Everyone is always a little nervous when it comes to a first date. You already took the plunge and asked the person out on a date. Now you’re faced with making the best first impression.
The purpose of a first date is to learn a little about the other person and to see if they are a right fit for a second date and maybe something beyond that. You’re testing the waters and trying to see if there are any sparks.
You must approach the first date with the right amount of entertainment and opportunity to explore each other. Let’s be honest, a lot of first dates don’t turn into second dates. So, with that in mind, you might as well choose a first date that you’ll enjoy in case nothing comes from it.
But, let’s not get all Debbie downer here, after all, you’re here to wow your partner on their first date. So, with that in mind, here are some hand picked exciting first date ideas that will certainly grab their attention and possibly make them want a second date from you.
Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor adventures are great for first dates. Usually, they’re free, if not super cheap, and they give you the opportunity to see what your partner is into. If you’re the type who enjoys the great outdoors and you discover your date is the type who loves to be inside, you’ll know right away that the two of you weren’t meant to be together.
Here are some outdoor activities that you can do during your first date:
Hiking to a picturesque destination with a picnic surprise
Almost everywhere no matter where you are has an area where you can go hiking. It could be in a park where there is a wooded area. It’s not a good idea to go deep in the forest on your first date or they might think you’re up to no good.
Bring along some food with you in a backpack. You could bring snacks or an entire meal. If you don’t feel like making something, you could hit up a fast food restaurant or a sandwich shop and get something to munch on while the two of you take a break from hiking.
Exploring a local botanical garden or nature reserve
A botanical garden is great because you get to look over so many different species. Most botanical gardens list what the plant is and that makes it so much more fun. The two of you can look over the plants and guess to see which ones you know.
What makes a nature reserve so much fun is that you can do plenty of walking. Usually, they have areas dedicated to different things such as flowers or native plants to the region. Make sure that it’s a nice day outside if you’re planning a trip to a nature reserve.
Going on a bike ride through scenic routes or parks
You’ll need to know if your date has a bike. Though, if they don’t, you might be able to rent bikes. Sometimes shops near parks will rent bicycles or there are those scooters that are everywhere these days where you can rent.
Take some time and enjoy the wind blowing through your hair while going for a ride. Sure, you can’t do much talking while riding a bike, but it gets you out of the house and you’ll get to see if they’re into physical activities like you are.
Trying out an outdoor activity like kayaking or paddleboarding
Okay, you’re only going to want to do this if you have some experience. If you can do it in a relatively safe area, that’s okay. However, if you’re a complete novice, it’s best that you skip the white water rafting.
Kayaking can be fun and make sure to bring an extra change of clothes in case you fall in the water. You never know what’s going to happen when there are two inexperienced people paddling their way downstream.
Cultural Exploration
Exploring the diversity in your area can be a great way to grow as a person and to enjoy a first date. Every city, no matter its size, has things you can explore. Here are some ideas that will make your first date something you’ll enjoy.
Visiting a museum or art gallery with a unique exhibit or collection
Museums often have exhibits that are only around for a limited time only. You may never get to see these timeless pieces ever again in person. That in itself is reason enough to make the trek to your local museum and see what’s being put on display.
Attending a live performance, such as a theater play or a concert
Live performances are great first date ideas because you can enjoy yourself even if the date goes south. Try to find a band that both of you can agree on and pick up a show.
Some guys might balk at the idea of watching a play or attending the opera, but if you’ve never done it before, it can be a lot of fun. Do a little search online before agreeing to attend the play and see if it’s something you might enjoy. Also, don’t overlook going to the ballet because it can be enjoyable as well if you go to the right performance.
Exploring a vibrant neighborhood with distinct cultural influences
Chinatown is probably the best example of this, but if you live in a major metropolitan area, there are plenty more examples. What you’re looking for is a unique place that has diverse roots that are different than what you’re accustomed to.
Spend some time at the shops and see what types of things they sell. Try to build up a conversation around what you see. Learning about other cultures can help you understand the life experiences of the person you’re dating and that can offer insight into who they are.
Taking a cooking or pottery class together to learn a new skill
Every single one of you reading this can benefit from taking a cooking class. Beefing up your cooking skills is something that you’ll appreciate anytime you set foot in the kitchen.
Pottery, well, that’s something you’ll probably never use again. However, you will get a feeling for how things were done in the past. You’ll also be able to have plenty of laughs and there will be opportunities for discussion throughout your pottery lesson. Just don’t be one of those couples that never shut up or you’ll get on the nerves of everyone else in the class.
