110 First Date Ideas That Are Anything But Awkward
Getty Images
There’s something that I — as a partnered person, probably annoyingly — like to recommend to friends looking for cute first date ideas. And that is this: Choose an activity you’ve been wanting to do anyway.
Maybe you don’t need these kinds of first date tips (but maybe these first date questions could help). Maybe you’re in fact someone who loves going on fun first dates and requires no incentive other than the prospect of maintaining “I’d definitely rather be here than home!” eyes at a stranger in a mediocre restaurant of their choosing. If so, more power to you!
For the rest of us, a bonus perk or two can sweeten the deal if we’re going to put on real pants for a person of unknown dud-or-not status. First dates can get draining, after all, if all you ever do is a rinse and repeat of the same dinner and a movie formula. Even worse, enough hours spent chatting up strangers across from interchangeable restaurant tables, and your dating life can start to feel like a series of job interviews.
Enter: the best first date ideas for people who want to get more out of their Thursday or Saturday night — and, in the process, potentially form a more exciting connection with someone, too. From adventurous daytime dates to less-expected nighttime rendezvous options, you’re sure to find something that floats your (perhaps literal) boat below, regardless of what ultimately happens with Alex from Tinder.
But hey, if they play their (again possibly literal) cards right — several of these would make great second date contenders, too! (You can also check out questions to ask a guy and/or questions to ask a girl.)
The most important question in planning a first date
Let’s just say this comes from a bit of experience. While planning where to go on a date, it’s likely one person is handling more of the planning than the other. If you’re the person handling the logistics: Is there anything you hate doing or would never do again? While most first date ideas aren’t going to venture into the risky or even adventurous, you never know if someone has an especially horrific memory tied to a failed game of mini golf or a deep fear of water. It’s a simple question that will help you learn a bit more about the person, and help that date go off without a hitch.
Ok, moving on to the best first date ideas…
In this article you’ll find:
Adventurous first date ideas
1. Go rock climbing.
There are plenty of rock climbing gyms around the country, and chances are there’s one within driving distance. Make sure and keep it to a gym, though, especially if either of you have never rock climbed before. Safety first!
2. Ride a rollercoaster.
Sure, anyone can go to an amusement park, but it takes some guts to hop on a rollercoaster. Make a point to tackle the most adrenaline-inducing rides in the park, and finish the day off with some ice cream or funnel cake.
3. Take a trapeze class.
Workout classes are fun, but opt for something neither of you has done (this is where the adventure comes into play). Trapeze is a beautiful artform and it’s likely neither of you will master it in one class—all the more reason for a second date.
4. Challenge them to a go kart race.
Much like roller coasters, it takes someone with a sense of humor to really get into a go kart race.
5. Go zip-lining.
What better way to see some beautiful scenery than while flying through the air screaming your face off?
6. Try to set a world record.
If you’re not as set on looking for places to go on a first date and you want to make sure the activity is memorable, here’s one you can do from home. Maybe you’re looking to beat the record for the most socks put on a single foot in 30 seconds (the record is 28). Perhaps arranging the alphabet from a can of Alphabet Spaghetti as fast as possible is more your speed (try to beat 3:21). There’s a world of opportunity here.
7. Visit an indoor trampoline park.
You’re definitely going to work up an appetite with this date idea, so make sure you’ve got lunch or dinner plans in the works. Some trampoline parks have hours set aside for adults, meaning you can jump around without running into a kids’ party.
8. Make an appointment with a fortune teller.
For a different kind of adventure, take some time to look into the future. Whether you believe it or not, it’ll serve as some great dinnertime conversation.
9. Head to the roller rink.
The only thing that’s better than getting into a groove on rollerskates (don’t worry, everyone looks funny for the first 30 minutes or so) is the roller rink playlist. This is pure fun where no one worries about looking like a professional skater.
10. Book a hot-air balloon ride.
This one may be a bit tougher for those not located in areas where this is available, but if you are… This will be one first date you won’t forget.
11. Find your way out of an escape room.
Escape rooms are as fun as you make them. If and when things start to get tense, remember: It’s just a game.
