78 First Date Ideas That Are Actually Fun
First dates are an important milestone in any relationship, with the butterflies and nervous blunders something that you will reminisce on for years to come!
When you ask someone out, there’s the expectation to come up with a first date idea that will blow them away — with most people going all out to try and impress. While we all enjoy the classic renditions of first dates, it can be fun to steer from the status quo when you’re first getting to know your partner!
So, if you’ve been stumped on where to take your crush, we’ve got the best first-date ideas for you to try!
How do you ask someone on a first date?
Plucking up the courage to ask someone on a first date can feel like an Olympic sport in itself! Unlike in times past, it’s becoming rarer and rarer to have to ask someone in person — with DM’s and dating apps doing the hard work for us!
However, if you do have to ask someone on a first date in person, there’s no need to read into it too much! Try leading with a cheesy pick-up line to break the ice, or simply spark up a conversation with your crush before suggesting you get together sometime.
It can be as formal or as casual as you like!
What are some first-date tips?
Okay, so they said yes! With your first date looming, this is where the real nerves can kick in — but don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Be present: With all the build-up, it’s easy to get lost in the excitement of the moment — especially if you have a crush on your date! However, it’s important to show genuine interest in your date and not come across as side-tracked or disengaged. Avoid distractions and any dating faux pas (like constantly checking your phone!)
Keep the conversation 50/50: Almost by reflex, nerves on a first date can make us non-stop chatter about ourselves! Remember to keep the conversation balanced by asking your date questions. After all, it’s all about getting to know one another!
Shake off the nerves: Dating can be nerve-wracking, but it should also be enjoyable! Opt for a date that you feel comfortable with so that you can focus on enjoying the other person’s company.
Watch your body language: Non-verbal cues can be just as telling as your words! Try and keep eye contact with your date, showing your interest and engagement with the conversation.
Be yourself: Everyone wants to impress on a first date, but that doesn’t mean that you should put on an act just because you think they will like that! Win them over by being your perfect self — that’s a surefire recipe for success.
Should you kiss on the first date?
While dating involves certain etiquette, you shouldn’t feel restricted by any dating rules! If you’ve hit it off with your first date, there’s no reason you can’t share a smooch at the end of the night.
Make sure that you’re both comfortable with whatever you’re doing and try not to overthink it — if it feels right, go for it!
What are some good first-date ideas?
There are an abundance of things to do on a first date — from the low-key to the quirky!
When you’re thinking about what to do on a first date, remember to choose something that you’re both excited and comfortable with. Even if it feels cliche, it will help ease your nerves as you focus on learning all about each other!
Or if you’re feeling more confident, it can be rewarding to push each other out of your comfort zone with an adventurous date! No matter what you’re in the mood for — we’ve got you covered.
Fun first-date ideas
Bowling Night: This old-school date harks back to the ’50s, but it certainly hasn’t lost its appeal! Put on your chunky bowling shoes and make the most of this opportunity for a bit of friendly competition!
Visiting a Bookstore: For the bookworms amongst us, exploring a new bookshop is the perfect first date activity — as you both trade book recommendations and share stories.
Local Farmers Market Stroll: If you have a farmers market in your area, it makes for a lovely weekend date idea, and doesn’t have to revolve around a big night out!
Attending a Live Music Gig: If you’ve been texting someone for a while, they may have mentioned their favorite type of music or band! With this perfect opportunity on a platter, it would be a shame not to go see them if they come to town!
Aquarium Visit: This date is the perfect way to pass a few hours with your first date, with plenty of time for good conversation as you explore the exhibits.
Attending a Local Festival or Fair: Embrace the local culture and festivities and take your first date to a local fair!
Mini Golf: Another fun and playful activity to let your competitive streak out. We think it’s first-date etiquette to let them win… but we’ll leave that one to you!
Outdoor Movie Screening: If you’re blessed with good weather, this can be a nice twist on the classic movie date — even if you have to snuggle up to stay warm.
Visiting a Planetarium: Want to shoot for the stars? Take stargazing to the next level by visiting your local planetarium. (It worked for Ross & Rachel after all!)
Karaoke Night: If you want to break the ice, this fun activity is a winner every time! Warm up with a few stellar solo performances before diving into that duet — it worked for Troy & Gabriella!
Cute first-date ideas
Ice Cream or Dessert Date: If a dinner date feels like too much pressure, how about just dessert? Enjoy some treats and great conversation — perfect if you have a sweet tooth!
Sunset Watching: Romantic and serene, watching the sunset together makes for a great first date. Make sure to bring some blankets to make sure your date doesn’t get cold!
Brunch Date: Everyone loves a bit of brunch, whether you want to have mimosas or not! Choosing to have a first date in this setting could also help set a more relaxed tone, especially if you’re a bit nervous.
Visiting an Animal Shelter: For animal lovers, a chance to bond over petting and playing with animals is guaranteed to go down well! It may be slightly too soon to adopt a puppy together though.
Visit a Cat Café: Are you fond of your feline friends? Spend the afternoon getting to know your date surrounded by cats and copious amounts of caffeine!
