Dinner and a movie? Total cliche. And honestly, it’s not even a great first date. You have to sit in silence for two-thirds of it. The next time you plan a first date, swipe right on these fresh ideas. Getting to know someone new in a fun, original way could be the start of something special–or at least a story to tell.
Coffee and a Walk
Meeting for coffee is a classic date–but why not take that beverage for a walk? Instead of sitting in a cafe, get your drinks to go. There’s nothing romantic about being surrounded by people tapping away on their laptops.
Of course, this date idea needs a little planning–and a backup just in case the weather decides not to cooperate. Pro tip: grab drinks from the drive-thru and then head to a park for the perfect, picturesque walk.
Cocktails at a Speakeasy
Meeting a date at a bar is okay… but it could be better. Instead of a crowded sports bar or your local dive, why not do something a little more special for your next first date?
Modern speakeasy bars have all the class of the Roaring Twenties with none of the illegal bathtub gin. These swanky joints have popped up all around the country over the past few years, so do a little Google-fu to see if there’s a speakeasy near you.
Play Mini Golf
Playing mini-golf–or putt-putt, depending on where you live–could be a great first date. You’ll have something to do, which is always a plus if you’re a bit awkward just sitting across a table from someone. Plus, a mini-golf course should give the two of you plenty to talk about. Can’t think of anything to say? Point out how that pirate looks kind of like John Goodman. Awkward zone defeated!
Learn to Cook
Forget going out to a restaurant. That’s amateur hour—instead, prep a meal together at a cooking class. Not only will you learn a new skill, but you’ll also get to see how the two of you navigate a kitchen together. It’s a great test of chemistry–and whether your date can follow basic instructions. If you end up getting frustrated and bickering, then at least you’ll know not to plan a second date.
Go for a Hike
If you’re lucky enough to live near a park with hiking trails, then grab your boots and your date! Going hiking together can be a lovely way to get acquainted, as the peaceful natural setting will help both of you feel more relaxed.
One small caveat: if you are meeting up with a stranger from a dating app, plan to go on a short hike along a well-traveled public trail. And make sure that your loved ones know what you are planning. Not to be a downer, but getting lost in the woods with someone you don’t know is how horror movies begin.
Play at a Grown-Up Arcade
Arcades aren’t just for kids anymore. Just like speakeasy bars, grown-up arcades are trendy now. They’re stocked with vintage pinball machines and arcade games to stoke your nostalgia and encourage a little friendly competition. Maybe it’s love–or perhaps it’s just the thrill of winning the new Skee-Ball high score. Many of these “barcades” also serve snack food and drinks, so you can keep playing until the quarters run out.
Visit a Local Festival
There is probably some kind of local festival happening this weekend within a twenty-mile radius, no matter where you live. Whether it’s a craft fair, a food festival, or a seasonal parade, you can find fun, free things to do almost every weekend of the year if you know where to look. Check out your city or county’s calendar to see if there are upcoming events that could make for a great first date.
Get Spooky
If you live near a city with a historic downtown, then consider planning a first date so fun, it’s scary. Many cities boast ghost tours–and as someone who recently checked out a “haunted trolley tour” of St. Augustine, Florida, I can vouch that they’re pretty fun.
A walking ghost tour is a thrilling way to see a city at night. And hey, if you get scared, you can cuddle up to your date for comfort.
Take a Pottery Class
If I learned one thing from the 1990 film Ghost, it’s that pottery is the most sensual of all crafts. Taking an intro pottery class together is an excuse to get dirty with your date. Not only will you learn a new skill together, but you can laugh about how terrible your creations turn out. Because your first pots are going to be terrible. But it’s a bonding experience!
Go Bowling–or Ax Throwing
Although there’s nothing sexy about rented shoes–unless that’s your thing, in which case you do you–bowling is a fun indoor activity for a first date. It’s even better for a double date so the two of you can team up against your bitter rivals.
If you’d prefer something a little more dangerous, then maybe ax throwing is more your speed. It’s become hip to hurl hatchets, and many places have ranges where you can rent time, grab a drink, and throw axes at a target. If you’ve never tried it, I can promise that ax throwing is a blast.
Volunteer as a Duo
Want to make a difference in your community and go on a unique first date? Volunteering together could be the start of your love story. Consider booking time to serve meals side by side, tend a community garden, or even build a house with Habitat for Humanity.
Just make sure that you don’t spring this one on your date as a surprise. A service-oriented first date should be something that the two of you decide on together.
Go on a Thrift Store Treasure Hunt
While browsing a thrift store isn’t everyone’s idea of a perfect date, it could be ideal for the right couple. If you love thrifting, then hit up your favorite shop with your new friend. You can even make a game out of it, challenging each other to find the wildest outfits or weirdest tchotchkes.
Get Some Culture
For a particular type of person, visiting a museum is the best first date ever. It’s classy–just like you! Even if you don’t live near New York or Chicago, you can find local museums that are worth visiting.
If walking around a museum isn’t your cup of tea, consider going to a play instead. Even amateur local theater can be a great experience, and it’s a lot more original than going to see a movie.
Rule Trivia Night
Are you and your date both brainiacs with a competitive streak? It’s always trivia night somewhere! Find a spot that offers team trivia and sign up! You two can demolish all the other teams and celebrate your victory by planning a second date. Just remember to keep things light if one of you bombs an answer, okay? That prize basket of chicken wings isn’t worth fighting about.
Dance the Night Away
I’m not talking about hitting up a nightclub–although that can be fun, too. A fantastic first date would be to take a dance class with your new friend and learn some moves together. Whether you’re more into salsa, ballroom, hip-hop, swing, or even belly dance, you can probably find a class near you. It’s such a wonderful way to get to know each other, so put on your dancing shoes and see what happens.
Jump Around
Want to feel like a kid again? Take your date to a trampoline park. Yes, that’s a real thing. And yes, it’s just as exciting as it sounds. Just don’t schedule time at the park after you’ve been out for coffee.
Many of these businesses also offer other attractions like go-karts, bumper cars, and climbing walls. If you’re concerned about being only the adults in the building, rest assured that most parks are popular with grown-ups as well as kids.
Go Fishing
If you’re in the market for the most chill first date in history, then grab a couple of rods, a cooler, and some sunscreen. Fishing is a low-key, relaxing way to enjoy an afternoon with your new friend. Even if you don’t catch anything, you can get to know each other while you wait for a bite.
And even if things don’t work out, well… there are plenty of fish in the sea.
Cheer at a Local Sports Game
Local sports are underappreciated. They might not get the same coverage as professional or college sports, but rooting for the home team is a time-honored tradition. My hometown offers hockey and baseball–and roller derby, too. The best part is that tickets cost a fraction of the amount that you’d pay for a pro game. Thrifty and memorable? That sounds like a great first date to me.
Gaze at the Stars
Is there anything lovelier than looking up at the stars with someone you like? Planning a date around an astrological event, such as a lunar eclipse or a meteor shower, is a stellar move. Bring a blanket for two and a thermos–and maybe download an app to identify the constellations in case you need a refresher on where to find the Big Dipper.
