Coming up with fun first date ideas can be tricky. Often, we fall back on what we know and just head for the bar – but you’re better than that! Change things up and discover our top alternative ideas that’ll help you find that spark and ensure you avoid a first date fiasco.
Fun first dates in the great outdoors
Looking for something a little out of the ordinary? These fun and unusual ideas for first dates are bound to get you both chatting and out of your comfort zone – not to mention, if the date goes really well, you’ll have an adorable first date story to tell the grandkids one day.
1. Take a hike
If you’re drained of city life, leave the bustle and structure behind and make the immeasurably beautiful British countryside your first date backdrop.
You and your date will be blown away by insta-worthy views for miles. Tackle that hill you’ve always awed at, and revel in each other’s accomplishments as you gaze down from the top of the world or wander through the valley with the dog.
The scenery speaks for itself, but, hey, if it doesn’t work out, at least you’ve got a thousand photo ops along the way!
2. Spend your date immersed in wildlife
Enjoy the awe-inspiring majesty of the animal kingdom and spend your first date exploring wildlife and habitats at the zoo.
Wander down wide, winding pathways, and chat about the wonders of nature as you meander and discover your favourite creatures up close. Whether it’s apes, lions, or lizards that excite you, this experiential first date is the ideal setting for a casual afternoon with conversation starters found at every turn.
Image source: Pinterest
3. Go for a city bike ride
For fun vibes all round, hire a bike each and take a ride around your favourite city. Explore the hidden corners of the place you call home, or make a day of it and pack a cute picnic for the park. The bikes you can borrow are pretty basic, so you don’t need to be an expert – just push the pedals and go!
You’ll find a lot of UK cities offer bike share schemes, and some cities even have nippy electric scooters to borrow too.
4. Watch the sun set
It’s a bit of a wildcard and might sound like something out of an American high school film, but finding a quiet spot to watch the sunset is one of the best first date ideas. Plus, it can be a super romantic way to impress your date!
However, go in with plenty of conversation to fall back on because the chat doesn’t exactly write itself, unlike many of our other recommendations. To get around this, consider making this a night-time addition to a more traditional dinner with drinks to cement the evening as one they won’t forget.
Alternatively, if you’re both morning people, why not head out early to watch the sun rise? It’s just as beautiful, and you can grab breakfast together before work… what could be a more perfect first date idea?!
Fun and games
Kick things up a notch with these fun first date ideas that will get you laughing like you’ve known each other for months – as long as the chemistry’s right, that is. Hey, we’ll give you the date ideas – everything else is up to you!
5. Inject a little friendly competition
Add a competitive edge to your first date dynamic with a trip to the bowling alley or a game of mini golf. Both present a casual environment, giving you the chance to get to know each other in an informal setting without the intensity of dinner date conversation.
While the chance to show off might be too tempting to turn down, make sure you don’t embarrass yourself to the point where you cost yourself a second date…
6. Take a trip to the arcade
Hog the air hockey table or fritter away your change on the 2p machine with a trip to the arcade, and spend your first date enjoying hours of casual fun (not that kind!).
Unlike mini golf or bowling, spend as much time or money as you can afford flitting between different attractions and make this playful first date idea entirely your own. If you’re lucky, they might even have a couple of outdoor rides so you can show off on the bumpers!
PSA: This is more of a daytime date, so if you’re more alcoholically inclined, perhaps consider a sports bar with shuffleboard, table tennis, and pool for similar antics.
7. Head to a game or a gig
Shared passions are exciting and form the basis of many strong relationships, so discover something that thrills you both from the off.
From bopping away to a band you both adore, to cheering on your local team, there’s bound to be something that appeals to the two of you! So, lace up your dancing shoes or throw on your favourite football shirt, and head out to a gig or a game for a night of thrills, spills, and who knows what else…
8. Try out some new beers
Put a twist on tradition and impress your date with a different kind of trip to the bar. There are over 1,800 breweries dotted all over the country, so, rather than sitting at the back of a bar ordering your usual, mix it up and sample some local flavours together.
One of our favourite first date ideas, with everything from fruity tangs to mellow hops, enjoy a chat over a drink or six and order a collection of ales, lagers, or porters to taste between you. Whether they tickle your taste buds or not, you’ll definitely have a conversation starter.
Image source: Pinterest
9. Skate your way into their heart
Expect tumbles, laughs, and plenty of layers – of course, we can only be talking about ice skating. Chances are you’ll both be hopeless, so don’t worry about feeling foolish as you fall for what feels like the hundredth time! Wrap up warm and lace up your skates for a fabulous first date spent (let’s be honest) mostly on your backside!
10. Enjoy a gin together
If it’s a practical date you’re after, find a gin making experience close by. From combining flavours and mixing aromas to understanding the art of distillery, this unique first date idea adds a personal touch to your drinks cabinet, giving you something to take home that represents the best of you both.
It’s worth noting that this is by no means a cheap date, but if it’s something that appeals to you both, then it can be well worth the expense – and that next gin and tonic you share will be extra special.
Low-key first date ideas
Keeping it low-key is sometimes the best option when it comes to first dates. A casual date means you’ll be able to have fun and hopefully avoid those first date jitters! So, here are a couple of super chilled ideas to inspire you…
11. Grab a coffee and go on a stroll
Our first option is to head to your favourite café, grab a coffee to go, then simply take a stroll around a local park. Chilled vibes all-round, this low-key date idea is an ideal option.
It gives you an opportunity to chat freely without any distractions and really get to know one another! And if all goes to plan, you can head back to the same spot on your one-year anniversary for a true taste of nostalgia.
12. Head to a local market together
A local farmers market is the perfect setting for a casual first date. You can meander through the stalls, grab a bite to eat, then simply soak up the atmosphere. Lively but less so than a packed bar or restaurant, you’ll be able to easily chat the day away…
You could even pop into a local bookstore or record store whilst you’re at it. This is a great way to see whether you have any shared interests when it comes to reading and music!
Unique first date ideas
Sometimes getting out of your comfort zone and trying something a little bit different is the ideal way to get to know your date. So, with this in mind, here are a couple of fun-filled, unique first date ideas:
13. Head to a paint and sip class
For a super creative, hands-on first date, how about heading to a local paint and sip class together? A paint and sip is perfect for breaking the ice, as it gives you both something else to focus on whilst chatting away.
Plus, whether your end creation is a masterpiece or a complete failure, you’ll have something to always remember your first date by!
14. Mini road trip
Why not plan a mini adventure for your first date? Simply pick a nearby location, then head off on a day of adventure. Whether it’s a town you’ve always wanted to visit, or perhaps an attraction that’s on your bucket list, this is a great way to infuse your date with a sense of excitement!
A great option for double dates too, simply grab your bestie and their date for a day filled with even more fun. And, we’ve got more double date ideas for you to dive into if you’re planning one sometime in the near future…
Dates can be a tricky business, and it’s sometimes hard to come up with things to do on a first date. But hopefully after reading the above ideas, you’re excited to plan an epic activity that the both of you will love!
And, if you’re hoping to score a second date, you might want to check out our guides on first date dos and don’ts, as well as dating trends and terminology. Or, why not dive into our match-making expert dating tips to make sure you’re super prepared. From what to write inspiration and special occasion articles, to lifestyle content and how-to guides, we write about all sorts over on the thortful blog.
We’ve also got a wonderful range of just because cards for you to browse through. These are perfect for letting your date know that you had a fab time, or perhaps for inviting them on a second date? Simply browse a selection below:
