Alright, singles ready to mingle! Let’s face it – first dates can be about as comfortable as wearing skinny jeans to an all-you-can-eat buffet. But fear not, brave daters!
We’re about to revolutionize your meet-cute game with 27 first date ideas that are smoother than your best pick-up line.
I’m talking creative, fun-filled adventures that’ll have you both forgetting you’re on a first date faster than you can say “swipe right.”
Whether you’re a natural charmer or someone who gets tongue-tied around attractive people, these ideas will give you the confidence of a rom-com lead.
From quirky activity-based meetups that’ll keep your hands busy (and away from nervous fidgeting) to laid-back outings that encourage easy conversation, we’ve got something for every personality type and comfort level.
Looking to impress your artsy crush? We’ve got you. Trying to woo a thrill-seeker? Oh yeah, that’s covered too.
27 Best First Date Ideas That Aren’t Awkward
Go For an Outdoor Picnic
Picture this: you, your date, and a cozy blanket spread out under a shady tree. Throw in some delicious snacks, maybe a bottle of wine, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for romance. It’s casual, it’s intimate, and best of all, you can bail if things get weird. Just don’t forget the bug spray!
Visit a Rooftop Bar
Want to impress without trying too hard? A rooftop bar is your answer. You’ll get killer views, fancy cocktails, and a swanky atmosphere without breaking the bank. Plus, if conversation lulls, you can always comment on the skyline. Just remember, vertigo and first dates don’t mix!
Go on a Bike Tour of Your City
Hop on a bike and explore your city like never before! It’s active, it’s fun, and it gives you plenty to chat about as you pedal past local landmarks. Don’t worry if you’re not Tour de France material – the goal is to have fun, not win a race. And hey, if you’re both terrible cyclists, at least you’ll have something to laugh about!
Enjoy a Beach Dinner
Sand, surf, and a stunning sunset – what could be more romantic? Pack a simple picnic or grab some takeout and head to the shore for a laid-back dinner date. You can dip your toes in the water, collect seashells, or just enjoy the sound of the waves. Just watch out for seagulls – those little thieves are always after your fries!
Watch a Drive-In Movie
Nostalgia alert! Drive-in movies are making a comeback, and they’re perfect for first dates. You get privacy, snacks, and entertainment all in one. Plus, if the movie’s boring, you can always chat without disturbing others. Just make sure your car has a working radio, or you’ll be watching a very expensive silent film!
Go Play Darts
Darts might not scream romance, but hear me out. It’s casual, competitive, and gives you plenty of chances to show off (or embarrass yourself). Plus, you can chat between throws and maybe even teach each other a thing or two. Just don’t get too cocky – nobody likes a showoff on the first date!
Try Horseback Riding
Giddy up, partner! Horseback riding is a unique way to bond with your date and nature. You’ll get to play cowboy (or cowgirl) for a day, and if you’re both beginners, you’ll have plenty to laugh about. Just remember, horses can smell fear – so fake that confidence if you have to!
Go For Ice Cream
Who doesn’t love ice cream? It’s sweet, it’s fun, and it’s a great way to cool off (especially if your date is hot). You can take a stroll while you lick, or sit and chat over your cones. Pro tip: if they’re willing to share a bite of their flavor with you, they’re probably a keeper!
Make it a Double Date
A double date can take the pressure off and keep the conversation flowing. You’ve got backup if things get awkward, and you can see how your date interacts with others. Just make sure you pick the right couple – you don’t want to end up as third and fourth wheels!
Play Mini Golf
Mini golf is the perfect mix of silly and competitive. You can show off your putting skills (or lack thereof) while navigating through wacky obstacles. It’s a great way to see if your date can laugh at themselves. And hey, if things go well, you can always recreate that classic “helping them with their swing” move!
Enjoy Wine & Stargazing
Picture this: you, your date, a cozy blanket, and a sky full of stars. Add some wine to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for romance. It’s the perfect chance to get deep and talk about life, the universe, and everything. Just don’t overdo it on the wine, or you might end up seeing more stars than you bargained for!
Go Ice Skating
Lace up those skates and hit the ice! It’s a great excuse to hold hands (for balance, of course) and have a few laughs. Don’t worry if you’re not exactly Olympic material – wobbling around like Bambi can be endearing. Plus, there’s always hot chocolate afterwards to warm you up!
Attend a Sporting Event
Nothing brings people together like cheering for the home team. You’ll have plenty to talk about, and the excitement of the game can be contagious. Even if you’re not sports fanatics, people-watching at these events can be hilarious. Just try not to get into a heated debate if you’re rooting for opposite teams!
Visit a Nearby Brewery
For the beer lovers out there, a brewery tour is a fun and tasty way to spend a first date. You’ll learn something new, sample some brews, and have plenty of conversation starters. Just pace yourself – you want to remember the date, after all! And who knows? You might discover your new favorite beer together.
Go-Kart Racing
Rev up your engines for a high-octane first date! Go-kart racing is a blast, and it’s a great way to unleash your competitive side. You’ll get an adrenaline rush, have loads of laughs, and maybe even impress your date with your mad driving skills. Just try not to bump them off the track – unless they’re into that sort of thing!
Visit the Zoo
Who doesn’t love cute animals? A zoo date lets you channel your inner kid while getting to know each other. You can ooh and aah over the pandas, debate which big cat is the coolest, and share some cotton candy. Just don’t spend too much time comparing your date to the primates – that rarely ends well!
