First dates are notoriously difficult to navigate. Because you may have never met the individual in person, or may have just spent time together as part of a buddy group, there are a few crucial variables to consider. First and foremost, time. If the two of you really don’t get along, you might want to organize a fast first date. There’s a reason coffee or drinks dates are so popular, after all! Second, there is talk. The finest date ideas get you and your date conversing so you can get to know one other better. That’s why “dinner and a movie” has become a cliché; the dinner portion allows you to learn a little bit about the other person before you even consider doing the movie.
Because you’re everything but simple, these first date ideas go beyond the essentials. There’s something for everyone, from sporty people who enjoy working up a sweat while conversing to indoor kitties who prefer more leisurely pursuits. We have ideas for crafty, gastronomic, culture-loving, and even long-distance first dates if you and your new darling can’t be in the same meatspace. Have fun out there, lovers!
First Dates That Are Active
- Take a stroll. Put on your sneakers and go outside. Choose a well-lit, populated walking trail, a local park, or a stroll down Main Street in your hometown. You can always comment on the surroundings if you run out of conversation ideas.
- Go ice skating. Skating is a typical dating activity, whether on ice or on roller skates. If you’re not a great skater, you can hold hands and laugh at each other’s wobbling. Stop for hot cocoa or a snack afterward to keep the party going.
- Play pickleball or tennis. What are you waiting for if you haven’t jumped on the pickleball train yet? It’s a fun way to get your heart rate up, and the rules are simple enough for anyone to pick up quickly.
- Attend a dance lesson. Anyone is welcome to go clubbing. Taking a lesson to get your two left feet to cooperate, on the other hand, will demonstrate that learning is fun.
- Practice yoga as a couple. Nothing beats deep breathing and meditative movement for bringing you closer together. You’ll also have that healthy glow afterwards.
- Putt, putt, putt. If you haven’t been to the (kiddie) links since high school, there’s no better time than now. The more cheesy the course, the better.
- Ride bicycles. Take a cue from the neighborhood youngsters and go for a bike ride. It’s even better if it culminates in a cute picnic.
- Try your hand at rock climbing. At an indoor climbing gym, you may put your upper body strength to the test. Don’t worry; most have teachers on standby to help absolute beginners.
- Paintball or laser tag are two options. They’re no longer exclusively for teen birthday celebrations.
Innovative First Dates
- Attend a painting and sipping lesson. Even the least artistic individuals on the earth can make something beautiful during one of these events. You’ll also get to watch how well they follow instructions.
- Prepare a supper together. Making something great together is a delicious date, whether you’re the next Ina Garten or more of a David from Schitt’s Creek in the kitchen.
- Make a fire. Make a roaring fire, either indoors or at a fire-approved outdoor location, to channel your inner Boy or Girl Scout. Remember to bring the s’mores!
- Learn how to do the tik-tok dance. Yes, you will appear ridiculous. No, you are unlikely to go viral. But we’ve never heard of a better method to get over first-date anxieties than dancing around like a fool.
- Make something. If you’re not into DIY, pick up a crafting kit or gather the tools for your favorite artsy hobby and create something with your hands. Even if no sparks fly, you’ll have something to show for your efforts.
- Perform karaoke. You’ll either impress your date with your singing ability or you’ll both giggle at your tone deafness. In any case, it’s a lot of fun.
- Attend a culinary class. Sharpening your knife skills and eating a meal you prepared yourself? There is no way you will not have a good time.
- Go to an art gallery. Nothing helps you feel more creative than admiring the works of others. There’s also plenty of conversation starters all around you.
- Let’s paint each other’s nails. A new mani-pedi makes everyone, regardless of gender, feel like a new person. It also causes you to concentrate on each other.
- Together, read a romantic story. They’re practically a love instruction manual, right? The more spicy and blush-inducing, the better.
First Dates in the Home
- Visit a museum. Museums give you much to ponder about, whether it’s history, science, or a strange and zany offering (World’s Largest Ball of Twine, anyone?). After that, go to the cafe and discuss what you’ve learned.
- Make a trivia challenge for them. We’ve all had at least one topic on which we could go on for hours. Find out what theirs is.
- Watch a sporting event. Even high school basketball can be a lot of fun if you put in the effort. And we strongly advise you to immerse yourself in it.
- Attend a wine or beer tasting. Tours and tastings are frequently available at local wineries, breweries, and distilleries. For a fun variation to the standard drinks date, learn something new about your favorite beverage.
- Attend a performance or concert. Okay, so this has a lot in common with supper and a movie. However, supporting the arts is seductive, and you can learn a lot about someone by the music or shows they recommend.
- Go to an aquarium. Clams can “scoot” across the ocean floor, did you know? Fill your cocktail party conversation starters with these interesting fish facts.
- Attend a drag show. Drag performances are a lot of fun since they are flirtatious, flirty, and occasionally adult-themed. Remember to bring singles for tipping.
- Let’s go bowling. Those shoes may not complement your attire, but is there a more inventive way to flirt than asking them to assist you improve your form? I didn’t believe so.