Running Out of First Date Ideas? Here Are Fun Activities to Try

First dates are about discovering similarities and building an initial connection with your date. But it can be hard to decide where to go and what to do, especially if you’re nervous about making a good first impression.

Most people play it safe by having dinner in a nice restaurant. However, this date idea is overused, predictable, cliche, and/or boring. In addition, the typical dinner date can become awkward once you’ve run out of topics to discuss.

That’s why some of the best first dates are centered on activities like going to museums, wine tastings, or bowling, which offer numerous discussion topics while creating natural breaks from your conversation.

To get you started, here’s a list of ten possible first-date ideas that are engaging, fun, and memorable.

1. Take a long walk.

You can grab a smoothie, tea, or coffee while taking a stroll at a park, scenic area of the city, botanical garden, or beach. While walking, you will find tons of interesting sights, which make for good conversation topics.

Moreover, you can understand and get a glimpse of your date’s interests. For example, they’re eager to enter a bookstore or play with pets you pass by.

2. Go on a winery or brewery tour.

You can also opt for this idea to see how the local store’s beverages are made. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn something new together while also looking for a favorite wine or brew to share on future dates.

Usually, these tours last for an hour, which is ample time to determine whether or not you feel a connection with your date.

3. Do some physical activities.

A 2011 study revealed an increase in attraction levels between female and male participants after doing adrenaline-boosting physical activity. The higher their adrenaline following the activity, the higher their attraction levels got.

That might be partly due to the dopamine surge resulting from thrilling situations — the hormone associated with motivation to seek rewards and pleasure.

Based on these findings, experts say you might want to try bike riding, rock climbing, or biking with your date. These activities will stimulate your heart, allowing you to chat throughout the experience.

4. Go on a coffee date.

A weekend coffee meet-up can feel more comfortable and laid back than a weekend dinner date. To keep the conversation flowing, you can write down a few questions which you can take turns asking each other. The exchange encourages honest and open sharing, which allows you to get to know each other better. Here are a few examples:

• What’s your most treasured memory?
• What do you consider a “perfect” day?
• How do you usually spend your free time?

5. Have an outdoor picnic.

A picnic in a park is another great date idea. You will be surrounded by greenery and you will get to breathe in the fresh outdoor air. It’s an ideal date location — it’s comfortable and casual, so you can let loose and relax.

Besides, nature creates a calm, soothing setting for a first date. You can opt for a potluck style, where you and your date each pack snacks and beverages to share.

If you want to keep things interesting, you can also bring some old-school board games.

6. Get desserts.

You can meet at a fancy restaurant for crème brûlée or a local bakery for doughnuts. This date idea is not only sweet (literally), but also efficient and economic. You don’t have to spend for a full course dinner date, just skip to desserts.

7. Visit an art museum.

You can check out an exhibit on contemporary photography or ancient sculptures and relics to get more opportunities to converse with your date.

Discussing the pieces or artwork might reveal exciting details about each other’s experiences, preferences, and personalities.

Likewise, art can evoke strong emotional responses that help you and your date talk about deeper topics than merely engaging in customary small talk.

In short, it can promote a more meaningful connection.

8. Attend a cooking lesson.

This idea will tell you a lot about your date.

Can they follow instructions?

Are they creatively inclined?

Are they a perfectionist?

You can find the answers to these questions while preparing a meal together. How you work together in the kitchen will also tell how you’d work together when you’re already in a relationship.

9. Go on a food truck adventure.

You can also opt for casual eats from a local food truck. This idea might be cheaper than eating at a fancy restaurant, but the laid-back setting will help you feel more at ease. Best of all, you won’t have to deal with wrong orders or wait for the receipt.

You can entirely focus your attention on getting to know each other.

10. Watch a live band performance.

Based on a 2019 survey, 81% of individuals who attend a concert on a first date also went on their second date.

Besides, potential couples who enjoyed music together improved their emotional connection, communication, and overall relationship satisfaction.

Based on these numbers, you might want to plan on attending concerts, open mic nights, or local live band performances on a first date. Watching these means you won’t have to worry about constantly keeping the conversation going.

The music itself might also spark meaningful conversations about preferences you might have in common.

11. Playing board games or escape games

Challenging each other in a game of Scrabble or Monopoly can also help you connect with each other.

Based on a 2019 study, couples who played board games experienced an increase in oxytocin, the “cuddle hormone.” That positive correlation with oxytocin rise was especially significant in women.

However, this doesn’t permit you to bring your date home. For safety reasons, your best bet is to invite your date to a local park, cafe, or brewery.

Or you can also work your way through escape rooms. A 2017 study revealed that escape rooms can foster verbal communication, help you practice collaboration skills, and reduce social inhibitions.

Looking for clues or solving puzzles in a real-life adventure game will allow you to check how you work as a team.

Think Outside the Box

Different activities can set the mood for a memorable first date. However, the best options present an opportunity to have deeper conversations, experience something new together, and learn about each other’s personalities.

If you’re still uncertain, your best option is to pick an activity or idea that seems equally comfortable for you and your date.

The more at ease and invested the two of you are, the more likely you’ll experience each other’s authentic selves — and the more you’ll enjoy the date.