Wine and steak meal

Alternative First Date Ideas That’ll Always Impress Because we're all a little bored of the dinner and a movie routine

So she said yes to a first date.  Easy right?  Now you have just one problem. What are you going to do?  Coming up with a game plan, well, that’s not so easy.  You could go down the dinner and a movie route–there’s nothing wrong with that.  However, we think you’re capable of more.  There are so many opportunities out there for great alternative first dates.  All you need to do is get out of your comfort zone and try something new.  

Take Her Hiking

Alternative-First-Dates-Hiking
brightpeakfinancial.com

Sunlight has been proven not only to improve mood, but also to increase those feel-good hormones known as endorphins.  So why not spend your first date in the great outdoors?  Not only will you get to know your date better, but you can even get in some exercise while you’re at it.  Show off your knowledge of the trails or explore a new lookout point together.  Hiking is a great break from the droll of sitting in an office all week, and it’s an activity that allows you to actually converse, unlike the whole seeing a movie thing.

Spend the Day at the Beach

Alternative-First-Dates-Beach
AllTrails.com

Just like hiking, going to the beach is a great way to move the date outside.  There’s something classically romantic about long walks on the beach.  Pack some snacks and bring other fun things like a frisbee or a volleyball to keep things lively.

Try Out a Food Festival

Alternative-First-Dates-Food-Trucks
museumca.org

Who doesn’t love to eat, right?  Food is an easy way to get to know someone.  Instead of the traditional sit-down dinner, hit up a local food festival.  You can be social and lose all the stuffy pretenses of a restaurant.  Food truck gatherings are great too, giving you both the opportunity to sample from a bunch of different cuisines.  

Listen to Music at an Indie Concert

Alternative-First-Dates-Concert
iallfree.org

Music is such a personal thing.  Share your interests by taking your date to see one of your favorite bands.  Don’t be afraid to take her to see a band she’s never heard of.  You’ll be able to introduce your date to something new and show off what makes you you in a lively, upbeat environment.  

Sing your Heart Out at Karaoke

Alternative-First-Dates-Kareoke
jerseyfestivalofwords.org

You might not have the voice of an angel, but who cares.  Karaoke is fun.  There are probably lots of karaoke places in your area, and maybe one of your local bars even has a night dedicated to it.  Worse comes to worse, you can always joke about your bad rendition of Closing Time on your second date (see? We’re thinking ahead).

Spend the Night Stargazing

Alternative-First-Dates-Stargazing
mikedeere.com

This has probably been a prime date idea since the beginning of time.  There’s something awe-inspiring about the stars at night. Stargazing is an easy way to break some wine out and get to know each other.  If you live in a big city and the stars aren’t that easy to see, try a planetarium (sneak in the wine).

Relive your Childhood with Laser Tag

Alternative-First-Dates-Laser-Tag
xcitelife.com

According to Barney Stinson, there’s nothing better than laser tag.  Get in touch with your inner child and give you and your date some time to get loose.  This is a refreshing alternative to a night spent bar hopping.  

Blow Off Some Steam at a Comedy Club

Alternative-First-Dates-Comedy-Show
piccadillycomedy.co.uk

Comedy clubs combine the best elements of nightlife with a no-pressure environment where you can let off some steam.  If you’re feeling extra brave, try your luck at open mic night and let your date see you show off some hilarious punchlines (or you know, absolutely mortify yourself. Equally enjoyable).  A little advice: don’t sit in the front row unless you want to get roasted the entire night along with your date (we might have experienced this firsthand…).  

Cook for Her

Alternative-First-Dates-Cooking
freundevonfreunden.com

They say the best way to someone’s heart is through their stomach.  What better way to show her that you’re a keeper than to cook her your signature dish. Make it something fun and interactive, like tapas or tacos, so she can get involved. 

Crash a Wedding

Alternative-First-Dates-Wedding-Crashing
willowdaleestate.com

If your date is spontaneous, a boring first date just won’t cut it. For anyone that’s seen Wedding Crashers, you already know that crashing a wedding can be a lot of fun.  Seriously, crashing a wedding just screams adventure.  Have fun, meet new people, and be social.  Your date will appreciate the excitement and you’ll create a one of a kind memory together.  Just stay respectful of the wedding, of course.

 

Don’t resort to the same old stuffy dinner and movie routine on your next first date. It’s boring and expected, and you’re better than that.  Get out of your comfort zone and try something new.  With these ideas, you can still be your awesome self while doing something new and different.  But of course, these are just some ideas for alternative first dates.  Try these out or come up with your own, and hopefully you’ll cinch that second date.  

You May Also Like