12. Plan a mushroom foraging afternoon.
If you’re both into food but you don’t want to do the usual dinner and a movie plan, look into an afternoon mushroom foraging in a park with a guide. It’s best to go with someone experienced, as they will know what is and isn’t edible. If you’re located in a big city with large parks, you can even reach out to the parks service to see if there’s an approved tour on the calendar that you can join.
13. Break some stuff at a wreck room.
There’s nothing more romantic than surrounding yourself in a room of old tech and a pair of hammers or mallets. Right? Right.
14. Slip on some snowshoes.
Going on a hike is always a good idea, but it’s not the easiest thing to do during the winter months. Make it a double date and rent some snowshoes. Make sure to dress warm in layers and bring a pair of binoculars for winter birdwatching.
15. Learn a magic trick.
Even if there isn’t a magic school—or a willing magician—nearby to teach you a few tricks, you can each look one up online (this is great if you’re looking for cheap first date ideas). After you’ve mastered your trick, meet at a park to show off your new skills… and then teach others what you’ve learned.
16. Fly a kite together.
Ok, so this isn’t super adventurous necessarily, but it gets you out into the elements. Find a beach, a field, hey, even a backyard, and you’re good to go. The most fun part will be choosing which kite to fly.
17. Book a boxing class.
Take a good ol’ fashioned exercise class up a notch for your first date. If you and your potential partner are both into exercising, booking a fun boxing (or kickboxing class) is a great way to get your blood pumping and see if there’s any chemistry. Even if there isn’t, at least you both go a good workout in.
18. Go Geocaching.
Did you know there are millions of geocaches hidden around the world? This recreational activity is basically like a massive easter egg hunt where people use their phone to find containers hidden by other people. Trust me, it’s more fun than it sounds. All you need to get started is the Geocaching app.
19. Play laser tag.
Nothing says romance quite like fighting off hordes of kids at your local laser tag spot. Seriously though, there’s nothing more fun than coming up with code names and developing a strategy together—plus, this activity can gauge how well you’ll work together as a couple. If you succeed, Operation First Kiss might be a go.
20. Scale a skyscraper.
So…this one only really works if you’re going on a first date in a city, but it is definitely up there on “most adventurous first dates.” You can tell a lot about a person if they’re willing to dangle off the side of a 1,000-foot building with you.
21. Go indoor skydiving.
Indoor skydiving spots have been popping up all around the country. It’s a lot more affordable than jumping out of a plane—and probably a whole lot safer. This is a great option for anyone who wants to put their new romance to the test.
22. Book a horseback ride.
If you really want to impress your date, take them on a romantic horseback ride. Nothing says “love” quite like riding off into the sunset together.
23. Learn how to surf.
Living next to the ocean means you have the unique opportunity to book a surf lesson. Take advantage of something you both have probably always wanted to learn and never had the chance to try. Even if the relationship doesn’t work out, you’ll have learned a new skill!
24. Go snorkeling.
Speaking of beachside activities, snorkeling is a fun first date activity that can bring you both closer together. Count how many different fish you see—make it a competition if you dare…
25. Go skiing.
If your first date is in the middle of winter and you live near a mountain, there’s literally no better first date activity than skiing (or snowboarding). You can take cute pics on the ski lift together and share a yummy hot cocoa afterwards.
Fun first date ideas
1. Go to an arcade.
It’s fun, it’s casual, and it’s a perfect opportunity to see how this person holds up to you absolutely creaming them in pinball.
2. Visit an aquarium.
When’s the last time you actually went to one? That’s kind of what we thought. A first date could be your perfect excuse!
3. Outsmart them at trivia night.
Trivia can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it takes some of the pressure off a first date since there’s pretty much guaranteed to be banter material supplied. On the other hand, if you’re not feeling your date and want to call it quits early — that’s a little harder to do mid-trivia round. Choose wisely.
4. Take a hike.
If your dating app filters are open to cis-het men, they’ve probably got a photo of themselves hiking anyway. (I don’t make the rules.) See if their money is where their mouth is!