Romantic first-date ideas
Dinner at a Cozy Restaurant: This may seem like a cliche, but a dinner date at a nice restaurant is a classic choice for a reason! Also, while most people opt for drinks instead of dinner, going all out could make a good first impression.
Movie Night: Dinner and a movie, a tradition that spans back to our grandparents' era. This also might be a good second date option, if you’re too busy chit-chatting through the movie the first time around!!
Walk in the Park: If you’ve got the jitters about your date, getting out into the fresh air could be just what you need! Grab a coffee and get the conversation flowing.
Coffee Shop Conversations: The charm of a casual coffee date never loses its appeal, but prepare for a caffeine buzz if you want to extend this meet-up!
Museum or Art Gallery Visits: Culturally enriching experiences are better enjoyed with a date by your side. The art also provides a great icebreaker, with constant inspiration for chatter all around you!
Picnic in a Scenic Locale: A timeless romantic gesture with a whole lot of charm. Pack your basket full of sweet treats and spend a few hours snacking & chatting!
Go Stargazing: What’s more romantic than stargazing? If you want to impress your date from the start, bring them to a quiet spot with a view of the stars. Bring all the first-date supplies you think you’ll need, and prepare to chat for hours.
Adventurous first-date ideas
Hiking and Nature Trails: Choose a scenic trail that matches your fitness levels and enjoy the beauty of nature while engaging in meaningful conversations.
Amusement Park Thrills: Well they do say that relationships are a rollercoaster! Spend a day filled with excitement and laughter, trying out various rides and attractions, perfect for a playful and spirited date.
Kayaking or Canoeing: Share a kayak or canoe and explore local waterways. This idea is great for building teamwork and enjoying serene water environments.
Rock Climbing: Indoor or outdoor, rock climbing challenges your physical strength and trust in each other, making for a memorable experience.
Go for a Bike Ride: If you can both ride a bike (this is probably an important question to start with!), it can be really fun to go cycling on a first date. Stop along the way to catch your breath and keep the conversation going!
Zip-Lining Adventure: For thrill-seekers, zip-lining is a fun and exhilarating experience that will get your adrenaline pumping — with no time for awkward silences!
Horseback Riding: Even if you’re a beginner, horseback riding can be a romantic way to enjoy nature — with plenty of trails to enjoy!
Surfing Lessons: Catching waves together can be exhilarating and fun, perfect for beach lovers and those looking to try something new!
Go-Kart Racing: Fans of the F1? Indulge your competitive side with some friendly racing, with no road rage allowed!
Mountain Biking: Tackle trails and enjoy the thrill of mountain biking. It’s a great way to challenge yourselves and enjoy nature.
Roller Skating: This is another retro activity to try out on a first date, with giggles guaranteed. Even if your balance is a bit off, you can always clutch onto each other!
Laser Tag: Tag you’re it! Enjoy a fun date night with your partner, even if it’s spent chasing them around!
Dance Class: You may need a good sense of humor for this one, but your lack of coordination could actually be quite endearing! Or, if you want to get more romantic, a bit of slow dancing never goes amis.
Axe-Throwing: Now this is getting adventurous! Taking your first date axe-throwing may seem like an odd choice, but it’s certainly a date to remember.
Escape Room: Want to know if you and your first date will work well together? This is the perfect first date to see how you gel with your partner, with your analytical skills put to the test!
Trampoline Park: Spending your first date jumping around? A workout and a cute date all in one!
Creative first-date ideas
Pottery Class: Get your hands dirty and create something together in a pottery class. It's a fun way to learn a new skill and show off your creative side!
Paint and Sip Night: Attend a guided painting session while enjoying a glass of wine. It's a relaxing environment to chat and show off your artistic abilities!
Photography Walk: Take a camera and go on a walk to capture interesting moments or scenes. This is great for sharing perspectives and seeing things through each other's eyes.
Cooking Class: Join a cooking class to learn a new recipe together! It's a great way to bond and enjoy the fruits of your labor afterward. If all goes well, you can even whip out your newfound skills for your second date.
DIY Craft Workshop: Attend a workshop where you can make something unique, like candles or jewelry. It's a fun way to create a lasting memory of your date!
Attend a Poetry Reading: Enjoy spoken word performances and discuss your favorite pieces. Bonus points if you write a sonnet for your date after!
Outdoor Sketching Session: Find a scenic spot and sketch the landscape or each other. It’s a peaceful and creative way to spend time together.
Sandcastle Building: If you're near a beach, why not have a sandcastle-building contest? Be careful not to get swept off your feet by the tide (or your date!)
Homemade Pizza Night: Making pizza from scratch can be a fun and delicious activity, with little kitchen mishaps only adding to the fun!
Attend a Comedy Show: Looking for a fun date? Get ready to belly laugh with a comedy night. Sit front row for extra amusement!
Casual first-date ideas
Wine Tasting: Visit a local winery or wine bar to taste different wines. It's a sophisticated yet relaxed way to spend time together and get a bit of Dutch courage (in a very refined way!)
Spa Day Together: There’s nothing more chilled than a spa day! Book a couples' spa day for massages, facials, and relaxation. It's a great way to unwind and enjoy a serene environment together.
