One of the biggest challenges when online dating is finally deciding to take the conversations off the app and meet in person. Dinner and drinks can get stale pretty quickly, not to mention it can be expensive. It’s time to change up the routine. Consider a more engaging first date that reflects your interests and personality.
Whether it’s an interactive activity, a hands-on class, or an outdoor adventure, choosing a unique experience can make for a memorable icebreaker and set the stage for a meaningful connection.
Here are a few unique date night ideas for you to choose from next time you’re ready to go out with a new partner or even spice things up in a long-term relationship!
Outdoor Adventures
If you love fresh air and adventure, outdoor dates can be the perfect way to connect. Exploring nature together allows for easy conversation, shared experiences, and a fun, active way to bond.
- Hiking or Nature Walks – Check out a local trail or drive to a new area to enjoy the sites while getting to know one another.
- Kayaking or Canoeing – Try something new and get out on the open waters. Working together as a team is a great start to any relationship.
- Biking Through a Park or City – Hop on a bike and start your adventure. Explore new neighborhoods or challenge yourself on a bike path.
- Camping Under the Stars – Outdoorsy couples may enjoy sleeping under the stars. Gathering everything you need for a night out in the wilderness will make for lasting memories.
- Outdoor Movie Night – Check out local drive-ins to see a classic film or set up a backyard projector for a cozy experience.
- Hanging at the Beach – Grab your beach towels and an umbrella to enjoy the weather once it gets nice! Bring your favorite beach treats and lots of water for the perfect chill day.
Food & Drink Experiences
Dinner and drinks aren’t the only way to incorporate food into date night. Consider trying a few different culinary adventures.
- Cooking Classes – Look for local cooking classes where you can learn a new skill and explore unique flavors. Pro tip: Use your newfound skills and cook dinner together on your next date!
- Drink Tasting – From beer and wine to coffee and tea and everything in between, there is no limit to the number of drink tastings you can enjoy on a first date. You can even try something new together, like exploring CBD or THC drinks for the first time.
- Food Festivals – When the weather is nice, festivals are aplenty. Look for them to pop up around town – maybe even choose to explore a new neighborhood.
- Farmers Market Date – A day date is a fun way to change things up. Venture to your local farmers market to sample tasty treats. Maybe even bring a picnic blanket to relax on after walking around if you don’t want the date to end!
- Dessert-Only Date – Satisfy your sweet tooth! Head to a restaurant and just order dessert or grab a few delights at a bakery to taste together and decide which flavors are your favorite.
Scenic Activities
No matter where you live, there is something special about enjoying the beauty around you.
- Picnic in the Park – A simple picnic is a delightful way to get to know another person. Encourage each person to pack their favorite snacks and drinks to share over conversation and people-watching.
- Sunset Stroll – Before you’re ready to commit to dinner, suggest a sunset stroll around a popular area. If things go well, pop into a nearby restaurant or bar and keep the conversation going.
- Botanical Garden Visit – You may have beautiful gardens right outside your doorstep that you didn’t even know about. Do some research to find the most beautiful spot for an afternoon stroll!
Creative Classes
Being creative and getting messy is a fun way to get to know someone. No artistic ability is required! Go into the activity with an open mind and let creativity be your guide.
- Painting Night – Paint and sip classes are popular for a reason. Pick a night when you like the painting they will be doing during class and enjoy creating while getting to know each other.
- Pottery Making – Head to a pottery spot to pick out a new mug or dish to paint or create. Maybe make things interesting and create a piece for the other person to take home and enjoy!
- Candle or Soap Making – Learn a new skill and take home a good-smelling, handmade keepsake.
- Dance Classes – From salsa to swing, moving together can be romantic and fun.
Unique Sports & Games
A little friendly competition can bring out your playful side and help break through any first-date jitters.
- Mini-Golf – A classic date idea; no golf experience required! This day date is a fun and casual first date experience.
- Shuffleboard – Look for table shuffleboard or find a location with the classic floor version.
