These are the 7 best places for a fun and memorable first date.

A first date is a crucial step in getting to know someone better and determining if there is potential for a second date or more.

But it can also be nerve-wracking and stressful if you don’t know what to do or what to expect.

In fact, most singles say they are dissatisfied with their dating lives and nearly half say dating is harder now than just a few years ago.

So, you want to choose a place and an activity that are fun and memorable, and that allow you to showcase your personality, interests, values, and goals.

You also want to choose a place and an activity that are comfortable and convenient for both of you, and that create a positive and relaxed atmosphere that builds real attraction.

In this article, I’ll share with you the best places and activities for a fun and memorable first date, based on expert advice, research, and even a few personal insights.

How to choose the perfect place and activity

Have you ever been on a first date that felt more like a job interview?

Like instead of just having a fun time with each other, you were trying to force conversation over something neither of you really wanted to be doing?

Chances are that’s because the person who planned the date, generally the guy’s mistake I’ll admit, failed to put in the effort to think about what would actually be fun and entertaining.

Where you go and what you do are the biggest thing that will effect how your date goes.

Research published in the journal Sexuality & Culture shows the key things in a successful first date are men being able to talk and show who they are while women are able to flirt and break the touch barrier freely.

And this means you can choose an activity that encourages both.

Think about it, what happens if a guy chooses a fancy restaurant when he can hardly afford rent or chooses a hike in a park when he is out of shape?

You date activity is key, but before you decide on a place and an activity, there are some factors that you should consider:

• Your budget. Staying in your budget is one of the most common dating mistakes. You don’t want to spend too much or too little on a first date, as this might send the wrong message or create awkwardness. And don’t choose something overly complicated, remember you’re just getting to know each other and that’s the real point of the date. Instead, choose something simple but interesting that fits your budget and your style.

• Your location. You don’t want to travel too far or too long for a first date, a 15–20-minute drive or less is ideal. Especially if you are riding together, just think of a half hour long awkward silence car ride with a stranger. You also want to avoid choosing something too crowded or noisy, you’re supposed to get to know each other. Instead, choose something close by or easy to reach that offers a little privacy and quietness.

• Your compatibility. If your date has a seafood allergy going to a sushi joint probably isn’t the best option. And if you’re taking every date you go on to the same bar, you’re boring and forgettable and so is that date with you. Instead, choose something that you both enjoy or are curious about, that reflects your personality and that sparks some conversation or laughter. Think of a comedy club instead of the local dive bar, or a hibachi restaurant instead of the sports bar you’re at every Friday.

• Their safety. This is for the men reading, if your date doesn’t know you, you could be a potential threat to her and you need to realize that making her feel safe and comfortable is as important as anything else you do. So maybe think twice about offering a nighttime hike through a dark forested park. Women report men are more successful on dates when they can display etiquette types of behaviors. Pick something public and open where she will feel comfortable meeting a stranger and where you can get to know each other.

Related: How to ace your first date: the best tips for men and women

The best places and activities for a first date

So you’ve got a gameplan for what kinds of things you are interested in and what would make for a great conversation, you’ve got your first date wardrobe out and ready, but where are you going to go?

Afterall, the place is going to affect everything else throughout the date, you want somewhere fun and exciting but quiet enough to talk.

Forget the typical restaurants, bars and clubs, and think about the places in your town, the venues that let you do something unique with just a couple of people.

Our city has an axe throwing place that is great for couples to let loose, do a little playful teasing and competition while being just you 2 in a small area.

This place even lets you bring outside drinks, so a bottle of wine lets you really start mixing up the fun.

The place you choose can better the chances of a successful date by allowing both people to fall into the gender roles they each want to see such as the man leading attraction and sexuality while the woman initiates talk relating to relationship potential or the future.

Most cities have the same basic types of places you can go, you just have to look around and find the.

