Always visiting the same locations, doing the same two things on your first dates? What you need, my friend, is a refresh.
Not sure where to start? Well, don’t fret, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Our handy list of ten fun first date ideas is sure to shake things up and introduce a little more zest (and not to mention variety) to your next romantic escapade!
1. Take a stroll
Walking through a scenic location in your city is a great way to overcome first date jitters. Weather permitting, you’ll have plenty of natural light, a gentle breeze and more than enough points of interests to spark meaningful conversation with your date.
To get the most of this opportunity, we recommend visiting a spacious park, the beach or even a botanical garden (if you can stand the added heat).
2. Get your improv on
They say laughter is the best medicine; it’s also a great way to quickly break the ice on a first date. Put this theory to the test by taking an improv class.
The key here is to fully immerse yourself in the moment. Neither of you needs to be Oscar-caliber actors to have fun – just let loose with your imagination.
You’ll quickly be able to gauge one another’s creativity, sense of humor and level of spontaneity – key indicators that could help decide whether or not a second date happens.
3. Have some friendly competition
If you really want to break the ice, take part in a friendly, competitive game. If neither person takes it too seriously, it’s a great way to have fun and even some gentle trash talk. Something like Axe Throwing can be a great choice. Flinging a few axes on your first date can really hit the mark, as it’s an excellent opportunity to interact with and get to know your romantic interest all while learning a new game and having fun.
Of course if you’re looking for a place to play, at FlannelJax‘s our axe-pert Lumberjacks help to get you in the grove and bring out your competitive spirit in a relaxed and fun environment.
4. Visit a board game café
Traditionally, cafés are places you visit to schmooze with your date in a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
Board game cafés take things a step further, offering the same great alcoholic beverages and tasty eats together with a chance to roll the dice and play some fun board games – whether it be a classic like Monopoly or something more obscure and niche like Pathfinders.
We think it’s a wonderful opportunity to break the ice while indulging in some friendly competition!
5. Attend a cooking class
Speaking of learning something new, cooking up a new dish and chatting it up with your date is our idea of a fun time. Taste test each other’s dishes and (gently) provide some constructive criticism.
If the date goes well, you can always plan another one, where the two of you can try out what you’ve learned.
6. Go on a picnic
You can never spend enough time outside, especially in the summer. What better way to take It all in than planning an outdoor picnic for your first date?
Soak in some Vitamin D and spend the day chatting with one another while enjoying a tasty meal (or a few snacks, depending on your respective appetites). For some added romance, you can take in the sunset together and gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes like a pair of teenage lovebirds.
7. Go to an amusement park
If you enjoy the outdoors but prefer to be a little more mobile, a trip to an amusement park is just what you need. Spend the day engaging in thrilling activities and consuming some cotton candy as you get to know the limits of your date’s mental and physical endurance. From where we’re standing, this has all the hallmarks of a great first encounter!
8. Try an escape room
Whether you try them out in person or opt for the virtual experience, an escape room is time well spent.
Pressure situations have a way of cutting through the clutter and sorting out who a person really is. An escape room presents that opportunity. Avoid those dreaded awkward first date silences with meaningful conversation as the two of you put clues together to solve the puzzle and leave the room in the allotted time.
9. Go window shopping
Whether you go to IKEA or walk through a local flea market, window shopping is a great out-of-the-box first date idea.
It’s a casual, no-pressure situation that doesn’t require you maintain constant attention on one another. As you explore your surroundings, you can learn more about your partner’s tastes, opinions and if all goes well, seal the night with a kiss!
10. Check out a music festival
Bond with your potential partner over shared musical interests. Beyond listening to great indie bands, local music festivals offer a range of activities to enjoy on your first date – good food, fun games and a unique atmosphere. And if all goes well, the two of you can make plans for an upcoming concert.
There you have it – fun first date ideas that are infinitely more interesting than a traditional dinner or movie, without breaking the bank. Feeling inspired Casanova? Go out and have a great first date.
