10 Unconventional First Date Ideas
If you’re tired of first-date clichés like dinners out, catching a movie, and/or hitting the bar, we get it—there’s a lot else out there. When you’re trying to get to know someone, you sometimes just want an experience that feels natural, like taking a class together or trying a new activity. You’ll both be out of your comfort zones, and you won’t fall into those conversational clichés that leave you yawning into your pasta at a local date spot. Plus, you’ll get to know a person even better by putting them into a situation they’re maybe not so used to, like cycling or going to an arcade. Ahead, 65 ideas to get you started.
Make Pasta
Carbs and a significant other? Sign us up. Sure, buying boxed noodles seems easier, but watching someone crank out some dough is an unspoken turn-on. (There I said it!) You can still totally do this if both (or one) parties are gluten-free with this easy recipe here.
Stargaze Together
You + the great outdoors + the ideal social distancing meet up + your date who you pray is into this as much as you are = the perfect date. Don’t forget to bring a comfy blanket, some snacks, and have a chill playlist for your evening under the stars.
Go to IKEA
I know what you’re thinking…”Why would I go to a furniture store?” But this isn’t just any old furniture store. It’s *insert enthusiastic jazz hands here* IKEA! No one has ever sighed before telling someone they were making their merry way to the famous Swedish furniture store. Also, it has a food court with some incredible cake, which is great after a day full of picking out your dream space.
Go Ax Throwing
Not only is this an out-there date idea, but it’s a great stress reliever too. There’s just something about throwing a heavy ax at a wooden target on a date that just makes us forget about all our worries and lets us act as if we were on a one-on-one Bachelor date.
Shop at a Thrift Store
Hit up your local Goodwill and give each other 30ish minutes or so to find the craziest outfits for each other to wear to dinner right after. Look at you being all fun and sustainable! The winner gets to choose where you’ll dine later, so make sure to go all out.
Work On a Puzzle
Call us old fashioned, but nothing is more relaxing than putting together a 500-piece puzzle together with someone. The conversation flows, and if you run out of stuff to talk about, you can just hold up a piece to ask where it’s counterpart is. BOOM, instant conversation. Don’t forget to check out our favorite puzzles here.
Go Ice Skating
Bundle up, mask included, and go support your local ice skating rink. Learning or teaching (you little pro!) someone a new thing helps bring people together, so get ready to watch the sparks fly. Don’t forget to grab some hot chocolate after!
Play a Video Game
Thanks to the 21st century, you don’t have to be in the same room to play each other in your favorite video games. Gaming consoles that you can take on the go, like the Nintendo Switch, can allow you to indulge in some friendly competition from wherever.
Get to Tie-Dyeing
Seventies fashion is having a rival for a reason, so it’s the perfect time for you and your date to jump in on the trend. Pick up a tie-dye kit at your local craft store, set up outside, and go all out to who can create the most colorful tee.
Take a Cooking Class
You’ll know right away if the relationship stands a chance once you find out who’s better in the kitchen. Approaching it from the right attitude—just have fun and be willing to make a mess!—means you’ll have a blast.