- Pickleball – Hugely popular, check out local courts and show off your skills. Outdoor parks, bars, and gyms provide so many opportunities to play!
- Bowling – Make things interesting and create a challenge on each frame. The loser gets drinks or must play the claw machine!
- Arcade or Barcade Night – Relive childhood nostalgia while competing for the high score.
Interactive Museums & Cultural Exploration
There are so many incredible museums and experiences to explore. Many museums offer free days, so be sure to check on those if you’re on a budget.
- Science or Art Museum – Museums create opportunities for conversation and provide chances to cut through the small talk.
- Aquarium or Planetarium – Be amazed by animals or inspired by the planets.
- Historical Site Tour – Learn something new about your city or a nearby town.
- Play Tourist – Be a tourist in your own city! Hit up all the spots you recommend to new visitors and see your city through a whole new lens.
Jewish Date Night Ideas
Celebrate Jewish culture together!
- Challah Baking Class: Join a local Jewish baking class and learn how to make delicious challah.
- Shabbat Dinner: Connect with other Jews in your area or host one for family and friends. Joining together for this Jewish tradition is sure to bring you closer together.
- Kosher Wine Tasting: Visit a kosher winery or attend a tasting event to explore Jewish winemaking traditions.
- Volunteer Together: Participate in a mitzvah project by volunteering at a Jewish community center or food pantry.
- Museum or Cultural Center Visit: Explore Jewish heritage by visiting a Jewish museum or cultural center.
Adventurous Activities
For thrill-seekers, these dates are sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Check some things off your bucket list with these exciting activities.
- Skydiving or Indoor Skydiving – Jumping out of a plane on your first date is a pretty good story to tell.
- Axe Throwing – See who can hit a bullseye first.
- Escape Room – Work together to solve the puzzle! This is a fun way to see how the other person’s mind works.
- Ziplining – Soar through treetops and share an exhilarating moment.
- Go-Kart Racing – Put the pedal to the metal for a playful competition.
- Haunted House Visit – Spooky season calls for thrills and chills! Getting spooked on a date can really bring you closer together.
Live Shows & Entertainment
Bond over similar interests by enjoying an artist you both enjoy or simply experience something new, together.
- Comedy Show – Have a laugh at a comedy club or attend an open mic night. Who knows, you might catch the next big comedian!
- Concert or Live Music Night – Create a bond over music or check out a new artist or venue.
- Theater Performance – From Broadway to local theater, a play or musical can make you laugh, cry and everything in between.
- Magic Show – Experience magic right before your eyes!
How to Keep Date Night Budget-Friendly
When you’re trying to find love, you have to go on many dates. That can get expensive fast. Here are a few tips to keep things affordable while still having a great time:
- Take Advantage of Free Events – Most cities have many free activities and events, especially in the summer. Look for free concerts, outdoor movies, or community festivals.
- Local Library – Check out your local library for free classes and events. An interesting author might be stopping by for a chat, or they may be hosting a hands-on activity you might be interested in.
- Afternoon Dates – Who said dating has to take place at night? Instead of dinner and drinks, suggest grabbing coffee or a smoothie. These options are lower cost and a simple way to get to know someone before jumping into the real thing.
- Look for Happy Hour Deals – If you really want to try a new restaurant, go for happy hour! Many places have great deals on food and drink you can take advantage of.
- DIY Date Nights – You don’t have to go out to have a good time. Make food at home and stream a movie for the ultimate date night in.
- Use Discount Sites – Websites like Groupon offer deals on activities and experiences. If you want to try something new, it’s worth scouring those sites for the best deal.
- Go on a Nature Date – Hiking, beach days, or exploring a local park are all free! Take advantage of the beauty around you and keep first dates simple.
With so many unique date ideas to choose from, there’s no reason to settle for the ordinary. Whether you’re looking for romance, adventure, creativity, or laughter, there’s a perfect date experience waiting for you. The best part? You’re making memories with a new potential partner!
