12 Ways to Have an Unforgettable First Date
First dates can be exciting, and as you probably know, are a great time to make a lasting impression. So many people opt for the classic dinner and a movie option, but if you want to really stand out from the crowd then consider a more original idea and spice things up!
Depending on the type of person your date is, plan an activity to suit their personality and interests. For instance, if you’re seeing an adrenaline junkie then consider going bungee jumping or ziplining. On the other hand, if your date is a pamper princess, then plan a spa day for the two of you.
Showing your date that you have their interests in mind will not only put you in their good books, but it is also a great way to really get to know them. Instead of opting for the traditional kind of date, make yours unforgettable with some of these ideas.
1. Stroll On the Beach
Frolic on the sand at a local beach, pack a picnic lunch and even a swimsuit! Whether you live by an ocean or a lake, a sandy stroll is a guaranteed fun time.
Play Frisbee, fly a kite or build a sandcastle. Talk about your favorite vacations and all the things you love most about the summer time. If you’re really getting along consider grabbing a bottle of wine and heading back for sunset.
2. Go to a Museum
If you know your date is into history or art then an afternoon in a museum could be an easy way to woo them. The nice thing about museums is that they usually have something for everyone. From space exploration and classic sculptures to giants of the ice age and the wild west, there’s no shortage of exhibits or conversations to come from this kind of first date. Who knows, you may even learn a thing or two!
3. Ride Horses
This one takes a bit of planning ahead of time, but if you can make it work, horseback riding can be a magical first date. Find the nearest stables and rent two trail horses for the afternoon. If neither of you have much experience riding then be sure to take a couple of supervised laps around the arena before trotting out into nature. This will be a first date to remember!
4. Play Ball
Nothing can bring two strangers together like laughter so get out there and have some fun together. Practice hitting curveballs at the batting cages, tossing baskets at a nearby court, or smashing golf balls in the driving range.
Depending on the kind of person your date is you can make it a competitive game or play as a team – either way, you’re guaranteed to have a ball (no pun intended). Just remember to dress for the occasion, and give your date a heads up. A little black dress or button up shirt may be typical first date attire, but when you’re breaking a sweat it’s not going to feel so flattering. For a low-impact option, settle for a lively game of ping-pong or pool.
5. Check Out a Carnival
Appeal to your date’s inner child and buy tickets for a carnival or local fair. Embrace the cheesiness; share cotton candy, try your luck on the midway and ride the Ferris wheel until you get nauseous.
It’s a great way to get to know each other if you’ve just started dating and will serve as a reminder of how much fun you can have together if you’ve been dating for awhile. If carnivals aren’t in season then hit up the arcade, earn a butt load of tickets and cash them out for an awesome prize.
6. Feed the Ducks
Gather up your stale bread and feed it to ducks at a pond. Bring along fresh sandwiches and drinks for a picnic lunch next to the water. When you’re done, stroll through the park and pick up your some ice cream cones from a nearby shop.
It may sound simple, but you’ll be surprised by how much you get to know each other while you people-watch from a park bench.
Plus what a better way to impress your date than by showing him or her your compassionate side.
7. Visit an Aquarium
Depending on what city you live in, your local aquarium can have some pretty amazing sea creatures. From filled angel fish and tiger sharks, to ancient sea turtles and perhaps even penguins, no place exudes romance more than an aquarium.
Stroll through the hushed, darkened rooms, pointing out your favourite creatures. Believe it or not, the glow of fish tanks can be surprisingly romantic.
8. Check Out a Jazz Club
Groove to sensual sounds at a jazz club, sip martinis at a table for two and tap your toes to trumpet solos and the thumping stand-up bass. You’ll feel sophisticated and relaxed, and your date will be impressed by your classy date choice.
If you want to pick up the energy, hit a karaoke bar afterwards and sing the rest of the night away. Even if your vocals aren’t the greatest, the two of you will bond over sour notes and a great night.
9. Plant Trees
If you and your date are the eco-conscious types, check with local environmental groups for an afternoon of planting trees and flowers at a nearby park. Your date will appreciate your commitment to the Earth, and working together for a good cause will have you both feeling great.
If there are no events in your area then consider going on a hike and finding your own place to plant. Bonus points if you can bike or walk to the destination.
10. Take a Wine-Tasting Tour
Wander through vineyards on a wine-tasting tour. Rent a van to shuttle you from place to place so you don’t have to worry about driving. Set up private tastings at several different wineries, then pretend to taste the oak in a glass of pinot noir.
If you want to really spice things up then make it a classy date and dress up. If all goes well you may even be able to convince your date to talk in funny accents with you.
11. Go Rowing
Remember that scene from The Notebook where Noah and Ally row through lily pads and swans and she says “it’s like a dream?”
Well, even if you haven’t seen it, I’m sure you can imagine how dreamy is was.
Peacefully gliding through water together can be the ultimate first date, and what’s better is it doesn’t take a skilled captain to master the tiny craft.
Just be sure to not capsize the boat, no one wants to swim to shore on a first date.
12. Do Trivia Night
Combine forces to form a dream team at trivia night. You’ll laugh as you try to come up with the capital of Nauru and bond over your shared knowledge of 80s music. If you end up winning, put the prize money toward your next great date. If you can’t find anywhere hosting trivia, consider settling for bingo or visiting a comedy club. Pubs can be fun, but it’s more exciting if there’s an event to attend.
Amy North
Amy North, BA, BSc, is a woman’s best friend. If you’re searching for the man of your dreams, or you want make your boyfriend stay devoted to you, then Amy North is your gal! Amy's incredibly popular YouTube channel, which boasts over 340,000 subscribers and 20+ million views, helps women learn how to get what they want out of their relationships. Her best-selling program, The Devotion System, reveals a number of psychological ‘hot buttons’ that make any man 'tick', and teaches readers how to use simple techniques and phrases to make any man love you.