Top 10: First Date Ideas

When planning a first date, most guys settle for some variation of the dinner-and-a-movie night. There’s nothing particularly wrong with this strategy. It’s been tested. It’s easy. The only thing is, when taking a woman out on a date, you don’t want to be like most guys; you want to be the guy. So, we’ve assembled this list of top-notch first date ideas to help you get out of the dinner-and-a-movie rut.

A good first date allows for conversation but at the same time takes some of the focus off you so that you’re not under pressure to talk incessantly. The first date ideas on this list provide the right balance of conversation and pleasant distraction. Just recognize that not every first date idea will work for every type of girl. Before you plan some kind of outdoorsy activity, you’ll want to make sure she’s the outdoorsy type. And you don’t want to take a girl to a museum if she’s going to be bored to tears.
Think about her interests and her personality before you decide which of these10 first date ideas to try.

No.10 Bowling

Bowling is an old-school date idea with a great casual vibe. The two of you can have a beer or a slice of pizza while engaging in a friendly competition. Just about every town has a bowling alley. It’s a low-stress environment, so your date is guaranteed to feel relaxed and comfortable, which is important. If she’s comfortable, she’ll have more fun, and if she’s having fun, you’ll get a second date.

No.9 Hiking

Exploring the great outdoors and getting some physical activity is a terrific first date idea, provided your date is up to the task. You need to check first to ensure that she’s the outdoorsy type. A high-maintenance woman does not want to go on a hike (you know, that martini-sipping girl with the perfectly manicured nails probably isn’t up for it). But for the cute surfer girl you met at the pub, it’s perfect.

No.8 Aquarium

Aquariums aren't just for fourth-grade field trips; they're also a great place for a first date. You can walk leisurely with your lady friend as the two of you survey all of the sea life. And underwater creatures are colorful, slimy, toothy, and weird enough to keep things interesting.

No.7 The theater

The theater is another one of our favorite first date ideas. It’s more original than a movie, plus it’s a little classier. The two of you can get dressed up and enjoy yourselves. Plus, there’s typically an intermission during which you’ll have a chance to chat, unlike a movie, where you’ll spend the entire time sitting in the dark. The theater is a good date for just about any type of woman, but it’s particularly well-suited to bibliophiles and art lovers.

No.6 Driving range

Taking a date to the driving range is another fun outdoors activity. It’s not particularly strenuous, though, so your date doesn’t need to be athletic to have a good time. The driving range makes a great daytime date. It’s also a good first date idea because if she’s not a golfer, helping her with her swing is a great opportunity to get up close and personal. Alternatively, if she’s a little more experienced, it’s a chance for some playful competition.

No.5 Art gallery

A trip to the local art gallery is a great first date for the artsy girl. It’s not a bad idea to do a little research on the exhibit beforehand, though. Not just because it’s good to seem at least a little knowledgeable, but also because you don’t want to accidentally take her to an exhibit on the horrors of meat-processing plants or the atrocities of war.

No.4 Local music show

Remember that conversation is probably the most important part of a first date. However, the right music in the right venue can provide the perfect ratio of conversation to pleasant distraction. You don’t want a stadium show. You don’t want heavy metal or techno -- the emphasis there is more on dancing than listening. But if you can find a more mellow act in a smaller venue, you’re golden.

No.3 Play tourist

We sometimes take our hometowns for granted. Think about it: Every year, scores of people probably travel to your city on vacation. Try to see your hometown from a tourist’s perspective. Check out the local tourism office; it will have guides and information on all kinds of festivals, events and sights worth seeing. Take your date on a touristy excursion around your hometown and see the city from a different perspective.

No.2 Ice-skating

Ice-skating is innocent fun. That’s why it makes this list of our favorite first date ideas. It’s a great date for women who love to be active. And if she doesn’t know how to skate, so what? Holding hands as you help her stay on her feet is a fun way to spend an afternoon and an excellent opportunity to get to know each other.

No.1 Try new cuisine

Sharing new experiences together is a great way to build a connection with someone. That’s why if you’re going to take her out to a restaurant, you should try taking her somewhere a little more adventurous. Check out a new ethnic cuisine -- something neither of you have tried before. The element of adventure will add some excitement to your date, and, who knows, maybe the two of you will find a new favorite.