There is absolutely nothing wrong with meeting a date for drinks. It’s a minimal time investment and a good way to gauge compatibility. It seems to be the standard choice for most first dates. It can even feel a little lackluster and predictable. While there are many reasons to simply meet someone for a drink, it’s also possible to skip this common date activity and do something fun instead. Let’s talk about fun date ideas. These can be used for first dates, for established relationships, and even for friend dates if you prefer. You can even take yourself out on a date if no other prospects are available. These date ideas are all about having a good time and making dating fun again. There’s a clear advantage to a fun date. It can help you relax and get to know someone without feeling like you’re engaged in an interview over drinks. For couples who’ve been together for a while, a fun date can help you get closer and reignite your relationship. Even for singles, taking yourself out on a fun date can be a reminder that you don’t have to have a plus-one to show yourself a good time. It can even be fun to plan a date with a friend just to spend time together. What’s fun to me may not be fun to you — or to your date, for that matter. These ideas can be tweaked to suit you, your date, and your interests. What’s most important is that you stay safe and have a good time.
Fun Date Ideas for the Adventurer
If you and your date have a sense of adventurer, the sky is the limit when it comes to choosing a fun date. I mean that quite literally. You could go skydiving, parasailing, or ziplining if you’re so inclined. Even a circus arts class could have you sailing through the air on a flying trapeze — or falling through the sky to land in the safety net below. For those who would like to keep their feet firmly on the ground, there are plenty of other fun date options. Indoor rock-climbing gyms can be fun and a great date for the more athletic adventurer. Thrill seekers might enjoy axe throwing locations where you can toss hatchets at a target in a relaxed atmosphere. Stand up paddle boarding and kayaking tours are other fun ideas for adventurous couples. No matter what you choose, it’s best to have a “safety first” mentality. For the water sports, it would be better to go with a group or guide than to venture out alone with someone you don’t know well. Each of these activities have their own safety measures in place and could make for a fun date outing rather than the ever-popular dinner and a movie scenario. Quick Recap:
Fun Date Ideas for the Artist
For those with artistic sensibilities, there are plenty of fun options for dates if you think outside the box. Canvas painting classes are prevalent — some even offer them in a bar and combine the standard meet-for-drinks date with a painting class. A pottery class on a date could have you living out your Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze circa Ghost fantasies. Other fun date options for the artist could be a visit to a museum, gallery exhibit, or even a live theatre event. You could go to the circus, see a band, or even find a spoken word poetry event. Rather than picking from this list, research artistic events in your area to see if one sounds fun to you. Quick Recap: Recommended read: 5 First Date Questions That Will Help You Increase Attraction
Fun Date Ideas for the Tree Hugger
For those who are passionate about the environment, don’t think your first date has to be a trip to a local park to pick up litter — although if that sounds fun to you, go for it! You could visit a botanical garden, attend an event at a park, or even go on a guided moonlit hike if one is offered in your area. Any nature-related event could have you bonding over your mutual love for the environment. Other possible activities could include agritourism where you visit farms and vineyards in your area. Agritourism can include farm-to-table dining, pick-your-own seasonal fruit outings, petting zoos, or guided tours. You’ll be supporting local businesses and helping the environment at the same time. Another related activity could be heading to your nearest zoo, aquarium, or planetarium. You could even volunteer together at a local animal shelter. If you’re not dating someone you know well, skip the more isolated nature venues like going for a hike. Keep safety in mind at all times and make sure someone knows where you are when you go out on a date. Nature dates can be fun but opt for a guided tour or public location until you get to know your date better. This is also a good rule of thumb if you take yourself out on a solo date. Quick Recap:
Fun Date Ideas for the Class Clown
For the date who’s got jokes, you’ve got plenty of options for a fun night out. A comedy show — provided you do your due diligence to make sure it’s a comedian you’ll both enjoy — is always a fan favorite. Open mic comedy nights could be a riot — or a cringe-fest. Attending a performance of a comedic play could also make the list. For someone with a great sense of humor, any date could be infused with fun, but think of light, relaxing activities. Attending a festival, going to a carnival, visiting an amusement park, and even participating in a scavenger hunt could be amusing. If all else fails, a simple Internet search can give you some zany options to try with an amenable partner. Quick Recap:
Fun Date Ideas for the Trendsetter
