Fun date ideas
Maybe you want to steer away from the traditional first date to a restaurant, which can be a bit formal and awkward and are looking for somewhere where you can both relax, have some fun and get to be yourselves. We’ve put together a few ideas which are sure to lead to a great time, where you can hopefully bring out the fun side in each other and settle any first date nerves.
Karaoke Night
If you're not afraid to get silly, and have a bit of fun then karaoke could be a great way of letting your hair down and getting to know someone on a first date. Nothing is said to draw us closer than a willingness to share and be honest, and being open to make fools of yourselves could really break the ice and lead to a much easier and relaxed way of getting to know each other.
Check out a carnival or funfair.
It doesn't matter how old you are, a carnival or funfair outing is a perfect summer date. Having rides, games, and food stalls at your disposal will help break the ice and fill in any conversation gaps.
Work together in an escape room.
These adventure games in which people get together to use clues to solve various puzzles are incredibly popular right now and make a fantastic first date activity. It’s a great way to get to know your date quickly as you'll have to use teamwork, and the task at hand will keep the two of you talking without any awkward lulls.
Blackbeard's Treasure Escape Game for Two with Escape Hunt
Get ready for 60 minutes of totally immersive, adrenaline-fuelled fun in this Blackbeard’s Treasure Escape Game for Two. Together you’ll be immersed in a battle for control of the High Seas. The captain of your pirate galleon, the terrifying Blackbeard, has just been killed and his ship is sinking fast.
Find out more
Go skating.
Ice skating or roller skating was a dating staple in years gone by. With the two of you trying to focus on staying on your feet there won’t be any time for awkward silences as you’ll be concentrating too hard on not falling over. This can be a lot of fun and a great way of laughing at each others expense as you both try but probably fail to stay on your feet.
Go bowling.
Bowling can be a little cheesy with the shoes, the music, and the technique, but it is a perfect way to break the ice and will keep the activity constant, and if the dates going well, you can extend it by having a bite to eat and having even more fun in the arcade.
Go to a Comedy Night
Laughter is the perfect way to diffuse any nerves, and a lot of comedy shows are also great value. It offers a great alternative to a standard trip to a restaurant, and will be a lot more informal with the chance to have a laugh which should help calm any nerves and lead to some hilarious conversations of your own.
Go on a food tour
Food tours are the best. You can pick up a tonne of little bites and they happen all year-round. Research if there's any food tours in your area and go ahead and plan your next date.
Go Kayaking
Taking a kayak out on the water is really relaxing and there’s some beautiful spots around the UK which you can find. Whether you choose a tandem kayak or two solo ones it can be a relaxed but also romantic way of getting to know someone, with the chance to have a bit of fun messing about on the water as well.
Go Mini Golfing
This is a classic first date experience, it’s simple but it works so well, whether you’re good at mini golf or not it doesn’t really matter, you can have a great laugh about it in a relaxed atmosphere.
Attend a Gig
Grab tickets to see an artist you both love, or snag seats to a smaller show. Maybe you’ll discover a new musician or band to obsess over together.
Kayaking for Two on Loch Lomond
Discover one of Scotland’s most magnificent locations from a whole new angle, with this Kayaking for Two on Loch Lomond. You and a friend will be given a safety briefing and some basic training, before heading out in your kayak to explore the loch at your own pace.
Find out more
Cute/romantic date ideas
Perhaps you’re looking for something a bit more cute or romantic for a first date, but one which isn’t going to be awkward and too much for a first date. Hopefully these simple ideas will lead to a romantic time and potential future with your date.
Taking a walk
Yes, sometimes the simplest date ideas are the best ones. According to research a walk is in the top four most popular date ideas for women. Just going for a walk can be a great way to bond. It's fun, and you get to hang out and talk with your date, because you aren't distracted by other activities. Maybe if you live near a local beauty spot like a river this could be a cute place for a first date.
Visiting a museum
Museums give you a chance to have casual small talk and understand each other's perspective on life. It's also a great way of killing any awkward silences as there will be an endless supply of great conversation starters all around you. Plus, many museums have a cafe inside, so if things are going well, you can extend the date by grabbing a coffee.
Go hiking/picnicking
If you both like being active outdoors, this is a great way to get to know each other. It doesn’t have to be trekking up a mountain for hours and could simply be walking around a local beauty spot or countryside trail. Perhaps you could pack a picnic for a romantic meal in a pretty and tranquil location, away from all the busyness of life.
A trip to the theatre
You don't have to go to the West End to see some live action. Just get some tickets to a local production. They're typically inexpensive so you don't have to worry about breaking the bank and it can make for a beautiful evening.
Theatre and Dinner for Two
Discover London’s ‘Theatreland’ with this fantastic experience that includes dinner and two tickets to a West End show. You’ll enjoy a memorable evening in London, beginning with a delicious pre-theatre two-course meal at a restaurant within walking distance from your chosen theatre. Once you have finished your tasty meal, it’s off to one of London’s fabulous West End theatres for the main attraction.
Find out more
Cook Together
Instead of going out to eat, you could save some cash by staying in and whipping up a tasty dinner together. Even if you don't really know how to cook, you'll have loads of fun trying to master a recipe together. Alternatively, you could book yourselves onto a cookery class where you can not only learn a few tips along the way but have a lot of fun doing so.
Stargazing
On a clear night, you could go somewhere quiet and just spend some time just gazing at the stars. Or go to a beautiful outdoor spot to watch the sunset. It gives you time to talk and time to snuggle, and as cheesy as it sounds, there can be nothing more romantic.
Stargazing Experience for Two with Dark Sky Wales
Discover the magic of the night skies with a Stargazing Experience for Two with Dark Sky Wales. In the surroundings of the Brecon Beacons Observatory, the two of you can explore worlds little-known, with the use of portable telescopes. Astronomers will be on hand to talk you through your experience and to help you to spot the numerous celestial objects. Perfect for anybody with a passion for the art of astronomy or just looking for something a little bit ‘out of this world,’ this is a night you’ll never forget.
Find out more
Visit a Botanical Garden
There’s so much nature to ooh and aah over! Botanical gardens are obviously great to wander around in the spring or summer, but they’re also good for a winter date, given the balmy temperature inside the hot houses.
Visit an Aquarium
The dim lighting can be quite romantic, and the animals are beautiful to observe. There’s usually so much to see, you could easily spend the whole afternoon there.
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea can be a really cute ideas for a first date and is sure to impress, whether you’re looking for a timeless classic or a version which is a bit more boozy, there are so many options out there when it comes to afternoon tea. Many are in beautiful settings which could make for a romantic few hours where you can really get to know each other.
Sightseeing
Taking in a few sights can be a cute and easy way of getting to know someone, whether you want to take in the views from the top of a skyscraper, hop on an open top bus or climb a city wall there are so many great options.
Conclusion
Hopefully by now we’ve given you an idea of what to do on a first date whether you’re looking for something romantic, cute or just fun. There’s so many great options asides from your traditional places to go and hopefully these will break the ice and lead to a great first date.