5. Challenge them to a karaoke-off.
Not everything’s a competition (despite my use of “cream them,” “outsmart them” and “challenge them” this early into the list). But taking bets on who gets the better crowd response to their karaoke song can add a fun layer to the night.
6. Break out your ice skates.
Or, you know, go to a rink that rents them.
7. Listen to live music.
Make plans for a second date based on nothing other than the fact you couldn’t actually hear each other for your entire first date.
8. Take them dancing.
You get to choose what that means. Salsa? Swing? The Shrek-themed dance party inexplicably happening this weekend in my neighborhood? Anything could happen!
9. Head to the zoo.
Maybe it’ll revive your childhood enthusiasm for zoo outings. Maybe you’ll notice for the first time as an adult just how small the habitats and cages are.
10. Go to the ballgame.
I suppose I mean baseball here, but any sporting event that involves balls and/or nets works!
11. Go to a hockey game.
Having just thought of a sport that involves not a ball but a puck, this is going on the fun first dates list, too.
12. Go on a big bike ride.
Throw some picnic supplies into a backpack and off you go!
13. Try out a new cafe.
A cozy new cafe can provide the perfect atmosphere for some get-to-know-you banter..
14. Head to the dog park.
Don’t have a dog? Don’t need one! I’m pretty sure Abbi and Ilana did this in Broad City and it went well for them.
15. Go to a drag show.
This should really be topping any list of fun first dates. Go support your local queer scene (and the queens who perform in it). Whoever's song pick gets performed first buys dinner later.
16. Play “Would You Rather?”
Yes, yes. We know this is something you’d likely play for a few minutes rather than the span of a whole date. But why not take the conversational pressure off for a spell by breaking out a throwback game of Would You Rather, Truth or Dare, 21 Questions or Never Have I Ever?
17. Strike a flirty mood while bowling.
But maybe spare your date from your extremely bad bowling puns.
18. Ride a rollercoaster.
A ferris wheel is an acceptable alternative. During your ride, one of you can exit the ferris wheel car, dangle in front of the other and demand a second date, since we can all recognize that as romantic and fully hinged behavior.
19. Rent jet skis.
While maybe not the most practical of suggestions for all reading this list — my roommate-slash-best-friend and I have been trying to rent jet skis for at least a year, and we live by the ocean — imagine being the person to suggest this for a first date and pull it off! Magic.
20. Meet at a bookstore.
Go full Rory Gilmore on them.
21. Check out a thrift store.
Make a game of finding each other the best (or wackiest) outfit for under $25.
22. Play putt putt.
Evoke the date Shauna and Adam go on in Yellowjackets and hope for a happier ending!
23. Try a cuisine neither of you has had before.
While it’s not not your typical dinner date, this still adds at least a little adventure to your evening (and your palette) while allowing for ample get-to-know-you time, too.
24. See an improv show.
Nothing brings two people together better than a comedy show—especially if said comedy show is full of undergrads hoping to make a name for themselves.
25. Go to a silent disco.
Seriously, they look sort of weird, but these are actually the most fun dance parties ever. 10/10 highly recommend.
26. Go to karaoke.
Let loose and have a little fun at a local karaoke spot. If things are going well, you might even dare to duet.
27. Play video games.
Whether you’re long distance or together playing Xbox, playing video games is a great first date idea. If they’re newbies to the world of video gaming, you can always teach them the ropes, which is a fun way to see if they’re open to your hobbies.
28. Book a painting class.
This will earn extra points for any artist. Plus, you get to keep the painting you make in class, which is a cute way to commemorate your date.
29. See a local play (or musical!).
Speaking of arts, it’s a fun idea to support your local thespians by attending their plays and musicals. Whether it’s good or bad, you’ll have lots to talk about at dinner afterwards.
30. Solve a murder mystery.
There are tons of games that let you set up a murder mystery at home—all you need are a few friends to help this first date idea come to life. It’s a bit more informal, but a ton of fun!