For the fashion-forward dates who are always on trend, look for date ideas that appeal to their sense of novelty. Dining in the dark could be a fun date for someone who is interested in trying something new and exciting. Visiting a rage room where you can smash everything in sight could be an interesting, if revealing, date. A little-known but entertaining venue in your area could also make for a fun date. Trendsetters may care about fashion, or they may simply like being the first to know about a new restaurant. If you can plan a novel date, you’ll likely get their attention — and have a good time, too. Search for the hidden gems in your area to plan a memorable and exciting date. Quick Recap: Recommended read: 12 Quality Conversation Starters That Make You Instantly Charming
Fun Date Ideas for Geeks and Nerds
While “geek” and “nerd” have often been unflattering designations, many people have taken back these titles and owned them. They love what they love, and there’s no shame in their nerdy game. In fact, they could really appreciate a date planned with their particular interests in mind — whether that’s Star Wars, knitting, or reading the latest vampire trilogy. Whatever their interest, there’s sure to be events made just for them. Self-professed geeks and nerds could love an out-of-the-ordinary date night. From comic book events to lectures, there’s something for every interest. Perhaps the geek you love is into live action role playing. Look for events in your area to plan a good time. A special exhibit or book signing event could appeal to the nerd in your life. Stargazing, poetry readings, and even game nights (be it video or board) could really turn a standard date night into a night to remember. If you don’t personally identify as a geek or nerd but are dating someone who does, just remember not to make fun of their interests. Everyone is passionate about something, and it’s always a good idea to be curious rather than judgmental. If you show respect to their interests, you’re more likely to get the same respect in return for your own. Quick Recap:
Fun Date Ideas for Old-Fashioned Courtship
If the person you’re dating has fallen into Netflix’s Bridgerton sensation, they just might appreciate a little old-fashioned courtship. Serve up a little romance by planning a picnic or taking your date to the nearest drive-in movie — provided you can still find one. A ballroom dancing class could tickle their fancy, and you might even take them out to high tea. It doesn’t have to be an expensive date to get points for old-fashioned romance. Stargaze together for an epic date night or plan a breakfast date to watch the sunrise. Even a walk can turn into a truly special date with the right person. Quick Recap: Recommended read: How to Be More Attractive: 12 Traits That Make You Irresistible
Fun Dates for the Spiritually Inclined
When you think “spiritual”, you might automatically think of a church setting. Church-sponsored events could be a great date for those who share a common faith, but you’ll need to think a little further outside the box for other spiritual orientations. Other spiritually related events could include attending a yoga class together, participating in a guided meditation class, or even checking out a sound bath for an unusual but spiritual experience. For those who put the “spirit” in the spiritual, consider a ghost tour, seance, or even having palm or tarot card readings. Haunted pub crawls could make this list, or you could even opt for a historic tour with a spooky twist. Even a historic cemetery walk could be entertaining — with the right partner. Quick Recap:
Fun Dates for the Foodie
For the self-proclaimed foodie, there are many options available for fun dates. Specialty cocktail nights could turn “meeting for drinks” into a memorable occasion. Dining in the dark could also appeal to the foodie with a trendsetting vibe. Even something as simple as a food truck festival could appeal to your favorite foodie. Other fun date options could include trying a new restaurant, taking a cooking class together, visiting a chocolate or ice cream shop, or going on a food tour. Look for food-forward events in your area. Cultural festivals with a food feature or even a trip to the farmer’s market together might make a foodie feel loved. Quick Recap:
Fun Dates for Shared Interests
Whatever your shared interests, there’s likely a date that could be fun for you. As you get to know the person you’re dating, you’ll figure out the random things you both enjoy. Shared interests provide easy conversation starters, but it can also be fertile ground for developing interesting and fun date ideas. You could also consider developing a shared interest by trying something you’d both like to do but haven’t done before. Another idea is to take turns introducing each other to something you’re passionate about. That can be a wonderful way to find new interests that you could share with a partner. Planning a fun date doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It just needs to be thoughtful and considerate of each person’s personality and interests. Taking an introverted music lover to a crowded show might not go over as well as finding a smaller, more intimate venue to enjoy music. A great date is not about the money spent but about the experience shared. Quick Recap: You could, of course, rely on the old standard — just meeting for drinks and seeing how it goes. With the right person, even this ordinary date option can be infused with magic. But if you want to make dating fun no matter who you’re with, there are plenty of options for a novel and creative twist. Featured image by sept commercial on Unsplash
