If you’ve secured a first date, congratulations! You’re now likely wracking your brain for unique things to do. Coffee shop dates or cinema trips are always great options, but they’ve been done before. If you want to truly blow your date’s mind, try our unique first date ideas.
First dates are your chance to create a lasting impression. Whether you’re into adventure, arts, or low-key hangouts, there’s something in this guide for everyone! Keep reading to find ideas that ensure you’ll both have a memorable time.
What Are Good First Date Ideas?
Are you wondering, “What are good first date ideas?” Then you should know that the best first dates, whether they are through free dating sites or not, are those that allow you both to relax, have fun, and get to know each other. A first date should reflect your interests while being thoughtful enough to consider what your date wants.
You could opt for an activity or a relaxing evening. Whatever you decide, the key is to choose something that helps you connect. Think carefully about the type of atmosphere you want and how it will impact your date. If you want a deep conversation, you shouldn’t take your date to the cinema.
Best First Date Ideas Involving Activities
If you prefer a hands-on date that relieves awkwardness, the best first date ideas for you will likely involve activities. Here are some unique plans to make for your first meet.
Pottery Class: Create Something Together
A pottery class gives you the chance to get creative and collaborate on a project together. It’s perfect for those who are artsy or want to try something new.
Working with clay is a fun idea. It brings out your playful side (queue “Ghost”-related jokes) and provides plenty of opportunities to laugh together. Even better, you’ll both leave with a souvenir of your first date!
Trivia Nights: Show Off Your Smarts
A trivia night allows you to engage in some healthy competition with your date while showing off your knowledge. Plenty of bars and restaurants host weekly trivia nights. Some even do themes that cater to your knowledge base.
You might both be history buffs or music lovers. Either way, there’s bound to be a themed trivia night for you. This is a great first date option if you aren’t afraid of some friendly, even flirty, rivalry.
Visit a Botanical Garden and Explore Nature
If you have met someone on a local personal ad, then you can try doing something in a place that is close to you both. For a more laid-back time, try visiting a botanical garden. Strolling through beautiful landscapes gives you a chance to chat in a serene setting.
Both vibrant colors and fresh air can make for an incredibly romantic date.
Play Your Favorite Games Together
Playing your favorite games, like board games, card games, or video games, can be a fantastic way to bond. If you’re both into video games, invite your date to a gaming cafe or a cozy setup at home.
For something more traditional, opt for a board game cafe where you can choose from lots of different options. Getting stuck into a game can go a long way toward breaking the ice.
Try a “Progressive” Dinner
A “progressive” dinner is a dining experience where every course comes from a different restaurant. It’s a unique way to explore your city as you trek to different dining spots. This date idea would be great if you met someone who is single from your neighborhood or town.
Start with your appetizers at a trendy new spot and your main course at a restaurant favorite. You might want to have dessert at a cozy bakery.
If you’re both foodies who love to explore new places, this is a unique activity for you!
4 Good First Date Ideas That Set a Romantic Atmosphere
If you’re looking for good first date ideas for setting a romantic atmosphere for someone you have met on a popular dating app, for example, try our options below. From stargazing to a candlelit dinner, these ideas are guaranteed to set you up for an unforgettable evening.
1. Stargazing at a Local Observatory
Spend a romantic evening at a local observatory for a date that’s both educational and memorable. Many observatories offer public viewing nights, allowing you to gaze at the stars and learn about constellations. The quiet, dark environment sets a romantic mood, making it a perfect place for deep conversations.
If there isn’t an observatory nearby, consider finding a quiet spot away from city lights to stargaze together. Bring a blanket and some hot chocolate to stay warm.
2. Candlelit Dinner
Seek out a restaurant that’s less well-known for an intimate, candlelit dinner. This creates a cozier atmosphere that encourages romance and intense conversation. Many cities will have tucked-away eateries or wine bars with enchanting tables.
A combination of delicious food and good wine provides an ideal backdrop for getting to know each other.
3. Riverboat Cruise at Sunset
A riverboat cruise is an amazing way to experience the beauty of your city. As you gently float on the river, you can sightsee and expand your conversation topics. If you can, time your cruise to be at sunset for a truly breathtaking experience.
4. Wine Tasting at a Vineyard
If you both appreciate a good glass of wine, a local vineyard and winery can make for a wonderful date. Many vineyards offer tours and tastings so you can learn more about the winemaking process while sampling the product.
