- Instead of a traditional date, try browsing a bookstore or going to a comedy show.
- Flea markets and food trucks are the new dinner and a movie.
- If you really want to get to know your date, take a scenic day trip.
You meet someone, sparks fly, and you exchange phone numbers. After some witty banter via text (OMG you love Big Mouth too??), you finally set the first date. You're excited, of course. But then they do something so egregious, so harrowing, that you're ready to pull the plug on the whole situation: They ask you out to dinner and a movie.
Ahead, find date ideas that aren't dinner and a movie. If things go well, you can grab dinner on date two. But chances are, you'll want to go on another date from our list. Trust.
Take a long walk in the park.
If you're lucky enough to live in a place with gorgeous outdoor spaces, take advantage of the scenery and invite your date for a little fresh air and exercise. Bonus: There's no set time for a walk in the park, so you can cut it short if you're not into the date or just keep strolling along if you are.
Meet for breakfast.
The great thing about a breakfast date is that it opens up the rest of the day for you. If you two hit it off over bacon and eggs, you can keep the date going. No sparks? Your evening's still open for something else to come along...
Browse a bookstore.
Books are the ultimate conversation starters, so you'll probably have tons to chat about. Bonus: Most shops have coffee spots, so you can discuss your finds over a brew, too.
Take a cooking class.
Ambitious? Sure. But it's a pretty solid way to create some major bonding. Worse case-scenario, you'll walk away with a few good recipes to recreate.
Visit an outdoor market.
Whether it's a flea market or a farmer's market, wandering from booth to booth is a fun way to get to know one another.
Plan a day trip.
This is a great idea for someone who you know as a friend, but want to get to know in a more romantic way. Head out of town for a ski or beach trip, and enjoy some one-on-one time.
Go for a picnic.
You can each agree to bring something specific, or meet at the grocery store and shop for a spread together.
Go to a poetry reading.
Not someone who can muster up sweet nothings on your own? Let someone else come up with the romantic words to set the mood.
Take a painting class.
The couple who crafts together, stays together — right?
Go ice skating or apple picking.
Seasonal-specific activities are like limited-edition dates: You can only participate in them during certain times, which makes them all the more special.
Belt it out at karaoke.
It's even more fun if you pick one another's songs.
Pop by a cat café.
Both fans of felines? Get cozy with some cats while you sip some beverages. Your date gets bonus points if they wind up adopting one, of course.
Play some bar trivia.
What better way to test if you'd make a good team?
Go bowling.
If a casual first date is your speed, rent some bowling shoes and play a few games against each other. Plus, if you load up on bar food and beer, it is technically dinner.
Visit an art museum.
You can live out your very own "When Harry Met Sally" fantasy IRL!
Take a city tour.
If you live in a big city, chances are you've never played tourist there before. Grab your potential S.O. and jump on a double-decker bus for a fun date.
Take on some rock-climbing.
This date allows you to get your sweat on while also participating in a serious trust test.
Stargaze at the planetarium.
There's something super romantic about staring up at the stars. But if it's too chilly outside (or light pollution makes your view not-so-pretty), take the gazing inside.
Visit a food truck festival.
Go around from truck to truck and rate your favorites. If the winning truck has a standalone restaurant, then you already have an idea for date two!
Chuckle at a comedy show.
If a typical two-drink-minimum comedy club isn't your thing, look up comedy podcast tapings. They're just as fun, and you can listen to your episode later on.
Date like a kid.
Whether it's arcade games or laser tag, find a spot that lets you indulge your younger self. Laughter is basically guaranteed.
Take a boozy tour.
Whether it's at a brewery or a vineyard, it's a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Check out a live music venue.
Concerts can be tough for a first date, but a smaller venue makes it easier to mingle between sets.
Cheer on your favorite sports team.
You can watch at a bar or at the stadium. Either way, you guys will bond over your shared love of sports.
Have a multi-venue meal.
Okay, so this is technically dinner. But it's more of an adventure than a typical sit-down meal. Have your appetizer, main course, and dessert at different spots — because who doesn't want to have nachos followed by sushi followed by flan?
Skip dinner and just get dessert.
If your date isn't willing to share an over-the-top milkshake with you, then are they really The One?
Stretch it out in aerial yoga.
Sure, there's not much time for talking during a yoga class, but stretching your body while flying through the air in a giant hammock suspended from the ceiling will surely give you and your date something to talk about once the class is over. And if you don't end up enjoying the other person's company, at least you got a cool experience out of it.
Play tourist.
This one's mostly for big city dwellers, though smaller towns have plenty of exploring to be done, too. Take the day to hit up any touristy spots that you've never seen, or revisit old favorites. It can be fun to see your city through someone else's eyes.
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