Unconventional Dining Experiences
Food is one of the few things we all have in common. Everyone eats and we all like different things. Trying something new can be exciting and it also provides quite a bit of insight as to what type of personality your date has.
Trying a themed restaurant or a pop-up dining event
Themed restaurants speak for themselves as to why they might be fun. You could go to a tropical island themed restaurant or a restaurant that is fully retro like something from the 1950s.
Pop-up restaurants can be fun because they’re usually opened up by chefs exploring new creative cooking ideas. The best place to find information about pop-up dining events is online. If something does pop up, you’ll want to make a reservation ASAP because sometimes seating can be limited at these events.
Embarking on a food tour, exploring various local eateries
Most people think food tours are only for tourists, but that’s not entirely true. Sure, most of the people who take food tours are tourists, but that doesn’t mean locals can take them as well.
Some food tours are themed with themes such as seafood or maybe a wine lovers tour. Make sure you don’t eat anything before taking the tour so you have plenty of room for all the delicious foods you’ll get to try.
Organizing a romantic rooftop or beachside picnic at sunset
Don’t go doing something that will put yourself in danger or get arrested. No one is suggesting that you climb up on a roof that doesn’t belong to you or that you sit near the ledge while dining. But, if you live in a big apartment building and the owner is okay with you having a meal up there, it might be kind of fun.
A sunset picnic is more romantic and a whole lot more dangerous than dining on your roof. You can bring a bottle of wine along if the beach allows you to have a drink. It’s hard to not allow the conversation to flow when there’s the romantic backdrop of crashing waves and the beautiful smell of the ocean.
Planning a DIY dinner date by cooking a meal together at home
It might not be the best idea to invite a complete stranger in your home on a first date to whip up some tasty vittles together. However, if you’re familiar with the person and know they’re trustworthy, cooking a meal together can be a lot of fun. Conversations have a way of flowing when you’re chopping, frying, and plating up a freshly prepared meal that makes your mouth water.
Adventure and Fun
Do you have a wild side that likes to seek out adventure? Maybe you already know your potential date does because you’ve discussed it with them in the past. Here are some fun ideas to let your hair down and get your blood pumping.
Going on a hot air balloon ride for breathtaking views
You can live your whole life in a city and not know what it looks like from above. Have you ever looked up at a hot air balloon and wished you were in the bucket? You’ll have a great time getting sky high even if your date is a dud.
You can find hot air balloon rides at amusement parks or sometimes you can schedule one in advance. If you go the route of scheduling a ride, it won’t be cheap, but it’ll provide a first date that will definitely wow your partner.
Trying an adrenaline-pumping activity like indoor skydiving or bungee jumping
Indoor skydiving can be a real adventure and it’s not as dangerous as jumping out of a plane. That doesn’t mean it isn’t super exciting though.
Bungee jumping, on the other hand, is full throttle adrenaline pumping action. Of course, you’ll want to make sure that you’re bungee jumping with the aid of a professional who has your safety in mind. You don’t want to jump off a bridge on your own and end up creating the wrong kind of splash on your first date.
Exploring an amusement park or a local fair, enjoying rides and games
Amusement parks and local fairs are all day events that are jam packed with all kinds of fun. You can ride the rides, play games, and enjoy plenty of good eats. Your inner kid will love this date and you’ll get to experience plenty of laughs and smiles while you’re trying to win your potential sweetheart a teddy bear.
Organizing a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt in a unique location
Treasure and scavenger hunts are a total blast if done right. You can hide all kinds of items and see if the other person can find them. Go out of your way to hide some pretty obscure items and make sure that you tell your date if they’re hot or cold. The look on their face will be priceless while you’re telling them how close or far away they are from the hidden item.
Conclusion
First impressions matter and that’s why you need to take your first date seriously. However, you also need to be aware that many first dates turn into nothing and you shouldn’t be surprised if it takes going on many to land someone to have an extended relationship with.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to come up with your own unique first date idea. Maybe go to an ethnic restaurant and get your order to go and eat it at the beach while gazing off into the sunset. Try your best to create a fun atmosphere where you can chat and be yourself.
The main thing to remember about a first date is that you need to be calm and allow the date to flow naturally. You’re trying to impress the person, and not be a spectacle. Allow the date to veer off into unexpected terrority and don’t be a control freak and plan everything down to the very last second.
