10 Best Ideas for your First Date

First dates are rather difficult to plan. On one hand you want to keep it short and casual so that you can make an exit in case things don’t click. At the same time you need to ensure that it is special enough to make your partner want to meet you a second time. Here are ten great date ideas that are sure to work both ways.

Hit the outdoors

If you are lucky to have good weather in your city or town, an outdoor date can be a great way to have fun with each other. Simply put together a picnic basket and head for the nearest public park. If the date gets a tad boring, feed the ducks or throw about a soccer ball. On the other hand, if you want to make the event a little more special and you have your own car, take your date to a nice garden which may require an entry fee but is more likely to have formal features like an arbor, hot house for tropical plants and  water features like fountains and lakes. Strolling through these pretty surroundings would make for a lovely time while keeping the date casual and comfortable.

TIP: Click here to see pics and videos of single women and men in your city looking for dates.

Pursue a common interest

This is a great first date idea for those couples who already know what their mutual interests are. Say you met your date at a hobby class or at a music shop when browsing through the country music section. In case of the latter, you could set up a date around an upcoming music concert; again if you both are fond of Mediterranean cuisine, how about trying out the new Greek eatery in town. If your resources permit, you can choose a fancy place which will make a good impression on your partner. A date based on a shared interest provides the easiest way to break the ice and get to know your partner better. But more than that it has the advantage of making it fun and enjoyable even if you don’t really warm up to the person at the end of the date. You may not decide to go out again in the immediate future, but the evening will not have been entire waste of time and money either.

Catch a show

One of the best first date ideas include attending a performance together – unlike a dinner date they are not too private to be embarrassing but at the same time ensure an enjoyable time spent together. If you wish to stick to the popular movie option, ensure that you have made advance bookings, especially if it is a new release or a weekend show. Alternately you can take your date to the theater – just be sure to find out her preferences beforehand so that you don’t tickets for a Greek tragedy when she would have much rather gone for a musical. In fact even a night at your local comedy club can make a great date idea where you can laugh and have fun with each other.

Do something together

Date ideas which are structured around an activity have the advantage of keeping the focus on doing something together. It is thus less stressful and awkward, than say a dinner or a movie where you are suddenly thrown into an intimate space. If you are looking for inexpensive, activity-based dates, bowling is a highly popular choice; others could be mini-golfing or even hitting the ice-skating rink in winters. Attending a yoga class or a craft class could be another way to spend a great evening provided you are sure your partner’s interests too run that way. By doing something together, you are certain to get a peek into the kind of person your partner without the need to come too close.

Look for local events

During summer and in good weather, almost every town has its share of street fairs, cultural festivals and concerts-in-the-park. Most of these events offer free entry or charge only a very nominal fee. Moreover such places are usually buzzing with a variety of activities like rides, acrobatic performances, games, musical gigs and of course food stalls. So you can display your muscular prowess by hitting the hammer and hitting the bell; or share corn dogs and cotton candies with your date. A day spent at such a fair or festival will be highly enjoyable and what’s more you need not burn a hole in your pocket.

Have fun

If you can afford the entry-fee, you could take your date to an amusement park or even the zoo. These are places where a lot of enjoyable and interesting activities are usually lined up and there are even food courts and luncheon areas where visitors can grab a bite. And what better way to start a relationship than having fun together.

Take in the sights

If you both are history buffs, one of the best first date ideas would to explore a city or town together. Check out historic landmarks, monuments and buildings preserved for their antique value. If you don’t have many historic sites in your city, browse through a museum for a trip down the past. Alternately you could visit the local science center or an art gallery if your interests run that way. however inquire beforehand about opening and closing times so that you don’t arrive the day when they are closed. also if you are planning to make a tour of a historic city, find out about cycling routes, parking bays and public buses so that you don’t get stuck somewhere without transport.

Weekend brunch

This is a good first date idea since it allows couples to avoid the pressures of an intimate dinner date while still keeping the occasion special. In fact meeting up for a late morning brunch over the weekend can be the perfect date idea when you are just getting to know each other. If you want to make it a special event, by all means dress up and turn out in your very best for the Sunday brunch. If all goes well, you can even celebrate with a glass of champagne or indulge yourselves with a rich tasty dessert.