Stargazing Night: Find a quiet spot away from city lights to gaze at the stars. Bring a blanket and a telescope if you have one, and enjoy the tranquility of the night sky.
Beach Day Out: Spend a day at the beach, lounging, sunbathing, and enjoying the sound of the waves. It's a perfect setting for casual conversation and relaxation.
Visit a Butterfly House or Conservatory: Enjoy the serene beauty of butterflies and exotic plants in a conservatory. It’s a peaceful and picturesque environment for a date.
Attend a Yoga Class: Join a yoga class together for relaxation and mindfulness. It's a great way to de-stress and connect.
Candlelit Dinner at Home: Prepare a simple yet elegant dinner and enjoy it in the comfort of your home by candlelight.
Puzzle Solving Evening: Work on a large puzzle together. It's a quiet, engaging activity that allows for conversation and collaboration.
Quiet Scenic Drive: Take a drive through scenic routes or country roads, enjoying the views and each other’s company.
Explore Thrift Stores: This low-key date is the perfect time to get some style advice for your date, while naturally sparking an array of conversations!
Quirky first-date ideas
Ghost Tour: Explore the spookier side of your city with a ghost tour. It’s a fun way to learn about local legends and enjoy a slight thrill together.
Antique Shopping: Visit antique shops or flea markets to hunt for unique treasures. It's a great way to learn about each other's tastes and interests, while also picking up some cute mementos on the way!
Retro Arcade Night: Time to get your game face on! Spend an evening at a retro arcade and see who will be crowned the winner of Pacman!
Visit a Cat Café or Dog Café: Who doesn’t want to be surrounded by cute animals? Enjoy coffee and pastries in the company of furry friends, even if you have to accept that you’re not the cutest thing in the room.
Food Truck Hopping: Explore the local street food scene by visiting various food trucks. Try and get through as many different cuisines — but you may have to take some breaks to get it all in!
Mystery Dinner Theater: Enjoy a meal while solving a mystery. It’s interactive, entertaining, and gives you plenty to talk about!
Take a Segway Tour: Explore your city or a nearby area with a Segway tour. You may look a little dorky with your helmet on, but that’s part of the fun!
Visit a Virtual Reality Arcade: Experience different virtual worlds together. It’s an exciting way to try new and immersive experiences!
Seasonal first-date ideas
Ice Skating: If you have a local ice skating rink in your area, it would be rude not to take advantage of it! Bundle up and take to the ice with your partner for the perfect seasonal date — ending in hot chocolate and chats of course!
Haunted House Visit: Embrace the Halloween spirit by going to a haunted house. It's a thrilling way to bond over shared scares and laughter, perfect for a playful and exciting autumn date.
Winter Lights Festival: Attend a winter lights festival or a holiday market. The festive atmosphere, beautiful lights, and warm drinks make for a romantic and joyful winter experience.
Botanical Garden Tour: Visit a botanical garden to see the spring blooms. Admire the blooming flowers while chatting to your date, there are plenty of flower puns just waiting to be used!
Beach Bonfire: Organize a beach bonfire on a summer evening. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the warm weather, roast marshmallows, and listen to the sound of the waves.
Outdoor Concert: Find a local outdoor concert or music festival. Summer evenings are perfect for enjoying music under the stars, offering both entertainment and a chance to dance together!
At-home first date ideas
Netflix Roulette: While Netflix and Chill might seem super cliche, it doesn’t have to be! Set yourselves up for a movie marathon, or play Netflix Roulette — so you are spared the hassle of choosing what to watch!
Board Game Night: While date night might not be the time for Monopoly, playing a board game is a very low-key but fun way to pass an evening — even if strip poker has to wait until later!
Homemade Sushi Night: Try your hand at making sushi together. It's fun and interactive, and you get to enjoy a delicious meal afterward.
Indoor Camping: Set up a tent in the living room, complete with sleeping bags and a mock campfire! Share stories, make indoor s'mores, and enjoy a night of camping without any creepy crawlies or chills!
Home Wine Tasting: Get a selection of different wines, and some cheese, and enjoy an evening of tasting and chatting!
Couples Yoga Session: Do a yoga session together. There are plenty of online classes suitable for all levels, easily adaptable to couples yoga!
Video Game Night: Play video games together! Whether it's competitive gaming or cooperative play, it's a fun way to bond and challenge each other.
DIY Cocktail Making: Experiment with making your own cocktails. Try replicating your date's favorite drink, or get a bit experimental with your cocktail shaker!
What do you do for your second date?
If your first date was a success, it’s likely that you’ll want to raise the bar even higher for next time!
From adventurous date nights to something more low-key at home, there are endless options that offer the opportunity to get to know your partner on a deeper level.
However, what’s important to remember is that date nights should never be left behind, no matter what stage of the relationship you’re in. While they might seem like a hassle, they offer a unique opportunity to spend quality time with your partner — to step away from the stresses of everyday life and focus just on one another.
Even for our busy couples, there is no excuses! The Paired app offers couples the opportunity to foster their connection every single day, with so many meaningful conversations waiting to be discussed as you wait for your next date night.