Most vineyards are also in picturesque settings with rolling hills, making it a romantic backdrop for your date. You might even discover a new favorite wine together!
Fun First Date Ideas to Break the Ice
If you’d rather go for fun first date ideas that will help you get to know each other better, look no further. We’ve gathered some options for you below.
Go to a Mic Night
Do you and your date have the same music taste or love performing? An open mic night is a unique way to break the ice. These events often offer a mix of music, poetry, and sometimes comedy. This date provides plenty of conversation starters, whether you choose to perform or just watch.
A mic night eases the pressure of your first date, allowing you to showcase your talents and get creative together.
Visit an Escape Room Together
An escape room is an exciting way to get to know someone and have fun on a first date. It challenges you to work together to solve problems and escape from a room within a set time limit.
Because you’re collaborating together, you can work on your communication and teamwork, helping you build rapport quickly. Try going for a drink afterward to discuss your experience and break the ice even further.
Try a Cooking Class
Learning to cook a new dish together is a great way to relieve any awkwardness on a first date. This interactive activity allows you to collaborate and share laughs. You might even discover a new favorite recipe!
Because you’re attending a structured class, you won’t need to deal with any awkward silences. Conversation will flow more naturally. If you decide to ask them on a second date, you could suggest making the new recipe you’ve learned.
3 Great First Date Ideas If You’re on a Budget
You can still try one of these great first date ideas, even if you’re on a budget. Don’t let your finances hold you back from finding a connection! Instead, try our date options below.
1. Go for a Walk in Your Local Park
A walk in your favorite park is a timeless and budget-friendly date idea. Despite being simple, it’s a great opportunity to explore a connection. Choose a park with scenic trails and interesting landmarks. You could even feed the ducks.
If the weather is nice, you could even bring along a picnic. To spice up the romance, think champagne, chocolate-coated strawberries, and pastries.
2. Enjoy an At-Home Movie Night
A movie night at home is a classic, cozy date idea that’s perfect for a more low-key evening. Choose a couple of films you’re both into, pop some corn, and settle in. You could even turn it into a theme night by choosing movies from a genre, like horror or comedy. If you’re having your date in the fall, you could try a Halloween-themed night!
Make sure your first date is comfortable with coming over to your home. If you’ve met them on a kinky dating app, meeting for the first time in private isn’t a good idea.
3. Head to an Ice Cream Shop for a Sweet Treat
An ice cream shop is an affordable first-date option. You can each pick your favorite flavors or try something new if you’re feeling adventurous. Many ice cream shops are unique and offer seasonal flavors that are great conversation starters.
Sharing a sundae is a fun way to bond without breaking the bank.
FAQs
What is the best idea for a first date?
The best first date idea is one that suits both your personalities and interests. Are you adrenaline junkies? Then try a high-flying zip line adventure! Maybe you’re both artsy types? A pottery class where you both can create something new is a perfect option.
Just remember that your best date ideas allow you to talk, laugh, and, most importantly, connect.
What should I do on my first date?
First things first. You need to relax and take a deep breath! Then, choose an activity that will put your mind at ease while being fun and interactive. It could be visiting familiar grounds like your favorite park or exploring a farmers market.
Aim for something that sparks conversation and lets you discover new things about each other. The goal of all this is to enjoy your time together and make some new memories.
What is a low-key first date?
If you’d like a low-key first date, then keep things simple and stress-free. Think super cozy and casual. A coffee date over lattes or a stroll through botanical gardens keeps things casual. A movie night with popcorn and your favorite films also takes the pressure off of your first date.
The idea is to create a more laid-back atmosphere where you can comfortably get to know one another.
Is It okay to kiss on a first date?
Kissing on the first date is entirely up to you and your companion. Feel out the vibes. If there’s a spark, a kiss might be the perfect way to end it.
There’s no rush, but also no rules for your first meet. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and respect each other’s boundaries.
Bring Your First Date Ideas to Life With DoubleList
Thanks to our guide, you’ve got loads of first date ideas. But do you have anyone to experience them with? If not, try DoubleList, a personal ads platform that helps you meet local singles. All you need to do is write your advert and browse local profiles.
Go on a romantic first date and find connections with DoubleList today!
