First Date on Us: 15 Unique First Date Ideas

We know the first date is the hardest to plan. When you’re trying to get to know someone, you want to do something that feels natural while keeping it interesting. So, step out of your comfort zone, and avoid those yawn-inducing conversation cliches. You’ll learn a lot about someone quickly when you put them in a situation they’re not used to, like biking or taking a class. 

We’ve put together a list of 15 unique first date ideas guaranteed to impress your date. By the way, your first date, is on us because we want you to get that second date. 

1) Explore a New Coffee Shop
Grabbing a coffee doesn’t have to be boring. There are lots of cute spots with amazing vibes to get to know each other. Cafe and record shop, local art hanging on the walls, original architecture, all great conversation starters. 

2) Go for a Run Around Town
For all the runners out there, lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement. Bond through a shared passion. Looking for something a little slower-paced, try a new workout class.

3) Take a Cooking Class
Don’t worry, neither of you has to be the next Julia Child for this date to work. Instead, approach it with the right attitude - have some fun and make a mess - while learning something new together. Bonus: You get to eat what you made at the end of class.

4) Share Your Favorite Spot 
Local hole-in-the-wall you love? Beautiful mural by your home? Best place to indulge your sweet tooth? Take a walk around your neighborhood and share the details of what you both love the most about your area. 

5) Yoga in the Park
Grab your yoga mat and head outside for some fresh air & relaxation. Partner yoga positions will let you get to know each other in new ways! And, you’ll have a new appreciation for how hard yoga is.

6) Go Bowling 
Whether you're a strike-king or novice, bowling is always a good time. Those shoes, the music, the old-timers league - all perfect ice-breakers. Bonus points if your date can quote The Big Lebowski!

7) Ride Bikes 
Perfect for the start of a two-part date - picnic to follow. Most cities offer bike rentals if you or your date don’t have your own. Keep it relaxing with a flat route or up the antes with some hill work. Cool down after with a picnic in the park.

8) Peruse a Bookstore
Both book nerds? Perusing the stacks of your local bookstore is the perfect opportunity to bond over your favorite titles. Make a list of suggestions for each other, or each of you picks one book to buy for the other. Just don’t get lost among the shelves and forget to pay attention to your date.

9) A Day (or Night) of Friendly Sports Games 
If you want to mix it up, take a lighthearted sports bar approach to date night. Play some outdoorsy games like beach volleyball or head inside with some bocce ball or board games. This is also great as a group date activity.

10) Visit a Museum
Not just for art buffs, this is a great place to get to know each other and gauge your conversational skills. All that art provides an endless supply of great conversation starters. And, many museums have cafes, so if all goes well, you can extend the date. 

11) Attend an Outdoor Concert 
Do you both love the same band? Enjoy the good vibes at an outdoor concert. Pack a blanket for the lawn or cuddle up in the pit. Bonus: no chance for awkward silences. 

12) Go Rock Climbing 
Both got an appetite for adventure or just looking for some exposure therapy? Undergo the ultimate “survival” dating experience as you dangle at great heights while clinging for dear life. Don’t worry; you’ll have a harness, and probably a great story to tell.

13) Head to the Beach 
Whether you live by an ocean, lake, or body of water, a beach date is always a sure bet. Soak in some sunshine, goof around in the water, take a romantic stroll as the sunsets. There’s a little something to set any mood. 

14) Walk Your Dog(s) Together
Skip the people watching and take your pup(s) to the local dog park to catch up and do a little dog watching. The shenanigans that are sure to unfold will make for a fun day. Remember, dogs are the best judge of character, so you’ll know early on if your date’s a keeper.

15) Play Mini Golf 
You may not have played since you were a kid, but this low-stakes game is perfect for some lighthearted fun without competitiveness. The relaxed pace provides plenty of time to chat. And, if your date gets a little crazy, well, that tells you a lot. 

Datefit has partnered with national health companies and retailers for our “First Date on Us” program. Learn more about redeeming your “First Date on Us” at https://www.datefit.com/first-date-on-us.