual date, but it’s a great way to have some evening fun! You might not want to choose this date if you’re looking for something super romantic, though.
2. Bar Date
Going out for drinks is the most common first date, and for good reason! It’s low pressure, and there are lots of options for both people, whether they drink or not. Plus, if you find yourself on a date with someone who’s not your type, it’s no trouble to simply walk away.
3. Museum
Some of the best dates are ones that incorporate more than just food and drink. There may not seem like there’s much going on at museums, since they’re filled with still objects rather than bustling streets or colorful buildings. But the truth is, museums can be an amazing place to learn about things you never knew before, while enjoying the company of your date.
4. Water Date
Rent an electric boat and cruise around town, go fishing in a charter boat, or take kayaking lessons. The exact type of boat is completely up to you, but it’ll be fun no matter what!
Plus, this date comes with bucket loads of fresh air, so you’ve got some breathing room if things get awkward. Be sure to wear your life jackets!
5. Adult Summer Camp
Try out something just as adventurous as an overnight camping trip, but shorter in length. Summer camps allow you to get outdoors together but go back to your own homes at the end of the date.
First dates can sometimes be awkward, so going on an adventure date will give the two of you something to talk about. If there’s ever an awkward silence, simply bring the conversation back to what happened at the camp.
6. Cooking Classes
Take a cooking class to gain some expert knowledge while getting friendly with each other in the kitchen. Doing this will also help build up suspense for when you do decide to go home. It’ll be fun talking about recipes or trying something new while at it!
Going on a cooking class as a date lets you learn about something new together and it’s a great way to get your hands dirty.
If you’re up for it, you can even try these 30 Best Romantic Meals You Can Cook For Your Boyfriend.
7. Coffee Shop Date
Another great first date idea that won’t break the bank. this classic first date doesn’t require much planning at all. Just show up with yourself, order an espresso, and get to know the person you’re chatting it up with. Going to a coffee shop is a casual and low-pressure way for you to get a feel for the other person before deciding if they’re relationship material.
8. Drive-In Movie
For an old-fashioned first date idea that will cost less than $20.00, consider heading over to the nearest drive-in movie theater. There isn’t much more romantic than watching movies under the stars while munching on popcorn. Make sure to bring blankets, pillows, or anything else you’ll need to make yourselves comfortable.
9. Mini Golf
Mini golf is a classic first date idea that’ll be great for both the competitive and non-competitive types. If you’re more into friendly competition than not, then this could be the perfect activity. Mini golf is great for playful teasing as you discuss your shots and scores! Once you’ve finished playing, extend the date by going for a few drinks at your local bar.
10. Zoo or Aquarium
Go with someone who loves animals as much as you do. There’ll always be something amazing going on in these places, so come prepared with your camera and capture the memories!
Unlike with dinner where you’re under pressure talking to the person sitting opposite you, going to the zoo means you can talk about all the amazing animals with no pressure and without any awkward silences.
11. Netflix and Chill
What could be better than a great movie, a delicious dinner, and some really good snacks? You can even catch up on some TV shows by binge-watching them all day long.
What better way to spend date night than snuggled up on the couch with your favorite movie or show?
12. Go on a Hike
Hiking is one of those things that appeals to everyone, whether you’re a hardcore hiker or someone who doesn’t want to get too sweaty. It’s also really easy to set out with your partner in mind because there are so many hiking trails everywhere with names like “The Lover’s Hike.” Bonus points if you take a selfie at the top!
13. Festival Date
Festivals are great dates because they’re full of people who are there to have a good time, which can only be a good thing. You won’t be able to go on a festival date with every guy you like, but if he’s into the same music as you, then go for it!
If you don’t mind keeping things casual to start, you can always invite some of your friends along to the party. If things don’t click between the both of you, at least you both have your friends there to soften the blow.
14. Relax in a Public Place
All you need are some sandwiches, wine and blankets. If it’s getting cold out or if rain is on the forecast just pack up your things and head to an indoor location instead! Just relaxing in a public space is great because you’ll get to talk about your favorite food items, what’s going on in the world, and have a nice, relaxing time.
15. Daredevil Date
For our more adventurous readers, try rock climbing skydiving, or both, if possible! These are both really challenging activities that can give people who don’t know each other something to talk about. These activities are fun, adventurous, and will get your adrenaline pumping.
16. Picnic in the Park
Picnics may not be as “exciting” as skydiving, but they have some real charm. Going out into nature can put both of you in a contemplative mood, which will get the conversation flowing naturally. Going for a picnic is romantic, there are endless food options, and you don’t need to worry about any logistics, like driving.
17. Road Trip Date
This gives you lots of opportunities to explore different places, near or far, together. Stop off at a scenic hilltop and enjoy the views, or perhaps drive away from the city and do a bit of stargazing. Now that’s romantic!
18. Let Him Plan It
If you’re really feeling like it might not work out with your prospective other half, don’t sweat it. There’s no shame in taking the easy way out when things haven’t worked out so far.
Let them make the decisions or plan every detail. This will show them how much confidence you have in them, and they’ll be more likely to think positively about the date too.
19. Go for a Walk
You can talk about what’s going on in your lives, see all of the new stores that have opened up since you last visited, and enjoy each other’s company. You don’t need any particular destination in mind – it’s all about exploring something new, and having fun with your date.
20. Restaurant Date
Whether it’s Chinese food, Italian pastas, Thai dishes, or anything else – there are all sorts of great new places opening up, so take advantage of that by going somewhere trendy that you’ve never tried before.
Going for dinner gives you the chance to connect on a romantic level – and who doesn’t love great food?
Tips for a Successful First Date
- The first date is super important – it sets the tone for future dates. Make sure to take it seriously, but be your best self.
- If you’re not sure what to wear, go with something that feels comfortable and reflects your personality. You don’t want to feel like you have to change who you are.
- Don’t try too hard – just act natural! If things aren’t going well on a date, keep it cool. There’s no need to make yourself uncomfortable in an attempt to salvage anything.
- Have fun but set realistic expectations about how long this first date will last. Is two hours enough time to get acquainted, or do you plan on seeing each other again soon after? These boundaries will allow both parties to enjoy the date without feeling like they’re trapped.
- Always be yourself! It’s easy to get nervous, but remember that whoever you are is perfect and somebody out there will love you for it.
- Be honest with them from the beginning about who you are and what your intentions are – whether you want something casual or something more serious, make it clear.
- If they don’t feel the same way, then move on. Not everyone will be right for us. The only person we should try our hardest with is ourselves!
The Bottom Line
The first date is one of the most important part of the relationships people will have in their lives. A bad first impression can lead to disastrous friendships and relationships, so be sure that it’s worth investing all this effort into someone else by having fun on your dates and showing them who you are from day one.
If they’re being disrespectful then end things early before anything goes downhill.
