23 Amazing First Date Ideas - Here's Where To Go With A Guy

23 Amazing First Date Ideas – Here’s Where To Go With A Guy

23 First Date Ideas & Fun Things To Do With Him On Your 1st Date

How to pick the absolute best first date idea and make your day unique and memorable

How to pick the absolute best first date ideaDon’t have any ideas yet for your first date with him?

That’s okay…

I know it can be hard to come up with a unique or fun activity that’ll make your date go perfectly.

While we’re on the subject of “how to make the first date go perfectly”, I strongly recommend that you check out my 27 Must-Know first date tips to easily get the guy.

With that said, which places are actually good options for a first date and to take a man that you don’t know?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not at all against the classic “let’s go for a drink somewhere.”

That’s always fine with me.

However… There are some activities and places that are downright terrible to go to when you’re meeting someone for the first time.

Let’s quickly go over those first.

Here are some places you should NEVER go to on a first date

If you are doing these, stop immediately.

I’m not saying it can never work, but you are making it a lot harder for yourself than it has to be.

You also risk losing out on a great relationship because of a bad first date, which could have been avoided.

1. Going for dinner at a restaurant

Couple going out for dinner

Why is dinner such a horrible first date idea?

Simply because it puts you both in a situation where you’re constantly 100% focused on each other with just a table in between you.

The situation makes it more stressful than it has to be for two people that don’t know each other.

Once you’ve been on a few dates it’s a great thing to do together.

But on a first date, just don’t do it.

2. Going to the cinema

Couple going to the cinema

Another classic of the worst first date suggestions ever.

I don’t know who or why anyone came up with this idea.

On a first date, your objective is to quickly and easily find out if you have chemistry and are a good match.

But at the cinema, it’s impossible to do because you can’t have a normal conversation or any real physical contact without it being awkward.

The worst part of it is that when the movie has finished 90-120 minutes later, you’re both socially flattened and not in any social headspace whatsoever to actually talk.

So stay away from on a first date.

What are some low-pressure & relaxing activities that are actually good to take a guy on a first date?

The most important about “where to go on a first date”, is that you pick a public place where it’s easy to relax, communicate and get physical (subtly).

Some of my ideas may sound a little crazy, but this social psychology research from the University of Canterbury revealed that it’s precisely the childlike ideas that’ll make your date unique and get him to like you faster.

Here are the 23 great first date ideas and fun things to do with a guy:

1. Go for a walk

Couple on a walk

My first and favorite date idea: going for a walk.

It may sound a little dull, but it’s a very relaxed way to get to know each other better.

You can take a walk in the park, take your dog, or if you live close to the beach then strolling on the beach is even better.

When you are with him, you can also try and recognize these 27 signs that he likes you.

This is one of those casual first date ideas and simply a great activity to do because:

  • You don’t need to have constant eye contact with each other.
  • You’re moving your bodies. This way you’ll be less affected by any tension.

In short, take a nice walk together. It’s much more fun than sitting in front of each other in a bar.

If you’re nervous about what to talk about on the date, read this article.

2. Take a cooking class

Make him think it's his idea

Cooking is an excellent alternative to having a drink together. Now, I understand that you don’t want to meet him at his or your house right away.

The solution?

Take a cooking class together.

The atmosphere is calm and relaxing. And you also get a delicious meal out of it.

How easy can it be?

If it’s winter and cold where you live, then it’s a great idea to escape the freezing weather also.

Sometimes cooking lessons can be a little expensive, but there is a solution for that as well:

On Groupon, they occasionally offer cooking classes at a fraction of the regular price. So take a look at their website and see if you can find anything in your city.

Airbnb sometimes offers cooking classes on the experiences section that you can also have a look at.

3. Do something he likes

23 Amazing First Date Ideas - Here's Where To Go With A Guy 1

It’s a well-known fact that two individuals like each other quicker when they find out they have things in common.

If you do an activity that he likes, you risk doing something you are not going to enjoy…

But because you show any interest in him and what he likes, he’ll do his utmost to make you feel comfortable during the activity.

And who knows, you might discover a new passion.

In other words, try to find out what he likes. Or better yet, ask him if necessary. This is also a simple way to make him fall in love with you.

The next tip is one of my personal favorites on where to go on a first date.

4. Visit the petting zoo or aquarium

Couple is visiting the zoo

“Wow, have you seen that over there?”

The great thing about these kinds of date suggestions is that there is always something to see.

The petting zoo might sound a bit crazy or maybe even a little, childish?

But nothing can be further from the truth; the petting zoo is a very cool idea.

You can walk through it in half an hour if you’re fast and there is always some kind of animal that you haven’t seen. You can also find it in almost any city around the world.

And maybe it’s me, but I love animals. And I really like watching them.

So if you are into this too, it’s an easy way to find out if he’s an animal lover as well.

