65 First Date Ideas to Help Spark a Love Connection
Check out 65 first date ideas to inspire you to have fun and find love!
First dates are loaded with emotion: Excitement, nerves, jitters and joy abound, as well as a sense of possibility and hope of what it may turn into, be it a great romance or just a hilarious story to share with your pals over cocktails later. Love these days is a little trickier, from meeting someone new to just managing to get together with minimal awkwardness but maximum safety. Get some first date ideas to inspire and spark romance.
First Date Ideas
1. Just do dinner!
There's a reason a dinner date is a classic. With no distractions other than something delicious, dinner is a great way to bond with a new potential partner.
2. Cook together
Go on a grocery run together and whip up something yummy. You'll get to know one another through the process and be able to enjoy the fruits of your labors together.
3. Go for a stroll
It's so simple, but walking side by side can actually help quell some of the anxiety and awkwardness usually associated with first date conversation. (This is also a great option for long-term couples who need to open their lines of communication!)
4. Walk shelter dogs
Of course, if one of you is allergic this is a no-go, but it's a great way to get to know each other, do a good deed, and see how your potential partner responds to a cute pooch. We all know dogs are great judges of character, so consider this part of the vetting process!
5. Get breakfast
Does dinner feel like too much pressure? Opt for the ultimate comfort food: Pancakes.
6. Make a sweet deal
Get out for some dessert! Hit up a local bakery, candy or ice cream shop and treat yourselves to something sweet.
7. Bust out the board games
A little friendly rivalry is a great way to break the ice, whether it's Monopoly, Taboo, Scattergories or good old Chutes n' Ladders.
Related: First Date Questions to Ask
8. Hit up an arcade
Whether you battle each other in Street Fighter or work together to beat a side-scroller, bonding over video games is a great way to garner laughs and bond.
9. Make it a movie night
Make a tub of popcorn, bust out some Twizzlers and pick out something new On Demand or streaming.
10. Have a paint and sip night
Bust out some vino or homemade cocktails and see what you guys can create together.
11. Solve a murder
True crime buffs and whodunit fans will enjoy working together on Hunt A Killer or several murder mystery online activities (many of which are compatible with video chatting).
12. Take a baking or cake decorating class
Learn to make your own cakes, cookies or pies from scratch, then gorge on your goodies.
13. Learn to dance
Whether it's salsa or the waltz, dance lessons are a great way to get close ... and if it doesn't work out, test your moves on the next person lucky enough to take you out!
14. Take a pottery class
Remember Ghost?
15. Go for a run
Those endorphins will make your sweat just look like shimmer.
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16. Volunteer together
Improve your karma and spread some love together.
17. Get each other gifts
A great way to get to know someone is to see how they think of others. Set a spending limit (say, $10) and see what you each come up with!
Related: Best Online Dating Apps for Women Over 40
18. Have a karaoke night (out or at home)
Find out their favorite songs and belt them out. Bonus points if you guys duet!
19. Go for a swim
Whether you live by water, have a pool or just live near a hotel that does, taking a dip can be a great time.
20. Get mani-pedis
Whether or not your date opts for polish is up to them, but you can't deny how great both of your hands and feet will feel when you're done.
21. Draw each other
Chances are you'll both notice things about each other that are super endearing! And if you're not artistically inclined, it'll make for a great laugh.
22. Laugh it up
Enjoy a night of standup and laughing together.
23. Enjoy a wine tasting
Here are a few fun wine tasting options!
24. Hit up a library or bookstore
Pick out books for one another and you'll have something to discuss on date two!
25. Go to a poetry reading
You'll both feel deep (or giggle at the awkwardness).
26. Take a hike
Literally! Being in nature and climbing a mountain (or just some hills) will not only get your endorphins going, but it will make you both feel accomplished and satisfied—which are great feelings to associate with one another.
27. Play Bingo
Not just for the old folk, bingo can be a great time and brings out a little healthy competition.
28. Show off your smarts with trivia
Whether it's a hosted trivia night, a game of Trivial Pursuit at home or just following and playing along with Jeopardy!, embracing one another's brains is a great way to keep you thinking ... about each other!
