The first date is the most important one you’ll have with someone. If you want to make it memorable, here are 15 awesome things to do on a first date.
Dinner and a movie is a great date… if you’ve been together for a long time and don’t want to put any effort into thinking of something fun and exciting to do. Dinner and a movie is easy, typical, and very predictable –three impressions you DON’T want to make on your first date.
When you’re thinking about things to do on a first date, you should get creative and put a lot of effort into it. You have to show the person you’re interested in that they’re worth your time, and that you’re willing to step out of the box in order to show them a good time.
Why are first dates so important?
Your first date is so important for many reasons. First, it’s really your only shot to make an impression and get them to like you. Not only will you have this one date to show them who you are, but you also have to spend it getting to know them, too.
If you mess up the first date, you’re kind of screwed. And if you blow it, the other person won’t be willing to give you another chance. On the other hand, if you screw up on the 3rd date, they would probably not end it because they liked you the first two times you went out.
The best things to do on a first date
You never want to make it boring, because that would be one of the worst things to do on a first date. That’s a huge mistake right away. You should always cater to their likes and be sure that you do something fun that also gives you a chance to interact with them. [Read: Ways to perfect your first date conversation]
If you’re running low on first date ideas, or you’re just not very creative when it comes to first dates, these ideas can help you out. Here are the best things to do on a first date that will almost guarantee a second date.
#1 Go-carting. Who doesn’t love sitting in a tiny vehicle and driving super fast down a track? I know I do, and I bet your date would love it, too.
It’s also been proven that if you do something involving adrenaline and competition on the first date, they will subconsciously associate those exciting things with you, making it the best date ever.
#2 Jump on trampolines. This is one of the most fun things to do on a first date. And trampolines aren’t just for little kids, you know. There are plenty of us adults who love it and think it’s super fun!
Just make sure they know that you’re planning some physical exercise as part of the date so they can dress appropriately. But getting them out and having fun like this on a first date will have them smiling the whole time. [Read: What to do to have the perfect first date]
#3 Ice skating. This is a classic date that’s also really fun and makes a perfect atmosphere to get to know someone. You can lean on them to help you skate, or you can show off if you’re good at skating. Either way, they’ll have a great time.
#4 A picnic with a view. Don’t just take your date on any ordinary picnic in the park. Instead, take them on a date somewhere they’ll never forget.
Go to a rooftop, hike up to the mountains with a view, or just go to the beach so they can take in the ocean. This is fun, intimate, and they’ll love it. [Read: Best and worst venues for romantic picnics]
#5 Go to an amusement park. Remember what I said about adrenaline and first dates? Well, this is the perfect place to go! Just make sure your date isn’t afraid of rollercoasters before taking them there. But if they like them, they’ll have a great time.
#6 Go to a museum that they’ve never been to. If your date is into history, art, or learning in general, go to a museum that they’ve never been to. By showing them something new and catering to their interests, you’ll earn major bonus points. [Read: Types of dates men hate but will never say so]
#7 Go on a little road trip to a small, amazing restaurant. This more exciting than just having dinner. This is taking a little road trip, stopping at fun places along the way, and getting to know your date better.
#8 Stay in and cook together. There’s something really romantic about cooking dinner together. Buy all the groceries and make a meal from scratch together. And then make dessert! It gives you two plenty of time to talk, be close, and have fun. [Read: First date questions to have a great conversation]
#9 Take a dance class. It doesn’t matter how terrible both of you are at dancing, go take a class! You can bond over your mutual suckage or you can learn something really fun together and that will strengthen your bond.
#10 Go berry picking – and make a pie. Berry picking is a great first date because it gives both of you the opportunity to get to know each other AND you can go home and bake a pie together for more first date fun. [Read: Harsh dating tips to make dating work for you]
#11 Go for a hot air balloon ride. If you have the means to go for a hot air balloon ride as a first date, DO IT. This is not only really fun *and you’ll have an amazing view*, but you’ll be in close contact – AND adrenaline will make it that much better.
#12 Go on a hike. If your date is the sporty type and likes to hike, then go for a hike together. This gives you plenty of time to talk, get to know each other, and you can even pack a picnic if you want.
It will also help them see that you really take their interests to heart and find them important. That will make them see you as a potential boyfriend or girlfriend instead of just a date. [Read: Easy dating advice for introverts]
#13 Go to a medieval festival. Obviously, this would depend on whether or not there’s one in town. But if there is, you’re in luck!
Going to a medieval festival – or any festival in general – allows you both the opportunity to walk around and get to know each other, and you’ll also have something else to keep you entertained.
#14 Go to three different restaurants for appetizers, dinner, and dessert. This is seriously SUCH a fun date, because it is a twist on your classic dinner date.
You can go to three different places – one for appetizers, another for dinner, and the last one for dessert. You’ll be able to discuss the food in each place along with getting to know each other.
#15 Volunteer together. You should never plan to do this just because you think it’ll make you look better. You should only do this if you genuinely are someone that likes to volunteer and wants to get them involved in something you care about.
If that’s you, then take them to volunteer! This will show them that you’re caring and compassionate, and it’ll make both of you feel really good during the date. If you make them feel good about themselves on the first date, they’re more likely to come back for more.
[Read: Top 50 amazing first date ideas to wow your date]
The first date is the most important point in any budding relationship. It’ll either seal the deal for your relationship, or it could be the breaking point. If you try one of these things to do on a first date, you’re virtually guaranteed a second.