5. Take a dancing lesson

Couple is taking a dancing lesson

I admit that not every man will be happy about this, just because some men don’t dare to do it.

But if he likes you (or loves to dance), he’ll happily go with you.

Dancing together is just a fun way to break the ice on a first date because you focus your attention on the dance moves.

Depending on what you dance it’s also a lot of body contact which always makes it more exciting.

 

6. Work out together

23 Amazing First Date Ideas - Here's Where To Go With A Guy 2

Suppose you have a busy life and therefore little time to date, then going to the gym together is something to consider.

Because look:

You’ve got to work out anyway.

At least, I hope for your sake that you work out.

If not, start.

The cool thing about working out together is that you’re active and not just sitting still.

Since you’re already healthy and actively going to the gym, you’re probably looking for a fit guy too.

This is a perfect way to find out how physically active or healthy he really is.

Working out together has many benefits, but the most significant one is that you feel great afterward and it saves you time. After all, you bring him to an activity that you would normally do.

A word of caution: Some guys might see this like “She doesn’t even want to make time for a real date”. If that happens to be the case, simply explain that going to the gym together when it fits you both (not just your schedule), is a way for both to exercise and get to know each other simultaneously.

7. See a local band for a night

Couple on a concert

If you both love music and don’t mind the nightlife, then going to see a local band play is a great option.

Forget long queues and expensive concerts, chances are that there’s a band playing in a local pub every week.

It becomes something unique and a great way to learn more about each other in a fun and relaxing environment where you can dance, listen to the music and share a drink together.

8. Be a tourist in your own city

23 Amazing First Date Ideas - Here's Where To Go With A Guy 3

The funny thing about many travelers is that they often tell you how boring their home country is.

But obviously, that’s just plain nonsense.

A good idea for your first date can be to visit a place in your city that you haven’t been to.

Perhaps a museum, a park, a lake, a river, or something like that.

Sometimes you can find these golden spots that were hiding in plain sight because you were too focused on places outside of your own city.

9. Build a snowman

23 Amazing First Date Ideas - Here's Where To Go With A Guy 4

OK, I admit… For this one you need a bit of luck with the weather.

However, if it happens to be snowing, seize this opportunity and invite him to build a snowman together.

For some reason, this is always fun, and you also wake up your “inner child.”

It’s guaranteed to be very exciting and romantic.

It’s simply a fantastic activity to do together on your first date in the winter.

I don’t know any man who secretly doesn’t like to build a snowman.

Another thing is that you’re wearing gloves, maybe a hat and you are building something as a team so it’s very easy to see how well you work together.

And afterwards it’s natural and easy to lead the date towards a hot chocolate, tea or coffee somewhere inside and warm up.

10. Visit an amusement park

Man makes woman happy.

This is the ideal place to take someone you like or has had a crush on for a while.

There are plenty of fun things to do and see together like riding the radio cars, challenge him to win you a stuffed animal, play air hockey, and so on…

Research has also shown that doing an activity together that releases adrenaline will strengthen the mutual connection between you.

So if there is an amusement park in your city and you’re up for it, then this is an awesome idea.

11. Look for a present

Couple is looking for a present

Can this really work in a way that he actually enjoys it?

Yes, you just have to phrase it the right way.

You could say like,

“Hey I need to buy a present for my sister/niece (or whoever it might be) and I need a guy’s opinion on a great gift. If you’re up for the challenge, let me know”

If you phrase it this way it’s very easy to bring him on board and it becomes like a quest you do together to find the perfect present, and not just go to the mall and look for clothes (which all men hate).

You’ll also find out if he’s a family man and how close he is to his loved ones.

Bonus tip: A guy wants to feel important, so if you want to leave a fantastic impression on him, ask him for advice. Even if you don’t really need it.

Another benefit to this first-date activity is that it’s very easy to grab a coffee afterwards in one of the coffee shops when you’re finished with your mission since you’ll be spending a lot of time in the mall.

12. Fly a kite

He probably hasn’t done this since he was a child and it’s probably true for you as well.

The cool thing about that is that it becomes a unique experience that reminds you both of your childhood.

You need a windy day and a good place to make it work, but if you can do it it’s a lot of fun.

He’s guaranteed to tell his friends about your day too since I promise you that he has never done it before with a girl.

That’ll make him think of what other cool things you’ll be able to do together if you were dating.

It’s also much easier to present to him than a “first date.”

You just say:

“Hey, I feel like flying a kite, care to join me?”

13. Play a board game

23 Amazing First Date Ideas - Here's Where To Go With A Guy 5

Childish? Uh, maybe…

Boring? Uh, no.

Fun for a first date? Uh, YES.

People often underestimate the most straightforward and casual ideas for a first date. Playing a board game together in a local bar is one of them.

It’s fun to compete against each other; men just love a challenge. And in the heat of battle, you’ll find out right away if he’s a good loser or not.