Cute first date ideas
1. Go antiquing.
Even if your date’s a dud, you’re still going to come out of this one with something new for your walls! Make a game of finding each other the kitchiest under-$20 item you can.
2. Pick out library books for each other.
This one has definitely got to be a multi-stop date, since you can’t really, you know, converse at length in a library above a certain decibel.
3. Go on a picnic.
A picnic is gold-star date material for a reason — even more so because you don’t have to put a ton of thought or effort into it for it to feel elevated from your standard movie date. Plus, if you’re one of the many who invested in better picnicking supplies during the pandemic, you’re kind of just pointblank required to suggest this.
4. Visit a botanical garden.
Ah. A classic among cute first date ideas.
5. Go for a long walk.
Another low-effort suggestion that can score you “I don’t need a capital-P Plan to have fun” points. Plus, you’ll get your steps in.
6. Plan a night at the carnival.
Even if you don’t live near a permanent carnival or amusement park, traveling parking-lot carnivals are pretty ubiquitous. Get cotton candy. Win a stuffed bear. Live your best is-it-a-first-date-or-corny-music-video life!
7. Go stargazing.
Download a constellation-spotting app and you’re set.
8. Check out a nearby flea market or tag sales.
Antiquing certainly doesn’t always veer upscale, but can. This one’s for the real rummagers out there.
9. Go for pie.
Or cheesecake. Or tiramisu. Or cookies. Pick a dessert category and, if things are going well, head to a few different spots for a progressive dessert tour.
10. Go for ice cream, with a view of the water.
While getting ice cream could totally be its own standalone thing, kick it up a notch with a water view — any water view!
11. Head to the drive-in.
We do realize: this one’s maybe a little more intimate than your usual first-date material. You wanted cute places to go on a first date, though! (In sum: maybe save this one for first dates with people you’ve already spent in-person, off-app time with.)
12. Meet at a record store.
Go full Before Sunrise with it and sneak a kiss (if you both want to!) in the listening booth.
13. Volunteer to walk shelter dogs.
A lot of shelters rely on volunteers to ensure their canine residents get enough exercise and fresh air, and that combo of sweet and genuinely helpful makes this outdoor activity an ideal first date.
14. Do breakfast for dinner.
There’s something pretty timeless about a diner date. Plus, the chance to get pancakes? You’ve already won.
15. Stage your own chocolate tasting.
At a park or on a roof, DIY it for a low-key date that still shows you put some thought into the occasion.
16. Seek out the best sunset spot.
Probably this involves finding one of the higher vantage points near where you live. Scout out some spots in advance and you’ll have a few different first date contenders!
17. Build a fire.
Let the ambience and the s’mores you’re undoubtedly making do the most of the work for you.
18. Check out your local farmer’s market.
It’s cute, and it’s basically running errands. Perfect!
19. Go sledding.
Obviously there’s some seasonal specificity to this one, unless you’re Nathan Fielder on The Rehearsal, in which case winter could be whenever.
20. Go somewhere with a jukebox.
And if that’s simply your nearest Waffle House, good! A jukebox and pancakes means you’ve jumped up a level.
21. Make a meal together.
This one, too, might be a little too chummy for some people’s first-date threshold. Which is A.O.K.! But if you’re at least somewhat acquainted with the person and both like to cook, why not bypass the whole interviewing-each-other-at-an-overpriced-restaurant vibe entirely.
22. Go to a petting zoo.
If your date is a huge animal lover, they’ll be obsessed with this cute first date idea. It’ll let them pet all their favorite animals while getting to know you better. It’s a win-win scenario.
23. Paint pottery.
Painting pottery is a super cute way for you both to express your own creativity. Maybe you make a commemorative plate to celebrate your first date or you decorate mugs for each other.
24. Get a massage.
Sometimes there’s no better first date than easing the stress of the day away. Book a couple’s massage, complete with relaxing essential oils and romantic candles. Alternatively, you could always book a spa day for you both!
25. Take a sunset cruise.
Umm…need we say more?
