First dates are so make-it-or-break-it. It’s important to choose a venue that can help you to be successful. This article is written for those whose goal it is to have a good time and to get a second date. We spoke with Aleeza Ben Shalom, The Marriage Minded Mentor, who offered innovative first date ideas. Movies, bars, and restaurants are not on this list.
1. Ice Cream
Going for ice cream is casual, it’s good for conversation, and it’s delicious. Plus, unlike going for dinner, you don’t have to worry if there’s broccoli in your teeth. On top of that, Ice cream flavors can reveal personality traits, so you can learn about your date without him or her knowing. Aleeza Ben Shalom, The Marriage Minded Mentor, suggests going to the store together to buy ingredients and then creating your own sundaes. For maximum comfort, it’s best to use neutral ground like a park picnic table or a food court. Enjoy the sundaes and each other.
2. Hit The Zoo
You can learn a lot about a person’s sensitive side when you see them with animals—even if the animals are on the other side of glass. The zoo also provides a friendly, safe environment with many paths on which to walk and talk. (Be sure to put your phone away on your date to focus on the person next to you. Just sayin’.)
3. Walk The Dog
This activity is simple, free, and illuminating. Take your dog for a walk through a park. Aleeza Ben Shalom says that a “Dog helps to make people smile and also focus on something other than first date jitters.” You’ll also find out if your future likes your dog, and that’s important, right? Of course, don’t use this for Date #2 if you are the one who’s expected to pay the bill, because two free dates might make you look cheap.
4. Aquarium
Sticking with the animal theme, aquariums provide plenty of discussion points and lots to see. You can go any time of year. Another nice feature about an aquarium, or a zoo for that matter, is that if the date is not going well, the exhibits provide distractions until you reach the exit.
5. Bowling
If both of your backs can take it and your socks are in good shape, bowling offers an hour of action and conversation. Just make sure your date is completely comfortable with physical activity, and remember to reserve a lane ahead of time. You might even be able to find a chic alley in your town that offers a cool atmosphere and more to do than rolling ten-pound balls.
6. Museum
If you both like to learn, a museum could be engaging and good for conversation starters. Remember, talking is important. You want to learn about your date and they presumably (and hopefully) want to know more about you. The exhibits will give you conversation prompts if you need help getting the chatter started. However, if conversation is not your thing…
7. Bike Ride
If conversation is not your strong point, a bike ride can be ideal. It’s fun, it gets you outdoors, and if your date agrees, it shows you have similar interests. When you stop for breaks or at the end of your route, the ride will give you something to talk about.
8. Book Talk
For book lovers, the Marriage Minded Mentor recommends a book club date. Decide on a book, read it beforehand, and then meet for coffee and talk the night away about the plot, the characters, the drama…you get the idea. You can learn a lot about your date’s character, ambitions, and feelings when diving into a book discussion.
9. Carnivals
Carnivals, amusement parks, and fairs can be exciting and a great way to have fun. You get to walk, talk, people-watch, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. There are lots of activities from amusement rides to games. You might even win a giant stuffed panda. You also get to size up your date’s inner-child.
10. Shop For A Picnic
First stop: the food market. Walk the aisles together and pick out the foods you’ll need for your second stop: a picnic in a park. Or by a river. Or anyplace with atmosphere. This idea offers you time to learn each other’s likes and how each of you think (while shopping). Then you get to enjoy a meal and each other’s company.
11. Take A Class
This will take some research and planning, as well as agreement from the other party, but taking a class together could be an outstanding first date. Cooking, dancing, and art are three possibilities. Each allows for fun and/or intimate but not awkward interaction in a safe environment.
12. Billiards
Shooting pool is a low-key, fun way to spend an hour or two talking while engaged in clearing the table of balls. Make sure it’s a nice pool hall, and be careful not to let your superior abilities with the stick steal the show. (Although a trick here and there would be a nice touch.)
13. Boat Ride
An afternoon on the seas…or on a lake…is out of the ordinary and interesting. You can rent a canoe or paddle boat, or opt for an evening cruise. (That might be a little costlier.) Even a ferry ride could provide a unique backdrop for good conversation. Keep in mind you’re committing yourself to the time on the boat. If the date is not going well, you can’t just jump off…although it would make for a quite a story later.
14. Make Music
If both of you are musical, grab your instruments for an impromptu jam session. Ben Shalom recommends this creative first date idea because “music touches the soul and it gives you a chance to see if you can harmonize.”
15. Be Tourists
Pretend you are a tourist visiting your own city. Get a map and explore new areas or hit the popular tourist attraction that you’ve never actually visited. This will give you two a chance to walk and talk and to learn things about your hometown…and each other.
[Featured Image Credit: www.huffingtonpost.co.uk]
