12 Fun First Date Ideas That Aren't Just Dinner and a Movie

Updated on Oct 17, 2024 at 5:35 PM

So you landed a first date — congrats are in order. But before the games begin (actually, before you can even start planning your outfit) you'll need to figure out where you want to go and what you're going to do together. A first date at an axe-throwing bar is going to look a lot different than a quiet wine tasting, for example. But reaching a consensus with a possible new romantic interest can be harder than it seems.

Fun first date ideas are sometimes hard to come up with, especially for someone who's single and consistently dating, and is getting a little tired of same booth at the same bar down the block from their apartment. Some people put lots of pressure on themselves to pitch quirky, out-of-the-box activities, but those aren't necessarily the best first date ideas. While everyone has different preferences, the formula for a great first date usually involves some sort of entertaining activity that you can still have a decent conversation over.

From cooking classes to a botanical garden stroll, there's something for every kind of dater in this list of the best fun first date ideas. Read on to never have to ask yourself "where should we go on a date?" ever again.

—Additional reporting by Lauren Harano

Axe-Throwing

Why axe-throwing is great for a first date: Nothing bonds you like a near-death experience! Axe-throwing lets you show off your silly and vaguely athletic side, though you don't have to be super sporty to master the axe. Plus, beer is almost always within arms reach at these places. Bulls-eye.

Botanical Garden

Why a stroll through a botanical garden is great for a first date: Fresh air is sexy, especially with a new sweetie by your side. A low-stakes stroll through a beautiful botanical garden lets you each marvel at the miracles of nature and science (i.e. the dating app that most likely brought you two together in the first place).

Weekend Brunch

Why weekend brunch is great for a first date: Meeting early on in the day, as opposed to nighttime, will make the date feel more relaxed and comfortable — just like it should be. Plus, if it doesn't end up going like you'd hoped, it'll be totally believable when you say you have so many things to get to before the end of the day.

City Walking Tour

Why a walking tour is great for a first date: Playing tourist in your own city will offer up a different perspective that you both can share together. You'll have plenty of chances to get to know each other while you walk, but there's always the rest of the group and the tour guide to fall back on for conversation if need be.

Coffee Date

Why a coffee date is great for a first date: Keeping it short and sweet with a coffee meetup means it will be easy to either leave early or extend the date. After all, it usually doesn't take more than 30 minutes to see if there's a potential for chemistry that you want to pursue. If the answer's no, the good thing is you don't even have to wait for the check.

Cooking Class

Why a cooking class is great for a first date: Isn't the way to someone's heart through the stomach? Taking a cooking class is a fun way to make something together. Bonus: an interactive activity will give you plenty to talk about and cut any chances for awkward silences.

Art Gallery Visit

Why a gallery visit is great for a first date: Conversation will be easy when you're commenting on and discussing different art pieces. If all goes well, you can extend the date with a trip to the gallery's cafe.

Farmers Market

Why a farmers market is great for a first date: Browsing your local farmers market is the perfect way to get out and enjoy the weather. You can sample new foods together and easily chat while strolling past different vendors. It doesn't have to last very long, but if it goes really well, you can pick up all the ingredients for a cozy at-home dinner.

Stand-Up Comedy Show

Why a comedy show is great for a first date: There's nothing better to break the ice on a first date than a good laugh. You may not be able to chat the whole time, but you can always head to the bar during intermission to recap the night's funniest jokes. Just don't sit too close to the front, where the comedian is bound to call out your first date.

Wine Tasting

Why a wine tasting is great for a first date: If you'd like to grab a drink, but don't want to just meet up at your usual neighborhood bar, go to a wine tasting, where you'll be able to review your favorite samples with your date. And most importantly, you'll find out if your date's a red or a white drinker.

Outdoor Concert

Why an outdoor concert is great for a first date: Heading to a local outdoor concert will provide the perfect mix of conversation and distraction. The topics of conversation are easy — "How nice is it out today?" "What do you think of the band?" — but you'll also get to pause and listen to some awesome tunes.

Miniature Golf

Why mini golf is great for a first date: Something as laid-back as miniature golf — or bowling or arcade games — lends itself to a fun, casual time, which is crucial for a first date. And there's no better chance to get a little flirty than engaging in some friendly competition.

Lisette Mejia is a former editor for POPSUGAR News.

Lauren Harano is a contributor for POPSUGAR and was formerly an editor for the lifestyle, beauty, and commerce departments.