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Going on a first date is already nerve-wracking enough. The pressure of choosing the perfect location should not be an additional worry you have to deal with. That is why we have gathered a list of some of the best first date ideas out there. We take the pressure off of you so you can focus on the important matter at hand: your date.
FAQ
Classic first date ideas such as going to a movie or out to eat are always great options, but they have been worn out from overuse. When you think of a first date, you want it to be easy, relaxing, and fun. You do not want to have to worry about creating a unique experience on top of all of the stress. That is why we typically just choose the easy options like going to a movie or out to eat.
However, there are so many other fun first date ideas out there. Despite what you may think, these dates are just as easy as going to the movies or out to eat. In fact, these ideas are more fun than your classic first date idea. They help motivate conversation in a fun and energetic way. It is so much easier to talk and learn about someone new with external influence throwing out different topics.
For example, going to a trivia night is a great way to use your setting as a great conversation starter. Throughout trivia, different topics will naturally come up, which makes it so much easier to change conversation topics and learn something new about your date.
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You could also consider going on a hike. If you and your date love the outdoors, going on a hike is a great way to bond over something you love. One especially great thing about going on a hike or even a picnic is it allows you to bring your dogs along. Make it a double date and count on your dogs to fill the awkward silence by playing.
You always want a first date to go well or you wouldn't be on it. Talk to your date a little bit before and gather some basic information about common interests you share. This will help you decide what to do for a first date. If you are a little more daring you can always surprise your date with a unique first date venue.
Coming up with a first date idea outside of the norm can be really hard. We want to take the pressure off of you so we have compiled a list of some of the best first date ideas. These dates have been tested and raved about. There are some very daring date ideas like going to a psychic or taking a class together, but don't worry if those sound a little too far out for your taste. Going mini golfing and even exploring your very own city are great ways to switch up a first date—but not too much.
How We Reviewed
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The following first date ideas were reviewed based on parameters such as features, pros and cons, and price. All of the research has been done for you. Don't worry about stressing about your first date ever again.
Overall Price Range of First Dates
The overall price range of going on a first date really varies. Some may be free while other can potentially cost you around $100. Choose what is best for you and your budget.
First Date Ideas We Reviewed
Visit a Museum
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Going to a museum is the perfect day-time date. Museums give you many topics of conversation to ensure there are never any awkward moments on your first date. There are so many museums that you are bound to find one that is a niche both you and your date will enjoy. Most museums have cafes or food options, so don't worry about getting hungry. Stop and get some food to break up your time walking and talking. If you are lucky, you will have museums nearby that have no entrance fee. There is nothing better than a free first date enjoying a topic you both love.
Pros
Cons
Price
Some museums are free. However, if they are not, entrance fees should not cost more than $20. You may spend more money on additional exhibits and food and drink.
Play a Tourist at Home
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So many people live in amazing cities and they haven't seen the most famous or popular sites in their very own town. If this resonates with you, then this is is one of the best and most fun first date ideas. Do you live in NYC and have never gone to the Statue of Liberty? This is the perfect excuse to check visiting popular landmarks off of your list. This does not only apply if you live in a big city. Even in small towns, there are bookstores, parks, cafes, and more sites that you and your date can explore and talk about.
Pros
Cons
Price
A day full of exploring your very own city can vary but will probably cost you around $25.
A Hike
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If you and your date love to spend time outdoors, a hike is one of the best date ideas for you. Put on some comfortable shoes and head to your favorite hiking spot with overlooks. First, make sure your date feels comfortable going on a hike as it may provide seclusion that could make a meeting with a near stranger feel unsafe. With that said, it is best not to take your date on a very hard hike because you want to be able to talk without being completely out of breath. A leisurely hike with a few tough hills is great. This is also a great option if you and your date have dogs because you can bring them with you and bond over your love of dogs.
Pros
Cons
Price
Going on a hike is free!
Mini Golf
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Show off your mini golf skills or lack thereof by going to play for a date. Mini golf is an extremely relaxed atmosphere that leaves you with time to talk and laugh. Mini golf is the perfect mixture of competitiveness and playfulness. You can laugh at each other while talking and flirting at the same time. Mini golf can be a surprisingly romantic evening date. It is casual, cute, and laid back.
Pros
Cons
Price
Mini golf costs around $10 per person.
Take a Class Together
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Taking a class as a first date is a great way to learn something new while getting to know each other. Being in a class with a teacher and other people takes off the pressure of having to keep up a conversation the whole time. You can rely on other participants and the teacher to fill silences. At the same time, it gives you time to talk to each other and maybe even work with each other while learning something new. Going to a paint and sip class, for example, would be a great first date class idea.
Pros
Cons
Price
Classes can vary drastically. You can expect to attend a class for anywhere between $10 and $100.
Trivia Night
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A trivia night is one of the most fun date night ideas. At trivia night, you can drink, eat, and socialize with others while getting to know your date at the same time. The crowd of people makes for a relaxed evening. You can count on the trivia questions to keep your conversation flowing all night long. You may even find something crazy about your date. And who knows, you may even win!
Pros
Cons
Price
The cost of trivia night should not be more than around $35.
Visit a Psychic
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Visiting a psychic is one of the most unique first date ideas out there. This can be a risky date idea because you never know what may come out of a psychic's reading. If you and your date are game for an eventful date full of the unexpected, then visiting a psychic is a great idea for you. You may want to warn your psychic beforehand that this is the first date so they don't accidentally say anything that might make the date awkward.
Pros
Cons
Price
A psychic will cost you around $75.
Barcade
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A barcade is a really fun first date location. Barcades are great because you can grab a drink and start making your rounds to all of the games available. Playing games helps keep the conversation flowing and can add a competitive flirtation element to your date. There is always something fun going on at barcades and the crowd is always fun to be around.
Pros
Cons
Price
Going to a barcade for a first date will cost you around $35.
Go on a (Mini) Road Trip
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Is there a nearby town you have been dying to see? Going on a date to check out the town is the perfect date idea. You take a short car ride to talk uninterrupted. Once you are there, you can visit different stores, landmarks, and cafes. Don't forget to eat at the town's most popular restaurant!
Pros
Cons
Price
This date will cost you around $30.
Picnic
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A picnic is a classic and romantic first date idea. Put together a basket full of wine and cheese, grab a blanket, and maybe even bring a speaker and get ready for a fun outside date. Picnics are extremely relaxed and private. If you would like to get to know your date with no interruptions, then a picnic is a great idea. If you and/or your date have dogs, a picnic is a fun way to include your dogs on a first date as well. Having your dog can also help with conversation and fill any awkward silences.
Pros
Cons
Price
You can go on a picnic for around $30 including food and drinks.
The Verdict
Dates can be extremely intimidating; you always want them to go smoothly. Having a good setting and atmosphere really plays into the ease of the date. You want the location to create less pressure, not more. First date ideas like taking a class, going on a hike, and going mini golfing are all great examples of places that encourage conversation and keep the date flowing seamlessly. Coming up with these ideas can be hard, but now you don't have to think so much about it. The only thinking you will be doing is at trivia night!