45 Remarkable First Date Suggestions
No one can deny that planning the first date is the most difficult. Should you choose something straightforward, such as a cup of coffee or a drink, or are you the sort of person who like to be remembered for doing something unusual? Undoubtedly, when arranging a first date, you want to make certain that everything goes smoothly—and, ideally, that you will have the opportunity to arrange a second date as well. Not to worry, however. The good news is that we’ve got your back.
First date ideas that are certain to not only wow your date but also set the basis for a long-term relationship have been assembled in this section. They are all non-boring and have been thoroughly tested. Who knows what the future holds for us. The beginning of something fresh might be just around the corner!
1. Take a stroll in the park.
Yes, sometimes the most straightforward date suggestions are the most effective. According to a study conducted by the dating app Zoosk, a stroll is the third most popular date option for women in their 30s, 50s, and 60s behind dinner and coffee (see chart below). It came in fourth place among women in their twenties.
2. Go on a thrift store hunt.
Visit a few of secondhand shops and look for any hidden gems to take home. This is an excellent method to gain a feel of your date’s personal style and sense of humour in a short amount of time. And, regardless of how the date turns out, you could wind up taking some great items home with you.
3. Pay a visit to a museum.
In the words of Michelle Ngome, speaker, author, and connection enthusiast, “seeing one or many museums might be a terrific first date.” “A large number of museums are free, reasonably priced, or take contributions. This provides the couple with an opportunity to engage in informal small chat and have a better understanding of one other’s point of view on life as expressed via art.”
There will be an infinite supply of wonderful conversation starters all around you, which is a proven way to avoid any uncomfortable pauses throughout the event. In addition, many museums offer a small café on the premises, so if things are going well, you may prolong the date by grabbing a bite to eat during your visit.
4. Trade interests in your spare time.
Dividing your day up between your preferred pastimes is an excellent method of getting to know one another. Each of you chooses one of your favorite methods to spend the time and then shares it with the other participant. Following a food break, the next person in line takes their place.
5. Pay a visit to a local farmers market.
There are a variety of reasons why this is such a successful first date. As a professional sexologist and trained sex coach, Sunny Rodgers explains, “First, since it’s a public location, it’s somewhat safe.” She adds that “Furthermore, it provides a plethora of topics for socially anxious daters to talk about. As you go about and shop with your companion, you may talk about your favorite flowers, fruits, and jams. If everything is going well on the date, I recommend purchasing coffee, fruit, or ice cream and finding a quiet area to eat or drink together. If everything is going really well, I recommend acquiring a few important components and scheduling a second date when you will cook or prepare the foods you have bought to enjoy together as a couple.” And what happens if the date doesn’t go as planned? The ideal reason to go out of the house is that you have fresh ingredients that need to be put away.
6. Try your hand at trivia night (and win!)
This is preferable than the usual cocktail party talk. Many restaurants and pubs have themed trivia evenings, where you can show off your pop culture or historical knowledge while also getting into the competitive spirit of friendly competition with your friends.
7. Take a trip to a carnival or amusement park to have fun.
Whatever your age, a trip to an amusement park (or a pop-up carnival) is a fun summer date idea for everyone. Having rides, games, and food stalls available can assist you in breaking the ice and filling in any conversational gaps that may arise.
8. Break out of an escape room.
They are really popular right now, and they make for an excellent first date activity since they require individuals to work together to utilize clues to solve different riddles and problems they encounter. The dating coach and matchmaker Laura Bilotta thinks that participating in an escape room is a great method to get to know your partner fast. It will be necessary for you to work together, and the job at hand will keep the two of you conversing without any uncomfortable pauses.”
9. Go on a hike.
If you and your partner like being active in the great outdoors, this is an excellent opportunity to get to know one another. In the words of J. Hope Suis, relationship specialist and author, “I don’t recommend going on a quiet trip or one that would take hours to accomplish; instead,” select a walking track either near your city, in a park, or out in the countryside, she says. “Pack some water and a few snacks, put on your most comfortable clothes, and go on the road. You will have plenty of time for discussion, and you will be able to assess their level of spontaneity as well as their fitness capabilities.”
10.Attend a reading session.
If you find intelligence enticing, a reading from literature or poetry can assist you in gauging your date’s intelligence while also serving as a discussion starter. Licensed clinical social worker and couples counselor Janet Zinn, LCSW, believes it will enable you to speak about a subject matter that is outside of ‘tell me about yourself,’ while still getting a feel of the other person.
11. Treat yourself to a spa treatment.
It’s much too early for a couples massage, but you can get away with a side-by-side manicure or a chair massage instead. It will calm any nervousness you or your date may be feeling before meeting, resulting in a lot more comfortable chat overall. You’ll also have the gratification of knowing that you’ve done something good for yourself.
12. Take an ice skating lesson.
The dating guru Stef Safran says that “ice skating or roller skating was a high school mainstay for many” while she was in her twenties. “Explore the possibility of engaging in an activity that puts the emphasis on keeping oneself from falling—literally.” At the end of the day, a little minor physical risk may be a wonderful and time-honored way to interact with friends and family.
13. Have a picnic in the park.
A picnic at your neighborhood park on a sunny day is the perfect way to enjoy the fresh air and scenery. Pick up some fruit, cheese, crackers, and a bottle of wine, and you’ll be prepared for the evening. When it comes to first date ideas, a fancy restaurant is wonderful, but this is much more thoughtful and personal.
14.Take a bike trip around the countryside.
Alternatively, you may engage in almost any physical activity that you and your partner find enjoyable. The benefits of working out with a friend are many. “You not only get to do something you would typically do and speak about your fitness routine, but you also get to see the other person in gym attire,” Golicic explains.
15. Have a good time jumping about at a trampoline park.
Having a good time while bouncing about on trampolines in a room full of people is almost impossible. In Bennett’s opinion, “these indoor parks are cropping up all over the place.” “They infuse a sense of excitement and enjoyment onto your first date.” Furthermore, you will be able to determine whether or not your date is capable of having a good time and not taking oneself too seriously.
16. Arrange to meet in a bookshop.
Bring your significant other on a tour of the bookshop, pointing out your favorite books and explaining why they’re significant to you along the way. You may always start or conclude your reading session with a cup of coffee, which is available at many bookshops.
17.Take a swing dancing lesson to see how you like it.
According to Freedman, “This is a pleasant way to interact with one another, get some exercise, and learn how to move together as a couple.” It doesn’t matter if neither of you is a natural dancer to begin with; learning something new together is a certain method to determine your compatibility.
18.Attend a concert if you have the opportunity.
In the same way that there are occasions when talking isn’t necessary in a sporting event, Golicic points out that there are instances when listening isn’t necessary in a business meeting. “I’d recommend something on the mellower side to start with, but this is an opportunity to have fun dancing and singing along to the music.
19.Visit a neighborhood that you haven’t gone to before.
Especially if you live in a large city, it’s possible that there are neighborhoods in your region that you haven’t yet seen. If you don’t live in a major city, you should consider visiting one. You could even discover that your town has a big tourist destination to which you haven’t gone before! Meet up with your date and go exploring.
20.Playing arcade games is number.
“There are a lot of bars springing up that are stocked with old school arcade games and Skee-Ball,” adds Bennett. You can often play for free if you purchase a drink or two, and engaging in some friendly rivalry is an excellent way to determine whether or not there is a spark.
21.Volunteer your time.
Make a difference by working together. ‘Volunteering for an organization is a terrific opportunity to find out whether you and the organization have similar principles and morals,’ adds Davis. “You can see how they engage with other volunteers, if they are flexible or need structure, and whether they are prepared to try something new by engaging with individuals who are not normally part of their social circle,” says the researcher.
22. Have a meal in a diner.
When you do this, you remove all of the stuffiness and snobbery that comes with a conventional restaurant date. Taking oneself too seriously while you’re having pancakes for supper is a difficult feat to do.
23. Take a walking photography tour to learn more about the craft.
This first date concept is simple enough to execute on your own. In addition to snapping images of things you appreciate, Zinn recommends taking a stroll with your smartphone and talking about it. “After that, sit down and think about what you took and why you liked it.”
24. Indulge in some brunch.
Dates during the day are incredibly underappreciated, and brunch is a great way to get started if you’ve never done one before. Choose a place that you know will provide delicious meals and have a dynamic ambiance that will encourage discussion.
25. Take a kayaking trip.
“For the outdoor aficionado, this is a fantastic exercise for a gorgeous day,” Freedman said of the activity. “It’s best if you hire a two-person kayak so that you may be near to one other and speak about the magnificent natural sights.”
45. Indulge with some ice cream.
If you and your possible S.O. have gone out on a million coffee dates, it’s reasonable to assume you’ve also been out on some kind of ice cream date. Most likely not. Take a walk while holding a cone.
26.karaoke (singing along with the music)
No other quality but a desire to communicate with openness and honesty may bring people closer together, according to certified professional counselor Michelle Puster. It takes courage and an effort to get to know someone by providing information about themselves first before demonstrating such vulnerability.
27.Open homes are a great place to start.
Visit open homes in a beautiful community near you on a Saturday or Sunday throughout the weekend. You’ll be able to see what your date is looking forward to in the future without having to ask them directly. Many of them provide complimentary food and beverages.
28.Bowling is karaoke (singing along with the music)
No other quality but a desire to communicate with openness and honesty may bring people closer together, according to certified professional counselor Michelle Puster. It takes courage and an effort to get to know someone by providing information about themselves first before demonstrating such vulnerability.
29.Open homes are a great place to start.
Visit open homes in a beautiful community near you on a Saturday or Sunday throughout the weekend. You’ll be able to see what your date is looking forward to in the future without having to ask them directly. Many of them provide complimentary food and beverages.
30.Bowling is a fun activity to do.
Even though bowling may be a bit ridiculous (the shoes, the music, the technique), it’s a great way to break the ice with new friends.
31. Consider enrolling in an art program.
A professional sexologist and a couples therapist who works with the Jack & Jill adult shop says that this pastime may “spark your creativity while also providing opportunities for dialogue and connection.”
32. Take in a stand-up comedy.
“Grab a martini and go to a comedy performance,” Bilotta suggests as an alternative to the boring dinner and drinks routine. “Preparing yourself with a drink can make you feel more relaxed and familiar. While it is hoped that the event you are attending will be amusing, you will certainly have something to talk about afterward regardless.”
33.Make a donation to a refuge for abused animals.
Visiting an animal shelter on a first date, says Cherry Davis, a dating coach, is one of the finest first dates if you’re an animal lover. “They have a variety of creatures ranging from tiny kittens to Komodo dragons,” she adds. It’s a terrific opportunity to watch how your date interacts with them, and it’s also a good method to determine how loving someone is based on how they handle possible pets in the future.
34.A sports event is something to look.
Sports are something you like, and you know your date enjoys, as well. Visit a local sporting event. notes relationship expert Susan Golicic, PhD, “Events like these provide an opportunity for both individuals to get to know one another and how they respond to one another.” If any uncomfortable silences occur in the outset, the show has a lot of stuff to keep you entertained. If your date isn’t into sports, though, you shouldn’t do this since they won’t appreciate you spending time discussing each and every play.
35.Jazz is a good choice.
You and your date should go to a wonderful jazz club in your city (which, more than likely, it does), where you can enjoy some live music while sipping on a few cocktails. In comparison to a conventional pub, the atmosphere will be more romantic, and you’ll have lots of topics to discuss between sets. ) (After all, it’s the ideal time to embrace your inner Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling).
36.Cooking classes .
I recommend a cooking class since it is hands on, adds Rodgers, and it is also affordable. “Once again, it is a secure environment that provides a shared experience that allows for a wide range of issues to be discussed with others. The dater may decide whether or not to prolong the date or make arrangements for a second date since it is generally just for a short amount of time. After taking a pasta-making lesson, you may recommend a second date to an Italian restaurant that specializes in freshly made pasta.”
37.A street or music event to attend .
This kind of event is really popular, and it is a perfect place to take your significant other on a date. David Bennett, a professional psychotherapist and relationship specialist, says it’s rather simple to locate a festival within 10 or 20 miles of your home if you hunt hard enough. “Free entertainment, nice food, games, and rides are often included at these gatherings. It’s also possible to people watch, which is always entertaining.”
38.Observe an outdoor movie at a drive-in theater.
When it comes to first dates, going to the movies usually isn’t a good choice since it’s tough to have a meaningful discussion in a packed theatre. While a drive-in theater provides a bit more solitude, it also enables you to talk about your favorite parts without upsetting anybody else in the theater.
39.Visit a botanic garden if you have the opportunity to.
According to Safran, “if the weather permits it, visiting a botanic garden may be a pleasant way to take in the sights without having to concentrate on what’s in front of you.” You won’t have to worry about coming up with conversation starters when there is a pause in the discussion.
40.Try your hand at a wine-tasting session.
Several wine stores and pubs have wine-tasting events, which can be a pleasant opportunity to do something social while also getting to know one another better. You may even create your own wine lesson at a BYOB restaurant with a few different bottles of wine if you can’t locate one in your area.
41.Go to the beach .
Make use of your beachfront property if you have access to one. Beaches were named as one of the most romantic places to visit by women across all age groups in Zoosk’s study on date ideas.
42. Construct your own culinary tour of your hometown or region.
Take a chance on this first date concept if you want to be really original. The author recommends ordering one appetizer at a nearby restaurant and then going to another location to enjoy another appetizer. Continue until you’re completely satisfied. This is a fun way to discover your date’s culinary preferences, and it’s also a great opportunity to explore new foods together.
Rendezvous at the break of dawn or dusk (optional).
It is recommended that you meet to observe the dawn or sunset. As the author notes, “This is not only romantic, but also allows for conversation—sometimes profound conversation—while soaking in the beauty of something we often take for granted.”
43.Visit the zoo.
This, like the botanic garden suggestion, turns the emphasis away from the two of you and onto something else, according to Safran, which may help reduce the uneasiness that can arise on first dates.
45.Take a trip to the desert.
Determine which establishment serves the greatest desserts in town. According to Safran, “while traveling from place to location on a tour, you may sample desserts and engage in small conversation.” If a cupcake tour or something like is available in your region, you might also sign up for one of these activities. “While going one-on-one might be intimidating for some people, going in a small group can make things a lot simpler if it takes you a while to come out of your shell,”
No other quality but a desire to communicate with openness and honesty may bring people closer together, according to certified professional counselor Michelle Puster. It takes courage and an effort to get to know someone by providing information about themselves first before demonstrating such vulnerability.
