Buzz
You’ve gathered your courage, asked your crush out, and they said yes! What’s next? Whether you stick to the tried-and-true dinner-and-a-movie plan or opt for something more thrilling, the key is to create an enjoyable experience with a touch of romance. By considering your date’s interests, you’re sure to have a fantastic time.
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Picking the Perfect Activity
Choose a date activity. Typically, the person who initiates the date selects the activities, but it’s always a good idea to ask for your partner’s preferences. If you’re not very familiar with your date, especially on a first outing, opt for something universally enjoyable to ensure a good time. Consider these popular date night options:
- Explore your city like tourists. Stroll through a scenic park, visit a museum you’ve been curious about, or take a ferry ride to admire the skyline.
- Watch a movie. Stick to crowd-pleasers like romantic comedies or action films rather than heavy dramas or intense war movies.
- Attend a live music performance. This could be at a café, restaurant, bar, or even a free outdoor concert.
- Cheer at a sports event, whether it’s baseball, football, hockey, basketball, or any other game happening nearby.
- Dine at a restaurant, grab ice cream, visit a coffee shop, try a food truck, or enjoy a drink at a bar (if appropriate).
- Spend time at an amusement park or state fair, where you’ll find rides, games, food, and entertainment for everyone.
- Reader Poll: We surveyed 501 Mytour readers who’ve had successful dates, and 63% agreed that the best first-date spot is a coffee shop. [Take Poll]
Plan an adventurous outing. If your date enjoys excitement, consider planning something thrilling. Shared adrenaline-pumping experiences can be a fantastic way to bond and create lasting memories. Just ensure the activity is safe and within both of your comfort zones. Here are some ideas:
- Visit an amusement park and ride roller coasters together. Don’t forget to hold hands on the Ferris wheel afterward!
- Spend the day at a water park and enjoy the slides. Remind your date to bring swimwear.
- Try an adventure sport like skiing, snowboarding, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, rock climbing, rappelling, or caving.
- For thrill-seekers, consider skydiving or bungee jumping.
- Rent bicycles and explore a scenic bike trail.
- Try something new together, like learning to play the didgeridoo, taking a tango class, joining a theater improv workshop, cooking Mongolian cuisine, or trying curling. Not all adventures need to be physical—artistic, intellectual, or musical activities can be just as exciting!
Create a dreamy romantic experience. If your vision of the perfect date is filled with sweetness, plan a day that offers plenty of intimate moments to nurture those budding feelings of love. A picturesque setting is essential, so pick a stunning location in your area and choose an activity that keeps you both clean and comfortable. Consider these ideas:
- Take a leisurely stroll along the shore of an ocean, lake, pond, or river. Water naturally sets the stage for romance. If there’s a charming stone bridge, walk across it. If boat rentals are available, opt for a rowboat or paddle boat to enjoy the water without getting wet.
- Explore the historic district of your town, ideally a street filled with quaint cafes, ice cream parlors, and boutique shops where you can exchange thoughtful little gifts.
- Secure tickets to a play, preferably one with a romantic theme and a happy ending to keep the mood uplifting. If plays aren’t your thing, visit a planetarium or another venue where you can sit close together in the dark.
Prioritize safety on your date. Especially for a first date, choose activities that avoid putting you or your date in vulnerable situations. This generally means staying in public spaces and maintaining independence:
- Meet in well-lit, populated places like a movie theater, restaurant, state fair, nightclub, hockey rink, concert, or comedy club. A moonlit beach might sound romantic, but opt for the brightly-lit boardwalk instead of a secluded area.
- Arrange your own transportation. Even if your date offers to drive, ensure you have a backup plan, like a friend on standby, bus schedules, or cab options.
- Carry your own money, even if you don’t expect to pay. You might need it for emergencies, cab fare, or unexpected expenses.
- Be cautious with drinks, particularly alcoholic ones. Unfortunately, some individuals have used date rape drugs. Ensure your drinks are prepared in front of you, and stick to bottled beverages or familiar cocktails.
- If you’re in a dormitory or shared living space, keep the door open. This prevents isolation and creates a more comfortable environment for both of you.
Enjoy a cozy night at home. Hosting someone at your place is an intimate gesture, as they’ll get a glimpse into your life just by being there. For those who prefer a quiet evening over a night out, this can be ideal. If you’re ready for this step, prepare your space with these tips:
- Ensure your home is spotless. A messy house can be a red flag, while a clean, organized space shows you care about your guest and take pride in your surroundings.
- Set a romantic mood with soft, dim lighting and welcoming decor. Play some of your favorite music at a low volume to enhance the ambiance.
- Avoid being overly suggestive. Dim lighting, slow jams, and incense might come across as too forward for a first visit. Keep it classy and comfortable.
- Prepare conversation starters. Items that reflect your interests, like paintings, a guitar, photo albums, or even a pet, can spark meaningful discussions.
- Be mindful of the bedroom. Inviting your date to your room can send a strong message. If they seem uncomfortable, reassure them that you can move to a different area.
- Plan an activity. Choose a few movies, shows, or multiplayer video games. If you enjoy cooking, preparing a meal together can be a fun and interactive experience.