Go to a Local Festival
Festivals are like a buffet of first date activities all rolled into one. You’ve got food, drinks, music, and maybe even some quirky local traditions to enjoy together. It’s a great way to soak up some culture and see how your date handles crowds. Plus, if things get awkward, you can always pretend to be really interested in that artisanal cheese stand!
Try Chocolate Tasting
Indulge your sweet tooth and get a little fancy with a chocolate tasting. It’s like wine tasting, but with less chance of embarrassing yourself. You’ll learn about different cocoa percentages, origins, and flavors – and maybe even feed each other a truffle or two. Just be prepared for a sugar rush and potential chocolate-induced oversharing!
Netflix & Chill
Sometimes, staying in is the new going out. Pick a show or movie you both like, grab some snacks, and get cozy on the couch. It’s low-pressure and gives you plenty of chances to chat during boring parts. Just make sure you’re both on the same page about what “Netflix & Chill” actually means – misunderstandings can get awkward real fast!
Take a Nighttime Walk
There’s something magical about exploring your city after dark. The streets are quieter, the lights are twinkling, and it feels like you’ve got the whole place to yourselves. It’s perfect for deep conversations or comfortable silences. Just stick to well-lit areas and maybe bring a thermos of hot cocoa to share. Safety first, romance second!
Try an Interactive Escape Room
Nothing brings two people together like trying to break out of a locked room! Escape rooms are perfect for seeing how well you work as a team. You’ll solve puzzles, uncover clues, and maybe even save the world (or at least pretend to). Just don’t freak out if you can’t solve it – being trapped together is a great ice breaker!
Play Drinking Games
For the young (or young at heart), drinking games can be a fun way to loosen up and get to know each other. Whether it’s beer pong, truth or dare, or “never have I ever,” you’re bound to learn some interesting tidbits about your date. Just remember to drink responsibly – you want to remember the date, not wake up wondering what happened!
Go to a Comedy Show
Laughter is the best medicine, and it’s also great for first date jitters. Hit up a local comedy club and enjoy some professional joke-slingers. You’ll get to see what kind of humor your date enjoys, and you’ll have plenty to talk about afterwards. Just pray you don’t get picked on by the comedian – unless you’re into that sort of public humiliation!
Go Bowling
Bowling is a classic for a reason. It’s casual, fun, and gives you plenty of chances to chat between frames. Plus, those rental shoes are a great equalizer – nobody looks cool in them! Don’t worry if you’re not exactly league material; gutter balls can be endearing. And hey, if things go well, you can always blame any bad throws on being distracted by your date’s charm!
Try a Virtual Reality Arcade
Step into the future with a VR date! It’s a great way to have some laughs and see how your date handles being chased by virtual zombies. You can team up to save the world or compete against each other in mind-bending games. Just try not to get too immersed – accidentally smacking your date while fighting off virtual bad guys isn’t the best way to make a first impression!
Enjoy a Trivia Night
Put those random facts you’ve been hoarding to good use at a trivia night! It’s a fun way to show off your knowledge (or lack thereof) and see how well you work as a team. Plus, the competitive atmosphere can be a real bonding experience. Just don’t get too caught up in winning – nobody likes a sore loser on a first date!
Try Axe Throwing
Want to release some first-date tension? How about hurling sharp objects at wooden targets? Axe throwing is surprisingly therapeutic and a great way to impress your date with your lumberjack skills. Don’t worry if you’re not a natural – watching each other’s failed attempts can be half the fun. Just remember, safety first – save the showing off for after you’ve had some practice!
How To Behave On A First Date
Don’t Be Late
Showing up on time is like wearing deodorant – it should be a no-brainer. Being punctual shows you respect your date’s time and are excited to see them. If you’re running late, send a quick text. And if you’re chronically late, maybe set your watch 10 minutes fast. Trust me, “fashionably late” is not a thing on first dates!
Dress Suitably for the Occasion
You don’t need to break out the tux, but please, leave the sweatpants at home. Dress for the activity you’ve planned, but kick it up a notch. It shows you’ve put in effort and care about making a good impression. Plus, feeling good about how you look can give you a confidence boost. Just don’t spend so long getting ready that you end up being late!
Don’t Be Touchy
Keep those hands to yourself, Romeo (or Juliet)! While a little physical contact can be nice, too much too soon can come off as creepy. Stick to a friendly hug hello and goodbye, and maybe a light touch on the arm if you’re feeling it. Remember, consent is sexy, and asking before you touch is always a good idea.
Be a Good Listener
News flash: your date wants to feel heard! Show genuine interest in what they’re saying. Ask follow-up questions, nod along, and for the love of all that is holy, put your phone away. Nothing kills the mood faster than checking your Instagram mid-conversation. Unless you’re both looking at cute dog videos, then it’s totally fine.
Be Yourself
This might sound cheesy, but it’s true – the best version of you is the real you. Don’t pretend to love skydiving if you’re afraid of heights, or claim you’re a vegan if you’re dreaming of a burger. Authenticity is attractive, and it’s exhausting to keep up a facade. If they don’t like the real you, they’re not the right match anyway!
Mind Your Manners
You don’t need to be Emily Post, but basic manners go a long way. Chew with your mouth closed, say please and thank you, and be kind to the wait staff. How you treat others speaks volumes about your character. Plus, if you’re rude to the waiter, your date might worry about how you’ll treat them down the line.
Don’t Drink Too Much
A glass or two of wine can help calm the nerves, but know your limits! Nobody wants to end up babysitting their date or, worse, calling them an Uber because they can’t stand up. Pace yourself, alternate with water, and remember – drunk you is rarely as charming as you think. Keep it classy, and save the wild nights out for when you know each other better!