In many bars, there’s usually a bunch of board games waiting for you. Connect Four is a great game that’s quick to learn and fast to play. I can really recommend it.

14. Get ice cream

Couple going for a walk

I hardly know anyone who doesn’t like ice cream. Even many serious athletes I know can sometimes not resist the temptation of ice cream on a sunny day.

It can also be combined with a walk. And it’s a childishly simple way to find out how much fun he is.

In addition, you can always do the classic ice cream on his nose joke and then carefully wipe it off with a napkin.

This guarantees a lot of laughter and good times.

15. Play minigolf

I recently went to play minigolf, and I had forgotten how much fun it was! 

Minigolf is awesome because it’s extremely easy to learn and even a complete beginner can sometimes hit a hole in one and win the game.

If the weather isn’t that great to do it outside there is usually minigolf to do inside in most cities as well.

16. Go into nature

Travel and holidays

I don’t mean you have to be dropped in the middle of the jungle with a complete stranger and find your way home.

What I mean is, take a nice bike ride through the forest or somewhere in nature and perhaps see a waterfall.

If you suggest this idea and he’s not into it then you’ll immediately find out if who he is as a person.

Is he someone who likes to stay in the city, or at home? Or does he like to do outdoor activities, get out of the house and into nature?

17. Take a canoe trip

Couple is taking a canoe tripIt’s usually possible to rent canoes or paddleboards around some of the lakes or rivers in most cities.

But the weather needs to be on your side of course.

With this type of activity you immediately see how well you work together.

18. Visit a museum

If you find out that you both love art and museums, then go and visit a museum together.

It’ll be a great experience of walking around looking at the beautiful paintings while you get to know each other better.

19. Take a trip to the (local) market

23 Amazing First Date Ideas - Here's Where To Go With A Guy 6

This idea is great in so many ways that it would be a shame not to mention it.

Look:

You’re walking around together so it’s very easy to talk, touch and learn more about each other.

You also get to see how he acts around other people.

  • Does he treat the vendors with respect and kindness?
  • Does he like to be alone or in small groups? How does he handle himself in crowds and when there are many people around? Some men are introverts and feel uncomfortable in these environments (which they’ll never admit to of course) and then it becomes easy for you to realize this first hand.

You can also shop for fruits or vegetables that you might need

20. Have a picnic

Couple is having picnic

a picnic is a very fun and relaxing way to hang out together outside in the sun.

I don’t need to get into too much detail about it here it’s just an excellent and unique idea that will make you stand out from the other first dates he’s had.

21. Paint together

23 Amazing First Date Ideas - Here's Where To Go With A Guy 7

Again, this may sound a little crazy. But actually, most people still like this kind of childlike stuff as an adult.

And painting together is like being kids again. You can, for instance, start at the top right, and he can start at the bottom left then you meet somewhere in the middle.

You get to see how creative and imaginative he is, and of course how terrible of a painter he probably is.

Will he be able to do something that he’ll most likely suck at, and still be able to have a good time and have fun? Or will he hate every second of it and want to do something else because he doesn’t like to try new things.

You’ll be able to find this out very quickly.

22. Do an escape room

This is something I discovered a few years ago and it’s super cool.

It’s quite simple actually and it works like this:

You’re locked in a room and you must solve all kinds of riddles and puzzles in order to to get out. It may sound boring, but it’s a lot more exciting and adventurous than you might think.

It has become increasingly popular nowadays, and every big city has one or more places where you can do it.

Search for “trap room” or “escape room,” and you’ll undoubtedly have a great time together. You’ll also immediately find out how smart he is 😉.

23. Do something forbidden

Watch what you're saying

For this one you need to have some guts, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Organize a date where you break the rules together.

By that, I don’t mean to commit a crime or something like that.

I’m referring to more innocent things.

It can be something funny, like drinking wine in the evening in a children’s playground, or secretly using a swimming pool that’s closed.

It’s also a lot easier than you might think to walk straight into hotels and just use the spa or the pool because the staff assumes you stay there, haha.

Doing something together that isn’t allowed immediately creates a bond between you.

It’s highly exciting and very romantic to break the rules and do something you’re not supposed to.

This was my list with 23 great first date ideas and fun things to do with a guy

Don’t forget to check out my article on when you should text him after a date, and when it’s better to wait.

With regards to texting, I would also recommend that you read my 17 texting secrets to make him fall in love with you.

Let me know in the comments below what you ended up doing together.

Love,
Tim

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Tim Veninga is a dating coach, relationship coach and social psychology bestseller author from the Netherlands.  He has been featured in media like Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Marie Claire & Elle.

Hi, I’m Tim Veninga. Since 2008 I’ve been coaching men and women to archieve succes and happiness in their love lives.

For years I’ve only been writing in Dutch, but in 2019 I started writing in English as well after many women asked for it.

If you want to get started learning the best of my advice, I recommend you download the 5 texting mistakes most women make.

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