29. Build something great together
Whether it's a Lego project or a 2,000-piece puzzle, working together towards a common goal is a great way to connect.
30. Get a palm reading
Sure, it's probably bogus, but it's a great conversation starter.
31. Go apple, pumpkin or berry picking
Then make something tasty together when you finish.
32. Try ziplining
The adrenaline will get you both going, and you'll have plenty to discuss over lunch and drinks afterward.
Related: Flirty Texts for Him
33. Take a trapeze lesson
Whether or not you're athletic, you're bound to have a great time (and hold hands).
34. Make each other playlists
Get to know one another through your favorite tunes, then have a dance party.
35. Bust a move at a silent dance party
If you have two left feet, just keep your music at your silent disco to a different station than your date. They'll be none the wiser... probably.
36. Go bowling
A tried and true classic date for a reason: It's low-pressure enough that you'll just get goofy, and if you're that bad at it, just add bumpers and laugh.
37. Play ping-pong
Find a local ping-pong club or just set up a net on your coffee table.
38. Go skating
Whether a roller rink or on ice, there's something about maintaining one's center of gravity that just screams romance.
39. Go axe-throwing
This Canadian sport is having a serious moment. Get into it!
40. Visit a zoo
Seeing cute critters will make you both happy, and there are few better icebreakers than wild animals.
41. Try partner yoga
You'll feel centered, and you'll be able to see how flexible you both are.
42. Go to an art gallery
Whether you're an art aficionado or just like coloring books, strolling around and perusing some paintings is a great way to kill time and open discussions.
Related: 16 Best Dating Apps
43. Check out a brewery
You don't even have to be a beer buff to enjoy a brewery. They have other drinks and most also serve great food, too.
44. Tour a botanical garden or park
Life is great when you literally stop to smell the roses together.
45. Enjoy an aquarium
Ooh and ahh at the fish, dolphins and aquatic life together.
46. Go on a picnic
Outdoor dining may well be your safest option right now. Grab a blanket, pack some snacks and head to your favorite park.
47. Go golfing
Whether you hit up a mini-golf course or a driving range, it's a guaranteed great time.
48. Try rock-climbing
Great for adrenaline junkies and athletes, beginners can also have fun with this.
49. Do an escape room
There are plenty of different options around these days!
50. Have a spot of tea
Tea rooms feel a little more special than coffeehouses, and you'll be less likely to be stuck next to someone with a laptop.
51. Go people-watching
Hit up a park or cafe and make inferences about the people who pass by.
52. Go on a boat ride
Whether it's a local ferry or paddleboats in a park, the water is particularly soothing and romantic.
Related: How to Show Your Partner You're Grateful for Them, Using Their Preferred Love Language
53. See a movie outdoors
Whether you prop up a screen in your backyard or hit up a drive-in, bring blankets and get cozy.
54. Become mix masters together
Instead of going out for drinks, take a bartending or mixology class together and sample your creations.
55. Host a poker night
Master your poker faces, learn one another's tells and use something silly like candy or Lucky Charms instead of cash.
56. Go thrifting
Pick out silly items for each other to rock at lunch or dinner afterward.
57. Shoot hoops
Get sweaty with a friendly game of HORSE or one-on-one.
58. Shoot pool
Billiards is a great time and gives you both plenty of opportunity to chat.
59. Play laser tag
It's dark, it's silly and you can either work as a team or compete against each other and still have a great time.
60. Take a music class
Even if the romance doesn't work out, maybe your band will.
61. Go for a bike ride
Stop for lunch or a snack and explore your 'hood.
62. Watch a local theater production
Support the arts where you live and have a great time together doing it.
63. Hit up a rage room
Having a stressful week? Cap it off by smashing things together.
64. Bounce around a trampoline park or bounce house
It's pretty much impossible to be in a bad mood while doing this. Get playful!
65. Enjoy an outdoor concert
You'll have more space to yourselves and can indulge in some sunshine with your tunes (and be a safer distance from others).
