Reading Time: 10 minutes Where Should We Go On A Date? Great First Date Ideas!
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Choosing where to go on a date is tough, especially on a first date. You want somewhere that is fun and interesting, but you also don’t want to overwhelm your date.
That’s why we put together this amazing list of great first date ideas. These fun activities aren’t just great for first dates. They are also solid options for couples trying to figure out where to go on a date instead of just doing dinner or a bar. So be sure to bookmark this page and come back often!
Here are some ideas for the best places to go on a first date!
Table of Contents
Where Should We Go on a Date
The majority of first dates fall into two categories:
- You may not have officially met each other in real life yet, and your first date is the first time you will see each other. If this is the situation, a coffee date is best since it’s a short and casual option. You can make the meeting brief if things go differently than planned. If things are going well, you can extend it to a second activity, like watching a movie or going to the museum.
- Then there are first dates with someone you already know, like a colleague, a close friend, or someone from church. In this case, you can be more confident about getting along with them. You want to spend more time with them on a new level, so plan a first date that entails a little more effort.
Where Should a First Date Be?
The most important thing about a first date is that it is in a place where both people feel safe and comfortable enough to open up. First-date jitters are easy to overcome when you’re in a familiar and safe environment.
If you live near each other, try to pick something close by. That way, you can avoid getting lost and you can take your time to make it for the date. Plus, if the date goes well, you can walk around your local area and get to know each other better!
Things To Consider When Planning Your First Date
To further help you decide where to go on your first date, here are some necessary boxes to include in your checklist of first date ideas.
Cost
You have to be practical when planning your first date, especially since it will cost you money. Remember that one of the things to consider when picking a location is its affordability.
You will do yourself a big favor by considering the expenses. Remember that a date doesn’t need to be expensive to make it memorable.
Remember that first dates help you get to know each other. If everything doesn’t go as well as you hoped, you spare yourself the regret of spending too much on something that was not fulfilling.
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Coziness
First dates are primarily for getting to know each other on a deeper level. It is always best to pick a place that allows both parties to converse freely and without unnecessary distractions.
Eye-to-Eye
Eye contact is the main ingredient in building an initial emotional connection. Choose a first date activity that lets you look each other in the eye.
Nowadays, people choose to spend their first date doing physical sports activities like kayaking, hiking, and biking. While this may be a fun and unique way to spend time together for the first time, it may not be the best first date idea because you barely see each other face-to-face.
In such sports activities, you stand side-by-side, or one person leads the other. A good first date idea would allow for moments where you can look at each other’s faces.
Originality
If you’re planning to impress your special someone on your first date, then one thing you ought to come up with is a unique and novel activity. When coming up with an idea, you should consider a new activity that you are sure to enjoy genuinely.
It would also help to think of a first-date idea based on your shared interests, like video games, rock music, classic films, or others.
No Awkwardness
Awkward silence is the last thing you want on your first date. This is why it is important to consider going to a place that freely encourages random topics for conversation.
Choosing Your First Date Place
Here are some surefire first date ideas for places to spend your first date with your special someone. You can’t go wrong with any of them.
Take A Cooking Class
Going on a cooking class for your first date is excellent, as it offers the perfect balance of fun, intimacy, and learning. Cooking classes are great for getting to know each other while having a great time.
You can share stories over dinner and learn something new together. Plus, you get to enjoy a delicious meal afterward! With all these benefits and its affordability, going on a cooking class makes for an ideal first-date experience.
Play Laser Tag
Laser tag is a fun activity to do on a first date. You can have fun and get to know each other better while playing the game. Laser tag is fun to break the ice and bring out your competitive sides.
Take Your First Date To an Art Gallery
Going to an art gallery on a first date can be fun. Visiting a museum or art gallery is an excellent way to get to know each other better. It allows you to discuss various topics related to art, culture, history, and more.
Art offers a great opportunity for conversation starters, as you can ask each other about the artwork and discuss your thoughts. An art gallery provides a more intimate environment than a crowded bar or club.
Take Dance Lessons
Dance lessons are a fun and special way to spend the first date together. You can have fun, learn something new and get to know each other better.
Plus, you can talk about the dance moves and music! Whether you have two left feet or are a seasoned dancer, taking lessons together is a great chance to get to know each other.
Go To A Comedy Show
A comedy show is a great first date because it can make you laugh and have fun. You can talk about the jokes and discuss your favorite parts. It is also a great way to break the ice and get to know each other better.
Even better, you do not need to think of what to say on the first date conversation. The comedian is doing that for you! An open mic night can be entertaining, allowing you to support local talent.
Going To A Bookstore
Bookstores can make for an excellent first date spot. It’s a great chance to get to know each other better by discussing your favorite genres and authors.
You can also buy books for each other that reflect your interests or passions, which can be a thoughtful gesture. Plus, it is an affordable way to get to know each other better without spending too much money.
