Something Fun to Do on a First Date

Looking for something fun to do on a first date? Try these tips!
Ever been nervous on a first date? Join the club! First dates can be a roller-coaster ride of nerves.
But here’s the thing: they don’t have to be so serious. Sure, this can be your chance for a real relationship. But remember – it’s only the first date. In an article for Time, Myisha Battle, dating coach and author, suggests that first dates are for seeing if there’s anything of interest, a spark, between you and your date.
They’re not a guarantee of anything more.
That’s why it’s important that you have something fun to do on a first date. Having a fun activity at the center of the date inspires interaction and encourages relaxation.
Spontaneous Date Ideas
With that said, you’d want to have a list of spontaneous date ideas handy. That way, you’ll keep things interesting.
Going bowling
To kick things off, you and your date could go bowling. It is the perfect mix of casual and competitive, without going to either extreme. And, of course, it’s a whole lot of fun!
It’s a laidback activity that allows you to be yourselves. You can also enjoy each other’s company without the pressure of a formal setting.
And not only is it something fun to do on a first date, but it also provides ample opportunities to talk and get to know each other. You could say, it gets the ball rolling.
Going to the arcade
Keeping in the spirit of light competition, you could also take your date to the arcade.
If you and your date are open to it, an arcade provides a wide selection of competitive games for both of you to enjoy. It’s fun for the same reasons as bowling, but the variety of games means your experience is truly your own.
Arcades are also well-known for their accessibility. The games available are easy to learn and play.
Adventure Date Ideas
If you’re tired of screens and bright, shiny lights, no need to worry. This next one falls under the umbrella of adventure date ideas.
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Alt Text: a couple resting after a bike ride, one of their adventure date ideas
Caption: Adventure date ideas can involve something sporty or outdoorsy.
Going on a bike ride
You can take your partner out on a bike ride. If you can find a quiet and safe biking lane, it’s a great way to get to know your date without the humdrum of loud noises. It helps to take the edge off as an active date idea while remaining fun and affordable.
But as it is an active sport, consider your date’s preferences first. So, be sure your date is willing to put in a little sweat and elbow grease on your first outing. Also, pick a route and pace that suits you both.
Going rock climbing
If you’re looking to up the ante of adventure, rock climbing is also a good idea. It provides something fun to do on a first date but with a dash of challenge.
But this may not be the best choice for everyone. There’s also greater risk of injury involved. But if you’re both up to it, it presents many openings to be close to each other. There’s also loads of time to talk in between climbs.
On a first date, it is recommended you go indoor climbing. That way, you can get a reservation for a guided climb. This is especially recommended if you’re inexperienced.
Classic Date Ideas
Classics are such for a reason: they work. For first dates, there’s something undeniably romantic about sharing a candlelit dinner or just sharing a special activity, one reserved for social occasions together.
Going to a museum or an art gallery
If you and your date like art, history, or culture, then a date at a museum or an art gallery is your best bet. It offers something fun to do on a first date, while also providing a good learning experience.
Museums encourage laughter and intellectually stimulating conversation. It can be something fun to do on a first date to learn and explore while getting to know your date.
Going on a coffee or tea date
Do you prefer to stay put on a first date? Do exhibits in a museum or art gallery not compare to your date? Then why not enjoy the simplicity of a coffee or tea date?
You can unwind and relax because coffee or tea dates offer a low-pressure environment. It also tends to be inexpensive. It’s definitely cheaper than buying your first date dinner!
The fun is in the conversations you will be having with your date.The casual and relaxed atmosphere makes it easier to chat and get comfortable. The best part? You can easily end the date if you think they’re not a good fit, and extend it if things are going well!
Joining trivia night
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Trivia nights are fun and they’re also among funny first date ideas that you can impress your date with.
Do you enjoy trivia? Then if you and your date are up for it, joining trivia night at the local pub might be the right fit for your first date! It’s the chief of funny first date ideas.
It’s a great way to break the ice and get to know someone in a fun, relaxed setting. And the trivia game offers many opportunities for conversation. It might even reveal interests and preferences you share with your date.
Note that trivia night is mostly held in pubs. These places can be loud, which makes it difficult to have deep conversations with your date. Still, keep it on the backburner as something fun to do on a first date, if you’re willing.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, you have so many choices for something fun to do on a first date. It’s just a matter of picking out the right ones for you and your date.
If you and your date don’t know each other that well just yet, it helps to have an idea of what to do already. This is especially helpful if you’re the one who asked them out. That will show them that you’ve prepared for this occasion.
But if you and your date are already well-acquainted, even if this is your first date, then feel free to ask your date if they have any ideas! You don’t have to do any sort of guesswork. It can even be a fun, lighthearted exchange of ideas between you two.
Remember, the goal of the first date isn’t to make a final commitment to a relationship. It’s to figure out whether you’re even compatible enough that you’d like to go out on a second date with each other.
Treat each other well and have fun!
References
Battle, Myisha. 2024. “Stop Taking First Dates So Seriously.” Time, August 21, 2024. https://time.com/7012203/first-dates-not-serious-essay/.