Unique first date ideas
1. Go to a wrestling match.
The theater of it all! Even if the thought of purposefully watching wrestling makes you scoff, there’s always a chance the high-octane crowds will agree with you more than you’d think. (Definitely not speaking from experience here.)
2. Get your palms read.
Make your date wait outside so they can’t hear whatever this person is about to tell you about your love line.
3. Have a board game tournament.
Line up your favorite games and challenge your date to a match.
4. Go bird watching.
I include this only in the highly probable event that the next person to ask out my best friend Adam reads this. If that’s you, take Adam bird watching. Thank you.
5. Play shuffleboard or skeeball.
See also: pool, darts, foosball, bocce or whatever your nearest games spot is hawking.
6. Go to whatever the most random, wackiest-themed museum in your area is.
Every city’s got one.
7. Rig up your own outdoor movie.
Have a yard, a white sheet, and roughly $75 for an outdoor projector you’ll definitely use outside the context of this one date? You’ve got a whole evening planned. \
8. Get a tarot card reading.
Slip The Lovers card to the top of the deck like the card shark you secretly are.
9. Find a walking tour.
If you live in a mid-sized or slightly larger city, there’s bound to be one — whether it’s a street art tour, a ghost tour, or a local history tour.
10. Head to a rock-climbing wall.
Or, if you’re feeling especially adventurous, try bungee jumping.
11. Visit a cat cafe.
Revel in the perfection of your choice.
12. Go to a live podcast recording.
While these are a bit likelier to happen in bigger cities, a lot of podcast hosts today go on the road to do live recordings from new locations. Keep an eye on where your favorite podcasters are headed!
13. Play poker.
Do your best impression of Halle in The Parent Trap (circa 1998) and call whatever’s in your hand a royal flush (in their honor, of course).
14. Find a pool.
Whether it’s a neighborhood or community pool or one of the hotel variety — a lot of hotels will sell day passes for pool access only! — beat the heat together with this honestly ideal first date.
15. Plan your own food tour.
Is this effectively the same thing as doing a progressive dinner? Yes. Yes, it is.
16. Take a class.
Any kind of class! Intro to ceramics. A cooking class. Acrobatics. You name it.
17. Go ziplining.
Live near a lot of trees? There’s probably a ziplining course nearby. That’s just how this works.
18. Go on a scooter or Vespa ride.
By this we most likely mean: rent one. A lot of cities are getting ride-share e-scooter options.
19. Do the No. 1 most touristy activity in your area.
In my hometown, this would mean visiting a giant, golden disco ball that was featured in exactly one episode of The Simpsons. What’s your town’s equivalent?
20. Pick out flash tattoos for each other.
Bold. We know. Unique first date ideas were promised, after all! And it could make for a good story?
21. Watch the worst scary movie you can think of.
And there are some bad ones out there. Make a hate-watch night of it.
22. Play paintball.
Go for a round of paintball 10 Things I Hate About You-style. Read passive-aggressive poetry to each other after.
23. Take them line dancing.
Do I only think of this as something people have access to because I’m from the south?
24. Get on a boat, someway, somehow.
Maybe that’s a canoe. Maybe it’s a kayak, a ferry ride, or a sailboat. Figure it out. Make it happen.
25. Hex the Supreme Court together.
Now that’s grounds for romance.
26. Go ghost hunting.
If you’re both into the paranormal, booking a haunted tour is an excellent (and totally unique) first date idea.
27. Get your aura read.
Much like palm and tarot reading, getting your aura read is a fun way to learn more about each other. Plus, you each get to bring home a photo of your auras to keep.
28. Play ping pong.
Book an hour at your local ping pong spot for some lighthearted first date competition. Loser buys dinner!
29. Step into a new reality.
Try out one of the many new VR arcades that have been popping up around the country. This is a fun way to step out of the real world, even if it’s just for an hour or two.
30. Go ax throwing.
Alright, this one is probably going to require adult consent, but it’s a fun first date idea for anyone willing to try something new. I mean…who wouldn’t want to pretend to be a lumberjack for a day?
Let us slide into your DMs. Sign up for the Teen Vogue daily email.
Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out:
Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
