19 Fun First Date Ideas

By Ashley Delgado 

It is my firm belief that first dates should set the tone for the relationship. There’s nothing wrong with the usual dinner and a movie, but wouldn’t it be great to add a little spice? After all, first impressions are extremely important, and you want your possible new boyfriend to think you’re fun to be around. If you’re at a loss for exciting and out of the ordinary places to take your new beau, try some of these fun first date ideas!

1. A Night at The Theatre

No, not the cinema. The theatre, with live actors and actresses. This is by far my favorite first date idea! Most people don’t venture to the theatre for a night out because they don’t realize how great a show can be. Better than any movie! If your guy is the artsy type, he’s sure to love a good musical. So the next time Wicked is in town, offer that as your first date!

2. Sports

If he’s more inclined to sit in stadium seats than theatre seats, go to a game with him! Even if you’re not much into sports, guys absolutely love it when women seem to be interested in things they like. And they love answering questions. So if you have no idea what’s going on during the game, ask him and watch as his eyes light up as he explains free throws or field goals. Or, if you are a sports fan, wow him with your own knowledge and bond over hearty shouts of triumph.

3. His Sports

To add onto the previous one, if you know your guy is an athlete, offer to go to one of his games and then make a date out of it by getting something to eat after. He’ll probably try to impress you by showing off in the field, and you’ll have plenty to talk about over your meal afterwards.

4. Rock Climbing

I think rock climbing is just about the most fun thing! The best thing to do is make it a race between the two of you. If you want to raise the stakes and definitely catch his interest, add a prize to the pot. The winner gets a kiss.

5. Paint Some Pottery

Have you ever been to one of those ‘paint a clay sculpture’ stores? If not, it’s really fun! This is a nice opportunity to be creative or funny, depending on your sculpture choice, and it’s also a relaxed environment to talk. If you’re feeling extra flirty, you could always have a little fun with the paint and his face! (Just make sure he wouldn’t freak out about it!)

6. Museum

A classic art museum may not be for everyone, but there is tons of fun to be had at a modern art museum. In my experience, there is nothing funnier than walking through a modern art museum and making some jokes with a friend about the pieces. (Sorry modern art lovers!) A guy will always feel more relaxed if he knows he can joke around and have a laugh. Even if you do genuinely enjoy the artwork, you can enjoy it together.

7. Workout Together

Not many women would want a get sweaty and disheveled with a guy they don’t know very well. But exercising together could be a great opportunity to get to know a guy. If he goes to your gym, or you know that he runs every morning, bring up the idea of working out together. Ladies, this is the time to pull out that pair of spandex exercise pants that make your butt look amazing.

8. Scuba Diving/Snorkeling

Going for a swim is always fun, but if you really want to have a great time, bring along a mask and go snorkeling! If you’re scuba certified, go for a dive too, although that may be more difficult to do with your date if he isn’t.

9. Arcade

I recently went to an arcade for my birthday, and I realized just how ridiculously fun they were. Challenge your date to beat your score at Pac-Man, or take him on at Dance Dance Revolution. Whatever games you decide to play, the great thing about an arcade is that there is always another game to go play if you get bored.

10. Go-Karts

Can you think of anything more fun than racing around in a little car? Racing around in a little car with a guy! Unfortunately, I’ve never Go-Karting, but from what I hear it’s tremendous fun.

11. Paintballing

This is one of the more eccentric first date ideas, but not any less fun. Paintballing is definitely not for the faint of heart, as it’s a very intensive and even painful sport. But there’s nothing like the thrill of tag-teaming against your enemies. Only do this if you know your guy loves it and you’re willing to go home with a few small bruises at the end of the day.

12. TV Show Marathon

If you know your guy loves absolutely loves a TV show that you’ve been wanting to watch, invite him over and make a date out of watching the first season! He’ll enjoy sharing something he loves with you, and you’ll get to fall in love with not just a new TV show, but hopefully him too!

13. Picnic

Keeping it simple can also be unique. When was the last time you ever went on a genuine blanket-on-the-grass picnic? If the weather is nice and you know of a gorgeous park, pack a yummy lunch and head out with your date! For some extra fun, bring a kite to fly!

14. Cook Dinner Together

My mom always says that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Instead of cooking him a delicious dinner for him, cook one WITH him. Find a delicious recipe online that involves lots of ingredients so you don’t run out of things to do too quickly. It may seem odd at first, but once you get the pan sizzling, you’ll be having so much fun. What I like to do is assign him to be in charge of a specific task, and give him the pleasure of being the taste-tester.

15. Bowling

Not really anything too extraordinary about bowling, but who actually goes there for dates anymore? Unfortunately, not many people, which is why it may seem like something new and exciting for him. This first date idea will definitely «get the ball rolling» in your relationship, and it’s guaranteed to be an enjoyable night out. Even if you’re not a good bowler, he’ll think it’s cute.

16. Campfire

You might now be in an area where you can build a campfire, but if you have a fireplace of some kind, that’ll work too. After you’ve eaten dinner, build a nice cozy fire to sit around and melt some s’mores. Fires are the ideal place for chatting and will help get rid of any awkwardness or nervousness.

17. Go to a Horse Race

This first date idea sounds like it can get boring, but the trick is to make a game out of betting against each other. Bet on a different horse than your date each time and tease him about it. Let some friendly and flirty competition evolve, and I guarantee you’ll have a great time.

18. Star Gazing

There is no sight in the world that can compare to the night sky. Take a walk through the park, or find a hill somewhere and lay out a blanket. Snuggle up together and try to count the stars together. I did this once with a friend, and before I knew it we were so comfortable talking about anything with each other. It was a great bonding moment, and it’s very romantic.

19. Be a Kid Again

Find a nice, big playground and run around. Play tag, play hide and go seek, just let your inhibitions go and channel your inner child. I think this is one of the most organic ways to bond with someone because for that time you’re not worried about impressing them. All you’re worried about is not getting tagged.
Some of these date ideas might not be practical for all women, but if your guy seems receptive to trying something different, go for it! Even if it doesn’t go farther than that first date, I can guarantee you’ll always stand out in his mind.