Here are some of the best places for a first date that we’ve found and why:

• Visit a museum or art gallery. This is a big one for me because I have been really into art my whole life having done bronze work and glassblowing for several years under world renowned glass artists Bob Toensing. It’s an interesting and cultured option that allows you to learn something new and expand your horizons while impressing your date with your knowledge and taste. Museums and art galleries give you plenty to talk about because there is always something new even if you can’t think of anything.

• Play mini-golf or bowling. Why are mini-golf and bowling great first dates? Because they are competitive, but everyone sucks at them so it’s just plain fun. A little competitiveness while having some laughs and challenges with your date builds attraction because it lets you 2 have fun while digging into each other’s personalities a bit. Mini-golf or bowling is a great way to break the ice and spice up the mood while having some entertainment. Most places let you choose the level of difficulty, so from there, make some bets, cheer each other on, or give some gentle teasing as a way to break the touch barrier.

• Cook or bake something together. Research has shown that couples who eat together on a first date are more likely to have a second. Now this might be a date for a couple that already know each other if you’re planning on meeting at one of your homes, otherwise find a baking class you can join to make it more of a learning event. Either way, this is a creative and delicious option that allows you to show your skills and personality while working as a team with your date. Cooking something together is a great way to see how you cooperate and communicate while having some fun and flavor. And there’s something about serving each other food that really builds attraction.

• Watch a comedy show. This is a relaxing and entertaining option that allows you to share some laughs and emotions while enjoying some quality time with your date. A good date is one where both people have fun and feel good, and a comedy show does exactly that. The entire point is to make the people there have fun and feel good and all you have to do is spur on a little conversation while you’re not both laughing. Live entertainment is great because you don’t really have to pay attention to it, it’s just background noise to keep your date moving in a fun direction.

• Go for a walk in the park. This is a simple but romantic option that allows you to enjoy some fresh air and nature while bonding with your date. Walking is a great way to reduce date stress and anxiety because it stimulates both your brain and body. The beautiful scenery and wildlife make it easy to find things to talk about and keep the conversation rolling. Parks are a great option because of the variety of things to do from just taking a stroll to playing with ducks or even having a little sunset picnic, just don’t go overboard with that one. 

• Think something adventurous. Look through your city and come up with some of the adventurous things that are available. I’m talking about things that have an inherent sense of danger or risk, like axe throwing. I’ve personally gone to an axe throwing place on a few dates and it’s always a blast. The women really tend to love that fun feeling of power sticking that first axe into a chunk of wood like some medieval warrioress. This is what science calls self-expansion, or a new and novel experience with a date partner. It’s an activity where the man can show off his masculinity a bit while the woman can really fall into her feminine and enjoy the guy’s company.

• Have a coffee date at a bookstore. This is a classic but effective option that combines two popular first date ideas: coffee and books. The whole point isn’t to actually read something but use the books as an idea source to come up with things to talk about. Books are a great way to show your interests and passions while learning more about your date’s preferences and opinions. If they are talking about some book, they really loved right there is an entire conversation that will give you each a deeper insight into who you really are. Use the caffeine as a way to keep your energy and enthusiasm up while using the books as an unlimited source of conversation inspiration.

Related: The ultimate dating etiquette guide: dos and don’ts for every situation

Use the location of your date to help push your relationship ahead

A first date can be a memorable and enjoyable experience if you choose a place and an activity that are fun and suitable for both of you.

By following these suggestions, you can create a positive and lasting impression on your date and increase your chances of getting a second date or more.

Just remember that the place and the activity are not the only factors that matter; you also need to be yourself, be respectful, and be attentive to your date’s feelings and preferences.

A first date isn’t some big thing to stress over, it’s ultimately just an opportunity to connect with someone new and to have some fun.

David N. Brace

David N. Brace is a relationship expert that lives what he preaches having built a 20-year happy marriage. Relationships take work and effort but if we are willing to do so and to keep growing as individuals, we can build something amazing that lasts a lifetime.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Sign up for our free newsletter and get the latest articles, research, and great deals to keep your relationship growing.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Submit