Apple Picking
Apple picking is a fun date idea because you can pick apples together and talk about different topics. You can also learn something new and enjoy a delicious snack after! If you’re looking for a date that doesn’t have too much pressure, then apple picking is perfect.
Escape Room
An escape room is a fun activity to do on a first date. You can have fun and get to know each other better while trying to figure out the clues and solve the puzzles to get out of the escape room.
Ice Skating On a First Date
Ice skating is a great activity to do on a first date. It’s fun, and it lets you get to know each other better. Plus, it’s an affordable way to go out together!
Tea House
If coffee dates are overrated, opt to have your first date in a tea house.
Depending on the vibe you want, you can choose a classy tea house or a Japanese-inspired tea house for your date. Drinking tea with your special someone in a calm atmosphere can help induce a genuinely warm connection.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is fun to do on a date because it is exciting and challenging. You get to work together to figure out how to get up the wall, and you can feel proud of what you have accomplished when you reach the top.
Mini Golf
A Mini Golf date idea sets the stage for playful competition. Another added perk of a mini golf first date is that it is affordable and doesn’t require a specific skill set.
Some even have onsite bars and restaurants you can enjoy before or after your round of golf. Mini golf also lets you have a little healthy competition.
Breakfast Date
A breakfast date is a great way to start your day together. It’s an intimate setting that allows you to get to know each other better and connect in a relaxed atmosphere without the pressure of any evening plans.
One of the biggest benefits of a breakfast date is that it’s usually cheaper than a night out on the town. Plus, it gives you an easy way to transition into the rest of your day if you go for a walk or do something more active after your meal.
A breakfast date is also a great chance to sample local delicacies and try something new together. Or just get a bunch of pancakes at Denny’s.
Visit An Animal Shelter
Going to an animal shelter on a first date is fun and special. You can spend time with animals and learn more about them. It’s also an excellent way to show kindness by helping animals that need homes. Plus, it’s free!
Amusement Park
Amusement parks offer a wide range of thrilling and enjoyable activities depending on what both of you are in the mood to do.
Are you both willing to go on thrill rides like rollercoasters, or would you rather share an intimate moment with a serene view from the top of a Ferris wheel?
While walking around the amusement park, you can hold each other’s hands. You can also try to win oversized stuffed animals for each other by playing different fun games.
Trivia Night
Consider a trivia night if a challenge is your idea of a perfect first date. You can team up with your date and compete with other couples or compete with each other instead.
Aside from a trivia night being a chance to hang out together, it is also a time to showcase your knowledge. In some trivia competitions, you may bring home exciting prizes that you and your date can compete for or enjoy as a pair.
Pottery Painting
Pottery-making may be an excellent first-date activity, but it can be messy and take a lot of time. If you’d rather only spend part of the day attending a pottery-making session, you can always choose to do paint pottery instead.
This activity lets you show off your creative and artistic side while also making it easy for you and your date to talk to each other.
Museum
Museum dates make for a romantic and classy first-date experience. Another added advantage is that museum dates may be less expensive than other date ideas.
The two of you can either spend most of your time enjoying exhibits or taking Instagrammable photos of each other impersonating the artwork.
Minor League Sports Game
If both of you are sports enthusiasts but want to avoid spending too much money watching professional sports games, a cheaper and better alternative is to take your first date to a minor league sports game.
Sports games offer a casual and comfortable atmosphere, leaving room for engaging conversations. Remember not to focus on the game more than you pay attention to your date.
Make Your Own Pizza
Making pizza is a fun idea for a first date! You can work together to make the perfect pizza, and it’s a great way to get to know each other better. Plus, you get to enjoy eating the delicious pizza at the end!
Picnic
A picnic is a good idea for your first date if you are okay with spending time in nature. When planning a picnic date, remember to pick a location close to nature but not too secluded; you want to creep out your date!
More First Date Ideas
- Painting Class
- Get Ice Cream
- Find a wine tasting
- Pottery Class
- Go horseback riding
- Go to a fancy restaurant. Be careful, though, you don’t want to set a precedent that you spend more than you generally do or can.
- Go to a dog park
- Explore a local park
- Shop at a local farmer’s market
- Find a local scavenger hunt
- Enjoy drive in movie
- Visit a record store
- play tourist in your own city
- Find a poetry reading
First Date Takeaway
A first date is a significant milestone in a relationship. If the relationship works out, it’s something you will look back on whenever you reminisce about how your love began.
Planning the perfect first date idea for you and your special someone can seem overwhelming. Consider numerous factors, like affordability, suitability, and originality.
There are numerous ways to impress your special someone, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. What matters most is whether both of you had a fun time together.
Oh, and best of luck on your second date!
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Erin is the mother of identical twin girls and their slightly older brother. She is a domestic engineer, and previously had a career leading customer service teams for a major HVAC company. Cleaning without harsh chemicals, and cooking easy and usually healthy meals are part of Erin's daily life. She volunteers with youth leaders, and genuinely wants to help others win. Erin has a degree in Communications, with a focus on Broadcast Journalism.