- Reader Poll: We surveyed 484 Mytour readers about their favorite at-home date activity, and 66% agreed that cuddling and watching a movie is the most romantic option. [Take Poll]
Choosing the Perfect Dining Spot
Pick the perfect dining spot. A fantastic date can happen at almost any restaurant, not just upscale or pricey ones. Whether it’s a lively cantina with great margaritas, an elegant French bistro, or a trendy new ice cream shop, the key is to choose a place that sets the right mood.
- Consider selecting a restaurant you’ve visited before or one that comes highly recommended. A disappointing dining experience can quickly ruin the vibe of a date.
- Check the menu prices beforehand. Many restaurants provide sample menus online, and reviews often give an idea of the cost. This helps avoid awkward situations, like being surprised by unexpectedly high prices or poor-quality food.
- If you’re the one organizing the date, plan to cover the cost of your date’s meal.
Align the restaurant vibe with your date’s tone. If you’ve spent the day kayaking or exploring, opt for a casual dining experience. Grab lunch from a food truck, pick up sandwiches from a beachside deli, or enjoy a picnic. If you’re both sandy and in beachwear, a fancy seafood restaurant might not be the best fit.
- For an active day, consider packing a picnic. Bring a bottle of champagne or wine to make it feel extra special.
- While casual dining works well, avoid fast food if possible. It’s not about the cost but the uniqueness of the experience. Choose a place that feels special and memorable.
Prepare a homemade dinner. Cooking a meal for your date is one of the most romantic gestures you can make. It shows effort and care, and it’s a chance to impress with your culinary skills. Stick to dishes you’ve made before to ensure they turn out well.
- You don’t need to prepare a gourmet feast, but avoid serving something as simple as frozen pizza. Opt for a quality dish, whether homemade or from a high-end market. Cooking together can also be a fun and intimate activity.
- Pasta dishes are a great option—they’re easy to make, affordable, and universally loved.
Wrapping Up the Night
End with something sweet. Whether you enjoy dessert at the same restaurant or head to a different spot, incorporating something sweet at the end of the date adds a thoughtful touch. It’s a chance to share a treat, just like in the movies, and leaves a lasting impression.
- Ice cream is a classic choice, especially during the summer months.
- If you’re cooking at home, consider a chocolate-based dessert, as it’s a crowd-pleaser.
- If your date isn’t into sweets, suggest grabbing a nightcap at a bar instead. However, skip this if either of you doesn’t drink or is underage.
- Be mindful of dietary restrictions, such as allergies, diabetes, or food sensitivities. Flexibility and understanding go a long way.
Conclude the date smoothly. The end of a date can feel awkward if not planned in advance. Think about how you’d like to wrap things up. Will you go your separate ways after dinner? Will you drop your date off after dessert? Or might you invite them back to your place? Planning ahead helps avoid that uncomfortable “what now” moment after an otherwise wonderful evening.
- Prepare your home just in case the date ends there. Ensure it’s clean and tidy. A messy kitchen or piles of laundry can leave a bad impression.
- End the date at an appropriate time. Timing is key—finish the date at a natural stopping point, like after a movie or dessert. It’s better to end slightly early than to drag it out too long.
- Decide on a parting gesture. A kiss, hug, or handshake can effectively signal the end of the date. On a first date, especially in a heterosexual context, the woman typically decides what she’s comfortable with.
Stay adaptable. If something doesn’t go as planned, stay calm and focus on making the best of the situation. Being flexible and handling surprises with a positive attitude can leave a lasting impression. A rigid or easily stressed person may struggle to create a memorable date experience.
What Are Some Exciting Date Ideas?
Join the Conversation...
I’m trying to gather the courage to ask someone I like out on a date, but I’m stuck on what we should do together. I’m open to almost any idea, as long as it ensures we both have a great time and possibly leads to a second date. Do you have any suggestions?
Mark Rosenfeld
Dating & Relationship Coach
Dating & Relationship Coach
In my experience, the best dates are free and involve some form of activity. Traditional dinner-and-movie dates can feel too static, almost like an interview, and don’t always encourage conversation. I recommend walking and exploring new areas. For example, grab a coffee and stroll through a mall, or visit a charming neighborhood you’ve never explored. I personally enjoy visiting local universities—they’re scenic and perfect for people-watching.
Mall dates might seem simple, but they’re my go-to for first dates for several reasons:
- If someone dismisses a mall date, they’re probably not my type.
- The food court offers a variety of cuisines to choose from.
- People-watching is a fun and easy activity.
- Walking through stores naturally sparks conversation topics.
- You can gauge their interest by suggesting dessert or a drink after dinner.
- After the mall closes, it’s a quiet, safe space for deeper, more intimate conversations.
My last first date at a mall lasted over 5 hours!
- If someone dismisses a mall date, they’re probably not my type.
- The food court offers a variety of cuisines to choose from.
- People-watching is a fun and easy activity.
- Walking through stores naturally sparks conversation topics.
- You can gauge their interest by suggesting dessert or a drink after dinner.
- After the mall closes, it’s a quiet, safe space for deeper, more intimate conversations.
My last first date at a mall lasted over 5 hours!
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Read DiscussionMaster the Art of the Perfect First Date with this Expert Series
1
Get Ready for a Date
2
Organize a Date
3
Stay Relaxed on a First Date
4
Make a Great Impression on a First Date
5
Ensure Safety on a First Date
6
Wow Your Date
