Date Ideas for the Non-romantic

In these times, there are date ideas for every kind of couple – the sporty, the culture-lover, the foodie and even for the non-romantic. While the last may seem a contradiction of sorts, a date can be simply a way of hanging out with a guy or girl without any thought of romance or even the first step in getting to know someone when romance is nowhere in the picture. If you and your date fall in either of these groups or if your date is the unsentimental sort, here are some great non-romantic date ideas.

Pursue a common interest

This is one of the favorites of couples who do not wish to get all lovey-dovey but still want to have a good time with each other. A date based on a shared interest provides the easiest way to break the ice and get to know your partner better. But more importantly for the non-romantic, it keeps the focus of the date firmly on the hobby so that there are no awkward intimacies. However this works best when you already know what your 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 connoisseurs of spirits, how about attending a wine-tasting event for a date. You will not only have an enjoyable evening with your partner but are even likely to pick up several useful tips on various aspects of entertaining with wine. This way an evening planned around a mutual interest or hobby is a great idea for those who are uncomfortable with the romantic subtexts of a date.

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Do something together

A variation of the above idea, this date is perfect for couples who prefer a higher level of activity in their dates. 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.

Hit the outdoors

If you are lucky to have good weather in your city or town, a date in the open can be a great way to have fun with each other; at the same time the outdoor context allows the non-romantic partner to avoid the embarrassment of a mushy date. You could hire a couple of bikes and explore the countryside or visit the historical attractions of your town. Alternately a hike down mountain trails could be an enjoyable way of spending an afternoon together. When tired, you both can stop for a quaint inn by the wayside or dig into a packed lunch by a gurgling stream. For less physically strenuous date ideas, you could take your partner 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.

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. A day spent at such a fair or festival will be highly enjoyable and what’s more you the public context will make sure that the non-romantic partner is comfortable.

Cheer out loud

If you and your partner are sports fans, take advantage of the sporting culture in your city or town. See what games are scheduled on that day and then take your date to catch one that he/she would enjoy. Only keep in mind that it may be difficult to get tickets for the big games like the ones playing between rival state teams or university. However, it can be just as fun to watch the lesser known teams in action. This way you can have an exciting evening as you cheer for your favorite players and get swept by the action, all without getting romantic in any way.

Go out in a group

If you want to keep your date casual, a great option is to go out with mutual friends or maybe another couple you get along with. For instance you all could drop in at the local comedy club or go tobogganing, if it has been snowing. The best part of such all group outings or a double date is that it keeps the atmosphere light and the attention equally distributed among all partners. Such dates have a practical advantage as well since it enables you to share costs or make bulk bookings at discounted rates. Follow it up by stopping at a café for a hot cup of joe or some other warm beverage and you are sure to have the perfect ending to an amazing date.